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When you're building or repairing a printed circuit board (PCB), picking the right store for accessories can be the difference between a smooth project and a days-long scavenger hunt. Whether you need standoffs, headers, mounting hardware, heat shrink tubing, or PCB cleaning supplies, having reliable suppliers saves time and money. In this guide I'll walk you through top US stores that specialize in circuit board accessories, explain what to buy where, and share practical shopping strategies so your next build goes together like a puzzle with all the pieces in the box.
Before we dive into stores, let's clear up what "circuit board accessories" really includes. I'm talking about the nuts and bolts—literally and figuratively—that make a PCB functional and serviceable: standoffs and spacers, mounting screws, headers and sockets, jumper wires, terminal blocks, mounting brackets, cable ties, heat shrink, conformal coatings, solder masks, adhesives, and cleaners. These items might seem minor, but the right accessory prevents shorts, reduces vibration, and extends the life of your project.
Think of your accessory stash like a handyman's toolbox. A few essentials—like 1/4-inch standoffs, M3 or #4-40 screws, multimeter-friendly test hooks, and assorted heat-shrink tubing—cover a surprising number of practical situations. For example, 1/4-inch standoffs are common for motherboard spacing, while 1/8- to 3/8-inch heat-shrink works well for securing solder joints on 22–24 AWG wires.
Different stores excel at different things: one might have the widest selection, another the best bulk pricing, and a third the friendliest advice for beginners. Below are some of the best U.S.-based options to consider, with what they're known for and when to shop there.
Digi-Key is a go-to for hobbyists and pros alike. Their catalog is enormous—think millions of SKUs—and includes everything from microcontrollers to tiny nylon standoffs. The advantage is fast availability; they stock a large portion of items domestically, so you can usually get parts quickly without hunting multiple suppliers.
Mouser mirrors Digi-Key in breadth but often lists components from slightly different manufacturers, which helps when a specific part number is hard to source. They also provide excellent datasheets and search filters, making it easier to find the exact header pitch or PCB-fuse holder you need.
If you're new to electronics or prefer project-friendly components, Adafruit is a solid stop. They bundle parts into kits and publish beginner-friendly guides. Accessories like protoboards, right-angle headers, pre-cut jumper wires, and even educational-grade soldering kits are easy to find here.
SparkFun focuses on maker culture, so it's especially strong on breadboards, jumper cables, ribbon connectors, and breakout boards that make wiring a breeze. They also sell handy accessories like ribbon cable organizers, wire ferrules, and sturdy terminal blocks geared for quick prototyping.
Newark is a good source for industrial-grade accessories such as metal standoffs, grounded mounting hardware, and PCB mounting kits. Their inventory often targets larger-scale or commercial projects, and they maintain solid stocking for common mechanical parts like 1/4-inch spacers in various materials.
Arrow caters to professional designers and procurement teams, so it's a great place for compliant parts and bulk purchases. If your project needs RoHS-compliant connectors, shielded mounts, or pre-qualified cable assemblies, Arrow is worth checking out.
Jameco remains a favorite for hobbyists hunting affordable, classic parts—think stackable headers, DIP sockets, and reliable on/off switches. Their kits and packs can be more wallet-friendly for small-scale projects where buying in bulk makes sense.
For those who prefer in-person shopping, Micro Center stores are a big plus. They stock a range of components and accessories suited for quick fixes: solder, flux, hand tools, assorted screws, and basic mounting hardware. You can walk out with supplies the same day, which is perfect when a project hits a snag.
Price comparison isn't just about sticker value—shipping, lead time, and minimum order quantities all matter. When shopping online, filter for parts in domestic warehouses to reduce wait time. For frequently used accessories like standoffs and screws, buy by the pack to lower per-unit cost. Also, keep an eye on datasheets and orderable unit counts: some suppliers sell headers in strips of 10 while others sell reels of 1,000.
Search tools that let you filter by material (nylon vs. brass), finish (zinc-plated vs. stainless), and thread size (M3 vs. #4-40) save time and reduce mistakes. If a part’s spec sheet lists dimensions in metric units, mentally convert to common imperial sizes if you’re matching to existing hardware—1/4 inch ≈ 6.4 mm, and 1/16 inch ≈ 1.6 mm—to ensure compatibility.
Material choice affects durability, conductivity, and corrosion resistance. Nylon standoffs are cheap and electrically insulating, making them ideal when you want to avoid grounding. Brass and aluminum standoffs are more rigid and conductive, which can be desirable when heat dissipation or grounding is part of the design. Stainless steel fasteners resist corrosion if your project will see moisture or salty environments.
If you're mounting a power amplifier or an RF board, metal standoffs can help with heat and grounding. For battery-powered gadgets or prototypes with exposed traces, pick nylon standoffs to prevent shorts. Choosing the right material is like choosing the right jacket for the weather—one keeps you dry, another keeps you warm.
Good soldering gear greatly affects build quality. Stores like Adafruit, SparkFun, and Micro Center all carry soldering irons, adjustable temperature stations, lead-free and leaded solder, and tip cleaner sponges. For fine-pitch surface-mount work, consider purchasing solder paste, a hot air rework station, and flux from Mouser or Digi-Key. A decent soldering iron and quality rosin flux are two investments that pay back in tidy joints and fewer reworks.
For general hobby work, 0.031-inch diameter 60/40 rosin-core solder works well. When working with tiny components, drop to 0.015-inch diameter for precision. Remember: proper tip maintenance and the right flux minimize bridging and cold joints more than simply using expensive solder.
Older electronics projects often require obsolete connectors, legacy ICs, or unique hardware. Try specialized suppliers such as Digi-Key’s marketplace, Mouser’s legacy component listings, or niche sellers on online marketplaces. Some shops and independent sellers keep bins of classic parts—think vintage DIP sockets or old-style battery clips—that can save your retro restoration.
If a part is truly no longer manufactured, consider adapters, modern equivalents, or salvaging components from donor boards. For example, if a specific molded connector is unavailable, a header and custom housing can often be used as a functional replacement.
Buying in bulk reduces per-unit cost, which is ideal if you plan many projects or run a small production run. However, for one-off prototypes, single packs avoid waste. Stores like Digi-Key and Mouser allow ordering by quantity, while Jameco and Adafruit often sell small, hobby-friendly packs. If you anticipate repeating projects, stock up on common sizes: 1/4-inch nylon standoffs, M3 x 6 mm screws, and assortments of heat-shrink in 1/8-, 1/4-, and 3/8-inch diameters.
Store small parts in clear, labeled bins and keep a running list of frequently used sizes. A small spice-rack-style organizer or drawer system keeps tiny screws, washers, and spacers visible and easy to grab—think of your parts cabinet as a tiny hardware store with everything in alphabetical order.
Online stores usually offer selection and price advantages. However, local stores like Micro Center let you inspect parts, pick up items the same day, and avoid shipping. For emergency repairs or last-minute prototyping, walking into a store and grabbing a pack of headers or a spool of solder can be a lifesaver.
If your project deadline is tight or you need to test-fit hardware in person, choose local pickup. It's also useful for tactile decisions—feeling the resilience of a nylon standoff or confirming a screw’s head type. On the other hand, online suppliers are the go-to for rare parts and deep catalogs.
Always double-check part dimensions and thread types before ordering. A common mistake is assuming an M3 screw will match a #4-40 tap—those are not interchangeable. Keep a digital note or spreadsheet of part numbers you use often. Read datasheets and user reviews when available, and when in doubt, order a small test quantity first to verify fit and form.
Some suppliers will substitute parts with similar components if a chosen item is out of stock. If you require exact specifications, disable substitution in checkout or contact the supplier. A substitute might look the same but differ in plating, insulation, or tolerance—details that matter in sensitive circuits.
Before placing an order, run through a quick checklist: confirm material (nylon, brass, stainless), confirm length and diameter in inches, check thread pitch, consider pack size, and make sure any electrical accessories (like insulated standoffs) match your safety needs. This short ritual saves headaches and returns later on.
Choosing the right store for circuit board accessories depends on what you’re building and how fast you need parts. Digi-Key and Mouser are excellent for breadth and speed, Adafruit and SparkFun shine for makers and education, Newark and Arrow support professional and industrial needs, while Micro Center helps when you need hands-on shopping. Combine these options with good shopping habits—know your thread sizes in inches, buy appropriate materials, and keep a stocked drawer of common parts—and your projects will go more smoothly. With the right suppliers and a little planning, you'll spend less time hunting for parts and more time bringing ideas to life.
| Circuit Board Accessories | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Ky-015 Dht11 Temperature Humidity Sensor Module Geekcreit For Arduin With Dupont Wires | $ 5,99 | |
| Hobart Harness Wiring Jumper 00-892793-00002 - Genuine Oem Replacement Part | $ 59,14 |
