3D printed socket tray fitted to existing SK 1/4in socket case

[jmarkwolf]

I have a couple of these vintage 1/4in drive socket tray "kits" (pic below), one from SK and the other from Jensen, for which the original thin plastic organizer has long since disintegrated. The case measures approx 2-1/2 x 6-1/2 inches.

Is this the sort of thing that 3D printing could be used to nicely re-generate the tray? I've browsed the "Thingiverse" catalog but don't see any files for drop-in replacements, and I don't think I want to invest the time and money learning 3D drafting and a 3D printer for this one-off project.

Suggestions gratefully received.

 

[Cruzan80]

Yes, those can be easily 3D printed. The biggest limitation is usually the size of the printing bed.

How much is left, and can you "sketch in" the lines that are missing? I don't think I have that exact case, but probably going to be having my students "reverse engineer" some designs next year as an assignment.

 

[Model A Fan]

Given how small the interior of the box is, the limiting factor would be the space between each item being able to fit the piece and have printed material between it. You could possibly print a recessed space that doesn't have material between the pieces, thus freeing space up for the tools to all fit.

It would be a neat project, but I'm still learning myself.

 

[loganb]

Yes, 3d printing that would be a perfect solution. The insert would easily fit on the bed of most 3d printers so it can be printed in a single piece. For resistance to higher temps I'd suggest ASA or ABS so it doesn't deform if in a hot toolbox in the sun...but the printing of it is pretty straight forward.

Modeling the design in CAD takes a bit more time and generally takes a couple iterations to get things like you want. Would be a fun project and I've done some similar things for others, but don't have the capacity to take it on and complete in a reasonable time right now.

 

[Upstater57]

I have a couple of SK trays being scanned and 3D printed. When I get them, I will post some pics.

 

[autobon7]

I have a couple of SK trays being scanned and 3D printed. When I get them, I will post some pics.

Would love to see them

 

[d42jeep]

Here is an original 1/4” drive set tray.
-Don

 

[ecotec]

If you live in Michigan still, it would probably be easier and cheaper to find a few at garage/estate sales.

SK sets are very common and cheap in the Midwest.

 

[four.cycle]

Here is the plastic tray out of the much longer 1/2" drive set - it's about 17" x 3.5" - they were made out of a brittle plastic that breaks easily.
I salvaged a scrap of plastic from another object and repaired the end panel.

 

[Upstater57]

Hi guys,

As promised last week, here are a few trays I had 3d printed. The two middle trays in the pic on the left are OEM, the other two in the pic are the 3d printer versions. The pic on the right shows the sockets from this 4224-76 combo kit in the new 3d tray. The tray is a 100% perfect fit. The 1/4 inch tray is also a perfect fit.

The initial cost is high due to the scanning process. Now that these two are scanned, I will see how much I can get them printed for by the dozen. For those that do not have time to procure original copies, these may have some value. I see very few good ones on ebay. They are usually in nice sets or in empty boxes. I have not yet come across a perfect tray by itself for sale. Maybe some of you have had a different experience.

 

[d42jeep]

I think I found one good one on eBay.
Here are some bad ones followed by the replacement.
-Don

 

[Upstater57]

I think I found one good one on eBay.
Here are some bad ones followed by the replacement.
-Don

Thank you, Don.
Do you think people would be interested in 3d replacement trays?

 

[d42jeep]

Possibly, if the price was reasonable and they would pass for original. I have seen some 3d red replacement Craftsman 1/4” drive trays available that were obviously 3d printed and they didn’t interest me.
-Don

 

[four.cycle]

Do you think people would be interested in 3d replacement trays?

Only if you can reproduce the original tray and be able to deliver it at a reasonable price point.
Where the ceiling is remains an open question.
Check "sold" prices on ebay on empty boxes.
Some people are willing to pay what I consider ridiculous amounts of money for boxes (I have myself), but you're targeting a very small niche market limited to a couple brands, although both of them were major players in the tool world, and their plastic socket set inserts pretty much have all failed at this point in time.

 

[Cruzan80]

The other barrier would be "relative" quality. Not sure what you are making them in, or how fine the layer lines are in your print. The closer they pass for "original", the better. Maybe acetone vapor smoothing, or another technique?

I have been meaning to make some myself, based off of existing trays I have. I guess I could scan, but also could just reproduce the old fashioned way (calipers/radius gage/etc).

I think that would be the other issue (barrier to entry). For example, if I make some based on pre-existing measurements, I may choose to give away the .STL files for free to anyone with a printer (non-commercial use). Not saying someone WILL, but there is no barrier stopping them from undercutting you like that. Thereby eating into possible customer base.

 

[Beerhippie]

A vacuum-forming rig, a carved die--either from balsa or stacked cardboard--and some of the same black thermoplastic would give you the real McCoy.

My father had a vacuum-former in the basement when I was a kid. Simple rig with a DIY nichrome coil radiant heater, perf board base and a shop vac. We were always making cool stuff with it. I'm sure the design came from Pop. Mech. or similar magazine, late '60s-early '70s.

His was huge--like 3X4', so we'd accumulate lots of small projects for each "pull". Seems easy enough to make a small one for projects like this using a coil plate from a toaster, etc.

 

[Upstater57]

Appreciate the feedback from everyone. I think "collectors" will want the OEM version and probably pay whatever to get them. The average tool user may accept the 3D version. The ones I had made are a good copy and are functionally the same. IF I decide to put them out commercially, as mentioned above, pricing decide their fate.