Here’s something that never would have occurred to me — using old contact lens cases to hold and organize surface-mount and other tiny electronics parts.
Small Parts Tray made from Contact Lens Cases
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Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.
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For the most part, every time I visit the eye doctor I’m handed a contacts case that I eventually throw into a drawer. This is a great idea. Thanks for the post.
This is an excellent idea!
Also, empty bottles from contact cleaning solutions are great for holding water to keep your soldering iron sponge wet.
They are easy to fill if you pop the top off, they have a tiny hole so you can control the amount of water you use, and they have a connected cap so they don’t spil all over when you knock them down (or throw them in your tool box).
How about those week or month long pill trays with all the little boxes. I think they’d work about the same, but they would be connected together and therefore easier to organize.
I would not store active devices in one, for caps or resistors its fine, but for IC’s and transistors plastic cases can causes ESD damage.
Sort of like using old mushroom containers to hold parts, see here;
http://www.spikenzielabs.com/SpikenzieLabs/Cool_Tools.html
Also, I just washed some small condiment buckets from Quizno’s, they are good for parts that are medium sized.
Josh: buy a brass shavings ball, and you will never have to use water again ($3 on DX).
I had contacts for a few years (bugged the crap out of me) and it seemed like every visit to get more or get a perscription adjusted I’d come home with one of those containers. After I stopped wearing conacts I quickly realized they’re great for organizing parts especially for temorary storage when I disassemble small electronics.
Also old pill bottles work great for holding small fasteners, the lids snap shut securely and you can easily see what’s inside (provided you take the label off.)