Used when assembling PCBs. They allow for ICs to be removed and replaced without de-soldering and soldering (quicker and reduces the change of damage). We also use them during repairs, if an IC needs to be removed it is a good idea to put a socket in. **Types** **Machined Pins** or Not (what are these called?). We only want the machined pin type, the others should be thrown out. The machined pins have circuilar metal holes. **Narrow** or **Wide**. What are the dimensions??? Both are needed. usually the smaller pin counts are all narrow, but up arround 24 pins and above both are needed. **Pin Count** What do we currently have Pins | Width | Width | Length ---- | ----- | ------ | ----- 4 | Narrow | 7.62mm (0.3") | 6 | Narrow | 8 | Narrow | 14 | Narrow | 16 | Narrow | 18 | Narrow | 20 | Narrow | 22 | Narrow | 22 | Medium | 10.16mm (0.4") 24 | Wide | 15.24mm (0.6") 24 | Narrow | 24 | Wide | 28 | Wide | 32 | Wide | 40 | Wide | 48 | Wide | Storage === Tubes are the most common storage method. Our current batch are pretty old and outdated. We have used 630mm long tubes, Steve Petule went for 280mm long tubes. He had to stick more tubes together inorder to have enough storage. We have also had to do that though despite the longer tubes. Our existing IC draws require 500mm tubes. - IC Sockets should be stored with ICs using the same methods. - We don't need to keep as many in stock as we used to because we are rarely doing assembly these days - The existing packaging has degraded and needs to be replaced. We need to - Pick the tube length that will match the shelving - Order new tubing in the correct widths - Cut them to lengths - Use pin thumb tacks at one end so that they are secure - Use end plugs at the other end for easy access - Label each tube - We need one tube for the smaller sizes and maybe 2 tubes worth for the larger - We should mark the re-order point, specifically making a note to not order more than will fit in the tube [Tubing](https://au.element14.com/multicomp/030-0016/tube-ic-storage-0-6pitch-178mm/dp/459938?gclid=CjwKCAiA6Y2QBhAtEiwAGHybPaTWi12ciEGhRG1suZS4E0qxkyu2LPWJNAZ8ko_F4vppBnHH3RuUKhoCDDQQAvD_BwE&mckv=_dc%7Cpcrid%7C501152839127%7Cpkw%7C%7Cpmt%7C%7Cslid%7C%7Cproduct%7C459938%7Cpgrid%7C123988903131%7Cptaid%7Cpla-293946777986%7C&CMP=KNC-GAU-GEN-SMART-SHOPPING) [End Plugs](https://au.element14.com/multicomp/030-0007/ic-tube-end-plug-0-3-dip-pk-25/dp/1687811?gclid=CjwKCAiA6Y2QBhAtEiwAGHybPQZwEC--L18Fl7qpVqETL1EyZg_gpSUTERM6b4yYS-BY8DjYQwIIixoCxbwQAvD_BwE&mckv=_dc%7Cpcrid%7C501152839127%7Cpkw%7C%7Cpmt%7C%7Cslid%7C%7Cproduct%7C1687811%7Cpgrid%7C123988903131%7Cptaid%7Cpla-293946777986%7C&CMP=KNC-GAU-GEN-SMART-SHOPPING) [Thumb Tacks](https://au.element14.com/multicomp/030-0005/pin-thumb-tak-for-ic-tubes/dp/459951?gclid=CjwKCAiA6Y2QBhAtEiwAGHybPeVYXm_ZWxNXPrDK7DIrbGnYMOZVpMimTaAEGV73GtBV__2DwIyjAxoC67cQAvD_BwE&mckv=_dc%7Cpcrid%7C501152839127%7Cpkw%7C%7Cpmt%7C%7Cslid%7C%7Cproduct%7C459951%7Cpgrid%7C123988903131%7Cptaid%7Cpla-293946777986%7C&CMP=KNC-GAU-GEN-SMART-SHOPPING)