Moving on from Hansen socket trays: Part 2 - The saga continues.

[impactims]

I got several trays from Westling and I’m not totally content with them. The biggest problem is that the red tones don’t match each other. I’ve been in touch with the owner he suggested simply exchanging all of the red trays for another color. But to do this I have to buy a full replacement set and then send the reds back, let them go through their “replacement process” and MAYBE I’ll get credited back. Not thrilled about that.

Anyhow, I have some TOOL BIX BILLET trays coming. It looks like those will be fun. Only problem there is that they are bare, uncoated aluminum. So I have some CRC 3-36 to coat it and protect against corrosion.

Also, I just picked up TEN 12” long VIM Magrails to toy with.



Between the Westling, tool box billet and Magrails, hopefully I can get to a socket organization system I am happy with.

This is costing way more than I thought it would when I first decided to move on from the Hansen trays, but I’m not worried about that. I am having way too much fun with this. You only live once, right?

 

[alinc100]

I applaud your efforts. If you like the Westling trays I'd take them up on the offer to exchange them, unless you really wanted red. I'd think THEY should be able to put you a set together that is reasonably color matched . Now If Westling was my business and the exposure the previous thread got I'd make damn sure the 5-6-10? pieces you ordered were as close as possible, even if I had to hand select them and rewrap the inventory.

 

[impactims]

I applaud your efforts. If you like the Westling trays I'd take them up on the offer to exchange them, unless you really wanted red. I'd think THEY should be able to put you a set together that is reasonably color matched . Now If Westling was my business and the exposure the previous thread got I'd make damn sure the 5-6-10? pieces you ordered were as close as possible, even if I had to hand select them and rewrap the inventory.

He wants me to buy replacements then send the poorly matched ones back. If they are sellable and in the same shape they were in when they shipped them, he will credit me back. This is if I want to replace the reds with a different color (black, blue, purple). Replacing the worst offending red tray that is actually pink with a blood red tray is something he won't do. Period. He wants to sell me replacements in a different color. Nothing else is even an option. Not sure what I want to do at this point. I am tempted just to deal with the pink tray and use it in a way that keeps it from being an annoyance. Or replace that pink one on my own with something else.

 

[Steve_P]

Bare aluminum exposed to air forms a protective oxide coating on it within hours; unless you're spraying it with salt water, it will be fine as-is in a home toolbox. Yes, it will dull some from the bright machined finish, but it's not going to otherwise corrode under normal circumstances. The oxide coating is scraped off in critical applications before welding, then welded ASAP, but it's otherwise fine.

 

[Skellyii]

He wants me to buy replacements then send the poorly matched ones back. If they are sellable and in the same shape they were in when they shipped them, he will credit me back. This is if I want to replace the reds with a different color (black, blue, purple). Replacing the worst offending red tray that is actually pink with a blood red tray is something he won't do. Period. He wants to sell me replacements in a different color. Nothing else is even an option. Not sure what I want to do at this point. I am tempted just to deal with the pink tray and use it in a way that keeps it from being an annoyance. Or replace that pink one on my own with something else.

Wow!

Any temptation I have to buy their products is now officially gone.

 

[alinc100]

He wants me to buy replacements then send the poorly matched ones back. If they are sellable and in the same shape they were in when they shipped them, he will credit me back. This is if I want to replace the reds with a different color (black, blue, purple). Replacing the worst offending red tray that is actually pink with a blood red tray is something he won't do. Period. He wants to sell me replacements in a different color. Nothing else is even an option. Not sure what I want to do at this point. I am tempted just to deal with the pink tray and use it in a way that keeps it from being an annoyance. Or replace that pink one on my own with something else.

At this point I cannot see that as a good option. If you want to roll the dice what if, and this is a really big if , order 1 tray in red to replace the offending tray, pray it is close , and walk away. I have a sinister feeling ,anything you returned is going to get some sort of microscopic inspection and then a veto. So then what ? You lose the offending tray? Have to pay to have it shipped back to you yet again? Could you possibly paint the offending tray candy apple red? Have it re-anodized? Then you'd have to carefully re paint/fill the white engraving, which I'm speculating is the reason to buy the trays in the first place ,easier to see the sizes.

 

[alinc100]

I'm also gonna throw this out there there is an 8 piece set on Ebay right now used for $150. https://ebay.us/m/Hh1BpM They look evenly colored in my opinion. What if you bought those, then sold/flipped your offending ones? Is it worth the effort, I don't know.

 

[impactims]

Bare aluminum exposed to air forms a protective oxide coating on it within hours; unless you're spraying it with salt water, it will be fine as-is in a home toolbox. Yes, it will dull some from the bright machined finish, but it's not going to otherwise corrode under normal circumstances. The oxide coating is scraped off in critical applications before welding, then welded ASAP, but it's otherwise fine.

My thinking is that having 2 dissimilar metals in long term direct contact is not best practice. A coat of CRC 3-36 seems like a good idea.

 

[impactims]

I'm also gonna throw this out there there is an 8 piece set on Ebay right now used for $150. https://ebay.us/m/Hh1BpM They look evenly colored in my opinion. What if you bought those, then sold/flipped your offending ones? Is it worth the effort, I don't know.

Hmm, I'll have to give that some thought. Since I got all these magrails and tool box billet trays coming, I'm not sure I can use much of that, but it does look interesting.

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

You thought about powder coating the bare aluminum ones?

 

[impactims]

Got them! I’m pretty stoked!

Very nice product! Not for everyone, I get it.

In my opinion, boutique tools are worthy of boutique tool storage. That goes for the tool box, socket trays, wrench organizers etc.

 

[impactims]

You thought about powder coating the bare aluminum ones?

For now, I’m sticking with this stuff.

 

[rust in the eye]

Got them! I’m pretty stoked!

Very nice product! Not for everyone, I get it.

In my opinion, boutique tools are worthy of boutique tool storage. That goes for the tool box, socket trays, wrench organizers etc.

They don't look very practical unless some means for socket retention beyond gravity. I hope this impossible to reconfigure tray fits your sockets. Something tells me an open peg because socket no fitty between others will drive you mad.

 

[impactims]

They don't look very practical unless some means for socket retention beyond gravity. I hope this impossible to reconfigure tray fits your sockets. Something tells me an open peg because socket no fitty between others will drive you mad.

Well that is their Achilles heel. Can’t be configured. The sockets that I have that require customization are on vim Magrails.

The sets that don’t require customization and will fit perfectly on these trays, go on these trays.

 

[Cruzan80]

Guessing the part with their name is on the underside? It doesn't look like the ones you got had sizing info, is that correct? Looks like one 1/4" and 2x 3/8"?

From a personal viewpoint, I have trouble with the finishing steps (or lack thereof) that this company did. However, just because I don't like the look, doesn't impact what you consider to look good.

I am curious how the linear spacing around pegs lines up, as anything below the drive size would need the same amount (sockets smaller than 1/4" share the same OD), and scale upwards afterwards. I could see some of the XL sockets in 3/8 having issues (if they didn't leave enough space for larger than 3/4"/19mm next to each other). Not saying they didn't, just curious.

 

[impactims]

Guessing the part with their name is on the underside? It doesn't look like the ones you got had sizing info, is that correct? Looks like one 1/4" and 2x 3/8"?

From a personal viewpoint, I have trouble with the finishing steps (or lack thereof) that this company did. However, just because I don't like the look, doesn't impact what you consider to look good.

I am curious how the linear spacing around pegs lines up, as anything below the drive size would need the same amount (sockets smaller than 1/4" share the same OD), and scale upwards afterwards. I could see some of the XL sockets in 3/8 having issues (if they didn't leave enough space for larger than 3/4"/19mm next to each other). Not saying they didn't, just curious.

The part with the name is the bottom.

As for the finish, it’s better than the pics suggest to be honest. Looking at the pics, you would think that there are huge peaks and valleys everywhere from the tooling. BUT, as it is, if I were to run my finger across the tray, avoiding the pegs, it’s totally smooth. I can’t feel a single peak or valley. The tooling marks are far less visible in real life than in pics, for some reason.

The trays I bought are marked with sizes.

They are made with certain socket sizes in mind so as long as you follow that, there should be no issues. Even then, I am finding that there is a lot of leeway. You would have to go much bigger than originally intended to run into issues.

 

[impactims]

Another angle to demonstrate just how smooth these are. Tooling marks can’t be more that a thousandth deep. For some reason they really jump out in the pics at certain angles.

 

[Cruzan80]

The trays I bought are marked with sizes.

Zoomed in, and think I see 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 1in markings on the middle one, correct? Are you planning on filling in the numbers? Or are they easier to read in person? In pics, tooling marks make it hard to read.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Wow!

Any temptation I have to buy their products is now officially gone.

Yeah that is disappointing to hear about Westling. I feel like they could have handled things better but I’m not surprised. Small businesses aren’t always the best when it comes to customer service.

The aluminum trays look nice but the square pegs would drive me nuts. Round makes more sense because you can just drop the socket on. These trays make you have to find the correct orientation. Not a deal breaker for most guys but for me, I like quick and easy.

VIM Magrails are just stupid expensive. Unless you’re mobile, I wouldn’t recommend them.

 

[kngelv]

I have the Westling trays but they have been retired because I just don't like them. I really like the rails that came with my Koken Z-Series sockets and happened to notice that HF sells the exact same rails. I purchase a bunch when they were on sale but they are still worth it at the regular price. I've had Hanson, Ernst and Westling and these work the best for me.

James

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-magnetic-socket-rail-70021.html?hftm_sc=235&hftm_source=google&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21901739438&campaignid=21901739438&utm_content=173216744551&adsetid=173216744551&product=70021&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21901739438&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4czhE9fxynawzjGpuBKwT_rc&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9cbn0tPykgMVIYvCCB0bpDk9EAQYASABEgKQ0PD_BwE

 

[gizardlizard]

Want to sell your Westlings?

 

[impactims]

I have the Westling trays but they have been retired because I just don't like them. I really like the rails that came with my Koken Z-Series sockets and happened to notice that HF sells the exact same rails. I purchase a bunch when they were on sale but they are still worth it at the regular price. I've had Hanson, Ernst and Westling and these work the best for me.

James

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-magnetic-socket-rail-70021.html?hftm_sc=235&hftm_source=google&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21901739438&campaignid=21901739438&utm_content=173216744551&adsetid=173216744551&product=70021&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21901739438&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4czhE9fxynawzjGpuBKwT_rc&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9cbn0tPykgMVIYvCCB0bpDk9EAQYASABEgKQ0PD_BwE

Are those rails the exact same thing, made in the same place as what koken uses or are do they just happen to be similar?

I also notice the square drive pegs have the spring loaded detent ball, just like a ratchet. This suggests that the sockets might not be easy to remove from the pegs.

 

[kngelv]

They have the same mold in the plastic at the ends so I’m 99% sure it’s the same manufacturer but just doesn’t have the Koken logo on it. I think they are made in Taiwan. Sockets are very easy to remove. The detent ball has just the right amount of tension.

James

 

[impactims]

Just looked them up.

Those HF rails are a bit spendy.

$22 for a single rail.

Westling and tool box billet are about $30 for three rails, or one tray, however you want to look at it.

 

[impactims]

They have the same mold in the plastic at the ends so I’m 99% sure it’s the same manufacturer but just doesn’t have the Koken logo on it. I think they are made in Taiwan. Sockets are very easy to remove. The detent ball has just the right amount of tension.

James

And you can get pegs to customize the sizings of the pegs within a single rail?

ie. 4 pegs @ 1/2, 4 pegs @1/4 and 6 pegs @ 3/8

 

[Hakeem]

I have the Westling trays but they have been retired because I just don't like them. I really like the rails that came with my Koken Z-Series sockets and happened to notice that HF sells the exact same rails. I purchase a bunch when they were on sale but they are still worth it at the regular price. I've had Hanson, Ernst and Westling and these work the best for me.

James

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-magnetic-socket-rail-70021.html?hftm_sc=235&hftm_source=google&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21901739438&campaignid=21901739438&utm_content=173216744551&adsetid=173216744551&product=70021&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21901739438&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4czhE9fxynawzjGpuBKwT_rc&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9cbn0tPykgMVIYvCCB0bpDk9EAQYASABEgKQ0PD_BwE

Yes, 100% agreed. These are the best magnetic socket rails of its type, IMO. Strong magnet and tight fitting clips makes for a premium feeling product. I try to stock up whenever they go on sale.

Just looked them up.

Those HF rails are a bit spendy.

$22 for a single rail.

Westling and tool box billet are about $30 for three rails, or one tray, however you want to look at it.

They’re pricy at list price but they go on sale for $12.99 a couple times a year. Unfortunately they don’t sell individual clips so I’ve bought the rails and cannibalized them for their clips.

 

[kngelv]

When they hit $12.99 its the time to buy. I could use a few more. I think they were 40% off when I bought mine.

James

 

[impactims]

Yes, 100% agreed. These are the best magnetic socket rails of its type, IMO. Strong magnet and tight fitting clips makes for a premium feeling product. I try to stock up whenever they go on sale.



They’re pricy at list price but they go on sale for $12.99 a couple times a year. Unfortunately they don’t sell individual clips so I’ve bought the rails and cannibalized them for their clips.

You say they are the best magnetic rail. Are you saying that the sockets are held to the rail and pegs via magnetic energy? Or that the backs of the rails are magnetized so that they don’t slide around? I thought the sockets were held into mechanically via the detent ball.

These do seem inferior to the magrail, but cheaper.

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

Have you set everything up yet? I want to see how everything fit together

 

[richfinn]

And you can get pegs to customize the sizings of the pegs within a single rail?

ie. 4 pegs @ 1/2, 4 pegs @1/4 and 6 pegs @ 3/8

Yes you can mix peg sizes (available in packs of 5 from Ko-ken), the rails are magnetic backed and the sockets are secured with the ball detent.

Available in 200/300/400 mm lengths (at least from Ko-ken, don't know about HF)

 

[kngelv]

Magnet on back of rail and detent for sockets. Not worth arguing about. There's HF's everywhere. Go look at one in person.

James

 

[Hakeem]

You say they are the best magnetic rail. Are you saying that the sockets are held to the rail and pegs via magnetic energy? Or that the backs of the rails are magnetized so that they don’t slide around? I thought the sockets were held into mechanically via the detent ball.

These do seem inferior to the magrail, but cheaper.

The sockets are retained with balls and a strong magnet on the rail holds it to a metallic surface. By “best” I just mean strongest magnets, tightest-fitting clips, etc. The build quality is high, which I think you are looking for.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I get it, OP.

I've tried a number of different wrench holders and I cannot find one I can even tolerate, much less like. I gave up. They lay flat in the drawer as they have for 30 years.

Good luck with your latest purchase.

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

I get it, OP.

I've tried a number of different wrench holders and I cannot find one I can even tolerate, much less like. I gave up. They lay flat in the drawer as they have for 30 years.

Good luck with your latest purchase.

Not trying to hijack anything here, but whats your complaint with the wrench organization you have tried?

 

[L.Cheapo]

Not trying to hijack anything here, but whats your complaint with the wrench organization you have tried?

I've tried Ernst, Snap On, Craftsman, Tekton, and something else.

One of them (I forget which) actually got me less wrenches in the drawer than laying them flat on the bottom and the rest had the wrenches so close together my pudgy meat nuggets couldn't easily grab them, especially with dirty hands.

The pre-made ones didn't hold the right number of wrenches and got wonky trying to hold tiny sizes up to larger sizes. The configurable ones wasted space, were too close together, or I just didnt like them for some other reason. Maybe I'm just too picky

I've given up on the organizers and decided to just get more and larger drawers instead.

 

[kngelv]

The HF ones that are the same as Koken are on sale for $14.99 till April 2nd for ITC members.

James