Another basic kit question - about components this time

[crisagh]

So thanks all for your patience as I'm learning here - the question is more of a request for personal suggestions/opinions:

What is a good selection of components to have on hand for a beginner?
This arises partly from my previous question about where to source stuff - only place that sells resistors near where I'm currently living is a radio shack and they're always out of every component I need. For example I needed some 22 and 68 ohm resistors today and... one pack of 5 of the 22ohm and out of the 68..... D'OH! (I've been in there 3 times total and every time they're out of what I'm looking for).
Online stores seem to have great selection, but hard to plan ahead with that much detail at my beginner level.
SO.... what sorts of thing should I have pre-ordered so that I have it "on hand"?

My projects are predominently mods of stuff, so I'm adding led lighting, modifying some switches, that sort of thing. Nothing overly complex. (yet).
Opinions?

 

[Tha fios agaibh]

Consider buying a resistor kit that comes with a wide assortment from a supplier like digikey or mouser. I like radio shack, but their selection is sparse and overpriced.

 

[bigone5500]

I like this assortment. $9.15 from China and $13.09 from US warehouse. Free shipping. I got the organizers from Harbor Freight for about $3 each with coupon.

2500 piece 1/4W metal film resistors 1% tolerance.

 

[crisagh]

yah, that's the sort of thing I was thinking. If working predominantly with LED's what range resistors should I focus on? (Any amazon or ebay links?
Thanks!

 

[bigone5500]

yah, that's the sort of thing I was thinking. If working predominantly with LED's what range resistors should I focus on? (Any amazon or ebay links?
Thanks!

I think it would depend on the voltages you are working with. I'd say 100 ohm to 1k ohm should be a good range kit. 1/4w should also be large enough too. But for the value, you can't beat the 2500 piece kit is nice.

Here's a smaller kit: 600 piece resistors. $3.15.

Description:
1% 1/4W Metal Film Resistor Assorted Kit 30 Values Total 600pcs 20pcs Each
1% tolerance.
Quantity: 30 values x 20pcs=600pcs

The value list:
10Ω, 22Ω, 47Ω, 100Ω, 150Ω, 200Ω, 220Ω, 270Ω, 330Ω, 470Ω, 510Ω, 680Ω, 1KΩ, 2KΩ, 2.2KΩ, 3.3KΩ, 4.7KΩ, 5.1KΩ, 6.8KΩ, 10KΩ, 20KΩ, 47KΩ, 51KΩ, 68KΩ, 100KΩ, 220KΩ, 300KΩ, 470KΩ, 680KΩ, 1MΩ

Package Included:
600 x 1/4W 30 Values Resistors (about 20 pcs each value)

 

[chopnhack]

I found an index file box to work wonders with keeping resistors organized - so long as they come with the taped edges. I sort by first number, i.e. 100, 10k, 100k,1M all go in the first space, the next space gets all values of 2, etc. They are organized in ascending value, easily accessed and easy to manage. I got a Plano fishing tackle box with the removable trays and that also has been amazingly good at helping keep all the little parts sorted.