How do you guys store extra needles and bits?

BijouPyramidette

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Hey guys!

I was wondering, how do you guys store extra airbrush parts, especially delicate ones like needles? I recently swapped out the needles on a badger and an iwata, and while the badger needles and bits come in those nice little plastic tubes with lids, the iwata parts come in kinda crappy blister packs that don't close and so aren't suitable for storage. How do you guys deal with this sort of thing?
 
I have never needed to swop out any parts on my Iwatas. But on my Harder & Steenbecks I switch between a few setups. Luckily the parts come in a protective tube so all is well protected when not in use.
 
I purchased some drawers for my studio space that are made for colored pencil storage. They are only like 1/2" tall inside, and divided into 5 or 6 sections (left to right). For needles without tubes, I usually wrap the tip with a piece of paper, then tape to protect the tip. I also usually add a "flag" of tape to the back to write what needle and size it is, as well as "new" or "used". The drawers were quite inexpensive, and have been a wonderful addition to keep all the parts, spares, and tools I have for my collection in order.
 
I have some long test tubes and corks I got at a jewelry and bead making store. Work great and the cork protects the tips. I also score the blunt ends with a file. The number of scratches tell me what size they are.
 
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The needles used to come in this kind of packaging.
But now it is often no more than a piece of cardboard they sit on.
I miss the old days.
I put the spare parts in the box that the airbrush came in.
 
Spraygunner carries empty needle storage tubes:
https://spraygunner.com/clear-tube-with-label-for-needle-storage/
Out of stock ATM, but worth bookmarking/remembering.

Test tubes are good if your needle is the right length. Unfortunately the standard sizes don't work for all airbrush needles. They were too short for my spare .5 Eclipse needle.

One option I was considering before I found the Spraygunner tubes was cutting a length of rigid plastic tube (Evergreen/Plastruct stock from the hobby shop, or a scrounged reusable straw) and making removable endcaps from "green stuff" putty. I see no reason why it wouldn't work.
 
The Plano 732 tackle box is perfect. It has plenty of room for airbrush parts etc. Another option is just the Plano 3750 tackle trays by themselves.
 
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