Easy Resistor Assortment Organization With Index Cards

Resistor assortments are often packed as strips of "tape mounted" resistors. The resistors can be easily organized by stapling the "taped resistor strips" to index cards. Resistor index cards can be sorted and stored in standard index file boxes. Resistors can be cut from the index card as needed.

I believe this method oftens easy, fast, inexpense, and compact organization of resistor assortments.

Step 1: Material, Tools, and Resistor Mounting Process

Besides your tape mounted resistor assortment, you'll need: Index cards sized to the resistor tape strips ( 3 by 5 cards worked for me), file box, stapler and marking pen.

Staple each resistor strip to an index cards in 4 places as shown in photo. Clearly write the resistor value in the index card upper right corner. Add the resistor cards to file box arranged in ascending order of resistance value.

Step 2: Resistor Retrieval

Sort through the file box to find the resistor value value you need. Remove the resistor card, and use side cutter pliers to cut the resistor from the card. Return the index card to the correct location in the file box!

Comments

[Bigbadhodad1]

This is great, I usually buy mine in assortments because of price and the “perhaps I’ll need that one one day” but I end up only using about three values. This is a great idea to store those I rarely use.

[artmez]

I like it! While looking through this instructable, I had alternate idea -- use those CD sleeves and CD storage boxes (I have an excess since CDs usage is down). The sleeves will even hold loose resistors. Even mix them with the "cards" like here.

[Handy_Bear]

Clever

[neilscott100]

great idea i have a new huge selection coming and was thinking of lots of plastic drawers but small index cards and a shoe box for kids will keep them safe and sound and easy to find when you need them, cost virtually nothing but your time, priceless

[OnionTheAnion]

I’ve been looking for a good way to oraganize resistors (something better than strewn all over my desk.) Thanks for the great idea!

[cobourgdave]

Ingenious approach. I use plastic mini drawers with cardboard separators, but as you point out, what about surplus pieces? Your approach is very flexible

[tytower]

Yes very good idea . I use photo albums and stick the components in the pouches but I think this would be a better idea for resistors ,diodes ,FET's and anything flat

[e024576]

I believe this idea works well whenever electronic components come as "taped strips."

[Legandir]

Genius! One of those "why didn't I think of that" ideas.

[seamster]

This is a very good, simple idea. Thanks!