> For my "engineering" parts, I'll quite often purchase assortments from
> some of the surplus (or non-surplus) vendors.  However, I've got a
> couple of gaping holes I need to fill, and don't want to do it the hard
> way..  That is, ordering 2-3 of each type I might need.  I'm hoping that
> others may have some additional sources I'm not aware of.  (The two
> specifics which caused me to ask this question are DB-connectors of
> assorted types and styles (solder cup, pcb mount, etc) and coaxial power
> connectors).
>
> Note that I'm not looking for just electronic surplus vendors - I'm more
> specifically looking for those who have the type of surplus known
> generally as "grab bags".  That is assortments such as "50 IC sockets of
> various types" or "Transistor Assortment", or even "5 pounds of
> miscellenous compoents".
>
> To get things started, I'll list a few I regularly use:
>
> Electronics Goldmine (http://www.goldmine-elec.com )   On the site, search for
> "assort" and/or click on "goldpaks" on the left hand side.   Some of the
> stuff is awesome, others not so much.  Good for building a base of
> certain types of components.  Anytime I end up ordering something from
> them, I end up throwing their "Electronic Surprise Box" and "Super
> Electronic Surprise Box" in...  Sometimes I'm pleased, sometimes not so
> much, but always a surprise, and for the $3.25 or $5.95, definately
> worth a try.
>
> Electronix Express (elexp.com), not to be confused with probably a dozen
> other companies with a similar name- Search for "Grab Bag" or "assorted"
> or "assortment".   I can recommend their inductor kit which I recently
> purchased.  Good assortment.   They also have other similar kits.
>
> Futurlec (http://www.futurlec.com) - I've bought IC sockets from them, and
> other things like prototyping boards.  Their packs are at
> http://www.futurlec.com/ValuePacks.shtml .  One caution: I bought a
> whole bunch of L6202's from them which appear to be either mishandled or
> counterfeit.   Others on the internet have reported similar with other
> higher-dollar semis.  Caveat Emptor.
>
> Jameco Electronics (http://www.jameco.com) - search for "Grab Bag" and/or
> "assort".  They have some decent quality grab bags.  I've bought
> Crystals and some hardware this way (screws, etc).   They also have some
> nice component kits (search "component kits") for things like diodes,
> transistors, resitors, etc.
>
> Digikey and Mouser - not generally a big source for this type of stuff,
> but I have on occasion bought a specialized assortment (for instance, I
> have purchased a set of all values of 1% 1/8W metal film resistors from
> Digikey).   Don't expect cheap, used stuff, which is sort of what I
> typically look for.
>
> Radio Shack - Still has assortments of certain components.  This is
> where I typically buy my 5% resistor assortments.
>
> So, what have I missed?  I purposely skipped All Electronics (not really
> any assortments to speak of) and several other places which are similar
> (which have lots of good surplus, but not really into the assortment
> thing).