madengr replied the topic: Storing expensive coax adapters?

I'd keep caps on the end. Though I never have ordered from the below since I have quite an accumulation of caps (never through them out).

www.componentforce.com/category/1/caps

Then use closed foam waffle packs to keep them in. If you have ever seen nasty, rotted wooden cal kit box foam from HP, Maury, etc. its from using open cell foam that rots with moisture absorption. Sometime in the 90's they switched to closed cell foam and no more problems. Maybe some pluckable foam storage cases; i.e. Pelican cases with a desiccant bag (they may be open cell foam but the desiccant should solve that).

Desert Sage replied the topic: Storing expensive coax adapters?

You just need to keep them dry, clean and dust free. It is not all that critical. The only exception I know is for APC7 connectors, you probably want to leave the threaded portion lowered to protect the flat gold plated surfaces (inner and outer conductors). Also, you should gage them once in awhile. Maury makes good gages. Gages are expensive, but so is the equipment the connectors connect to.

madengr replied the topic: Storing expensive coax adapters?

Good advice. I had loads of APC7 and APC14/GR900 parts that were left for years in the wooden boxes. The foam turned to this sticky black paste that gummed up the flower-petals center contacts, and teeth in the GR900. Fortunately I have a spray booth with isopropyl and I was able to save them all. Threw out loads and loads of nice wooden boxes with rotten foam.

tc replied the topic: Storing expensive coax adapters?

I think that Desert Sage is correct. Most male connectors are protected to first order by the coupling nut and most female connectors are protected by a threaded sleeve - so a simple dust, water and debris bag or connector cap is sufficient to protect. APC and GR connectors are the exception since the inner conductor is exposed.