Socket Driver Organization

[nkachur]

While I can't find any other threads on this topic. I currently use hansen trays for my regular and impact sockets and am a huge fan.
But as so far have yet to find a really great way to organize all my driver (Screw, Allen, Torx, ect...) Sockets.
I am interested in seeing what ideas all of you have come up with to solve this problem as I currently have have mine tying up my magnetic parts tray.

[Moose-LandTran]

I use socket rails and clips.

[Cummins_Powered]

I think i saw on northern tool a hansen socket organizer for Torx and allen sockets.


Edit: here is a link. http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200234224_200234224

Its a little different than the typical hansen, for obvious reasons.

[nkachur]

Yes I have seen the hansen one... only problem I can see with it is it still leaves me with a bunch of sockets still in my parts tray ;)

[bigjon]

Have you tried the Ernst's rails?
You can get them in 8, 13 & 18" lengths.

[Merkava_4]

Clips and rails are still the best way, but you've got to have them fastened to something heavy so you can pull the socket off with one hand. The MTS trays are good too but they take up space.

[SILVERPLATE]

Clips and rails here!

http://silverplate1945.smugmug.com/photos/339298236_yUpR8-M.jpg

All my garage photos: http://silverplate1945.smugmug.com/gallery/565848_4nUo5#37310706_D2rqM

[ossaguy]

Hi all,
This is my 1st post here.My name is Steve,and I've been a small engine tech for 25 years here in Ca.
I sure enjoy this forum!
I store all of my special-use type sockets in the top compartment of my SO top box.Since it never gets moved,It doesn't need the retension feature of rails/clips.I found that I like the ease of just setting it on a stud.So I used flat pieces of wood cut to fit,then drilled holes in the wood with a drill press,both for the stud part,then the bolt head,so it's flush on the bottom,so it sits flat.That way I can use !/4 inch or 3/8 bolts,to fit the sizes.
If I need to go 1/2 in.,a tight fitting piece of clear fuel line over a 3/8 stud works without having to drill such a big hole.Then painted black,it looks real cistom made.
On the long shaft bit drivers,that need to be stored layed down,I went to a plastic shop and they sell scraps of black or grey PVC plastic for like 25 cents a pound.This stuff carves out nice with a die grinder with a wide-fluted bit,and looks nice.
I'd do a little bit everyday on my lunch break,and that made it not such a huge project.I set it up so its real low in the front,then gets higher towards the rear of the top compartment.This works well if you want to organize a lot of tools that you can't buy pre-made holders for,and tells at a glance what's missing.The only drawback is the time involved.

[eschoendorff]

Hi all,
This is my 1st post here.My name is Steve,and I've been a small engine tech for 25 years here in Ca.
I sure enjoy this forum!
I store all of my special-use type sockets in the top compartment of my SO top box.Since it never gets moved,It doesn't need the retension feature of rails/clips.I found that I like the ease of just setting it on a stud.So I used flat pieces of wood cut to fit,then drilled holes in the wood with a drill press,both for the stud part,then the bolt head,so it's flush on the bottom,so it sits flat.That way I can use !/4 inch or 3/8 bolts,to fit the sizes.
If I need to go 1/2 in.,a tight fitting piece of clear fuel line over a 3/8 stud works without having to drill such a big hole.Then painted black,it looks real cistom made.
On the long shaft bit drivers,that need to be stored layed down,I went to a plastic shop and they sell scraps of black or grey PVC plastic for like 25 cents a pound.This stuff carves out nice with a die grinder with a wide-fluted bit,and looks nice.
I'd do a little bit everyday on my lunch break,and that made it not such a huge project.I set it up so its real low in the front,then gets higher towards the rear of the top compartment.This works well if you want to organize a lot of tools that you can't buy pre-made holders for,and tells at a glance what's missing.The only drawback is the time involved.

That actually sounds pretty cool. Any chance you have pictures of that set-up?

Oh, BTW, welcome to the forum. :beer:

[eschoendorff]

I use socket rails and clips.

Cheap and works well. :thumbup:

[JeepsAreBuilt]

I use these for my 1/4 and 3/8 drive sockets.

http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=710

Works great.. works in shallow tool box drawers. I marked mine where the sizes go.. and boy it helps me find the sockets quick.

For 1/2" I have those pole trays with size labels at the top.

For torx I have a neat blowmolded case with a complete torx set that works great. Allen, and others stay on clip rails, as they dont get used much anyway. My bit sockets fill in gaps in the lisle holders.

[danc333]

I use Hansen socket holders for my 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 sockets. I have black trays for SAE 6pt, Grey for Metric 6pt. Red for SAE 12pt, Blue for Metric 12pt.I use Ernst socket holders for specialty type (torx, phillips, hex....) I also use MTS 1/4" bit holders for 1/4" bits. You need to have 4" deep drawers for the Hansen trays but you can see at a glance all the sizes and what is missing. I just ordered a set of Hansen Grips to hold my ratchets and extensions. I report on those when I get them.

[ossaguy]

That actually sounds pretty cool. Any chance you have pictures of that set-up?

Oh, BTW, welcome to the forum. :beer:

I plan on buying a digital camera in the next month or so,and will post some pics as I learn how to do it.
Thanks for the welcome!

[Moose-LandTran]

Cheap and works well. :thumbup:

Does the job perfectly for me. Don't have to worry about empty/not enough spaces. Also, for job that aren't "toolbox accessible" i can grab the whole rail for times i need a bunch of different sizes.

That said, they're soon going to be riveted to a sheet of aluminium in the box, to store them upright to maximise storage space.

[Merkava_4]

That said, they're soon going to be riveted to a sheet of aluminium in the box, to store them upright to maximise storage space.

I'm happy to know you decided not to drill your drawers. :beer:

[billymade]

X2 that was a depressing thought, those holes in your new box! NOOOO!!!!!

[billymade]

Do you repair old OSSA motorcycles?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ossa_(motorcycle)
http://www.cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/ossa/images/Ossa_poster_18_models.jpg
I primarily remember them for their trials bikes!

[wantedabiggergarage]

I am SERIOUSLY giving thought to getting some of those Socket Lockit's. For my home/non portable box, those cheap socket rails work, although I don't have them mounted to anything (been trying to reorganize the WHOLE shop). But I am trying to get stuff into a portable box, and between the twist and pull, and the magnetic base, I think they may just fit my needs.

I have looked over the years. I like the Lisle, but the magnet wouldn't hold with a light shake (what would happen if you pulled it off the side of your box). The Hansen is good, but requires a tall drawer and with all my tools, something is bound to break those plastic posts (hence getting inexpensive other cabinets). I just kept coming back to one of the really good HF bargains, socket rails.

[ossaguy]

Do you repair old OSSA motorcycles?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ossa_(motorcycle)
http://www.cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/ossa/images/Ossa_poster_18_models.jpg
I primarily remember them for their trials bikes!

I had a 75 Explorer model,(that is the trials model,but with a trail-type seat and larger fuel tank.) I had to sell it,but sure miss it.There are some pics of it on the Yankee site,and the Yahoo Groups "OSSAmotorcycles."
If you want,see www.rec.us.
click under "Owner's Bikes",then "Steve Johnson's Bikes"
I sure hope to get another one someday.They are such special bikes,I've
been a fan of Spanish bikes pretty much my whole life.I really enjoyed doing all of the work on it,over all the years.

[nkachur]

OSSAGUY, welcome... I too am a junior member and I too can't wait to see some pictures of your set up. Everbody else thanks for the suggestions this is great to be getting so many ideas, Please keep them coming.

[Vinko]

I use socket rails and clips.

I use rails too, from Sears. A pain in the ass. My dad uses, in his "roving" tool bag, these large circular metal clips about 8-10" wide, that are like heavy duty key chains to hold a set of sockets. Like 3/8's small shallow metrics, 3/8's large shallow metrics. They're easy to use, but might not be as efficient for an auto mechanic or other tradesmen who's in constant need of access.

[TejasBimmer]

I have or used in the past the cheap metal clip on socket holders.
http://www.newmantools.com/ullman/6h.jpg
Good - cheap, carry to job, ability to add more or less sockets per arm.
Bad - the clips wear out from repeated use and no labels.
Status: Donated to scrap metal yard.

Lisle magnetic trays.
http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/110121_lg.jpg
Good - carry to job
Bad - no labels, if you drop all sockets fall out (yep I have done that).
Status: Holds my extra sockets...I really do not use them

Fomloc trays.
http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-16607655860267_2009_592371
Good: Got a sample for free from a BMW CCA event. Labeled.
Bad: Gets dirty easy, picks up metal shavings, dirt, grease, can transfer to your car or tool chest.
Status: Junk yard.

Since I am setting up my new garage and getting new cabinets, etc. I too have been searching again for better organizers or a better way to organize.
I now will have a mobile tool cart to work on my cars and truck.
So for wrenches and screw drivers, I am looking at the foam rails that Sears has.

For sockets, I am down to Ernst or SocketLock-it...because both are labeled and easy to transport if needed.

Right now I am leaning towards the SocketLock-it version, because it will not let loose the sockets if I drop the set. But I would be wondering how durable it is if dropped from 5-feet a good number of times.

The Ernst versions would be cheaper to replace and easier to modify.
Damn I hate to decisions. ;)

[JeepsAreBuilt]

Right now I am leaning towards the SocketLock-it version, because it will not let loose the sockets if I drop the set. But I would be wondering how durable it is if dropped from 5-feet a good number of times.


Why do you drop your sockets so much ? For those Lisle trays.. I labeled mine, and it worked great ! I used a permanent marker in the middle of the tray.

[Moose-LandTran]

I'm happy to know you decided not to drill your drawers. :beer:

Yup, i'm calling tomorrow to get a quote on having a couple sheets of aluminium cut to size. :)

X2 that was a depressing thought, those holes in your new box! NOOOO!!!!!

It wouldn't have been a problem, since the rails would stay in the place. I was, however, concerned about having the bottom of the rivets hit the top of the drawer below, and scratching the paint off.

[Jared]

I use a piece of hardwood flooring about 4 inches wide and 3/4 thick and drill holes and glue a peice of dowel vertically, Cheap and seems to work well.

[Kevin54]

I ran across this site http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/Products.aspx?sc=1029. They seem to have a seleection of socket rails and holders that someone might be interested in. Myself, I used the cheaper metal rails and fastened them down to 1x4" Poplar http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/3686/dscf2522ym7.jpg

[eschoendorff]

I ran across this site http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/Products.aspx?sc=1029. They seem to have a seleection of socket rails and holders that someone might be interested in. Myself, I used the cheaper metal rails and fastened them down to 1x4" Poplar http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/3686/dscf2522ym7.jpg

That looks a lot like what I have in mind when i get a little more time and ambition.... :thumbup:

[Kevin54]

That looks a lot like what I have in mind when i get a little more time and ambition....

It didn't taker any time at all. All in all about 20 minutes to cut the boards and screw the rails to them. It took longer to get the saw out and clean it back up and put it away.

[Uncle Buck]

It didn't taker any time at all. All in all about 20 minutes to cut the boards and screw the rails to them. It took longer to get the saw out and clean it back up and put it away.

Reminds me of how Andy Griffith wired all the crapper seats together so they would snap to attention at latrine inspection in "No Time For Sargents" ..............well at least the old guys on the board might have enough memory left to remember that scene from the old movie! :lol_hitti

[wrenchr]

Reminds me of how Andy Griffith wired all the crapper seats together so they would snap to attention at latrine inspection in "No Time For Sargents" ..............well at least the old guys on the board might have enough memory left to remember that scene from the old movie! :lol_hitti

I remember and I'm only 31!! My Dad watched that stuff all the time:)
My Favorite is the Great Escape:bounce: I have seen that movie more times than I can count.

[a390st]

I use clip on rails so that they are easy to carry around if I need to, and they help keep me from losing sockets. If there is an empty spot on the rail, I need to keep looking. They're not great, but I haven't found anything more convenient for when I need to take tools out of the shop.

[Moose-LandTran]

I remember and I'm only 31!!

For some reason i thought you were early twenties..

[nkachur]

Well, I have cheaped out for now. I built my own. It is still a work in progress I think I am going to try my hand at wood burning to label the holes.

http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/rr232/nkachur/100_5291.jpg

http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/rr232/nkachur/100_5292.jpg

and here it is in the box

http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/rr232/nkachur/100_5294.jpg

http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/rr232/nkachur/100_5293.jpg

I will post some final pictures once I get the labeling done.

[wilbilt]

Clips and rails.
Other "solutions" such as Hansen waste entirely too much space.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k37/wilbilt/sockets-1.jpg

[Sunrise]

I ran across this site http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/Products.aspx?sc=1029

have you ordered from there? price seems good compare to most other sites.

like MTS products

[speed bump]

After thinking about it I store sockets in a number of ways. My 3/8" and 1/4" drive sockets are all on Craftsman rails. My swivel sockets are in the metal box they came in. All of my 1/2" sockets are in a box with the rest of the 1/2" drive stuff. My impact sockets are in the Blow molded cases they came in. The sockets in the car are in a blow molded case. My looses sockets are stacked like cordwood in the back of my case.

If I had to standardize though it would be on Craftsman rails.

[Stanger]

Clips and rails.
Other "solutions" such as Hansen waste entirely too much space.
I am in the Hansen camp. The space waste is worth avoiding the hassle of clips and rails for me. I easily find my sockets and can easily remove them from the post, something I can't say for clip rails. Also, it is easy to tell exactly what is missing at the end of the day.

[wrenchr]

For some reason i thought you were early twenties..

I must know why did you think that??:confused:

[Sunrise]

i didnt see this around this forum.

http://www.fom-loc.com/index.html

expensive, but seems pretty good and much more compact than hansen.

any review on these socket holder?

[wilbilt]

I am in the Hansen camp. The space waste is worth avoiding the hassle of clips and rails for me.

I guess that's easy, if you have the space.

I easily find my sockets and can easily remove them from the post, something I can't say for clip rails.
Why not? Do you rely on the labels to determine the size?

Also, it is easy to tell exactly what is missing at the end of the day.

No difference with rails...if there is an empty clip, something is missing.

[nissan_crawler]

I'm with wilbilt on this one. I don't look at the socket size anyway, it makes no difference to me. I can remove a socket from a rail one-handed, reaching up while laying on a creeper. If I need several sizes, i can take the entire rail under the vehicle with me and have them all. If it tips over, no biggie. Tip a hansen tray over, and you're playing find-the-sockets.

Like he said, if you only have enough clips on the rail for the sockets you have, you can tell easily if one is gone. I also dislike the waste of space. The lisle magnetic holders are nice, too. I have them at work.

[Stanger]

Why not? Do you rely on the labels to determine the size?
Well, since mine are on Hansen trays and the sockets are upside down, yes I do rely on labels. I could pick out my sizes if they were face up as they are on a clip rail, but not everyone that uses my box could. I try to make it user friendly for people that don't know all the sizes and don't know where stuff is located. It is easier for them to determine which section is which drive size, and it is easy to differentiate between SAE and metric since the trays are different colors. Nothing serious but it all helps. I don't want to lay under the car for 30 mins waiting for them to retrieve a tool.:lol_hitti
No difference with rails...if there is an empty clip, something is missing.
True if you have the same number of clips as you have sockets. If not, someone could move the socket down a couple clips and you wouldn't immediately know which was missing. 3/8 sockets can fit on any 3/8 clip. With Hansen trays each socket has its specific storage space. Again, not a big deal, but it might save 10 seconds looking for a socket. It is easier for me, but probably not all.
I can remove a socket from a rail one-handed, reaching up while laying on a creeper.
Your clips are probably worn in some. The ones I used in other shops were new and tough(considering the task) to remove from the clips.
If I need several sizes, i can take the entire rail under the vehicle with me and have them all. If it tips over, no biggie. Tip a hansen tray over, and you're playing find-the-sockets.
I just bring the sizes I need to my workspace. This could be different in a shop environment if you're box isn't near your work. I'm no more than 15 feet from my box most of the time. Even then I just grab the sizes I need and bring them to the job. No need for 15 different sizes when I just need 5. I never remove my Hansen tray from my box so tipping it over isn't a concern.

[bchee]

I am SERIOUSLY giving thought to getting some of those Socket Lockit's.

I think I would use those for all of my sockets if they were cheaper, AND if you were able to add more clips. I'm thinking about getting them at least for heavy 1/2 and impacts.

[bchee]

For some reason i thought you were early twenties..

I thought he was in his late 40's and married for a long time.

[wilbilt]

Well, since mine are on Hansen trays and the sockets are upside down, yes I do rely on labels. I could pick out my sizes if they were face up as they are on a clip rail, but not everyone that uses my box could. I try to make it user friendly for people that don't know all the sizes and don't know where stuff is located. It is easier for them to determine which section is which drive size, and it is easy to differentiate between SAE and metric since the trays are different colors. Nothing serious but it all helps. I don't want to lay under the car for 30 mins waiting for them to retrieve a tool.

I guess that makes a difference. Nobody uses my box but me, and I know my sockets by sight, feel and location.

If it was a community box, I could see how labeled and color-coded storage would make sense.

[nissan_crawler]

Well, since mine are on Hansen trays and the sockets are upside down, yes I do rely on labels. I could pick out my sizes if they were face up as they are on a clip rail, but not everyone that uses my box could. I try to make it user friendly for people that don't know all the sizes and don't know where stuff is located. It is easier for them to determine which section is which drive size, and it is easy to differentiate between SAE and metric since the trays are different colors. Nothing serious but it all helps. I don't want to lay under the car for 30 mins waiting for them to retrieve a tool.:lol_hitti

True if you have the same number of clips as you have sockets. If not, someone could move the socket down a couple clips and you wouldn't immediately know which was missing. 3/8 sockets can fit on any 3/8 clip. With Hansen trays each socket has its specific storage space. Again, not a big deal, but it might save 10 seconds looking for a socket. It is easier for me, but probably not all.

Your clips are probably worn in some. The ones I used in other shops were new and tough(considering the task) to remove from the clips.

I just bring the sizes I need to my workspace. This could be different in a shop environment if you're box isn't near your work. I'm no more than 15 feet from my box most of the time. Even then I just grab the sizes I need and bring them to the job. No need for 15 different sizes when I just need 5. I never remove my Hansen tray from my box so tipping it over isn't a concern.

Ummm...my sae and metric are different colors, and the sizes are easy to distinguish.

Why leave spare clips on the rail? remove them, and you won't have empty spaces. try removing or adding to a hansen tray, good luck with that. If you don't have that socket size, you have an empty space. If you have a socket for a size not listed, you have a socket floating around. These clips are brand new, and not tough to remove at all.

Each to their own, but I fail to see what the hansen ones do any better. I also don't see how somebody that can't tell a socket size by looking at it, CAN tell a bolt size by looking at it and know what they need:confused: Edit: N/m, I see you have people helping you, not working on their own thing.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f56/chevyman_57/toolbox/DSC00874.jpg

[Moose-LandTran]

I thought he was in his late 40's and married for a long time.

No-one has any idea how old anyone else is. Except that wrenchr is 31 and i'm 19. :lol:

[bchee]

No-one has any idea how old anyone else is. Except that wrenchr is 31 and i'm 19. :lol:


If you guys decide to get together, at least it would be legal :lol_hitti

[Moose-LandTran]

Not likely to happen. Been such a long time my virginity's grown back and i'm now a monk by default. :(

[krusty the clown]

Not likely to happen. Been such a long time my virginity's grown back and i'm now a monk by default. :(


with that being said..........sounds like merk is a better life partner for ya :bounce:

[Moose-LandTran]

with that being said..........sounds like merk is a better life partner for ya :bounce:

If he can get me into the country, consider it done! :lol:

[krusty the clown]

If he can get me into the country, consider it done! :lol:


at least you ain't lost your sense of humor.........:bowdown:

[Moose-LandTran]

at least you ain't lost your sense of humor.........:bowdown:

Never. http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/chrismca/smooch.gif

[mcgyverit]

Nissan Crawler - did you make the organizer your self? I like the way that one is done. nice job

[Titus]

I started out with the gray craftsman trays and hated them. I then went to rails, but was still unhappy. I finally bit the bullet and bought the Hansen trays and I am VERY happy with them. For now I keep the oddball stuff in a pile in the corner, but I plan on building a peg board for them.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=22386&stc=1&d=1225286276

The only down side to the hansen trays that I have found is the addiction to fill every peg. I just started a new tradition that every time I order something from sears, I include 2 needed sockets in the order.

[john w]

I carry my 3/8 sockets back and forth to school once a week and have just switched to a Lisle holder because of the arthritis in my left wrist and my shop partners and i like the new setup a lot better than the rack and clips. I've also bought 3 quick-release ratchets recently and they too help Arthur. My wife has promised to show me how to post pictures this weekend of all my new goodies.This board has been a god-send to me.

[OpOrange]

i just bought a new MAC tool carts and i am trying to figure out the best way to keep my sockets in it...i am leaning towards rails...