Resolved How to locate USB stick Protective caps.

And, "why" do you feel you need them? Do you also have caps/covers over your unused: VGA, DVI, HDMI, Coaxial Cable, etc. connectors?

 

I need one to suit a A type USB cable, and roughly four for USB sticks (not all of the same manufacturer). Would the RooKap or Chinese silicone be best? or none of them?sizes appear to be 12mm or 19mm? I did not realise my request would cause such trouble.

 

Yeah, you've really become a PITA!!!

I sure would not invest any money in these sight unseen. I say that because not all dust caps are created equal. Some fit real snug and take a firm hand to insert or remove, some almost fall out just for looking at them. How do you use these USB sticks? If you stuff them in your pocket, you want something you have to pry off, not fall off.

And BTW, USB memory sticks are really just for temporary storage - for example, to take a file to work. Or to use on trouble calls. I would never - as in NEVER EVER use them as a backup device for any "important" files.

 

Bill, what you say is USB sticks are not reliable and should not be used for important or permanent files. I read once that magnetic recording are not permanent and at some point will fail as in hard drives.
All that I really wanted was caps to stop dust clogging up the USB sticks contact strips.
I did measure both USB sticks and USB cable connector.
1. USB stick = L12mmxW10mm.(Outer measure).
2. USB cable connector = L.8mmxW13mm (Outer measure).
Different measurements to both, but both fit the USB female socket.
As you stated, best to test a cap before buying, reason for sellers offering a sample.

 

That's true but if the drive is simply left alone, that data will last many years. And that's the big difference.

You don't carry hard drives around in your pocket or purse where they can be exposed to all sorts of dirt, lint, grime, ESD, drops, other metallic objects and greasy fingers.

A hard drive is still considered permanent storage.

 

DIY project.

USB replacement cap

USB-A Female to PS/2 Male Mouse PS2 Adaptor

 

Not a bad idea, Whiskeyman.


Bobby, have you tried contacting the vendor(s) directly? I'd almost bet that they would be more than willing to send you a dust cap from free. Either that, or do as Bill suggested, and if that fails, try Whiskeyman's suggestion.

 

Whiskeyman, it is certainly an excellent suggestion and cheap in the bargain. There is one draw back in my case, old age has descended with a vengeance. My sincere thanks for posting your suggestion.

 

James martin, your suggestion is certainly worth trying and I will do so. Thanks.

 

Keep us informed.

 

PeteC, the retractable type of USB is indeed convenient against the loss of caps. In my case, find the loss of sensitivity in my fingers, very hard to use the rotating swivel protective cover type or the retractable, leaving me only the cap type.

 

I think if you shop around, you can find something more suitable that does not use a cap that can be lost.

I use one of these and the flappy cover uses a magnetic latch that takes virtually no effort to flip out of the way (but has never accidently opened in my pocket).

 

That's where mine came from too!

 

JamesMartin, I tried out your suggestion and contacted two of the Manufacturers. Integral and Lexar, who have answered and where most courteous and helpful. Both Manufacturers have offered to search their stocks of caps and send me a few suitable caps for my number of OSB flash sticks.
I must confess, that I am amazed at the large variety of Caps that do not fit the standard USB A connector. A lesson well learned.
I prefer the USB FS fitted with a cap for protection, even though the Cap can go missing as in this case.

 

As a final response, Lexar has informed me that they have no suitable caps due to the swivel type protection. Perhaps continual usage of this type of USB FS, it will become less cumbersome to use, at the price £58, no way can it be discarded. Thanks to all who commented and offered help. Bobby.