Introduction: Neat Electrical Component Organizing in Binders
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About: I am an electrical engineer. I graduated from U of Waterloo. I used to work for Adafruit Industries as an EE. Now I work for Sony PlayStation as a EE.
I organize my components in 3-ring binders. The things I buy:
Put components into the zip-lock bags, and stick a label inside the bag. Then place the bags inside the business card holders. Then place the business card holders into the 3-ring binder. Sort however you like.
Remember to use anti-static zip-lock bags for everything that is static-sensitive. The 5" by 3" bags are larger than business cards, but you can fold them in half so that they fit into the business card holders.
I do not like to actually stick the label onto the bags because I might re-use the same bag once it becomes empty. I simply leave the sticker's protective backing on, cut it into a strip that contains the useful information about the component, and insert it into the bag, NOT sticking it on the bag.
The anti-static bags are not completely transparent but they are translucent enough for you to still view the label if you place it into the bag instead of sticking it on the outside of the bag.
Digi-Key provides labels for all the components in your order, making it very compatible with this organization method. If you buy components and it doesn't come with a label, then just write down the information on a slip of paper. The most important information is what component it is, the second most important information is how to order the same component when you've run out, so remember to try including a searchable manufacture name and part number.
When components come shipped inside anti-static bagging already, sometimes I simply cut and fold the original packaging into the size of a business card and insert it into the business card holder, instead of using one of my 3M branded zip-lock bags.
This organization technique works with all surface mounted components, and small through hole components. It's also great for small nuts and bolts, button or coin cell batteries, and other reasonbably flat objects.
I also show you some other holder sheets designed for binders, one is designed for baseball/pokemon/trading cards, the other is some "Martha Stwart" branded holder that I found at Staples.
- The largest 3-ring binder I can find, from Staples
- Small zip-lock bags, from Dollarama
- Anti-static zip-lock bags, 5" by 3" size, 3M brand from Digi-Key
- Business card holders for 3-ring binders, from Staples
Put components into the zip-lock bags, and stick a label inside the bag. Then place the bags inside the business card holders. Then place the business card holders into the 3-ring binder. Sort however you like.
Remember to use anti-static zip-lock bags for everything that is static-sensitive. The 5" by 3" bags are larger than business cards, but you can fold them in half so that they fit into the business card holders.
I do not like to actually stick the label onto the bags because I might re-use the same bag once it becomes empty. I simply leave the sticker's protective backing on, cut it into a strip that contains the useful information about the component, and insert it into the bag, NOT sticking it on the bag.
The anti-static bags are not completely transparent but they are translucent enough for you to still view the label if you place it into the bag instead of sticking it on the outside of the bag.
Digi-Key provides labels for all the components in your order, making it very compatible with this organization method. If you buy components and it doesn't come with a label, then just write down the information on a slip of paper. The most important information is what component it is, the second most important information is how to order the same component when you've run out, so remember to try including a searchable manufacture name and part number.
When components come shipped inside anti-static bagging already, sometimes I simply cut and fold the original packaging into the size of a business card and insert it into the business card holder, instead of using one of my 3M branded zip-lock bags.
This organization technique works with all surface mounted components, and small through hole components. It's also great for small nuts and bolts, button or coin cell batteries, and other reasonbably flat objects.
I also show you some other holder sheets designed for binders, one is designed for baseball/pokemon/trading cards, the other is some "Martha Stwart" branded holder that I found at Staples.
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9 Comments
7 years ago
Nicely done! We could even add tabs between sections etc...
I'l probably give this a try this weekend. Thanks for sharing!
8 years ago on Introduction
I sort all my beading findings in a CARD COLLECTING folder.
Easily adaptable
9 years ago
Brilliant idea!!!
10 years ago on Introduction
Nice idea. I am struggling with the same problem. I put large items in baggies and then can't organize the baggies. The small components end up in drawer slots, but in such a disarray that I usually end up measuring everything that I use. With your approach an index card at the front of the binder ordered by page and bag coordinate would allow a excellent description of each component and an easy way to locate that component quickly. I will try it. Excellent approach.
10 years ago on Introduction
Could you put the label into the card organizer, outside the bag, to make it easier to read, or would it be likely to fall out?
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
I don't like sticking stickers onto the bags themselves because they are hard to remove. If the labels are in the card holder but loose, then you might misplace them.
10 years ago on Introduction
Instead of business card holders, I've used pages designed to hold collectible trading cards (aka "baseball cards", "Pokemon cards", etc). For some things like resistors I don't even have to put them in any sort of bag first, for others (small transistors, LEDs, etc) I do. Same basic concept... can probably mix the style of sheets depending on what you need. Finding a binder that has a zipper is also very helpful; with "back to school" sales (at least in the US) coming up shortly, it's an excellent time to look for these. Great instructable!!
10 years ago on Introduction
That is handy for small items!
I have a bunch of those storage containers with heaps of pull out drawers, but this would be much easier for all the random one off items that I have.
Thanks!
10 years ago on Introduction
This is really nice. i wish i have one.