Best way to organize sockets and bits

[Ambrose Wolfinger]

I'm planning on finally buying my first tool chest (the 44" Harbor Freight that everyone knows and loves) and am trying to figure out how to organize my sockets. It's a bit of a mess right now.

Here's what I have right now:

My most used sockets are a Husky set in a plastic case (which I hate) with 4 categories - 3/8" 12 point metric, 1/4" 6 point metric, 3/8" 12 point SAE, and 1/4" 6 point SAE.

7 metric hex bits, all 3/8"

11 torx bits, 1/4" and 3/8"

86 sockets that a friend gave me. A mix of drive, point and sae/metric. I'd like to keep these separate from the main Husky set.

I'm thinking of having 4 separate holders for the Husky set, a holder for the hex bits, and a holder for both drive sizes of torx bits. I'm not sure what to do with the extras. There are several duplicates of each size. Only a few things I don't have, mostly some 1/2" sockets and 8 point sockets. Since these are all extra, maybe something separate by sae/metric and not worry about drive size or 6/12 point?

Thanks!





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[Tallpilot]

Sounds to me like you want a customizable system like the Ernst Socket boss. Then you can tailor it to what you have. If you go with Hansen or Wesling Machine you will need to buy more sockets!

 

[Ambrose Wolfinger]

Thanks, I'll check out the Ernst

If you go with Hansen or Wesling Machine you will need to buy more sockets!

Not always a bad thing!



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[mrborohachi]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Multiple-Drive-Steel-Storage-Tray/3381278
$24.97

I've recently bought the VIM magrails and love them

 

[Tallpilot]

Thanks, I'll check out the Ernst

Dealing with odds and ends is always harder than full sets.

Here are some examples: I have a full set of 6 points so they are on the Hansen trays. Behind that tray is a Wesling machine bit socket tray and to the right is the Hansen bit socket tray.

In the other picture I have low profile impact sockets on a Sunex rail, 12 point impact and chrome on Olsa tools rails plus some MorTorqs, E Torx Plus on a VIM magrail and large impacts on a Wesling machine.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

For the time being; cut some 1X4 or 1X6 boards to fit the drawers.. Drive rows of 1 3/4" nails, spaced out for the different sizes of sockets. This will give You a a 3D idea as to how a particular arrangement will work.

When the bugs are worked out of the design; You have the option of making a complete rack system with boards and dowels.

 

[Ambrose Wolfinger]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Multiple-Drive-Steel-Storage-Tray/3381278
$24.97

I saw these at Lowe’s, looks a lot like the Ernst set but not as customizable.

For the time being; cut some 1X4 or 1X6 boards to fit the drawers.. Drive rows of 1 3/4" nails, spaced out for the different sizes of sockets. This will give You a a 3D idea as to how a particular arrangement will work.

When the bugs are worked out of the design; You have the option of making a complete rack system with boards and dowels.

Good idea, thanks!

 

[Ambrose Wolfinger]

Dealing with odds and ends is always harder than full sets.

Here are some examples: I have a full set of 6 points so they are on the Hansen trays. Behind that tray is a Wesling machine bit socket tray and to the right is the Hansen bit socket tray.

In the other picture I have low profile impact sockets on a Sunex rail, 12 point impact and chrome on Olsa tools rails plus some MorTorqs, E Torx Plus on a VIM magrail and large impacts on a Wesling machine.

Thanks a it’s good to see these up close.

Will check these out, plus I can find some of the Ernst trays locally.

 

[mdog892001]

i use these Leslie try’s get them online or at sears


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[Wamsutta]

GearWrench socket rails are quite excellent.

http://www.gearwrench.com/tool-storage/storage-accessories

 

[regguy1]

I put a piece of 1/2" MDF (painted gray) on the bottom of the drawer and screwed the $1.00 HF socket rail / clips to it. You can arrange it any way /size that suits you. Also will provide room for future expansion as your socket collection grows.

Here is a video with a better look at it:

 

[Wamsutta]

I put a piece of 1/2" MDF (painted gray) on the bottom of the drawer and screwed the $1.00 HF socket rail / clips to it. You can arrange it any way /size that suits you.

Did you use self tapping screws, or did you use machine screws with nuts on the back?

 

[regguy1]

Did you use self tapping screws, or did you use machine screws with nuts on the back?

I used self tappers, maybe 3/8" with a round phillips head, holds the rails down just fine. If you look I also screwed down a piece of aluminum angle (painted gray) to form a seperate section for long extensions and speed handles ect. I put the 1/4" drive stuff in a smaller upper drawer, I did use machine screws with nut (no MDF not enough clearance in shallower drawer) I drilled holes in drawer bottom for the screws, no problem with clearance for nuts underneath.

 

[AngryBeaver]

I like the hanson style trays myself. they are marked, you can get different colors and don't take up a ton of real estate like the metal plate with the crappy rails attached to them.

 

[Wamsutta]

I used self tappers, maybe 3/8" with a round phillips head, holds the rails down just fine. If you look I also screwed down a piece of aluminum angle (painted gray) to form a seperate section for long extensions and speed handles ect. I put the 1/4" drive stuff in a smaller upper drawer, I did use machine screws with nut (no MDF not enough clearance in shallower drawer) I drilled holes in drawer bottom for the screws, no problem with clearance for nuts underneath.

Thanks for the reply. I didn't know MDF would hold a self tapping screw.

 

[regguy1]

Thanks for the reply. I didn't know MDF would hold a self tapping screw.

You could drill a couple extra holes in the rails if you felt the need for additional holding power

 

[FTG-05]

I like the hanson style trays myself. they are marked, you can get different colors and don't take up a ton of real estate like the metal plate with the crappy rails attached to them.

Same here. The only complaint is that 1/2" drive long sockets won't fit in my tool chest drawers, hence they have to lay flat vs. vertical. Otherwise, I love my Hansen socket holders. I need to take pic some day.

 

[gahrajmahal]

For the OP, you never did say how you use or plan to use your sockets and ratchets. In my gahraj I am usually working in my wife's side of the garage or outside in the driveway, so if I am using a socket set I don't want to walk back and forth to the roll around inside of the gahraj where they are stored. I will grab a set of impact sockets, or metric 3/8ths if I am working on the daily drivers. A nice storage system as shown by the above posts will not work so well for my type of setup and jobs I do, so keep that in mind. I want to grab the whole set, not just one or two.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I like good rails like Gearwrench ones. Rails enable me to take a complete set to the job, can be tailored for wierd sets (I have Allen bits that have 3/8 and 1/2 drive sizes in the same set) and fit in nice and close to each other in the box so you can cram a lot in. Metal rails aren't quite as good as the good plastic ones IMHO but they are easily trommable to exact length.

Don't waste your time with the HF plastic rails. The HF metal rails can be ok for some applications but aren't the greatest

The HF, Hanson etc trays are ok but do take up a bit more room and odds are you will have empty pegs if that drives you nuts.

 

[SilverBulletZ06]

Put the standard sockets in the Harbor Freight holders. Get whatever rail floats your boat for special sockets. I have been in and out of my socket drawer so weekend in homeowner/home mechanic fashion and I can't thin of any reason to spend good money to put them in a different order.

 

[Ambrose Wolfinger]

For the OP, you never did say how you use or plan to use your sockets and ratchets. In my gahraj I am usually working in my wife's side of the garage or outside in the driveway, so if I am using a socket set I don't want to walk back and forth to the roll around inside of the gahraj where they are stored. I will grab a set of impact sockets, or metric 3/8ths if I am working on the daily drivers. A nice storage system as shown by the above posts will not work so well for my type of setup and jobs I do, so keep that in mind. I want to grab the whole set, not just one or two.

Mostly for car maintenance. I don’t always know what size I will need so being able to take a whole set is handy, which is why I really like the Ernst and GearWrench holders, so far.

The Ernst looks really customizable, with the ability to swap rails and clips. I’m thinking of doing this for my main set of standard and metric Husky sockets. Will possibly do something similar for the hex and torx socket bits. Since the torx are mixed drive sizes, I might try the Westling universal torx tray. For my pile of random/duplicates/giveaways I will probably get something less expensive and more basic since they don’t often get used. Just some cheap rails that will keep them in place.

The Hansen holders are nice, but at 3” high I don’t know that it will fit into the middle drawers of the HF 44 tool chest, which is my tentative plan. Plus the thinner pegs seem like they could break easily.

In reality I’ll just have to pick something and go for it. Since this is my first tool chest and first time really organizing I won’t know for sure until I try, but for the money and utility, the Ernst rails look good.

 

[eyeball]

i use these Leslie try’s get them online or at sears


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I used those trays for quite a while and really liked them. Then I became involved in the restoration of a 1970 Nova. That project required extensive metalworking and anything with a magnet ended up looking like a chia pet.

Since I usually work close to my box and don't need the ability to carry a stick of sockets to the project, I have found the Westling Machine socket organizers work best for me. However, keep in mind the Westling Machine organizers to take up a bit of real-estate.

 

[Ambrose Wolfinger]

Thanks for the advice. Just to update, I bought the Ernst Socket Boss for my main set, the Westling Machine universal holders for Torx and hex bits, and the cheap HF rails for the bag of extra sockets that were given to me.

Looks like I need to fill in some missing sizes, then think about getting some deep socket sets!

 

[JoeNES]

I use Craftsman socket rails because a) I like the color coding for drives and b) after bolting a simple ledger with 1/4 inch clearance under it to the side of my drawer, they don't fall over (I had a whole post on it a while back you can search for).

 

[flylow7f39]

I tossed out all of my socket organizers and replaced them with made in the USA Westling Machine socket organizers.

Real Tool Reviews: Westling Socket Trays - Billet Aluminum - MADE IN USA

 

[lilredex]

If you want to maximize your space, you could make up some of these for your drawers and walls.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I used the old Craftsman metal socket clips that were on a flat steel plate for my work truck toolbox because it kept the sockets from rolling around. You could link them together and it fot the top of the box well. IDK what part number it was and I can't find an example on the internet.

In my garage box I used two pf the Craftsman 965287 organizers and cut a few to fit in the top of the box.

I don't have a huge socket set, but it has everything I've ever needed. I don't like the organizers that are size specific because I have a combo of 12 points, 6 points, deep and standard sockets and I would end up with individual sockets not having dedicated spot.







Tommy

 

[texasprd]

I like Vim magnetic rails, or perhaps the Magnacaddy from Mechanics Time Savers.

 

[Gummi Bear]

I used the cheap metal socket rails.

Turns out, they work great, when they are mounted to a piece of wood.

I added a cabinet pull to make lifting them out easier. I have about $3 each invested in each rail (including the rail, 1x2, and cabinet pull). They’re working great for me. I’m just a weekend hobbyist, and not a professional mechanic.





I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[PhysicsDude]

GummiBear - That's a pretty clever setup! I like the modularity of removing a single rail, we all know its a PITA to carry over 5 sockets when you don't know what size a bolt is. I can see having a service cart, and taking the 2 or 3 rails you'll need for a project.

Very nice.

 

[Deception]

For complete sets of normal sockets I think Hansen trays are the best.. for swivels, or bit sockets use these

 

[Gummi Bear]

GummiBear - That's a pretty clever setup! I like the modularity of removing a single rail, we all know its a PITA to carry over 5 sockets when you don't know what size a bolt is. I can see having a service cart, and taking the 2 or 3 rails you'll need for a project.



Very nice.

Thank you

I wish I could claim credit for the idea.

I watched dozens of videos on YouTube on organizational strategies for tool chest. This one seems the best bang for the buck.

With these rails, I can also customize the socket holders. So my hex key sockets span from ¼” drive up to ½” drive, I can put them all on the same rail. Makes it easier for me to keep up with them.


Since I took this picture, I have added color shrink wrap to the handles to make identification easier for me. Blue is metric, and red is SAE. I also put a driver size label on the handles, and slipped a piece of clear heat shrink over it.


I’m a big fan of labeling my tool chest, so when Mrs or the pet kid is helping me, they can find a tool quickly as well.



I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[Rickster]

Drawer height was/is the key for me. I found the Hanson trays allow for the best upright organization for tight drawer heights. I had to grind a bit of the tips off some of the Hanson trays to close the drawer without hitting. For the speciality sockets I just pop riveted some harbor freight socket rails to a piece of sheet metal I got from home depot, the clips glide right over the rivet ends. The Mechanics Time Saver plastic blocks are great but a bit costly. I have them for my 1/4dr sockets and I have a block of SAE and Metric deeps that I can grab and take to the car. Put a piece of heater hose over the unused posts so that when you scan the drawer after the job you'll know if you missing a socket by the open post.

 

[sweet victory]

This is the top of my service cart after I got it sort of set up. I use VIM magrails. They are awesome since you can add and remove pins, and purchase the rails in various lengths.

DSC01034 by P A, on Flickr

 

[countrybumpkin]

I bought some socket rails fromHF and they were junk.

Since then I have moved to a plastic peg system. I like it for the most part. I wish the pegs were longer and angled upwards so that I could hang it on the wall instead of taking up drawer space.

 

[bonneyman]

I like DIY ideas. The following is one I made for my 1/4" drive sockets (I only carry like 8-10) but the system might not work for you and a large assortment.

I took a piece of sheet metal (ABS sheet in a newer iteration) and cut/formed it to fit the cordless drill pouch of my bucket carrier. Then drilled holes and installed cut-off sections of electric motor thru bolts in the holes. (I've collected a small Tupperware container full of thru-bolt remnants as I never know if I'm gonna have to fab a motor mount or something). A short piece of vinyl tubing over each stub prevent them from slipping off. Keeps them organized and easily accessible.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I like the Hansen trays the best regular sockets. I pull the whole tray/s out at times and put them in my cart or tool bag. Sometimes I just carry a tray and I put the extensions and drive tools between the pegs and carry it as one unit. For bit sockets I use cheaper plastic rails. I made holders for both my 1/4" and 3/8" pass through sockets. I use the Hansen bit socket holder for various adapters.

I keep my 1/2" impacts on Hansens in another drawer with my 3/4" drive sockets.

 

[Whoismiked]

My favorite are the Ernst twist lock rails/trays




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[4 FN 27]

Never could find anything I like so I made my own. I have put these pick up before...well the old version on a few other Socket Organization Threads.

I recently remade them from Mirrored Stainless...

View media item 86214
View media item 86213

 

[Htscheg]

VIM Socket Rails are about the best imo