Best socket holder for portable tool bag?

[1233user]

I am looking for a new way to hold my sockets that I carry in a portable tool bag. I have tried the socket holder rails, and also the plastic formed socket holders that have a magnet to hold the socket in. The problem is that the sockets don't always stay attached to the holders, and I have to go searching for the loose sockets at the bottom of the bag. Does anyone make anything that holds the sockets more securely so they can't fall out of the holder? Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[Tenex]

I use Ernst Twist-Lok rails

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Yep, Ernst twist lock is the best rail for throwing in a bag. Check out the side mount ratchet/extension clips too.

http://www.ernstmfg.com/

 

[bbrins]

I mostly use the Wright/Craftsman/Kobalt plastic rails, and I rarely have trouble with the sockets coming off in my tool bag. I also have a few of the Ernst rails that I just got, not real sure yet if I like them or not.

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[FigureItOut]

Came to say Ernst, looks like OP got his answer. Get the 3 row tray also.

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[bob15]

The Wright/Craftsman/Sk/Armstrong rails with the metal detent balls

 

[Codejack]

HF has detent rails cheap:

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-pc-socket-rail-set-68101.html

 

[Cummins_Tech]

Ernst for the win. Perfect for anything. Keep your sockets nice and organized in your box, and if you need to take them out on the road, grab it, and toss it in your truck box and they won't go anywhere, and stay in the exact configuration you had them in. And crazy affordable too.


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[FSrepair&fabrication]

heres another vote for the twist lock rails. I never lose sockets in the bottom of the bag anymore, and mine are magnetic so i can usually stick em close by when im working under a truck.

 

[bbrins]

Those Harbor Freight rails don't hold up well if they are getting used a lot, actually it isn't so much the rails, but either the clips snap off easily or the detent balls pop out. They are probably fine for organizing your sockets in your tool box drawer at home, but getting tossed around and smooshed into a tool bag, they won't last very long. I still have a few of my original Craftsman rails from 1999 or 2000(?) in my main tool bag.

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[Wamsutta]

The Wright/Craftsman/Sk/Armstrong rails with the metal detent balls

GearWrench is similar but the clips are on the inside. I like that better because it gives you a real stable flat base that stands up solid.

 

[Tallpilot]

I use some Olsa tools rails in my box. I use blow mold cases for my truck socket set so I have never tried them in a bag but they are machined well and priced decently. They have the detent like the SK and are billet aluminum so very hardy but lightweight.

 

[1233user]

I use Ernst Twist-Lok rails

Thanks a lot for all the replies! I ordered a couple of the Ernst Twist-Lok rails to try out. It looks like they are exactly what I want. Thanks again!

 

[VintageOkieDriver]

Thank you for all this info. I need two of these as well. As a DIY guy this is often the only place I know to look for info like this.

 

[johndeereman]

Another vote for the Olsa tool rails i have quite a few and they have been great for about 6 months of abuse in the service truck.

 

[D-Vice]

I use the Koken rails, if you don't mind spending a little more on your rails. I have them in my box, and I take them in my portable bag on the weekends when I need to go to salvage yards or work on a buddies car. They hold the socket on a 1/4" 3/8" or 1/2" square with a ball just like a ratchet does. And the rail back is magnetic which is really nice to slap under a hood or on the bottom of a car when you're under there working. I haven't had a problem yet with the sockets falling off in my bags.
View media item 72268

 

[555]

I found these at WalMart

 

[bbrins]

Yesterday I found out that I definitely do not like the Ernst twist lock rails. I was working in my driveway in the sun, had my rail of deep metrics sitting on the fender of my Jeep, went to pick it up and every last socket fell off. Apparently the plastic gets really soft in the heat, I couldn't get any of the sockets to stay on their clips, and even after cooling them down inside the sockets now fit really loose. This does not happen with my other plastic rails made by Wright, Craftsman, or Kobalt. I guess I will be going back to what I have been using, or maybe try some of those Olsa rails mentioned above.

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[cliftonbros89]

Ernst. That's all I'll use anymore. Interchangeable and adaptable for all kinds of different sockets, plus different sizes and options available. Made in USA and have a lifetime warranty. Quality product. Order direct, you have to pay shipping but the service is great.

 

[JR7]

I use the plastic rails with metal ball detents mentioned in post 6. They sell them at Home Depot around me so I started buying those because I hate the metal rails. They work pretty well for me at my job where I do occasionally have to take tools in a bag or tote. If this was for constant on-the-road use I might prefer blow-molded cases at the expense of more space.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Just slightly side topic, what socket sizes/types do you carry in your portable tool bag? I'm leaning towards 3/8 semi-deep since that seems to be the sweet spot do-almost anything set.

 

[Crown Imperial]

I second the Koken holder. Best one I've ever had.

 

[kblee27]

If I'm not mistaken Tekton Twist Lock is the same as Ernst
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008TM15LY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[scubadoober]

Wera makes a twist lock "belt" with carabiner. It also has velcro on the back. I have no experience, but......http://products.wera.de/en/innovations_and_autumn_winter_campaign_2017_2018.html

 

[VinceG]

Something like this would be a good option I'm sure you can find it cheaper else where
https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/MLASTRAY/LOCK-A-SOCKET-TRAY-SOCKET-HLDR/

 

[Al Borland]

Problem with a rail is the whole tool bag environment.
If they hold well enough to transport, you will be fighting the rail to get them loose.
Either find a set in a compact case (best answer), or consider a small zippered bag for sockets inside the main tool bag (which means trying to find the right socket in a bag).

 

[kblee27]

I have similar problem.
I only need to carry around about 10 pieces of sockets, to be stowed away neatly in my small Veto Pro toolbag which is tight in space.
Can't carry around a 13" Ernst socket holder, so thought of cutting it in half.

 

[ThatSickRip]

Those Harbor Freight rails don't hold up well if they are getting used a lot, actually it isn't so much the rails, but either the clips snap off easily or the detent balls pop out. They are probably fine for organizing your sockets in your tool box drawer at home, but getting tossed around and smooshed into a tool bag, they won't last very long. I still have a few of my original Craftsman rails from 1999 or 2000(?) in my main tool bag.

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You can use the HF rails and upgrade the clips to Ares or Olsa for cheap off of Amazon if they fit (look to be the same style in the pictures)

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I have similar problem.
I only need to carry around about 10 pieces of sockets, to be stowed away neatly in my small Veto Pro toolbag which is tight in space.
Can't carry around a 13" Ernst socket holder, so thought of cutting it in half.

I actually cut the end with the hanging hole off of the rail that holds my semi-deep sockets. Saved maybe and inch or so of space and just sanded it down to match the stop on the end. You could probably do the same with one of their shorter rails.

 

[psychob0b1977]

I have these Makita impact set's in both standard and metric in my veto pro pack. They hold tight and are flexible. They also take up virtually no space beyond what the sockets themselves take up.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-...Tilt-Socket-Adapter-9-Piece-B-34833/203612037

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[gregpack]

I use the ernst rails and they stay in my truck, which easily gets over 100 degrees. No deformation yet.

One think a lot of people don't realize is that the twist lock is not designed for impact sockets. They have a standard push on design for those. Sumitt racing is a great source for all things Ernst.

I haven't used one, but if budget allows I wonder how a VIM magrail would work. The big problem I see with it is tools constantly sticking to it.

 

[anndel]

Ernst Twist Lock

 

[xin]

Yep, Ernst twist lock is the best rail for throwing in a bag. Check out the side mount ratchet/extension clips too.

http://www.ernstmfg.com/

Question on how the plastic holds up (do you know if oils/grease) - heat/cold will cause it to dry rot or crumble?

thanks

 

[magtl]

Just a suggestion for the tool bag users. Depending on the number of sockets you need to carry, try either two 6” or two 8” Magrail TL’s. They will magnetically attach base to base and will not come apart until you take them apart. You can place short sockets on one side and deep on the other. This way the socket rails will not be a problem attracting other tools in your bag. The Magrail TL was original designed this way for the aircraft mechanics who carry tool bags.

 

[kctyphoon]

Absolute best way to keep sockets organized for a portable kit, is to buy a mechanics tool set that comes in its own case. Save they pliers and screwdrivers for the bag.. the gearwrench set is perfect for this.

 

[Bobioz1]

I keep my seldom used SAE sockets in my portable box on wrench rings I got at Menards.

 

[Fierljeppen]

Ernst blue for metric, red for std. I've tried everything over the years and the Ernst work great! They've got a really nice 3-row tray for storing the same rails in the box.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I just toss in my whole Hanson tray/s in my bag if I'm not sure what I'll need. I'll admit they are not the "Best" for this use. If I have a general idea on what I need, I'll use the ones that bob 15 in post #6 pictured.

 

[thatguysb]

those magrails whew! ***

 

[Garage&Beer]

I also use the twist lock rails and they work just fine, well for 1/2" anyhow. I also found them too long also and just cut them in half, SAE 1/2 and metric other.
I'm in need of a solution for my 3/4 drive stuff. Wish they made some for that size.