Introduction: Compact Component Storage System

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For a long time, I had a large amount of storage space and went along happily with the idea that the ideal way to store components was in a tray system.

Unfortunately these tent to not only take up a large amount of space, they are cumbersome and unattractive to look at. A lot of space is wasted within the storage trays and they can't easily be transported without fear of losing parts all over the place.

I saw a few great instructables on here showcasing some great storage methods using ring binders (for example this brilliant bit of kit), and thought I'd give it a go. Most of the instructables were from the states and I had trouble finding similar pockets for a reasonable price, so I've gone somewhere in between.

Step 1: Gather Materials

For this instructable, you will need:

  • A ring binder (I bought mine at Wilkinsons)
  • Some A4 zipped wallets (I bought them here on Amazon, but I've found some cheaper here)
  • A 6mm leather punch and eyelets (I found these on ebay)
  • Small zipped freezer bags (I got mine at Tesco!)

Step 2: Punch the Wallets

Unfortunately these wallets are a little larger than the binders, but I don't think that's a problem for now. Maybe I'll be able to find some more appropriately sized ones in the future!

I used an A4 sheet of paper as a template by punching holes using a regular hole punch. I then lined up the paper to the bottom corner of the wallet and used the leather punch to make the holes.

Finally I punched the eyelet through the hole to prevent wear and tear on the wallet.

Step 3: Put Components in Freezer Bags

Such a complicated concept it absolutely needs 3 photos! Take your components, label your freezer bag appropriately, drop them in, squeeze the air out and finally seal tight!

Step 4: Put Lots of Bags Together Into a Wallet

So, you've got the whole lot of resistors done? Good job. Now take those baggies, fold them nicely, and put them into a wallet. Squish it down and seal the wallet. Job done. Unless you have more than resistors laying around!

Step 5: Add Wallet to Binder

Finally and after many arduous hours, you will have filled your wallets in a (hopefully) very organised way. Now you can go ahead and dispose of those cumbersome storage trays (or give them to a friend at your local maker space).

I've got mine sitting under the desk at the moment. There are some issues with this system in that the folders like to spread and fall over, but that can be mitigated by some shaking (to redistribute weight) and some nice, heavy book ends!