Basic Socket Rails

call me crazy, but i want some basic socket rails instead of my nepros and koken zeal ones. my tools are mostly thrown in bags, and the zeal rails drive me nuts because they're magnetic. the nepros ones are nice, but they seem like they're better for mounting on something.

really both are nice, and i can definitely see myself going back to them in the future.

but for now..

i'm thinking something basic. probably plastic, or at least not something with sharp edges that's going to scratch up other stuff in a bag.

are twist-lock style rails nice? do they positively lock in when you twist them?

i was looking at tekton and ernst.

tekton:


ernst:


they look remarkably similar. lol.

https://www.tekton.com/3-8-inch-drive-socket-rails?quantity=1&color=red&tool-count=15-tool
edit: https://www.ernstmfg.com/8415-13-socket-organizer-w/twist-lock-clips-red-3/8.aspx

any suggestions? thanks

For basic rails i like the old craftsman, kobalt, SK, Matco, wright & others VIM made nylon rail. Cripe has them on EBay fairly cheap. HJE sells them too.

https://cripedistributing.com/search?q=socket+rail

Carlyle & Gearwrench have some nice offerings too.

Did you know you linked the magnetic rail from Ernst? The nonmagnetic is $7.95 (magnetic is a lot more) --> https://www.ernstmfg.com/8415-13-socket-organizer-w/twist-lock-clips-red-3/8.aspx Amazon also has them. The linked Tekton is nonmagnetic.

Are you planning on buying 6 or more Ernst/Tekton rails? Do you care if they are all red and nonmagnetic?

measuredtwice said:

Did you know you linked the magnetic rail from Ernst? The nonmagnetic is $7.95 (magnetic is a lot more) --> https://www.ernstmfg.com/8415-13-socket-organizer-w/twist-lock-clips-red-3/8.aspx Amazon also has them. The linked Tekton is nonmagnetic.

Click to expand...

oops. ty, fixed it in the OP.

measuredtwice said:

Are you planning on buying 6 or more Ernst/Tekton rails? Do you care if they are all red and nonmagnetic?

Click to expand...

at the moment, i think i need 5 rails:

1/4: one rail

3/8: three rails

1/2: one rail

why?

Free shipping over $30. $8.60 for 13" socket boss (two 13" rails and a tray). That's around 50% off.

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/workshop/storage/tool-storage/75462-socket-organizer-sets

3 sets is $25.80 which is just shy of the $30 free shipping... Maybe add some of these accessory holders or some other filler

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/sho...-accessory-holders-for-socket-organizers-sets

These are Ernst. They manufacture them also for Tekton which is why they look similar.

thanks MT. ordered!

I've been using all different kinds and brands. The Tekton/Ernst are alright. I question their durability over time.

I've bought some cheap ABN and other rebrands that are the aluminum rail with plastic clips and a detent ball. I use them exclusively in my road box. Easy to cut and modify. Low budget stuff.