Best blow molded cased socket set

[JoeOef]

I am a field service tech for industrial generators, 200KW to 2MW. I work out of my truck almost exclusively. I'm decently set up, but my current socket set is driving me nuts. I have to have all my tools in cases, for both minor OCD and organizational purposes.

I currently have a Craftsman Industrial socket set, but my main problem is that the sockets won't stay in their place when the case is closed. The good thing about this set is that it pretty much meets my needs, covering both SAE and MM in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2, up to 1 1/4 inch.

I'm looking for something close to that or better in quality, not looking to spend tool truck prices, and with excellent retention. Anybody have any thoughts? I've been eyeing the Williams sets but have no experience with their cases.

 

[CNGsaves]

Pelican case . . . . . . these are top quality blow-molded portable cases. Customize to your heart's content with foam inserts and whatever tools you have.

 

[jptbay]

Gearwrench

 

[Coolguy83]

Sk socket set.

 

[sk farmer]

if you can find them the 255 piece craftsman set had excellent organization. three trays in one box. if you need individual 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 sets than sk would be the best followed by the armstrong and gearwrench.

 

[FOCUS.FREAK]

Look into Craftsman. You can get the 250 pc set for 135 now online plus enter TOOLS20 at check out to get the price down to 115.

 

[RedneckWelder]

The factory blow molded cases usually blow hard. I suggest a custom solution of Pelican cases or similar (Hardigg or SKB). Either do some foam insert cutouts or start using socket rails or something. That way you don't have to change tools that meet your needs currently and can accommodate future changes (since you can get the foam separately). I know your pain, I work out of boxes and bags too and it's aggravating.

 

[jake00]

Sk socket set.

this

 

[nicksnothereman]

I am a field service tech for industrial generators, 200KW to 2MW. I work out of my truck almost exclusively. I'm decently set up, but my current socket set is driving me nuts. I have to have all my tools in cases, for both minor OCD and organizational purposes.

I currently have a Craftsman Industrial socket set, but my main problem is that the sockets won't stay in their place when the case is closed. The good thing about this set is that it pretty much meets my needs, covering both SAE and MM in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2, up to 1 1/4 inch.

I'm looking for something close to that or better in quality, not looking to spend tool truck prices, and with excellent retention. Anybody have any thoughts? I've been eyeing the Williams sets but have no experience with their cases.

Two sided? Just put a divider between the sides. Foam or styrofoam should work. Easy breezy.

Yeah...buy a new socket set for a friggin case.

If you really want to go sk. But you don't need to. You ain't a money tree boss.

 

[Golgoroth]

I second Gearwrench. The cases they come with are rather durable and the sockets, to me at least, seem to be the exact same thing as Matco's Taiwan made sockets.

 

[wmartin]

I've got a lot of this kind of thing, mostly because of a magpie need to buy anything that's super cheap, and personally I'd stick to individual sets for each drive size and maybe even for metric vs. SAE.

Those Williams/Blue Point sets, for example, are kind of cool, but the sockets will definitely come loose when you swing it around...and if you drop it, you're gathering up 100+ sockets.

I realize you end up with too many ratchets and extensions if you've got up to 6 separate boxes for 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 x MM/SAE but they're definitely easier to deal with.

I can't help you with brand since I mostly have bought eBay based on finding smoking deals. It's isn't like there's a constant flow of Wera, Wurth, Stahlwille cased sets flowing through there.

One thing you might consider is buying Snap-on PBwhatever cases and then putting in the sockets you get elsewhere. I think these kind of cases:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SNAP-ON-1-4...T-SOCKET-SET-W-CASE-SEE-DETAILS-/251377809103

are pretty cool and leave more room for customizing the socket selection.

 

[JoeOef]

Two sided? Just put a divider between the sides. Foam or styrofoam should work. Easy breezy.

Yeah...buy a new socket set for a friggin case.

If you really want to go sk. But you don't need to. You ain't a money tree boss.

You are right, I'm not a money tree, but while some folks make their money with their tools and use this to justify tool truck prices, I make my money by knowing I have the right tools on the truck, and then actually having them when I get to a customer site where power is needed at 3am. **** retentive organization really helps make this happen, and lucky me, I have $3-500 left in my tool budget for the end of the year, and this is what I need.

And hey, if it means I get to move the old set to my homeowner collection, all the better.

 

[JoeOef]

I've got a lot of this kind of thing, mostly because of a magpie need to buy anything that's super cheap, and personally I'd stick to individual sets for each drive size and maybe even for metric vs. SAE.

Those Williams/Blue Point sets, for example, are kind of cool, but the sockets will definitely come loose when you swing it around...and if you drop it, you're gathering up 100+ sockets.

I realize you end up with too many ratchets and extensions if you've got up to 6 separate boxes for 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 x MM/SAE but they're definitely easier to deal with.

I can't help you with brand since I mostly have bought eBay based on finding smoking deals. It's isn't like there's a constant flow of Wera, Wurth, Stahlwille cased sets flowing through there.

One thing you might consider is buying Snap-on PBwhatever cases and then putting in the sockets you get elsewhere. I think these kind of cases:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SNAP-ON-1-4...T-SOCKET-SET-W-CASE-SEE-DETAILS-/251377809103

are pretty cool and leave more room for customizing the socket selection.

Best advice so far (although I'm going to check out the Gearwrench sets). If anyone knows if I can buy just those Snapon cases, I'm all ears. For now, I'm off to peruse their website and ebay.

 

[wmartin]

Best advice so far (although I'm going to check out the Gearwrench sets). If anyone knows if I can buy just those Snapon cases, I'm all ears. For now, I'm off to peruse their website and ebay.

Here's a picture of a Blue Point/Williams setup in one of those (the 3/8" one), so I guess those seem to fit OK.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-Point-...tchet-Set-in-Snap-On-Case-PB16B-/111226004888

On the Snap-on site, the PB16B appears to be $14.95, the PB24A is $15.50

 

[daddy2coull]

I work on a similar range of generators over here in the UK. For field work I have three blue point sets in their cases. As for dropping them, it's happened once that I can remember. But I take more care these days.

The sets are pretty comprehensive, carry a lifetime warranty and don't cost the earth!!

 

[Brownsfan]

I really like the SK sets. The case is durable and the sockets stay in place. Oh and the tools are not that bad either. Actually they are awesome.

 

[N.I.]

I hate blow moulded cases. They are bulky and eventually break.

If you can, make your own. This is what I currently use:



The position of the handle and the way the box is lifted means the sockets always stay in place. It is a fair weight so it will never roll over. The handle locks in place to prop the top half of the lid open:





They are **** photos but you get the idea.

And note - I did not make it. The box is at least 40 years old and I have only adapted it. It's not pretty but in my eyes this means it is less likely to walk and I don't worry about kicking the box out of the way if need be.

The box measures approximately 18" x 6" x 3". I have a full set of SAE, Metric and Whitworth 1/2 sockets and a set of metric 3/8 sockets in it.

I have yet to see a more compact option!

 

[wmartin]

If the OP wants a steel box somewhat like the one shown above, this seems pretty slick for the money:

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/WilliamsD/50081.html

 

[wmartin]

I hate blow moulded cases. They are bulky and eventually break.

I think the Snap on ones aren't so bad. They are skinny, and have a proper hinge instead of just a plastic flap.

The Europeans at least have the good sense to make nice little steel boxes for their sets.

One thing I do like the plastic cases for is that they are about a million times less likely to scratch a finish. If you ever set a socket set on a fender, this is a nice feature.

 

[N.I.]

If the OP wants a steel box somewhat like the one shown above, this seems pretty slick for the money:

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/WilliamsD/50081.html

The price is right, but it is for 3/4 sockets and the position of the handle means eveything moves when you lift it.

I think the Snap on ones aren't so bad. They are skinny, and have a proper hinge instead of just a plastic flap.

The Europeans at least have the good sense to make nice little steel boxes for their sets.

One thing I do like the plastic cases for is that they are about a million times less likely to scratch a finish. If you ever set a socket set on a fender, this is a nice feature.

Blow moulded cases seem very popular in the states. Fair point on scratches though.

Stahlwille make nice steel cases.

I have a Gedore 3/4" set and the steel case that came with it was abysmal. Paper thin, **** handle and cheap clasps that sprung open.

Hazet make an excellent injection moulded case with an injection moulded rubber insert. It is pretty sweet (but the retail price isn't).

 

[bobcatdan]

SK has the complete blow mold case socket set down pat. No need to look else where. My go to 1/4" set is a SAE and metric semi deep set. Kit has a long handle ratchet, u joint and nut driver that can be used as an extension. Not much I can't do with. Given the choice I'd give up my left nut over that set, hell I use it way more then the nut.