who has a full socket set up and how is it organized?

[afazz]

Here are mine. I don't have many 1/2" drive fractional sockets, but I'm pretty well stocked in 1/4" and 3/8" drive. I added a set of 1/4" semi-deep metric sockets and torx bit sockets since this pic. I prefer the Hansen rails when possible, and I use the Craftsman plastic rails everywhere else. The Snap-on trays are excellent for visibility and access, but they take up a ton of space.

 

[Rickster]

Here's the 3/8 drawer. SAE on the left and Metric on the right.

 

[chevy.stroker]

I have a little different perspective than most of you because I sit in a wheelchair. That means either I have a "set of hands" doing my work or I have friends working out of my garage. So, my tool organization has two objects:

1. Make it easy for anyone to find a tool and organize the work area for the least amount of effort to retrieve a tool.
2. Once the job is done be able to scan the tool set (and I have a lot of tools) and quickly identify what is missing or misplaced.

I am pretty ADD about my tools and about the work area being organized when work is finished. If I can't find a tool within 3 minutes of needing it I start to get antsy inside. My garage is the space in my life that gives me order and brings calm. It is an area I can control.

I won't say my organization will ever be done, but I improve it every day.

For sockets/ratchets/extensions I purchased the red cart from Harbor Freight. 1/2 drive is the bottom drawer. 3/8 metric is the middle drawer. 3/8 SAE is the upper right. 1/4 and specialty stuff (hex, torx, etorx, etc) use the two upper left drawers. Screwdriver holes are filled by torque sticks and long extensions. The top holds speeders and what I call my beater screwdrivers (Taiwanese Perfect Handle Screwdrivers). Impacts/air tools, flip sockets, axle nut sockets, and a bundle of red rags are on the bottom shelf. Popular chemicals are in the can holder (carb cleaner, brake cleaner, penetrating oil, wd40, lithium grease, silicone spray, and a squirt can w/ power steering fluid in it). All sockets are on rails.

My 3/4 inch stuff hangs on the pegboard. I'm a pegboard fanatic.

I generally find the easiest way to work is to roll the red cart to the front of the car for easy access. A gray work cart is also near by. As tools are used they are placed on the gray cart. Then at the end when cleaning up when the gray cart is empty everything should be back in its place.

As a side note if you ever get angry with people using your screwdrivers as prybars or chisels go buy a set of perfect handle screwdrivers and keep them handy. They work great as beater screwdrivers and people learn really quick to reach for them because they are so close to what they are working on.

Here is one link, but I know I have seen them cheaper elsewhere:
http://www.garrettwade.com/product.asp?pn=05R01.03 &bhcd2=1285003391

My dream project is to actually make socket holders out of sheet metal for each set of sockets. I am actually looking at a brake, shear, and notcher to do it.

 

[StevenB]

I've got gripe socket organizers 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2". 6 point & 12 point in top drawer of a 56" us general box.

 

[bts]

Full set 1/4 , 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 ? How do you keep it all organized. Pics please

Not knowing what sort of set up you have now,where you want to end up or how much you want to spend, here is the way I have mine. It`s basic and cheap but works well for me.

At home 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" sit on a shelf above my main work bench.

because the 3/4" are rearly used they are stored in one of my old boxes.

Work is pretty basic as well. 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" are in the top of the tool box.

 

[Catamount]

I have the Craftsman 299 pc set along with a handful of impact rails, hex, torx, flex sockets and misc other sockets stuffed into one drawer using the HF plastic rails. I love these rails.

They are discussed in this thread.

 

[Lkdelta]

the metric set.. ..............The quarter dr. set....................the 3-8's drive..

the half drive...... ....the big wrenches

most of the drawers were set up 30 years ago,
just needed the metric addition ...and the wrenches for current job supplies

 

[Don 18]

I like the Hanson trays the best for my weekend warrior projects. Tried the HF ones for the impacts and they are OK, but I prefer the post with the size sticking out. Had the cheapy socket rails for a long time, but didn't like having to use 2 hands to get the sockets on and off. Having to turn the rail around to read the sizes was annoying as well.

I want to organize the socket drawer for a better arrangement, but attached a pic of the "as is" condition. There is tons of room for more as well Metric is on the left and SAE and other sizes on the right. I also cut one of the racks in half to fit semi deeps.

The 3/4" drive doesn't get used a lot so it is at the back of one of the lower drawers.

The last pics of the metric wrenches show where I want to go with the top drawer organization. Most used at the front, least used at the rear. I think it makes it quicker to grab what you use all the time if you don't have to open the drawer all the way. Gotta love those deep drawers!

 

[ultgar]

Basic metric assortment in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2" drive. SD

 

[canuckian]

I don't see any Ernst setups so I guess I'll post mine. Sorry no 3/4 drive but This is most of what i have in the toolbox. It's a combination of Ernst and factory trays. Have to get some more Ernst to finish it off.. The cart has 4 18" rails with my most commonly used in all 3 drive sizes but no pic at the moment.

 

[Matt018]

I would stay way from the foam setups, It makes any kind of additions to your set difficult to fit in.

 

[Lkdelta]

I would stay way from the foam setups, It makes any kind of additions to your set difficult to fit in.

make sure your set is full... buy more stuff
then do the foam cut-outs

 

[Matt018]

Well then what would you do in the interum while your sets are still filling out? What would you do if you go an pick up another couple ratchets? What im saying here is look at that guys foam, There is allot of space there, If he were to put everything on rails everything would be much denser, He would be able to take a rail of sockets with him to the job at hand. it also makes it much simpler to add tools to your set, I dont see any wobble extensions there, what if he decided to pick them up? then what? And also look at his set compared to most others, I doubt he really uses his tools for much of anything, With shiny chrome, no scratches on the extensions. The wheel sockets dont show any wear. And all the other sets shown look like they are actually used.

 

[Don 18]

Found an old pic of my socket drawer when it was in the HF roller. Having more space is really nice!

 

[Lkdelta]

I would stay way from the foam setups, It makes any kind of additions to your set difficult to fit in....


Well then what would you do in the interum while your sets are still filling out? What would you do if you go an pick up another couple ratchets? What im saying here is look at that guys foam, There is allot of space there, If he were to put everything on rails everything would be much denser, He would be able to take a rail of sockets with him to the job at hand. it also makes it much simpler to add tools to your set, I dont see any wobble extensions there, what if he decided to pick them up? then what? And also look at his set compared to most others, I doubt he really uses his tools for much of anything, With shiny chrome, no scratches on the extensions. The wheel sockets dont show any wear. And all the other sets shown look like they are actually used.

make sure your set is full... buy more stuff
then do the foam cut-outs

I was just trying to be a bit funny..
If you slightly suspect you might be adding to your set as time goes along..
plan ahead... compact all the cut-outs in drawer so you have more unused foam to allow for additions

or buy a big package of foam sheets and do the shadowing for now, plus leave material for later changes..
for when you absolutely need a reason to spend time out in the sanctuary
"honey, I can't go today.. my tool box drawers won't close and I have to get them organized"

 

[JeremyManning]

still working on some sets

 

[kc-steve]

" . . . how is it organized?" Ha! What's that?

The only way I can organize anything is by brand, Craftsman, Wright, S-K, etc. Maybe one of these days.

Great looking boxes guys!

Steve

 

[xwarp]

As previously stated, you don't realize how much you are missing until you get some type of organizer and see what you are missing.

At the moment, since I have the space, these craftsman holders are good for me especially since I can quickly look and see what I am missing for the trip to the swap meet, thrift stores and what not.

Focusing on the 6pts now and then 12's. When I have a complete set, I'll probably look for hansen trays since those take up less real estate.

 

[O_M_Jeep]

As previously stated, you don't realize how much you are missing until you get some type of organizer and see what you are missing.

I totaly agree, now I'm shopping impacts since I went and bought organizers, they were nice when they looked like a lot of sockets lol.

 

[ultgar]

Well then what would you do in the interum while your sets are still filling out? What would you do if you go an pick up another couple ratchets? What im saying here is look at that guys foam, There is allot of space there, If he were to put everything on rails everything would be much denser, He would be able to take a rail of sockets with him to the job at hand. it also makes it much simpler to add tools to your set, I dont see any wobble extensions there, what if he decided to pick them up? then what? And also look at his set compared to most others, I doubt he really uses his tools for much of anything, With shiny chrome, no scratches on the extensions. The wheel sockets dont show any wear. And all the other sets shown look like they are actually used.

I bought the set new and it didn't come with any scratches....the photo was taken when the set was new.

My other box has plastic module sets and there's still room in the drawers for all the add-ons....

 

[Lkdelta]

I bought the set new and it didn't come with any scratches....the photo was taken when the set was new.

Nice set up, Ult

 

[Ironhorse]

Full set 1/4 , 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 ? How do you keep it all organized. Pics please

These are from Snap on but made by Wrench Rack...perfect for all your sockets

 

[toddacimer]

I use Hansen trays. I've been filling them with mostly Snap on sockets. Been buying a lot of used stuff. To this point it hasn't been an issue that the Hansen trays only cover common sizes but in the future I think I will have more sockets that overfill the sets. I keep pictures of the socket trays on my phone so if Im surfing eBay or shopping flea markets I can check what is missing

 

[DodgeMech]

I know the drawer is hap hazard, but it's only for storage....in the morning I grab my rails and put em in my roll cart

 

[bobcatdan]

To organize my sockets, I mainly use 4 12x12 magnetic plates. For me these work the best. 1/4" sockets don't stay standing very well on the plates so I have those on matco's plastic rails. Any set I have that came in the old school metal trays i kept them in. If anybody is interest in seeing my set up, I posted in "lets see your toolbox" a week or so.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Hansen racks work for me.. They can be lifted from the toolboxes and placed in field service boxes.. upon arrival at a field service call, all the sockets are still neatly organized... Hansen racks may waste some space in a tool box, but they do a great job keeping sockets in order. With a rack placed close by, I find it easier to plop a socket back on the rack than plop it on a bench or framerail.. I have spent waaaaay less time hunting for sockets since I bought the Hansen racks.. 3/4 " and 1" drives each line their own drawers in a SnapOn 32" roller. If the bigger sockets are needed on a service call, I just grab the ones that are needed...

How tools and tool boxes are organized depends upon several factors.. In a dealership or large shop, Your tools are best kept in a heavy, large box that has a good lock... For a homeowner, a neat wall rack may be the answer.
For guys like me that have their own shop and do some field service; tools have to be more portable, yet well organized...

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

for now I used cheap metal clip rails attached on wood board.

 

[nathan_454]

heres my set up as of about a month ago, have added more since.

 

[NedNorton]

I just finished reorganizing my chrome sockets. It was prompted by buying a new set of metric hex bits that came in the magnetic holder. I really like the new holders, so I picked up a few more for my 3/8 stuff. After organizing my 3/8 it was painfully apparent that the rest of the drawer needed attention also. GJ isn't any help either! I thought things were just fine until seeing some of the set-ups here! I used a mix of mechanics timesavers, magrail tl's, and stock snap-on trays. I'm working out of an older snap-on box with a relatively shallow drawer so some of the deeps have to lay flat. SAE on the left and Metric on the right. My impacts are in another drawer.

 

[sberry]

I dont organize by sets buy by size and toss about half or 3/4 of them in a drawer out of the way. I dont care to sift thru sockets I use once a year to find ones I use daily.

 

[PCO6]

I have 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" in SAE & metric (... a little more than now than when the pic was taken). I also have a set of 3/4" SAE in my "seldomly used" drawer.

 

[JASTECH]

My deep sockets won't sit upright in my cart, there are way to many sockets to laydown in it so I will have to buy a bigger better cart like Matco or such.

 

[vga]

Metric only at home as all auto repair req metric .

 

[J.Jose]

still working on some sets

what is the brand name of the socket organizer that you used?

 

[Requin6]

Here is my set of Craftsman sockets on Hansen trays. Not nearly full but the missing sockets are sizes that I will never use anyway. I may get around to filling out the gaps merely for aesthetics. I wouldn't mind picking up a set of standard depth impacts in the future.

 

[StevenB]

Hers my socket layout 6 & 12 point.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=231152&d=1357698096

 

[sensei_]

ive got my sockets organised as follows:

1/4" drive (6 point - metric)
1/4" drive (6 point - imperial)
3/8" drive (6 point - metric)
3/8" drive (6 point - imperial)

1/2" drive (12 point - metric)
1/2" drive (12 point - imperial)
1/2" drive (6 point - metric)
1/2" drive (6 point - imperial)

1/2" drive (impact - metric)
1/2" drive (impact - imperial)

now that i know what goes where and how, here is how i make my sockets organised.

using wood (thickness: ~13mm) i will place where and how i want to position my sockets.

using a vernier caliper, i will measure the diameter of my sockets and write them on a sheet with the corresponding size, using a drill press, i will then use an adjustable drill bit to drill thru the plank of wood.

after i have filled up this tray, i use another piece of wood and put it underneath the first piece and screw it into place. this then creates a tray so that sockets do not fall out the bottom.

the flexibility of making your own means that you can sort out the sockets the way you want.

edit: i have found using something like this to be better than a hole saw. i have a set at home, but did not know what they are called before

 

[not-required]

Hansen trays and craftsman plastic rails. Torx in the original snap-on holder magneted to the back wall of the socket drawer. Big sockets are just loose but close together.

I have added more since this picture.

 

[dsmnickk90]

1/2" drawer.
<a href="http://s996.beta.photobucket.com/user/dsmnick99/media/2013-01-24_02-52-02_801.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af87/dsmnick99/2013-01-24_02-52-02_801.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 2013-01-24_02-52-02_801.jpg"/></a>


3/8" and 1/4" drawer
<a href="http://s996.beta.photobucket.com/user/dsmnick99/media/2013-01-24_02-53-10_491.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i996.photobucket.com/albums/af87/dsmnick99/2013-01-24_02-53-10_491.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 2013-01-24_02-53-10_491.jpg"/></a>

just ordered a few more Armstrong sockets to fill in a few missing but I'm trying to slow down because I'm out of room.

 

[zmotorsports]

Over the years as my set has grown I have had to use smaller and smaller, thinner and thinner socket rails to allow more sockets in the drawer. I have 1/4" chrome SAE and Metrics , shallow and deep in seperate magnetic organizers, I also have 3/8" chrome SAE & Metrics shallow and deeps in magnetic organizers along with 3/8" semi-deep impacts SAE & Metrics in the magnetic organizers. I like the magnetic organizers for the most heavily used sockets as I can pull them out of the drawer as a complete set quickly and place them in my tool cart and saving multiple trips back and forth to the toolbox. They also are nice because the magnetic trays keep them from falling out yet still allow me to grab them quickly with one hand without having to use the other hand to hold the socket rail.

Moving up to my 1/2" sets the impacts are in steel trays and the chromes are on a plastic rail with the ball detents. They are easier to remove from the plastic rails than the metal rails with the spring steel retainers but not as easy as the magnetic trays. The larger sizes are not in or on any kind of rail as they stay standing with relative ease. My 3/4" drive sockets and large specialty sockets are the same way, just standing unattached to anything yet tightly packed in the drawer.

Wobblies are on the plastic rails as well so they can be easily removed with one hand. Some of the specialty sockets **** as a the 12-points, O2 sockets, oil pressure sending unit sockets, torx, inverted torx are all on the plastic rails. SAE and Metric allen sockets are in the magnetic trays as they are also ones that get used quite a lot. Crows feet SAE & Metrics don't get used too much so they are on a 3/8" square rod with ball detents at each end. Keeps them tight together and in a small package but when I need one I have to pull them off one by one until I get to the size I need. Good thing they don't get used much as that takes some time.

I have my socket drawer organized to where the Standards are on the left side and the Metrics are on the right, seperated by my 3/8" extension set in the middle. My 1/2" extension set I had to move to a different drawer due to lack of room. Many of the sockets are Snap-On followed by a mixture of Matco, Proto and Cornwell. My 3/4" drive impact set is NAPA made by Danaher Tools.

Here is a shot of my socket drawer.

Ratchets and some of my extensions.

Mike.