Empty Socket Cases

[steven083008]

I have a Craftsman socket set that is about 14 years old and is held in one of their blow molded plastic cases that opens and has sockets on both sides. The latch that holds the flap over the sockets in the top (so they don't fall out when you close the case) finally broke on Sunday.

Does anyone know of a place where you can buy these empty cases CHEAP? If not, I guess I'll put everything on socket rails, but I'd really like to replace the case and have it setup similar to how it is now. Of course it will have to be cheap, because I can buy a used 200 pc. set for $75 on Craigslist, so I can't justify $50 on an empty case.

Any other great ideas you might have would also be appreciated.

 

[doodah man]

Hey Steven,

I've got a case that i'm not using. I'd give it to you for the price of shipping if it works. It's for a 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 metric/sae set. Don't remember how many pieces. Do you have a picture or part number off your case? I'll get a pick of the one I've got when I get home.

Craig

 

[steven083008]

I will have to look at my case because I don't even know how many pieces the set it. I'll post tonight or tomorrow. I appreciate the offer and look forward to the pic.

 

[sselander]

Cripe has a few of the NAPA blow molded cases which should work for the CMAN sockets.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Snap on has some too...
PB99A 1/4

 

[5.0vert]

Let me know what size case you need I have some.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I used to like one of them for portability. The front latch on mine, busted first, but the case stretched, where those cover hold downs were (had to open it one direction only). This was my stash in the vehicle set, so I started looking at boxes. I ended up replacing it with an Excel cantilever style box, which holds more (used to have to carry a second box) and then I put in plastic socket rails.
Sears does sell one style of plastic case, but it didn't have all the spaces that my factory case had. I looked at their four drawer plastic case (in fact a friend gave me one), but those are actually larger then my Excel and hold less.

 

[steven083008]

My set didn't say how pieces it was, but it is somewhere around 190-200 pieces. I think I'd be happy w/ anything in this range. If I need to add or leave out a couple of pieces, it isn't a big deal.
I'm not sold on getting a cantilever type box as I've just never liked them. I've thought about switching to socket rails, but the prices add up quick on those (if you get good ones). I do like the idea of the 3-drawer plastic box that Sears has, but it has mixed reviews and is bigger (like wantedabiggergarage said).

If you guys can let me know what size boxes you have, and possibly post a picture that would be great. My zip is 27610 so I can either get your zip and figure out shipping or you can use mine and do it.

Thanks!

 

[Squankum]

I have many such cases, from various socket sets I got in the past year. I'll take pics when I get home late tonight.

 

[Outlawmws]

I've repaired blow molded cases at times to keep them going:

I used some strap webbing and some sharp pointed sheet metal screws to replace a dead plastic "hinge"

I've used web straps to hold them shut when the latches finally die.

That socket retainer might be able to be "fixed" with some webbing and a std metal snap screwed into the blow mold plastic. (if the screw threads don't want to hold, try drilling out the hole, and using a hollow core door molly anchor to attach the snap)

 

[steven083008]

Thanks Outlawmws. I plan on looking at it to see if I can fix it. It's been so dang hot, I haven't even set foot in my shop though (not insulated.)

 

[doodah man]

Hi Steven,

Here's a couple pics of the one I have. Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. Let me know if this will work. I should be able to get it to Raleigh for about $15.

Craig.

 

[1LapSRT]

Doodah, you don't still have that case, do you?

 

[Packard V8]

I used some strap webbing and some sharp pointed sheet metal screws to replace a dead plastic "hinge". I've used web straps to hold them shut when the latches finally die.

That's why you are an outlaw :>) Those who like blowmolded cases like neat, tidy and as/was. If all they wanted was something to keep em in, a tow sack would suffice. BTDTNA.

Personal insults aside, those all-together cases from Craftsman and Stanley are really nice for a U-Pic or emergency set. Too bad the hinges and latches don't last.

jack vines

 

[Outlawmws]

That's why you are an outlaw :>) Those who like blowmolded cases like neat, tidy and as/was. If all they wanted was something to keep em in, a tow sack would suffice. BTDTNA.

Personal insults aside, those all-together cases from Craftsman and Stanley are really nice for a U-Pic or emergency set. Too bad the hinges and latches don't last.

jack vines

Yeah, I can't say I'm a blow mold box fan generally. My two primary exceptions are my road box of 90 metric Craftsman (With a bunch of add-ons in the "storage space") and an old Bit driver set that got the hinge repair. Being able to track if any are missing in that set has added to it's longevity, as I keep replacing the missing/damaged bits. (I think I've started on the third set of hex drive drills, and lord knows how many #2 Phillips it has seen...)