Cheap Storage for Cheap Sockets

[tippybob]

I have a box of assorted "cheap" sockets and ratchets, and want to sort and arrange them into complete sets (I am putting together a toolbox of "loaner" tools). There are 1/4" and 3/8" drive sockets and ratchets, both standard and metric sizes. I need some ideas for keeping the sockets sorted and stored rather than just loose, but don't want to invest any $$$ into this tool set. Has anyone found a cheap/free way to keep sockets in order? I have looked around the house and garage but can't find anything that would work.

 

[Chris Adams]

Buy Harbor Freight 99 cent rails. Cut to needed length.


Go to 99 cent store. buy lots of cheap 'tupperware' like containerrs. these will hold sets.

Save old plastic jars. You can put a set in a small peanut butter jar and stack them.

How cheap do you want to go?

 

[Merkava_4]

Clips and rails are going to be about the cheapest.

For miscellaneous tools, I keep them in costco cardboard trays. Every once in awhile I'll go over to costco and load a cart up full of cardboard trays. They're also good for keeping your parts together.

Sometimes I'll make a custom tray out of a cardboard box by cutting the top flaps off.

 

[l_bilyk]

Yup. Clips and rails

 

[grillmasterp]

Ziploc baggies -
sort them by:
1/4 SAE
1/4 mm
3/8 SAE
3/8 mm

For certain applications, I've found that rails may take up too much space
I have my wife's vehicle tool setup in a tool bag with sockets sorted in ziploc bags-
I can see a problem with maintaining inventory but it sees low (zero) frequency usage.

Vinyl pencil pouches are a nice upgrade from the ziploc bags although freezer bags are pretty tough-

You can still use the Sears $5 off coupon to buy socket rails

 

[Merkava_4]

My favorite rails are the A265 and A269 that my sockets came on as sets.

 

[NOMAD]

Get a length of wire or rope, thread them onto the wire/rope in order of size and then tie the ends together. They should be able to lay flat in any box/bag and when you pull them out they are still in order.

 

[JRGSPE73]

If you want trays, get the cheapies from Harbor Freight

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95595

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95783

 

[CatfishXpress]

I've used Plano clear tackle boxes before, they are $3 - $4 a piece depending on the size. They make it easy to see whats inside and they are portable.

 

[mikeatrpi]

If you want trays, get the cheapies from Harbor Freight

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95595

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95783

I've got those. I had to re-number my metric set because they skip a lot of sizes. Also the english didn't have any x/32 slots. No big deal, those have never been used anyway.

A full set for the price of 1 hansen tray... you do the math

 

[Chris Adams]

It doesn’t get much cheaper;



http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/z.jsp?id=1147


http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/z.jsp?id=1147


I’ve used a bunch of these, some full others cut to length, etc
.
Taiwan made.
You can slip the quarter inch on the half or any other combo so you can mix and match the sockets.

 

[T56 Impala]

If you want trays, get the cheapies from Harbor Freight

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95595

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95783

these are numbered wrong! they even come with stickers to correct the mistakes!