Best socket organizer. Ideas?

[rogersmithiii]

I bought a Craftsman tool kit that I've been pretty happy with. I bought the socket racks with handles where the sockets snap into metal clips. I'm not thrilled with the concept.

What do people use to organize sockets? In fact, can people post things that they like to use to keep their rolling tool chests neat and tidy?

Thanks
Rog

 

[RedAggie03]

Hanson sockey trays. I tried them and they are nice, but I could not get some of my Snap-On sockets to fit on the posts. I ended up selling them. There are other rails out there that are easier to use like the Snap-On twist lock rails. Do a search on tool box orginazation, there is a lot on this topic.

 

[Macgyver_ga]

I use the craftsman magnetic trays for the sockets I use most (all my metric sockets 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive). I use the metal clip ones for the sockets I don't use often (Standard).

 

[84TurboBuick]

Harbor Freight has a 3 piece socket rail that I use.... best bang for the buck. Only downside is that they kinda need to be secured down...I've heard others say they don't so your milage may very.

A pic of them in action.....

 

[68-camaro]

My favorite is Magrails from Vims Tools. Spendy but nice and works well.

 

[jsonic6]

I use Hanson's for my regular sockets, and for impacts, hex, and torx bits, I use the similiar to one listed below, but in black... I think this design is by far the best for various sizes and what not...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/80pc-Socket-Rack-Rail-Tray-Holder-Organizer-Lock-Tool-/250968766854?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr&hash=item3a6ee77986

 

[canuckian]

I use the Ernst/snap on rails. works great for my application and they're not that pricey if you shop around. Havent had them for long so i can't comment too much on the durability but so far, so good.

 

[quattrojon]

Another vote for the Ernst rails from me.

 

[twincam00]

Harbor freight socket trays, not portable tho

 

[bmwohio]

HF's version of the Hansen trays --> http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-metric-socket-trayorganizer-68102.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-sae-socket-trayorganizer-68100.html

 

[countryroad82]

I have a few sets of these that I like http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002STSUI/?tag=atomicindus08-20 I'll admit they do take up a great deal of space but I like that I can grab both shallow and deep sockets and take to the job.

 

[aussiek2000]

on rails screwed down to a sheet of MDF

 

[kippieland]

I have the Kobalt version of the Hansen trays...Love them. Put I did find this on Amazon that looked pretty sweet.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Q6NIJI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[DanCo]

I did rails, screwed them down to a thick sheet of aluminum, paint, added some grab handles and rubber feet.

Dan

 

[lilredex]

More ideas here:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=121834&highlight=socket+trays

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47412&highlight=socket+organization

 

[Butters]

Post #10 and Post #11.

I really like the Hansen/HF/etc organizers (Post #10) if you keep your sockets on top of your chest or in a deep drawer. They're really easy to grab and replace the right size socket quickly.

However, I also really like using the Lisle magnetic trays (Post #11) if you're doing a job requiring multiple sockets and you are in a position, say under a car, where it isn't easy to grab something from your box. You can grab the entire Hansen/HF tray, but it isn't as convenient as the Lisle for that.

Can't go wrong with either. But I'm definitely not a fan of the rails.

 

[Jeff]

This is what I use in my 26" chest:

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Don't like the metal rail clips, but okay for now.

 

[kippieland]

Don't like the metal rail clips, but okay for now.

Is that Laminate flooring?

 

[NUTTSGT]

I thought I posted in this thread.


Maybe I forgot to hit post ?

 

[NUTTSGT]

Okay, lets try this again.

For my regular sockets, I use a simple Craftsman socket rail with the clips. I have replaced a few clips over the years. I made some socket holders for my impact sockets. Here's a picture of them and a link below for the build.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=129540

 

[JASTECH]

I had never seen Magrails, Thanks!
These might be the ticket for my ability getting sockets loose from them mean clips. I have Hansen rails never used and the old type new import and the ones that came with snap-on sockets years ago. Maybe I will try the Mag Tray and if I like it sell all the others or keep for?

 

[richfinn]

I dont like the Hansen type trays (the sockets dont always fit/I dont need all those sizes/I,m scared of dropping sockets out if it tips up)

I like the old type good quality metal ones like these for my chrome/impacts as I can arrange them how I want (not how Hansen want)

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=3164&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I like this one for my high use 1/4 drive set (but find the 3/8 and 1/2 too big)

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=17145&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I like to keep my larger Impacts on one of these

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=3231&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I dont have a massive tool box so I like compact stuff so I can cram more in but still be organised

 

[wreckercologist]

My work box has a couple sheets of 16 gauge with rails welded to it.

Here's a look at how I used to organize the odd stuff like crowsfeet:

Just rails with magnets screwed to them stuck to the inside face of the drawer. I recently bought a side cab and moved these to another drawer.

This probably isn't for everyone, but works quite well for me. I don't like dragging a complete rails of sockets to a job that only needs one or two. More tools out of the box to clean and keep track of. I also dislike the magnetic rails. To each their own, but I watched a coworker ship out a mag rail loaded with a complete set of deep metric 1/4" Snap-on sockets.......left it stuck to a truck. I hope the mag rail fans are not offended by my comments, as this is just my opinion and not a judgement directed towards them. Again, to each there own.

At home I'm currently putting together a socket organizing project that consists of 1/16" X 3/4" aluminum barstock that will be fastened to a backer of some sort. Similar to what's pictured above, but different. This way I can make the rails as long as I like. I don't recall the poster's name, but I got this idea off of GJ. Can't even recall the thread title..........getting old.

 

[MattPersman]

My work box has a couple sheets of 16 gauge with rails welded to it.

looks good and looks like a techs drawer but more organized than me I need to get my @ss in gear to try to straighten mine up

 

[WR250F]

Mechanics Time Savers magnetic plates

View media item 13156

 

[jim2664258]

Glad to see some positive comments on the Ernst rails, I actually have a couple coming in today and happened upon this thread just now. I am getting the rails with the twist-lock clips, I've heard great things about them. Envious of the guys with chests that have lots of room for storage - I want something that takes up as little room as possible.

Ernst sells the twist-lock clips separately, and you can attach them to the other side of the rail essentially making it 2-sided. I know that will make them heavy, but it will really cut down on space required in the toolbox. Plan to put shorts on one side and deeps on the other.

 

[muibubbles]

My work box has a couple sheets of 16 gauge with rails welded to it.

i love the upside down snap on emblem. was it intentional?

 

[plinker]

I really like the rails that Gearwrench/Napa/Matco have.

They are not really cheap though, around 8$ each.

 

[idubvdub]

wreckercologist I really like your crowsfoot setup, great idea.
I'm very happy with the Mechanics Time Saver lock a socket rails. Easy to configure however you like, add or remove additional socket pegs. You're able to space them as you need so your not limited or have empty pegs. The 1/4, 3/8th and 1/2 pegs are interchangeable. The only cons I've found is the price; they add up quickly and also if you let someone borrow a socket they are always unfamiliar with how to remove the socket. I haven't had anyone break any of the pegs yet. Despite verbal instructions, when I turn around and see the person continuing to yank harder and harder, frustrated that the socket won't budge; it's irritating because I can see it happening. Most of the time you have to demonstrate it's operation. I still haven't found a way I like to store my extra long sockets. To the picture.

 

[jim2664258]

Got the Ernst rails in. I really like the twist-lock caps, the sockets will not fall off. All pieces are plastic so I don't know how it would hold up in a real shop, but for me they are perfect. Using them 2-sided really does save a lot of space in the toolbox I store them in.

 

[cderalow]

actual hansen trays here.

Though I'm always curious when I see a 'pro' box that a lot of the 'pros' store them upsidedown.

 

[crewchief888]

the only metal rail/clips that ive ever been satisfied with were from SO.

i use SO metal rails, hansen trays, lisle flat mag trays, several different MTS mag holders, and quite a few metal trays. ( the kind that socket sets used to come in).

all depends on how much room you have, how many sets of sockets you need to store, and how much money you want to spend.

hansen and lisle flat mag holders take up the most room.

 

[BigSteve63]

Switched all of my cheap metal rails to these and really like them. No problems with them falling over, but they are kind of crammed in there.

Harbor Freight has a 3 piece socket rail that I use.... best bang for the buck. Only downside is that they kinda need to be secured down...I've heard others say they don't so your milage may very.

A pic of them in action.....

 

[tom65special]

I like the older style mechanics time saver. I have all of my 3/8 shallow and deep, metric and standard in them.



http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=mechanics+time+saver&hl=en&prmd=imvns&psj=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1366&bih=667&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=2725504275870007088&sa=X&ei=csMgT7SJKsiPsAKv6syQCQ&ved=0CH0Q8wIwBDgK

 

[FALaholic]

Harbor Freight has a 3 piece socket rail that I use.... best bang for the buck. Only downside is that they kinda need to be secured down...I've heard others say they don't so your milage may very.

A pic of them in action.....

I wanted to have removable rails, but I had already bought these. Based on the favorable reviews I found on the forum here (great site btw) I decided to keep and modify them a bit.

Im going to use the mill to countersink a hole in the underside of the rail and hot glue in these: rare earth magnets.

Very strong for their size, and shouldn't have a problem attracting right through the tool drawer liner.

 

[SILVERPLATE]

Plain old socket rails fastened to my box.

 

[dcarden]

Organized my sockets yesterday.

 

[fireguy229]

+1 for hansen & HF trays

 

[CJM8515]

I have both CMan and HF plastic rails. The CMan are actually really nice but not cheap at all, the HF are somewhat flimsy and of ok quality and of course MUCH cheaper. I also have the mechanics time saver type and like those the best-but not all sockets will fit in there.