If you’ve spent any serious time in Fallout 76, you already know that junk isn't just junk. Nearly every item has a use, especially when it comes to crafting, repairing, or modding gear. But not all components are created equal. Whether you're a builder, a crafter, or just trying to keep your gear functional, there are a few components that are always worth picking up. Here are 12 components you should never leave behind—and why they’re essential.
1. Adhesive
This is arguably the most important crafting component in the entire game. You need adhesive for everything—armor repairs, weapon mods, even power armor upkeep. Farm it, buy it, hoard it. Bulk it when you can.
2. Aluminum
Aluminum is crucial for repairing and modifying power armor and energy weapons. It’s lightweight, which makes it easier to carry in bulk, and it always gets used faster than you think.
3. Screws
Screws are required in nearly every mechanical mod. They’re often the bottleneck when crafting high-tier items. Desk fans, typewriters, and toy trucks are great sources.
4. Springs
Springs go hand-in-hand with screws and are just as essential. Used in weapon crafting, power armor, and many modding recipes, springs are a must-have for any serious Wastelander.
5. Lead
If you're running a power armor or heavy build, lead becomes essential due to its use in ballistic ammo crafting. Collect weights, pencils, and other lead-containing junk whenever possible.
6. Plastic
Plastic is used in more systems than most players expect—ammo crafting, armor mods, camp items, and bulk crafting components. It’s lightweight and found everywhere, so there’s no reason not to stock up.
7. Steel
Steel is the foundation of almost every crafting recipe. While it's extremely common, it's also consumed in massive quantities. If you're building a large CAMP or producing bulk ammo, steel drains fast.
8. Oil
Oil is another underrated but highly valuable resource. It’s used in traps, turrets, energy weapons, and weapon repairs. Flamers and mines also require oil, so always break down items like lanterns and blowtorches.
9. Copper
Copper is essential for anything involving electricity—generators, wiring, and turrets. CAMP builders go through it rapidly. If you're planning a high-tech base, start saving copper early.
10. Circuitry
For advanced crafting and high-tech CAMP designs, circuitry is a non-negotiable. It’s mostly found in cameras, fans, and military-grade items. Think of it as the brain of your base's systems.
11. Gears
Without gears, there are no turrets, generators, or mechanical mods. Like screws and springs, they're fundamental for functioning tech, especially in base defense and power systems.
12. Fiberglass
Often overlooked, fiberglass is needed for energy weapon mods and some armor upgrades. It’s not easy to come by in bulk, so keep an eye out for items like military-grade duct tape and fuses.
Learning which components matter most in Fallout 76 can save you hours of frustration and wasted resources. Prioritizing these 12 will keep your weapons functional, your CAMP efficient, and your builds competitive. And if you ever find yourself short on time or resources, there are always Fallout 76 Items for sale across various platforms, and you can even Buy Fallout 76 Caps cheap if you’re looking to speed up your in-game economy.
Smart scavenging means less grinding and more surviving. So next time you’re out looting, think before you toss that desk fan or typewriter—you might be throwing away a key to your next big upgrade.