Storing ICs safely?

[brad]

I've got a big pile of ICs that are all in tubes -like the ones TI use for their samples- and would prefer to sort them into zip-bags or compartments instead.  However, is it safe to keep them losely together like that in bags without them getting fried by static?

I was thinking about putting all the labelled zip-lock bags into a pencil case for safe keeping too, but the fabric seemed to be generating enough static to make my arm hairs stand up!  It would definitely have sucked if my entire stash of ICs got collectively fried.

btw, what type of storage solutions are you guys using for all your components?  I seem to always end up with piles of loose resistors that I couldn't be bothered looking up the codes for.

[vanhansen]

Leave them in the tubes.  You'll avoid bending the legs too.  Caps and Resistors I have just in labelled zip locks (freezer type).  Transistors go in static free bags for me.  I still have a bagful of 2N5089's I got from aron.

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

I keep the stray chips that I am unlikely to use, in tubes.
The ones I use frequently for prototyping, I keep in anti-static foam (which is expensive, I guess, but I imagine you could use an old cork tile, that should be conductive enough).
What I *NEVER* do, is put a chip back into a tube of unused chips.
Because, it is a VERY BAD THING if a damaged chip gets into a tube that you are sure is all OK... don't ask me how I know this :oops:  :x

[petemoore]

I rose to using tackle boxes for actives/passives.
 A little marking goes on masking or labeling tape like NPN Si, or HG/LN, or Ge or whatever I have 'some' parts of....then I use the little containers...if you're building only one FF...you don't need this, but who do you know that can build just one FF, and eat only one Dorito?
 Parts 'droors' or bins...great idea to implement.
 IC's 'out of the tube'...stay out of the tube on my bench also. The tackle box has a 'duals' and a 'singles' section, the 324 I can recognize !!

[onboard]

Because, it is a VERY BAD THING if a damaged chip gets into a tube that you are sure is all OK...

So sure, in fact, that when that circuit's not up and running, it couldn't possibly be a bum chip!  

Funny this came up - just last night I thought my whole IC drawer had been zapped! Nothing was working. I keep my chips on the foam they're shipped with - sans tubes.

Eventually, the gods showed me the jumper on my breadboard's bias bus that wasn't connected....:oops:

Still good to think about keeping the static monster away, though.

[brad]

Would it still be safe to store 'em in a pencil case if the ICs were in zip-lock bags and in individual squares of conductive foam?  I kinda had my heart set on putting together a breadboard kit that I can just throw in a backpack or keep in a drawer.

[Peter Snowberg]

Never never never never ever put chips in a non- antistatic bag!!!!!!!!

Most static damage to chips does not kill the chip right away. Most of the damage will reduce the working life of a chip from millions of hours to a few hundred, or a few dozen hours.



IMNSHO, chips belong in three places....

(1) anti-static tubes (or tape carrier)
(2) anti-static foam
(3) in their final destination circuit

DO NOT USE REGULAR PLASTIC BAGS OR ANY PLASTIC THAT IS NOT TREATED FOR ANTI-STATIC! PLEASE!!!!! :shock: :!:

[brad]

Can't get anymore clearer than that!  :shock:

[Peter Snowberg]

Sorry for being so spastic. :lol:

That was some goooood stooooong coffee! Hehehe....

[NaBo]

Woops!  I've been keeping everything for a project in its own plastic baggy.  I figured since that's how the store handed the parts to me, it should be ok.  And I've been using those little plastic containers with tiny compartments for storage.  I hope nothing got zapped... but I guess i'll find that out eventually

[guitarhacknoise]

.

(1) anti-static tubes (or tape carrier)
(2) anti-static foam
(3) in their final destination circuit

DO NOT USE REGULAR PLASTIC BAGS OR ANY PLASTIC THAT IS NOT TREATED FOR ANTI-STATIC! PLEASE!!!!! :shock: :!:

So, even if the ic's are on/in the conductive foam it is still not cool to put 'em in a plastic compartmentalized container?

please say: Naw, that's cool, in fact I DEMAND that you store them this way! PLEASE!
:shock:

[KORGULL]

Is anti-static protection a good idea for diodes or is the chance of damage too remote to bother?

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

A diode is safe, in my opinion.
Anyone looking for spare anti-static bags, keep the bags computer boards come in.
Plus, in my opinion, paper bags are going to have enough moisture content to be effectively anti-static.

[brad]

I've found a great static protected IC storage case at RS Components:

Australia: LINK

U.K.: LINK

I can't believe they're AU$41 in Australia, but only £6.49 (AU$15) in the UK!  I've found some for about a buck each from one source, and I'll post the link as soon as I've confirmed it.  $41 is a bit steep.  Btw, I can't seem to find this product on the U.S. RS site.

The 14cm x 10cm x 3.5cm version would hold plenty of stompbox ICs.  Sure beats having to deal with those darn tubes.

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

Brad, for that money you are much better off using antistatic foam & a plain plastic box!
I've stuck batches of foam to cork tiles, it makes it easy to carry the slabs around (the cork just happened to be there & cuts easy!)

[brad]

Oh...so I could get away with using a normal plastic box with a bed of conductive foam lining the base (and perhaps inside the lid too)?

For $41, I thought those containers must've been made out of space aged material!

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

So long as the chips are stuck into the foam, you can put them anywhere, even strapped to a cat on a nylon carpet in mid-winter Dakota.
Really.

[brad]

Cool...thanks Paul.  

[zachary vex]

you can put them in foil, too, or poke them through it.

[brad]

So I can store my ICs on my tin foil hat?  Cool.  They'll be in easy reach.   :wink: