Okay, So Im a packrat :)

[arcadepcnut]

This is probably the stupidiest thing you have seen in writing.
I dont like to throw away any potential goodies that can be used in future arcade projects or other electronic projects.

I come across from time to time damaged pc monitors. I used to just cut the cord off them and keep that. I opened one up and saw all kinds of radioshack goodies inside and used my iron and solder braid to remove some of the components.

I used the power connector socket.
I used some of the little connectors and cables on the board.
I used all the pushbuttons and dials (brightness and contrast).

Is there any other valuable components that should be removed for keeping before I toss this bad boy?
Im looking for anything that might have ANY use in any arcade or similar projects. The parts are small to keep and you never realize what you could have gotten for free until you need it and then have to make a trip to radioshack

Thanks for your input!

[arcadepcnut]

So nobody keeps monitor parts? I must be a freak.

[spidermonkey]

Don't worry dude you're not alone When I open up the back of an old tv or stereo or any type of electronic type of componant I see it as a miniature Radioshack ! . Heres a list of stuff that I used in my cabinet taken from old electronic devices

Momentary switches
L.E.D's (all different kinds of colors I might add)
potentiometers
rheostats   (haven't used these in my cab but I got em if I need em)
terminal blocks
small fans
various types of molex connectors both male and female
miniature bulbs and sockets
tons of good quality single strand (solid) in every color imaginable. more colors then Radioshack could ever offer. Lots of colors means every componant has its own color (except ground wires which are all black . to simplify any future wiring problems. also drew up a color code cheat sheet schematic to make it even easier.
rubber grommets
A few other misc. duedads that I can't recall at the moment.

[arcadepcnut]

Glad to hear someone else does this, I was beginning to wonder.
I have not been keeping the wires because most of the time they are short. But that is something to keep in mind. I do keep most of the connectors and other stuff just as you do.
I was wondering however if there was any use for the capacitors or resistors etc that are soldered to the board. What about those things that are connected to the heat sinks or the heat sinks themselves. Is there any use to keeping any of that stuff or just toss it.