What socket sets have GOOD organizers / holders?

[JackOfDiamonds]

I have basically a drawer full of loose and mismatched sockets that have accumulated over 25 years.

I started looking for organizers to organize them all, but there's a small issue that you have to buy organizers that will fit the sockets...some sets have more or less sockets, plus even if I get them all organized, they will still be mismatched sockets. Not the end of the world, but I was thinking that after 25 years, maybe it's time to treat myself to a new set of sockets instead, and just donate my drawer full. I don't care about brand of sockets, because any of them will be good enough. The only requirement is that the sizes are easier to see than the tiny roll marks on my old Craftsman sockets.

Problem is that new sockets don't come with good organizers either. If you buy the typical Husky/Kobalt sets, they come on the plastic trees, like these:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-11-Piece-Standard-SAE-1-2-in-Drive-12-point-Shallow-Socket-Set/3364158?store=&cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-tol-_-ggl-_-PMAX_TOL_000_Priority_Item-_-3364158-_-online-_-0-_-0&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw1NK4BhAwEiwAVUHPUNYkK97zZRO25EU4EEecWDLNf5wNZIhxeCSPEDDUtIu2nS0TLvPz4hoCTSsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

and I loathe those...they are either impossible to get the sockets off, or they are too loose and the sockets fall off. Plus, they slide along the rail too easy and sometimes fall off. I consider those things only good for display packaging. I do like how the Kobalt sockets have the colored rings though...

There's always the classic metal rails with the springy metal clips, like these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D1DS2QH?tag=atomicindus08-20

Those are only slightly better than the plastic trees, because I think they are too hard to get the sockets on and off. And they aren't comfortable to hold, they flop over, and they rust. But at least they are universal and you can add and subtract clips.

A lot of sockets come with some kind of mini-toolbox or latching case, but that's no good either. Most of them are cheap, and have "living" hinges that break eventually, plus the sockets get all dislodged from their holes, and putting them back is like a puzzle. And if I want to add an adapter or small extension, etc, there's no way to add a position in a case like that. And I don't want a case anyway; I want to put them in a drawer in my toolbox and take out the whole set as a "stick".

You can find organizers with good retainers that rotate, like these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C8NMGYBV?tag=atomicindus08-20

These don't come with sockets though...and good luck finding extras or expansions, so when I add an oddball socket, now it's rolling around loose and I can't add it to the stick.

Are there any socket sets that already come on good organizers, so I can just buy them and have matched sockets on matched organizers? Or any organizers that are ergonomically good, expandable, etc? Is the sheet-metal clip sticks still the best technology available?

 

[bigfunwmu]

I like Ernst plastic rails, variety of colors and they have twist-lock and a couple simple friction options. Tekton does offer sets on these rails, but I like red for SAE, blue for metric, and black & grey for other stuff; which is not the same colors Tekton uses. So I end up buying sockets from whoever to meet my needs without rails and then rails separately to store the sockets I bought.

VIM mag rails are pretty nice. I know they offer some stuff on those rails, but I don't know if they offer full sets on them.

 

[impactims]

Best way to do it that I know of.
Made in many different varieties.

SAE, Metric, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, deep, semi, shallow…..

 

[mikey03]

Tekton got sets that come on some nice twist to remove rails I think Ernst might make them though tbh but Tekton stamps there name on it

 

[ecotec]

I would get the Hanson trays that impactims posted.

 

[908Jim]

Don't buy sockets based on the organizer. Buy the sockets you want, then buy whatever organizer works for you.

I have mostly Hanson trays @impactims posted and I like them because I work right next to my box most of the time. I keep bit sets and some other less-used things on Ares aluminum rails, which can be very reasonable on Amazon and a much better option than the dumb spring steel rails from yesteryear. Unfortunately, Ares seems to have discontinued the plastic holders that keep the Ares aluminum socket rails oriented vertically, but ernst rails are comparable.

 

[Fedwrench]

Why are you throwing the baby out with the bath water? Now, if you dislike your current sockets that's a different story. I'd recommend Tekton if you're replacing everything. Tekton has no skip size sets that come on Ernst made rails/trays which are pretty good. The only thing Tekton screws up is they use red for metric and black for SAE.
I hate Hansen type trays. They take up too much space and have premarked sizes you may not use.
There is a vast selection of socket rails available off of Amazon. Vim magrails are my favorite but, they get expensive fast. ABN, Ares. and Olsa have some nice aluminum rails with plastic socket pegs that you can trim to fit specific set sizes. Some of the rails come in a variety of colors. Wright from Epsteins, Carlyle from Napa also offer some nice socket rails.

 

[Ohio Andy]

214-Piece 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket Set | TEKTON

Set includes 5/32–1-1/2 inch (SAE) and 4–38 mm (metric) 6-point standard and deep sockets. Comes with organization rails and trays. No skipped sizes. SHD99202.

www.tekton.com

That is my first choice. But sk makes a portable set that comes apart that you can set into drawers

SK Mechanics Tool Set, 1/4" & 3/8" & 1/2" Drive Socket with 216-P Ratchet, 149-Piece, SAE & Metric, SuperKrome Finish, with Storage Suitcase

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZKT3SXQ?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[username2]

Naturally, there's a bunch of companies that make socket-and-ratchet-set-inna-box, ranging from cool little European things to great big giant Milwaukee and Tekton sets with 5000 sockets. There are companies that make two-color foam sheets that look amazing if you have a drawer to fill with sockets that can't touch each other for religious reasons.

Personally, I feel that the Snap-on plastic box sets (for 3/8" and 1/4", PB24, PB16, etc.) are pretty cool, but they're pricey, even used. Aren't huge, travel well to the work if you're a car guy.

I feel your pain on the various rails, pegs, do-hickeys that are sold for way too much for a cheap little metal or plastic deal.

Since I'm an old man, here's my very favorite of all. Too bad they pretty much don't exist aside from the occasional Mac or vintage Craftsman thing I see. I swear some day I'm going to waste a bunch of time and make my own.

 

[JackOfDiamonds]

My dad had socket holsters exactly like that. They did work and served the purpose of being able to grab the whole set of sockets and take them with you, take up very little space in the toolbox, sockets don't fall out, yet you can easily pick them out with one hand after flipping the top...it seems civilization has not really advanced after all.

The Ernst plastic rails seem to be better than the metal rails, but at $25 each, I'll be $100+ into just plastic rails before I'm done organizing my sockets.

 

[RTM]

The Ernst plastic rails seem to be better than the metal rails, but at $25 each, I'll be $100+ into just plastic rails before I'mt done organizing my sockets

But compared to the cost of all new sockets, you are still way ahead, with better functionality

 

[username2]

but at $25 each

I'm comin' to ya Elizabeth! - Fred G. Sanford.

It seems to me that a person could make some perfectly acceptable steel socket trays with a jigsaw, metal blade, scrap sheet metal from the old washing machine, bench vise, pop rivets, red spray bomb. Maybe a little sticker for your own personal tool brand.

Wait, here we go. Someone doing God's Work.

Tool Box Socket Trays

Tool Box Socket Trays: If your tool box is a mess with loose sockets rolling around, and you do not want to spend $$$$ on those commercially available organizers that waste sooo much space, this DIY idea may be just for you. And no welding is involved........th…

www.instructables.com

 

[theoldwizard1]

It all depends on how "fussy" you are and how "pretty" you want your sockets to look !

I bough the cheapest plastic rails that Harbor Freight has. Works for me !

 

[tamaraw]

If you have working sockets that you like, just make an organizer.

On the quick and cheap end, you can drill holes in a plywood board and fit lengths of dowel.

Or go with a nicer wood for the board and use brass or aluminum rod for the pegs.

A hardwood base with metal pegs will last forever, the sockets are easy to pick up, and you can size it for whatever collection you might have.

 

[XJSuperman]

Step one: buy a set of calipers
Step two: buy a 3d printer
Step three: learn to use free CAD software
Step four: measure out each and every socket you want organized
Step five: draw up and print custom socket holders


I already had calipers so I skipped step one. But otherwise thats exactly what I and others have done. Its not cheap overall due to the printer cost, but after that, its just a few bucks per piece. Then you have a printer for all kinds of things.

Hell, you can just download other people's designs if they work for you.

 

[username2]

I bough the cheapest plastic rails that Harbor Freight has. Works for me !

How do those hold up?

Looks like a money-making opportunity to me, looking at the $18.00 of Ernst.

Make some stickers that say 'Enrst Manufacturing'. Put on Pittsburgh socket rail. eBay store. Profit!

 

[JradM]

I like Ernst plastic rails, variety of colors and they have twist-lock and a couple simple friction options. Tekton does offer sets on these rails, but I like red for SAE, blue for metric, and black & grey for other stuff; which is not the same colors Tekton uses. So I end up buying sockets from whoever to meet my needs without rails and then rails separately to store the sockets I bought.

VIM mag rails are pretty nice. I know they offer some stuff on those rails, but I don't know if they offer full sets on them.

Ernst trays and rails are the simplest answer to this question without spending a fortune or hours cutting out foam by hand.

You can put the exact number of clips in to match your set. There are accessories if you want to attach a ratchet or extension or whatever to the tray too. It comes with label stickers. There are different clip styles too - depending on how much retention you want versus ease-of-access.

I like being able to lift an entire tray out to work away from my toolbox. The only thing Ernst trays aren't great for is mobile use in a tool bag.




Toolbox foam is great, but it doesn't have as much density and takes forever to do by hand. It's not cheap either. If I were buying a whole new socket set I might look at one of the offerings that come already organized in foam, but I can't be bothered to DIY.

Vim Mag rails are superior, but cost a fortune. So does the "grid" organization system.

Ernst is just a good compromise of high-density organization that's easy to use and doesn't cost a bundle. If your budget is higher the one alternative I might consider is Toolbox widget.

 

[AndreaW]

I love my Vim magrails for socket organization. It was the only solution that I liked for organizing my passthru sockets. Buy the length rail you want and the studs, slide the studs onto the rail, and lock them down at the spacing you want.

 

[JradM]

P.s. Ernst is great, but since I suggested an "upgrade" option - I figured I could go the other direction and give a budget alternative too. There are metal socket trays that are pretty similar in use to Ernst trays. I had some of these before I got the Ernst trays:



Not quite as customizable, and sometimes it's a bit harder to grab a socket from these than from the Ernst pegs, but still - you can put the exact number of clips you need on one of these and store sockets every bit as densely as you can on the Ernst trays. These are much cheaper.

 

[tincanoe]

Less expensive than the Olsa are the Michaelpro 3 piece set. One each of 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2". Only sold in the set of 3, and only in red. A bargain at $12.05 on Amazon for the 3 rails. At that price you can afford to buy some extras just to customize/mix and match. Comparable to the Olsa I have, just a couple inches shorter in length.

 

[dscheidt]

The Ernst plastic rails seem to be better than the metal rails, but at $25 each, I'll be $100+ into just plastic rails before I'm done organizing my sockets.

are you looking at Ernst's site? (ernstmfg.com) I've seen their stuff sold elsewhere for much more than the list price. Ernst also has all the colors, so you can color code the way you want (or not).

They're really very good, I have my mobile kit on them, and the sockets only fall off if they're not twisted into place.

 

[username2]

I have basically a drawer full of loose and mismatched sockets that have accumulated over 25 years.

I started looking for organizers to organize them all, but there's a small issue that you have to buy organizers that will fit the sockets...some sets have more or less sockets, plus even if I get them all organized, they will still be mismatched sockets. Not the end of the world, but I was thinking that after 25 years, maybe it's time to treat myself to a new set of sockets instead, and just donate my drawer full.

I thought I'd rethink the problem (and be That Guy, but that's the internet for you). Here's my strong temptation depending on the range of size you need, and whether you need, for example, deep sockets at all.

Buy a new set(s), but, use this as a chance to go 100% impact. Those small impact tools like M12 ratchets and impact wrenches are a life changer kinda, and there are a number of impact sets that come in a reasonable case...typically Taiwan-manufacture but fine. Milwaukee and the other power tool companies, Chicago Pneumatic on Amazon, godknows how many others including Gearwrench. This stuff can be surprisingly inexpensive.

Fer instance, this is $99 right now:

Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE 3/8 in. Drive SAE and Metric 6 Point Impact Socket Set (43-Piece) 49-66-7009 - The Home Depot

Accomplish all your difficult drilling tasks effortlessly with the choice of this amazing Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Drive SAE and Metric Impact Socket Set

www.homedepot.com

Add a ratchet, and you're good. Probably not much more than those silly-expensive socket holder thingies. I can't speak for the case quality but at least it has hinges.

 

[lolaetype]

I took a piece of plywood about 1/2" thick and wooden dowels and made an organizer for my sockets. The front board is SAE nd back one is metric. One big advantage of making your own is the ability to customize it to suit your needs. And as with any organizer it makes it easy to spot a missing socket. The 1/4" drive stuff is out of frame.

 

[64C10]

My current favorite:

 

[gahrajmahal]

Not sure how the rest of you work, but I always want the whole set of sockets with me when I work. That’s why I like a “socket set” in a case. I grab the whole case and take it to my work. Examples are doing an oil and filter change or a brake job. My two car garage is tight so if I have to go back and forth to the big tool box, I’m carefully moving past my cars parked inside.

Of the two I use most, I like the 1/4” drive Sk set. The deep well sockets are in line with the shallow so it’s easy to grab the right one. When the lid is closed the sockets stay in place and don’t slip from their spot and all are a jumble when opened up.

 

[ecotec]

Not sure how the rest of you work, but I always want the whole set of sockets with me when I work. That’s why I like a “socket set” in a case. I grab the whole case and take it to my work. Examples are doing an oil and filter change or a brake job. My two car garage is tight so if I have to go back and forth to the big tool box, I’m carefully moving past my cars parked inside.

Of the two I use most, I like the 1/4” drive Sk set. The deep well sockets are in line with the shallow so it’s easy to grab the right one. When the lid is closed the sockets stay in place and don’t slip from their spot and all are a jumble when opened up.

I have sets in my main box, my cart, on my workbench, in a second stack… and on top of that I have “to go” sets. I have sets in metal boxes, plastic boxes, metal trays… I have options. If I am working on something nearby I like these magnetic trays. If I am working on something farther away, I like a box that closes.

 

[sdca7718]

Koken zeal socket sets come on a nice magnetic rail, my new favorite socket sets. The others mentioned are also nice like the Ernst and Vim. I used to use Ernst twist lock and now have almost all on the Vim magrails, they are way overpriced but can be used on box lids and sides of drawers. Vim sells some sets on magrails but that can add up, I have most of their half cut bit sets. Another option is toolgrid, I use them for my wrenches but they sell socket holders also.

 

[Badger 13]

I like and use Westling socket holders. A little on the pricey side, but for me they work well. Made in the USA, and not plastic.

Socket Trays | Westling USA

View durable socket organizers by size, as well as frequently asked questions. Each socket organizer tray is made in the USA from quality billet aluminum to last for life.

www.westlingusa.com

 

[BroncoAZ]

I have a bunch of the Olsa/Ares aluminum rails. They are generally good, but tend to fall over in my drawers and the end caps fall off allowing the end socket to fall off with its clip. Olsa was making some plastic clips that were supposed to hold tight on the rail, or putting a screw through the rail works but is bulky. I was thinking about adding some self adhesive neodymium magnets on the bottom of the rails. With the way I grab ranges of sockets it might be worth cutting the rails in half so I can grab half instead of all sizes.

Olsa Tools Aluminum Socket Holder ABS Locking End Caps

These clips work with our Aluminum Socket Rails. Keep your sockets locked on the rail if you hang your socket rails vertically or move them frequently, you can be sure that they won't go anywhere. Simple and compact design allows you to keep your socket clips firmly secured.

olsatools.com

Amazon.com

On my 1/2” impact sockets I don’t like grabbing the entire rail because an end cap usually falls off. I find myself grabbing single sockets and leaving the rail in the toolbo, so maybe something like the Hansen trays would work just as well for those.

The VIM tools rails on the 1/4” sets I bought based on a deal posting here are nice. I grab the entire rail, a ratchet, and an extension for small jobs.

 

[gahrajmahal]

I have sets in my main box, my cart, on my workbench, in a second stack… and on top of that I have “to go” sets. I have sets in metal boxes, plastic boxes, metal trays… I have options. If I am working on something nearby I like these magnetic trays. If I am working on something farther away, I like a box that closes.

Ecotec, I love these! You understood my explanation of deep well and shallow being opposite each other.

Here is my SK box


Ecotec, do you think your organizers would work with heavy impact sockets? Also where can you buy them?

 

[mreisner]

Another nice part about the Ernst system is you can put different size pegs on the same rail that way if you have a set like some of the hex drivers that have multiple Drive sizes you can keep them in a line

 

[username2]

Not sure how the rest of you work, but I always want the whole set of sockets with me when I work. That’s why I like a “socket set” in a case. I grab the whole case and take it to my work. Examples are doing an oil and filter change or a brake job. My two car garage is tight so if I have to go back and forth to the big tool box, I’m carefully moving past my cars parked inside.

Of the two I use most, I like the 1/4” drive Sk set. The deep well sockets are in line with the shallow so it’s easy to grab the right one. When the lid is closed the sockets stay in place and don’t slip from their spot and all are a jumble when opened up.

I think a really good answer here is those little steel boxes that used to be so common (like SK) that are basically a single line of regular sockets in their own run, and then a bigger space for everything else. Very slick. I think it's a superior answer to the modern tendency to blow-molded cases and individual spots for each socket in a valiant attempt to make sure they don't touch each other.

 

[ecotec]

Ecotec, I love these! You understood my explanation of deep well and shallow being opposite each other.

Here is my SK box


Ecotec, do you think your organizers would work with heavy impact sockets? Also where can you buy them?



View attachment 2205627

I do not know what they are called. They are common enough at garage/estate sales that I have found a few in my days. I even gave away the ones that did not have a truck tool brand on them. I think that at one time or another, every truck tool brand rebranded these.

Here is the 3/8” one with impact sockets in it.

 

[milkovich]

Hobby, the Ernst is socket rails/trays are really great, I have them for a few sets. For a pro/semi-pro, the VIM mag rails are just the Rolls Royce of tool organization in my opinion.

 

[Wamsutta]

The short answer is Gearwrench.

Their socket rails have individual plastic square drive retention clips with a friction ball in each one.

They retain the socket very well while at the same time allow for easy removal.

And then on top of that, the socket rails are so wide that the socket set stands straight up on a level surface.

 

[richfinn]

I've got a few Ko-ken socket rails like these, quite nice but pricey they have a solid magnetic base and plastic clips with metal ball detents. Available in three lengths and clips in packs of five for custom rails.

Some sets come with this style of organization

Koken Magnetic rail 3/8".Dr 8clips 200mm | UKtools

UKtools Professional Hand Tools, Specialist Socketry from Koken Tools, Facom, Britool, Gearwrench, Signet, Trident, Elora, Knipex, Bondhus and more

www.uktools.com

 

[roofdweller49]

Olsa also sells the ones that are deep across from shallow

Magnetic Portable Socket Organizer Tray | For Deep & Shallow Sockets

This magnetic socket tray can store up to 22 of your sockets. This magnetic socket organizer is equipped with ultra-strong rare earth (neodymium) magnets that secure your sockets in place. This is perfect for taking your sockets with you from job to job reliably while keeping them all in one place.

olsatools.com

 

[username2]

The short answer is Gearwrench.

You have to admit that the economics of this are peculiar, unless they make a super-premium and an uber-discount socket rail.

GEARWRENCH 1/4 in. Drive 6-Point Standard Metric Socket Set (13-Piece) 80302D - The Home Depot

Tackle the fasteners on all your home projects with the selection of this GEARWRENCH Drive Standard Metric Socket Set lasting durability.

www.homedepot.com

GEARWRENCH 1/4 in. Magnetic Socket Rack 83126 - The Home Depot

Store and organize your essential tools with the addition of this highly durable GEARWRENCH 3-Magnetic Socket Rack to maintain.

www.homedepot.com

 

[Ohio Andy]

You have to admit that the economics of this are peculiar, unless they make a super-premium and an uber-discount socket rail.

GEARWRENCH 1/4 in. Drive 6-Point Standard Metric Socket Set (13-Piece) 80302D - The Home Depot

Tackle the fasteners on all your home projects with the selection of this GEARWRENCH Drive Standard Metric Socket Set lasting durability.

www.homedepot.com

GEARWRENCH 1/4 in. Magnetic Socket Rack 83126 - The Home Depot

Store and organize your essential tools with the addition of this highly durable GEARWRENCH 3-Magnetic Socket Rack to maintain.

www.homedepot.com

That's insane... I mean almost unbelievable. Yeah you might as well buy it with the sockets. Price difference is so small.

 

[username2]

That's insane... I mean almost unbelievable. Yeah you might as well buy it with the sockets. Price difference is so small.

Maybe it's the magnets.

and how do those magnets work? it's magic!

I admit that I'm always blown away by how cheap sockets can be. It isn't just the amount of materials, but the fact is I could go to several small companies in my small area (it isn't like I have to deal with traffic lights here) and get a few pallets made of socket rails/trays/boxes with a bit of lead time.