Best way to organize sockets??

bans25 · Sep 3, 2007

Whats the best way you guys have figured out to organize sockets?

I just ordered the 3 sets of Hansen global socket trays to try them out..

I also have multiple sets of sockets, impacts, shorts, longs, 12 point, 6 point etc. so I may end up buying more of theses..

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...=mode+matchallpartial&Dx=mode+matchallpartial

What else do you guy use?

dxdexter · Sep 3, 2007

I use metal socket trays. One for SAE and one for metric. They take up less space than the Hansen type and I can lift the entire tray full of 1/4",3/8" and 1/2" drive out of the drawer all at once. they are also cheap. The 3/4" drive stuff is just placed in the drawer. I don't think they make anything but a metal box for the heavy stuff.

mulepackin · Sep 4, 2007

Lots of threads on this topic, just search. I hemmed and hawed over Hansons for a long time. Wife and kids got em for me for fathers day. I must say I am happy with them. Well organized, know when a socket is missing.

-lecroix- · Sep 4, 2007

I have the Hansen trays ... and LOVE them. But I did notice Harbor Freight has a knock-off now ... three trays for $10 ... may be cheap enough just to try.

Harbor Freight's version of the Hansen Tray.

Uncle Buck · Sep 4, 2007

I like the way the HF trays look. If I were buying I would probably try them first. I have tried alot of socket storage ideas through the years; I have never been partial to the spring clip strips, but rather prefer the old skool socket trays with the bail handles. I find I can cram more socket trays in a drawer with them and take full advantage of every last square inch!

MustangRick · Sep 4, 2007

I picked up the plastic rails from sears. The ones I got are between the cheap ones that the 10 piece socket sets come on and the quick latch style. They have a ball bearing that lets the socket out with a little force. They were like $12 for a set of 6 if I remember correctly. I thought about the Hansen, but I prefer something that I can grab and toss into a tool bag if I need to work outside the garage.

mulepackin · Sep 5, 2007

-lecroix- said:
I have the Hansen trays ... and LOVE them. But I did notice Harbor Freight has a knock-off now ... three trays for $10 ... may be cheap enough just to try.

Harbor Freight's version of the Hansen Tray.

Guess that was only a matter of time. They don't look bad though. Can you screw up plastic?

MAD · Sep 5, 2007

-lecroix- said:
I have the Hansen trays ... and LOVE them. But I did notice Harbor Freight has a knock-off now ... three trays for $10 ... may be cheap enough just to try.

Harbor Freight's version of the Hansen Tray.

mulepackin said:
Guess that was only a matter of time. They don't look though. Can you screw up plastic?

If you want to try them I noticed that they are 50% in the last catalog. Three trays for $4.99. (Catalog 481-D Summer 2007)

3 PC SAE SOCKET TRAY- ITEM 95595-2CMB

3 PC METRIC SOCKET TRAY- ITEM 95783-2CMB

wrenchr · Sep 5, 2007

snap on's hansen tray's are better!!! lol They are made of a more durable plastic.........hahahahahaha

-lecroix- · Sep 5, 2007

Don't know about better ... but I be willing to be that they are more expensive. :bounce:

Piper · Sep 5, 2007

I bought those HF ones and have used them for my impact stuff. They're pretty good but not as nice as the Hansen ones. I like having the post with the size of socket on it. These are a little different and at the cost probably a good alternative.

I have my sockets arranged in 2 separate boxes. 1 box is entirely metric, the other one SAE. This is pretty handy as I know, and keep, everything separate. So wrenches, sockets don't get mixed. I have 3 young kids and my son who is 6 really is learning about tools. Being able to say the blue box size.. or red box size .. Works for me. This also of course justifies having that second snap on cab I fought SWMBO for :thumbup:

Piper

Uncle Buck · Sep 5, 2007

Piper said:
I bought those HF ones and have used them for my impact stuff. They're pretty good but not as nice as the Hansen ones. I like having the post with the size of socket on it. These are a little different and at the cost probably a good alternative.

I have my sockets arranged in 2 separate boxes. 1 box is entirely metric, the other one SAE. This is pretty handy as I know, and keep, everything separate. So wrenches, sockets don't get mixed. I have 3 young kids and my son who is 6 really is learning about tools. Being able to say the blue box size.. or red box size .. Works for me. This also of course justifies having that second snap on cab I fought SWMBO for

Piper

I too separated my standard from my metric years ago, made things so much easier! :thumbup:

72chevy · Sep 6, 2007

MAD said:
If you want to try them I noticed that they are 50% in the last catalog. Three trays for $4.99. (Catalog 481-D Summer 2007)

3 PC SAE SOCKET TRAY- ITEM 95595-2CMB

3 PC METRIC SOCKET TRAY- ITEM 95783-2CMB

Anyone have a link to the item at this price online?

I don't think they will give the price at the register without proof.

TIA

MAD · Sep 6, 2007

72chevy said:
Anyone have a link to the item at this price online?

I don't think they will give the price at the register without proof.

TIA

From the H.F. site click on "Order from printed catalog"- it is in the blue left side menu. Then enter the item #s that I listed:

3 PC SAE SOCKET TRAY- ITEM 95595-2CMB
3 PC METRIC SOCKET TRAY- ITEM 95783-2CMB

The item will then show at the sale price. I guess you could make a print out of it and see if your local store will honor that price.

72chevy · Sep 6, 2007

MAD said:
From the H.F. site click on "Order from printed catalog"- it is in the blue left side menu. Then enter the item #s that I listed:

3 PC SAE SOCKET TRAY- ITEM 95595-2CMB
3 PC METRIC SOCKET TRAY- ITEM 95783-2CMB

The item will then show at the sale price. I guess you could make a print out of it and see if your local store will honor that price.

Excellent! :thumbup:

I hope they honor the price.

caspian65 · Sep 13, 2007

Finally got around to taking some pics. I used the Ernst socket organizers. These things are awesome as you can customize the rails to your liking. Here's my top drawer layout:

jimvannoy · Sep 13, 2007

I use the metal rails with the clips on them and the metal holders some sets come in. I like them because you can take the whole set of sockets to your work.

caspian65 · Sep 13, 2007

Yep, the Ernst rails come out too. I can take a whole rail to a car or whatever I'm working on instead of guessing the size.

ColdDuckTime · Sep 13, 2007

jimvannoy said:
I use the metal rails with the clips on them and the metal holders some sets come in. I like them because you can take the whole set of sockets to your work.

I agree with this, which makes me wonder why there isn't more interest in buying plastic cases with an entire socket set in them (obviously these exist from all the manufacturers, but there sure are less of them on eBay than there are rails of sockets).

I'm probably a broken record on this, but I would much rather buy a wrench set in a case rather than one of those little cheapie plastic holders ala Snap-On...it would be cool if someone in the aftermarket built molded cases with lids for wrench sets.

caspian65 · Sep 13, 2007

One of my SO wrench sets came in a plastic case. I believe you can buy them from the catalog separately. They also sell metal cases for all types of uses.

Canadian Charlie · Sep 13, 2007

caspian65 said:

You must every socket known to man kind, thats very impressive

bmwpower · Sep 13, 2007

Canadian Charlie said:
You must every socket known to man kind, thats very impressive

No. I think he's missing a 5.5mm deep on the right side.

j/k...nice sockets!

caspian65 · Sep 13, 2007

Actually... I do have the 5.5mm sockets! Had to special order them from my SO man because they didn't come in the normal socket sets!

ColdDuckTime · Sep 13, 2007

caspian65 said:
Actually... I do have the 5.5mm sockets! Had to special order them from my SO man because they didn't come in the normal socket sets!

Here's the perfect kit to add to your collection.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SNAP...ryZ43993QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Canadian Charlie · Sep 14, 2007

Whats he gonna do with 45 1/4" sockets?

caspian65 · Sep 14, 2007

That's what I was wonderin' too! :lol_hitti

bmwpower · Sep 14, 2007

Canadian Charlie said:
Whats he gonna do with 45 1/4" sockets?

Resell? Put one in the car, the truck, the house, the garage, the office, the basement, the bathroom, etc.... never know when you might need one and with so many you won't have to go searching for one.

wilbilt · Sep 14, 2007

bmwpower said:
Resell? Put one in the car, the truck, the house, the garage, the office, the basement, the bathroom, etc.... never know when you might need one and with so many you won't have to go searching for one.

True. I have 100 Proto 9/16" deep 3/8" drive sockets. You just never know...

wilbilt · Sep 14, 2007

ColdDuckTime said:
I'm probably a broken record on this, but I would much rather buy a wrench set in a case rather than one of those little cheapie plastic holders ala Snap-On...it would be cool if someone in the aftermarket built molded cases with lids for wrench sets.

The issue I have with cases is the space they take up. I guess if you have a huge box with not very many tools in it, space isn't a problem. When that box fills up, the cases start getting tossed.

I use clip rails for sockets for the same reason. I don't like them very much, but they don't take up any space. The Hansen trays are nice, but I would need 3X the space to store my sockets if I used them.

Aggressive1 · Sep 14, 2007

I like the molded plastic cases for the go, so I have two sets of 3/8 and 1/4 drive. One in a molded case, and I keep my SAE and Metric impact sockets in there boxes in case I need to grab and go. But then I have a full set of sockets set up in the tool box. I just picked up the hansen SAE trays to try them and I like them alot and will head back soon to pick up the metric.

ColdDuckTime · Sep 14, 2007

wilbilt said:
The issue I have with cases is the space they take up. I guess if you have a huge box with not very many tools in it, space isn't a problem. When that box fills up, the cases start getting tossed.

I use clip rails for sockets for the same reason. I don't like them very much, but they don't take up any space. The Hansen trays are nice, but I would need 3X the space to store my sockets if I used them.

The thing is, if you could get full kits of everything in cases, you almost don't need a toolbox (heresy!)...just some shelving. I'm just trying to rethink the doctrine of having some sort of zillion pound lump of drawers playing Stonehenge in the garage. Plus, at least for the cars I've dealt with, you simply don't need as many tools as people seem to accumulate.

As for the all of those identical sockets, I figured they could all go on each of the ratchets that I see there.

caspian65 · Sep 14, 2007

ColdDuckTime said:
Plus, at least for the cars I've dealt with, you simply don't need as many tools as people seem to accumulate.

As for the all of those identical sockets, I figured they could all go on each of the ratchets that I see there.

Sure, with that kind of mentality, we should all drive Yugo's and live in sheds. Because, we "don't need" leather seats or a V8 engine, we don't need a dining room that only gets used once a year. Do we really need paved driveways when dirt will suffice?

People make choices based on what they like, no need to talk down or belittle someone that might not make the same choices that you do.

Never imagined that my post would hurt some feelings. Guess I know better now. Was just sharing something I am proud of and thought I made a good choice buying and organizing.

ImportTuner · Sep 14, 2007

caspian65 said:
Sure, with that kind of mentality, we should all drive Yugo's and live in sheds. Because, we "don't need" leather seats or a V8 engine, we don't need a dining room that only gets used once a year. Do we really need paved driveways when dirt will suffice?

People make choices based on what they like, no need to talk down or belittle someone that might not make the same choices that you do.

Never imagined that my post would hurt some feelings. Guess I know better now. Was just sharing something I am proud of and thought I made a good choice buying and organizing.

Caspian65 ... I want to thank you for sharing your impressive collection and to say don't worry about what others say or think ..

Danglerb · Sep 14, 2007

Sigh, I dream some day of having a toolbox like that, ... in a neighbors garage.

Part of getting older is that I have learned how not to allow the opinions of others to spoil my fun. I see no need for a reason to collect things you like.

wrenchr · Sep 14, 2007

caspian65 said:
Sure, with that kind of mentality, we should all drive Yugo's and live in sheds. Because, we "don't need" leather seats or a V8 engine, we don't need a dining room that only gets used once a year. Do we really need paved driveways when dirt will suffice?

People make choices based on what they like, no need to talk down or belittle someone that might not make the same choices that you do.

Never imagined that my post would hurt some feelings. Guess I know better now. Was just sharing something I am proud of and thought I made a good choice buying and organizing.

Hey, I have multiples of everything almost...I have way more ratchet's than I care to admit to, but I like to work on my vehicle's and my friend's as well and collecting tool's is a hobby I picked up from Dad who passed away 10 years ago. I think he would get a kick out of my tool collection now! I learned every thing I know from him.

ColdDuckTime · Sep 14, 2007

caspian65 said:
Sure, with that kind of mentality, we should all drive Yugo's and live in sheds. Because, we "don't need" leather seats or a V8 engine, we don't need a dining room that only gets used once a year. Do we really need paved driveways when dirt will suffice?

People make choices based on what they like, no need to talk down or belittle someone that might not make the same choices that you do.

Never imagined that my post would hurt some feelings. Guess I know better now. Was just sharing something I am proud of and thought I made a good choice buying and organizing.

Sorry, I was just teasing you. It isn't like a boatload of hand tools represents a gigantic investment compared to what a person can spend on vehicles or a house. Every time I have come close to buying a Cross Boss and an Autolite inline carb, the thought of paying thousands of dollars for some pot metal and cast aluminum never crossed my mind...(it should, probably).

Just wait until I get a huge bundle of chrome plated Knipex pliers. I'll show you Snap On guys.

caspian65 · Sep 14, 2007

No prob... I don't mind a little jabbing, just came across different that's all.

Funny thing about the Cross Boss intakes... they sure are pretty but they look more impressive off a car than on one!

RAYJAY · Sep 14, 2007

I bought these this time for the shop ,and they really work great

http://www.socketlogic.com/

wilbilt · Sep 14, 2007

I once owned a Yugo...and I have a dirt driveway. :beer:

caspian65 · Sep 14, 2007

RAYJAY said:
I bought these this time for the shop ,and they really work great

http://www.socketlogic.com/

The only problem with setups like that is you are stuck to whatever sizes are listed/allowed for. Every socket organization has it's own merits, but the Ernst rails allow you to customize however you want.

Best way to organize sockets??

Active member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Banned

Banned

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Super Moderator

Banned

Well-known member

Banned

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Attachments

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Banned

Super Moderator

Well-known member

Well-known member

Banned

Well-known member

Super Moderator

Banned

Banned

Member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Super Moderator

Well-known member

Super Moderator

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Banned

Well-known member