Budget individual socket sets? I.e. only 6 point metric set shallow 3/8 drive.

[supremekizzle]

I don't want to buy the big blow mold sets of sockets anymore. I'm looking for individual sets of sockets in individual cases such as one for only 3/8 drive 6 point metric shallow or deep. Another for 1/4 6 point metric. Another for SAE 3/8 6 point.... And so on and so forth. Something like this seems perfect:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TSS4I0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Unfortunately they're impact and I'm looking for the thinner wall ones. Keeping a lower budget would be nice. Why are these so uncommon? Or maybe I'm not searching the right keywords. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Airframer]

SK does this

 

[M6erfan]

SK is the only one I'm aware of too...

 

[Infinia]

search Lowes for Kobalt 19 pc Mechanics set in either 3/8 metric or SAE very nice compact set up for grab and go. Often goes on sale for half price.
CM had decent 1/4 sets in metric or SAE gray or black blow molded.

 

[four.cycle]

you can find racks of sockets (sockets only) on Ebay every day, all day long in:
S-K
Proto
Craftsman

now and then you can find pretty nice used stuff in other brands as well.

3/8" drive 6-pt metric sets usually disappear pretty quick. you have to be Johnny-on-the-spot to score them at a decent price.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I think Gearwrench does this...but too lazy to look...

 

[Mr_B]

Yep gearwrench do sockets on rail sets with likes of 12 14 pc sockets in shallow deep and 12 or 6 point with surface drive and nice grip design for pulling sockets off tools and knurling for turning grip .
they quite low cost of around $25 to $40 a set of about 12 to 14 sockets but pretty decent plus have lifetime warranty and often can be found on silly cheap deal prices.

 

[pajibson]

Got a snappy 3/8 drive deepwell 12 point set for 50 bucks off ebay a few weeks ago. You just gotta watch and be patient.

Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

 

[M6erfan]

I believe the OP is looking for chrome socket only set's that are stored in a blow molded case.

"I'm looking for individual sets of sockets in individual cases..."

AFAIK, SK is the only manufacturer to offer these. Most chrome socket sets come on rails, or maybe metal boxes in larger sizes. Impact socket only sets are easy to find in blow molded cases.

From the SK online catalog...



OP: Most "socket sets" in blow molded cases include ratchet(s), extension(s), etc... What you are after is indeed uncommon.


SK 1955 1/2" Metric 6 pt set...

 

[M6erfan]

There's also Metal boxed sets...

12pt though,and only available in 1/2" (with metal case) But excellent sockets, $69 from Frankstools...

 

[ecotec]

Look at Blackhawk, too.

 

[M6erfan]

Look at Blackhawk, too.

Nice one eco, Blackhawk does make chrome blow molded sets. Great to know

http://www.toolup.com/Blackhawk-By-Proto-8924MNB-24-Piece-3-8-Drive-Metric-Socket-Set

 

[Infinia]

I believe the OP is looking for chrome socket only set's that are stored in a blow molded case.

maybe
I read it as limited to metric, 6pts, in single drive sizes contained in a smaller case E.g blow molded. Newer sets, budget ( sale ) driven choices may include ratchets adapters for essentially free compared to other brands. (each set in post #4 was under $20)


Fortunately most projects don't involve both SAE and Metric, in my experience it's helpful to have some drive tools, extensions all self contained for grab-n-go. Unlike Gearwrench and others, worst being those giant blow molded boxes with all 3 drive sizes with >80 sockets.

 

[T45]

yeah, single rails of sockets...Napa/carlyle does this, gearwrench as well on plastic rails.

blow mold case for socket rails is rare...nothing more to say about it. better optoions probably exist, ymmv tho on your preferences.

 

[Fedwrench]

If you want a budget priced rack of sockets, check to see what cripe distributing has available. They usually have quite a few available.

 

[48548]

Try Dennis with toptul... might have some smoking deals

 

[General Geoff]

Get a socket set on a rail, then put it in a proto box which they sell separately.

https://www.zoro.com/proto-socket-storage-box-7wx3-716dx1-12h-j4795r/i/G0067755/

 

[ecotec]

Nice one eco, Blackhawk does make chrome blow molded sets. Great to know

http://www.toolup.com/Blackhawk-By-Proto-8924MNB-24-Piece-3-8-Drive-Metric-Socket-Set

I was looking at at a 45ish dollar made in USA metric 1/2" socket set today.

In my mind... it was a good deal. Made in USA for Craftsman money. I passed, though.

 

[supremekizzle]

I believe the OP is looking for chrome socket only set's that are stored in a blow molded case.

"I'm looking for individual sets of sockets in individual cases..."

AFAIK, SK is the only manufacturer to offer these. Most chrome socket sets come on rails, or maybe metal boxes in larger sizes. Impact socket only sets are easy to find in blow molded cases.

From the SK online catalog...



OP: Most "socket sets" in blow molded cases include ratchet(s), extension(s), etc... What you are after is indeed uncommon.


SK 1955 1/2" Metric 6 pt set...

Not necessarily only chrome, black would be nice but not impact thickness. I'm mainly looking for the blow mold for portability. The ones in the link are ideal, but like I said, they're impact. You're right though about only sockets. I have ratchets and I don't want every kit I buy to come with a ratchet. Maybe if someone makes empty socket boxes in that general shape? Then I could cut my own foam?


Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[supremekizzle]

Get a socket set on a rail, then put it in a proto box which they sell separately.

https://www.zoro.com/proto-socket-storage-box-7wx3-716dx1-12h-j4795r/i/G0067755/

YES! This I think would work perfectly. Can't believe I didn't think to just buy some boxes to store my sockets in separately instead of looking for all these individual sets to get the cases. THIS IS WHY I LOVE THIS FORUM!!!

There's also Metal boxed sets...

12pt though,and only available in 1/2" (with metal case) But excellent sockets, $69 from Frankstools...

Awesome! Thank you!

 

[Mr_B]

I would just buy decent wise buy budget sockets and sort out boxing afterwards .
plenty of socket or general type storage boxes available and best way go really as sticking to sets boxed will limit you too much on spec of socket and size range of set plus cost twice as much .

 

[sonoronos]

5 dollars a socket is "budget"?

 

[Mr_B]

2 to 3 dollars is budget and decent enough if choose wisely .
5-6 dollar range buys better brand names .

 

[jrockford]

So you do or do not want a case? I guess I am confused.

Check out ToolTopia.
I bought a 1/4" SK set from there about a month ago for just under $150 and it's the handiest thing ever. Their 3/8" is about $20 more IIRC.

Here's a decent set from Sunex. No experience, but I've read about other folks here with great experience. I'm sure there's GW equivelents out there too.
http://www.tooltopia.com/sunex-tools-9147.aspx

If you don't want a case, check out HF or Tekton.

 

[Mr_B]

^ he wants sockets only no ratchets etc, prefers them in a case but looking like he may go into doing his own socket cases which likely best if want good socket spec/sizes for lowish cost .
I don't like sockets cased, find them easier transport and use on decent rail system in 8 to 16 socket groups pending on drive size and socket size, we all different I suppose. have a shallow 18 piece 1/2 impact socket set in nice compact blow moulded case and that quite handy/neat so get the idea ...

 

[supremekizzle]

^ he wants sockets only no ratchets etc, prefers them in a case but looking like he may go into doing his own socket cases which likely best if want good socket spec/sizes for lowish cost .
I don't like sockets cased, find them easier transport and use on decent rail system in 8 to 16 socket groups pending on drive size and socket size, we all different I suppose. have a shallow 18 piece 1/2 impact socket set in nice compact blow moulded case and that quite handy/neat so get the idea ...

Exactly this. I have probably 4 or 5 of the big big socket/ratchet/wrench/hex sets and I get sick of carrying out the whole case when I'm only gonna need some metric, for instance. Organization is my biggest issue. I've tried a few different socket rails and their top heavy and cramped nature wasn't working for me. I saw the set on Amazon in my op and thought it looked ideal. Instead of thinking if cases of that size and shape were available to buy separately that I could put my own foam in, you know, like a rational person; I decided to start looking for pre-made individual sets. In the words of Forest Gump, "I'm not a smaht man." I know what I need to do now. Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[Squ1d]

Vintage craftsman I picked up. Holds 8 3/8"drive sockets. I've got 8,10,12,13,14,15,17,19

It came with a 9mm which I swapped for the 8

 

[supremekizzle]

Vintage craftsman I picked up. Holds 8 3/8"drive sockets. I've got 8,10,12,13,14,15,17,19

It came with a 9mm which I swapped for the 8

That's actually really awesome. Compact as a rail, but enclosed like a case.

 

[ecotec]

That's actually really awesome. Compact as a rail, but enclosed like a case.

I have a Wright 312 3/8" SAE set in a metal carrier like that.

 

[M6erfan]

I love those old metal socket carriers, wish they still made 'em

 

[Squ1d]

There's a bunch on eBay. A newer no name version. Made in Taiwan.

 

[LB-1911]

I love those old metal socket carriers, wish they still made 'em

They still do -
Go to -
http://www.wrighttool.com/online_catalog.asp
From there select - Tool Storage -
Then -

Tool Trays
Tool Trays 2

Distributor
http://www.wrighttool.com/pub/distributors.asp?action=USA

 

[M6erfan]

They still do -
Go to -
http://www.wrighttool.com/online_catalog.asp
From there select - Tool Storage -
Then -

Tool Trays
Tool Trays 2

Distributor
http://www.wrighttool.com/pub/distributors.asp?action=USA

I should have been more specific...

...I wish socket sets in metal holders were more available from more manufacturers...

I'm aware that one can buy the holders by themselves, look all over eBay. And a limited # of manufactures, like Wright, still offer them. But new socket sets in holders are mostly non-existent compared to just a couple decades ago.

 

[four.cycle]

^ You can find both the steel socket "trays" and empty steel socket set boxes on Ebay every day. You just have to use the right search keywords to find them.
New boxes are available from Proto, as mentioned above - I think I ordered mine from ToolTopia.com.

 

[Gmonkee]

OP, find the sockets to fit your needs in bubble pack and pick up a vintage tin box to put them in.

I have Knova sockets augmented with odd brands to range 22mm to 8mm in a vintage WWII tin box.
It more than serves my needs at work and that box is tough.

For me it was best to create what I could not buy in brands that proved durable.

 

[M6erfan]

^ You can find both the steel socket "trays" and empty steel socket set boxes on Ebay every day. You just have to use the right search keywords to find them.
New boxes are available from Proto, as mentioned above - I think I ordered mine from ToolTopia.com.

New socket sets in metal trays (not NOS)? Widely available from multiple manufacturers? Huh, I didn't know this....

 

[WittHay]

The socket sets Napa sells in Canada all come with those old school metal trays. They are real handy in a service truck tool box. Napa in my area all has the full display of individual sockets.

 

[Mr_B]

Is a thread on here for making those socket trays, is pretty easy .

 

[WittHay]

I love those old metal socket carriers, wish they still made 'em

Napa and Graingers Canadian import brands both come with metal trays, not for everyone but I like them. You can jam a lot of sockets into a small road tool box

 

[M6erfan]

Napa and Graingers Canadian import brands both come with metal trays, not for everyone but I like them. You can jam a lot of sockets into a small road tool box

Canada gets all the good stuff...