other things that are good to know

best practices

Plano brand tackle boxes are ideal for sorting, storing and carrying around small parts.
They're sometimes on sale at K-mart, Dick's Sporting Goods.

I standardized on this size box because
  • it comes in 2 depths
  • they stack nicely together
  • real hinges (no flexing plastic to break)
  • real latches

know your parts


The 100 year old Fahnestock Spring Clip
is still available from Electronix Express for when binding posts are overkill.

Radio Shack PCB clips, back when PC board holes were larger
and probably 4 or 6 holes to the inch.

This old Radio Shack chip breakout board uses them.
Look carefully, there are 2 LEDs in there for the LM3909 LED blinker chip.