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FE Power Forums => Non-FE Discussion Forum => Topic started by: cjshaker on January 07, 2026, 05:03:22 PM

Title: Source for good quality electronic parts?
Post by: cjshaker on January 07, 2026, 05:03:22 PM

Does anyone have a source for good, high quality electronic parts, such as rheostats, transformers, switches, capacitors etc etc?
Radio Shack is gone, and Amazon typically just offers cheap Chinese junk. When it comes to electronics, cheap typically equals dangerous. I can't seem to locate a source for good quality parts. Anyone?

Title: Re: Source for good quality electronic parts?
Post by: galaxiex on January 07, 2026, 06:09:08 PM

DigiKey

https://www.digikey.com/ (https://www.digikey.com/)

Mouser

https://www.mouser.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopg-VDuXa7a420TxmcvBqoNaV6nnF4nW7SFkD0ea3aF_3EDq4FA (https://www.mouser.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopg-VDuXa7a420TxmcvBqoNaV6nnF4nW7SFkD0ea3aF_3EDq4FA)

There are others, but these are probably the most reliable and well known/popular.
They try to make sure no counterfeit offshore parts enter their supply chain.
Genuine brand name parts.
No junk fake stuff here!

Title: Re: Source for good quality electronic parts?
Post by: 1964Fastback on January 07, 2026, 06:15:21 PM

I've used DigiKey for components for electronic pinballs (transistors, capacitors, resistors, etc.) but it's been awhile.  If there is a "Micro Center" store near you, they have a selection of parts like this as well.  Similar to Frys, which closed around here at least.  Big store but they have a couple of aisles of electronic stuff and handy if you have one in your town and don't want to wait on delivery.  I've heard Hobby Lobby has a small selection, too.  Maybe even sells Radio Shack stuff now?

Even back in the 1990s and 2000s, when Radio Shack was still around, every time I went in there, it was hard to get someone to ring up a purchase because all the clerks were busy selling phone plans.

Pat

Title: Re: Source for good quality electronic parts?
Post by: Diogenes on January 07, 2026, 08:05:36 PM

I've yet to purchase anything from this company, but a person I work with uses them regularly and recomemnded them to me some time ago. They are geared towards audio equipment, but they appear to stretch beyond.

Based in Springboro, Ohio

https://www.parts-express.com/electronic-parts

Title: Re: Source for good quality electronic parts?
Post by: cjshaker on January 07, 2026, 11:49:53 PM

There's nothing around me for over a hundred miles since Radio Shack closed.
Thanks for those 2 links. They look like good suppliers. Funny how they never came up when I did a Google search, just the janky dealers selling cheap stuff. I knew there had to be some quality electronic suppliers out there.

I have a list of several audio components suppliers, and the audio community is VERY particular about their parts, but they're also very limited in scope of what they sell. VERY good parts, but very application specific.

Title: Re: Source for good quality electronic parts?
Post by: gregb on January 08, 2026, 10:26:52 AM

I usually look on eBay for the old stock stuff….and I’ve used Mouser. 

Title: Re: Source for good quality electronic parts?
Post by: blykins on January 08, 2026, 02:04:37 PM

Another vote for Digikey.  Or Allied Electronics.

Title: Re: Source for good quality electronic parts?
Post by: The Magic Ratchet on January 08, 2026, 07:29:34 PM

I'll add one more reliable source, Jameco Electronics: https://www.jameco.com/c/Passive-Components.html?CID=MDPASSIVE

Title: Re: Source for good quality electronic parts?
Post by: cjshaker on January 08, 2026, 09:57:35 PM

Thanks a bunch, guys. Between Digikey, Mouser and Allied (apparently now called RS), they seem to cover about everything I'd be looking for. I'm mostly looking for AC and some 12/24v DC components for small projects I like working on.