Chapter 6: Technical Do-It-Yourself Stuff for Geeks
If technical stuff bores you to tears, you can skip this part, but now you know why it was put in last.
If you’re the handy type who loves to get your hands dirty, then you’re in for a surprise. The DIY industry in America is an extremely competitive one, evidenced by the number of companies who go bust, only to be replaced by others. Bringing in new customers is a must, therefore, for those who wish to survive. Customer retention is another priority, which is another way of saying freebies galore.
1. Switches
APEM was founded in 1952. They’re not a retailer, but actually produce their own high quality stuff. They also operate in 11 different countries. What this means is that even if you’re not in America, there’s a good chance you’ll get to enjoy some of their free goodies.
This company specializes in switches, industrial buttons, and key locks. Simply visit their site and make your way to their ONLINE REQUESTS page. Once there, click REQUEST SAMPLES. US deliveries usually take less than two weeks to come through, and, depending on where you are, they may even provide free delivery.
NKK Switches offers tons of free samples, as well as free delivery, again depending on your location. They’re also a primary supplier for The Source (formerly Radioshack). Make your way to the list on the upper left hand corner beneath the red bar, and click on SAMPLES for your freebie.
E Switch is a retailer, so they have a far wider selection of switches and switchrelated items they’re happy to give away to get your business. To avail them of their free samples, you either have to contact them directly or visit their Word Press blog.
- Integrated Circuits, Microcontrollers, and Semiconductors
Texas Instruments needs no introduction and produces a wide range of high-quality items. Beneath the logo on their home page, you’ll find a red bar. The fifth option from the left should read Sample & buy. Click away!
STMicroelectronics specializes in a vast array of geeky products from automotive parts to sensors to digital lighting controllers, among many others. Find the blue bar at the top of their home page and click on Sample & Buy.
- LEDs and Enclosures
Hammond MFG makes high-quality enclosures — meaning gadget boxes to the nongeek population out there. Made of different materials for various functions, they also make accessories like feet (for enclosures and other items), bails, cord grips and more. Contact them directly for your freebies.
OWK also specializes in tuning knobs, terminal blocks, barrier strips, battery balancers, and a lot more. To get your freebie, make your way to the bottom of their home page where it turns green. Beneath the Services list is where you’ll find their Sample option.
New Age Enclosures lives up to its name with its stylish designs. They also customize enclosures for big brand names like Texas Instruments, so you know you’re dealing with quality. To get your freebies, however, you have to contact them directly.
PACTEC also makes connectors. Their Free Samples option is located on the upper right hand corner, directly beneath their patent logo.
Serpac also produces various accessories. Scroll down and you’ll find their Request a sample option in bold red letters on the lower right hand corner.
4. Plastic and Metal Items
ITW Fastex produces customized plastic and steel parts, but they also have readymade fasteners, grommets, rivets, and most everything else you need for building anything from cabinets to whatnot. There’s no free sample option on their website, so you either have to email them, or you can call their customer service number at 847 299-2222 and choose extension number 6002.
LECO has a vast range of plastic items with everything from packaging handles to joints, plastic locks and rivets. There’s no freebie option on their website, but click their CONTACT US option on the blue bar at the top. While they offer freebies as part of their promo, they do not offer free delivery.
Skiffy makes cables, nuts, bolts, washers, and just about everything a DIY enthusiast needs. You’ll find a bulleted list on the left side of their homepage. Click on the Request FREE samples option and enjoy.
Mill Max makes interconnect components, sockets and pins, as well as pin receptacles. Simply click on their Order Samples option at the top of their page on the upper right hand corner.
Conclusion
Well, I hope you enjoyed learning about where and how to go about finding some great free stuff! There’s always plenty out there – I hope that at least I’ve proven that it’s really not too good to be true. Remember, getting stuff for free that you would otherwise have paid for is a great way to be frugal, save money for other more important causes, and discover new products along the way!
