Ernst or Hansen socket organizers?

[Bluehinder]

HI,

Your thoughts on the merits of these two popular socket organizers.

I like the flexability of the Ernst, but man, does it get pricey.

Anyone been through this?

Any photos of your final decision?

Thanks,

Blue

 

[Stuey]

Hansens are pretty expensive as well. I don't have either, but I would like Ernst ones more since they can more easily fit into my shallow drawers.

You could also build your own system if you want to save money and tweak things to your exact liking.

The Ernst system isn't too expensive when you think about it. I figured that I would need two complete sets to house most of my sockets, and I only have a modest assortment.

In terms of Hansen, I would need one of each size, although a lot of the spots would end up empty. One of each size would mean 6 trays (1/4, 3/8, 1/2 each in SAE and metric) at a cost of $10-$14 each. So figure $60-$80 or so, compared to what, $42 for an Ernst complete set.

There are quite a few photos on this forum, but you're going to have to search for them.

Hansen:

Pros: Small footprint, easy to identify socket
Cons: Missing sockets = wasted space

Ernst: No wasted space, large footprint, short height

 

[mulepackin]

Lot's of threads on here regarding socket storage and organizers. I had twisted in the wind on this subject too. Finally my wife and kids settled it for me. They got me Hanson's for fathers day last year. I'm happy with them.

 

[dps]

Another consideration might be that with Hanson's, the sockets "slip" right off, they do not need to "pulled" off like the Ernst. Since I have not used the E., I don't know how much resistance there is, whether you have to fasten the racks down to prevent lifting the whole thing or whether you need two hands to get a socket off. I personally don't like two-handed operations when they can be avoided since your hands may be pretty oily and/or you're already holding something in your other hand.

 

[T56 Impala]

I prefer the Hansen but I'm no pro. I just like slipping them on and having the size staring me in the face!

 

[brantjs]

I have Ernst (21 strips, 5 magnetic bases). It would be nice if they offered the option for impact connectors to come on them, as I ended up buying the heavy duty clips to replace the standard ones for the impact strips. Otherwise I'm happy with them. They hold the sockets well enough but you can lift off with one hand. They come with labels that you can put on the individual clips so you can still look down and see what's what. Most of the time I take the individual socket off the strip while it's attached to the mounting base in the box. That makes it basically the same as the Hanson racks. The biggest advantage is when I'm crawling under the vehicle and don't know ahead of time what size I need...I can grab the whole strip and not have them rolling around under the vehicle.

 

[1320stang]

I'm making my own out of oak dowel rods and oak 2x2's ripped at a 45 that I'll hang on the wall above my bench. For some reason a tool box doesn't work well with my ADHD, I'm more apt to put something away that's exposed that leaves a hole (my **** retentativeness, no pun intended about the hole). My example is my wall mounted plywood board with one of my complete wrench sets hanging from screws and my sockets laying all over my bench.

 

[Phatsub]

I agree with T56 Impala, I like my Hansen's, but I've never had any other kind for comparison.

 

[maximus96]

the hansen trays are still on sale at sears till tomorrow if i remember correctly.

 

[danc333]

I have both types. Each has its own place in my toll box. I use the Hansen sets for all my regular sockets and the Ernst holders for things like Torx, screwdriver, allen crowfoot sockets

 

[Bluehinder]

I'm making my own out of oak dowel rods and oak 2x2's ripped at a 45 that I'll hang on the wall above my bench. For some reason a tool box doesn't work well with my ADHD, I'm more apt to put something away that's exposed that leaves a hole (my **** retentativeness, no pun intended about the hole). My example is my wall mounted plywood board with one of my complete wrench sets hanging from screws and my sockets laying all over my bench.

Why can't you use impact sockets with the Ernst? I don't follow. Are they too heavy? Seems like just another socket.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Probably because they have thick walls.

 

[brantjs]

Why can't you use impact sockets with the Ernst? I don't follow. Are they too heavy? Seems like just another socket.

You can. The enrst are nice because you can space the clips as necessary (like pretty much any rail I guess). The problem is that the clips that come standard with the rails are seemingly designed more for chrome sockets than the much heavier impact sockets. The standard clips don't seem to hold the impacts tight enough, whereas the 'heavy duty' grade clips they sell are a decent amount stronger due to a design difference. That said, I haven't tried it but I would imagine that if I were to tip the rail upside down that the larger deepwell sizes would probably still pop off.

 

[Sunrise]

i believe impact sockets fit on hansen. i've seen it.

 

[PoorOwner]

I tried to go with Hanson but I really couldn't figure out how much to buy or what to do with extra sockets, I have some 6 and some 12 pts of the same sizes.

I use VIM, the problem is that they are stiff to pull off, it's actually more difficulty putting them back in, but that is an advantage also, I can take the thing and shake it none of the sockets will fly off. I don't know how Ernst is.. but I didn't pay too much for mine, $15 each. I need some kind of label to read from the top. because in the drawer I can't read from the sides.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I prefer rails and clips to trays.

The main reason i don't like trays is that most of them go from the big sockets on the left to the small ones on the right.

Just doesn't seem right to me. (yes, i am insane.)

 

[Fedwrench]

Neither. Use the craftsman plastic rails instead. Why? Well, the hansen type take up more space than rails and you can't tailor your storage to fit your needs. It's these sizes on these pegs and that's it.
The Craftsman rails are durable, cheaper, and offer little wasted space. On the Ernst models you lose about an inch per rail over the hang hole where the teeth for the clips are gone and they have a higher profile. I also prefer the spring ball retainer found in the Craftsman rail.
If you watch the Sears sales, you can get a 3 pack of plastic rails fairly cheap. They're about $10 a 3 pack when not on sale.
You can cut the rails to tailor your storage better to hold bit sets etc. If it's 1/4, 3/8, or 1/2 inch drive, you can store it on the Craftsman plastic rail.

 

[bchee]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00942330000P
If I could afford those locking racks I would get those, but they are $20 per rail. You turn the socket to lock, instead of a lever, which can be accidentally unlocked.
Not customizable either, or at least they don't sell extra pegs.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I had a look at some Snap-on locking rails. they're pretty pricey but they are good. Personally, i just don't think the difference between them and normal rails/clip justifies the price.

 

[cb450r]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00942330000P
If I could afford those locking racks I would get those, but they are $20 per rail. You turn the socket to lock, instead of a lever, which can be accidentally unlocked.
Not customizable either, or at least they don't sell extra pegs.

I just got some of these and so far I'm impressed. The price does **** but 20 bucks ain't bad for piece of mind holding my 200 plus dollar 1/2" snap-on sockets upside down without fear of them falling off of the clips or the magnet dropping the whole rail on the floor. They do have 14 clips on each rail so I guess if you don't have 14 sockets of each flavor to put on each rail you could have spares in case one of the twist locks fail to work, or to add to another rail if you so desire.

 

[bchee]

I just got some of these and so far I'm impressed. The price does **** but 20 bucks ain't bad for piece of mind holding my 200 plus dollar 1/2" snap-on sockets upside down without fear of them falling off of the clips or the magnet dropping the whole rail on the floor. They do have 14 clips on each rail so I guess if you don't have 14 sockets of each flavor to put on each rail you could have spares in case one of the twist locks fail to work, or to add to another rail if you so desire.

I think if I got some, it would only be for my 1/2" sockets, especially the heavy, deep impacts.

 

[cb450r]

a couple of photo's of the craftsman rail in action. I have this one loaded up with the Snap-On 313twya 1/2" 13pc. set and a swivel in the last free spot. even with the weight of this set the twist lock and magnet show no sign of strain even upside down.

 

[Canadian Charlie]

I have the Hansen Trays makes looking for that one socket a breeze, but those magnetic ones look tempting

 

[PoorOwner]

looks like the craftsman rail is very handy... do they ever go on sale or always $19.99?

 

[cb450r]

That is hard to say? I did find a photo of the same rails only MAC branded online here awhile back so mac tool also has or had them. If we could find the no name outfit that makes them maybe you could get them for less?

 

[dps]

The main reason i don't like trays is that most of them go from the big sockets on the left to the small ones on the right.

Just doesn't seem right to me. (yes, i am insane.)

Location: London, UK. << You're not insane, just British! In the States everybody puts their sockets on the wrong side of the rack...

 

[chad s]

Hanson trays here. I dont have any magnetic tool holders. because of the amount of metal work I do, magnetic tool holders magnetise my tools, and then they pick up metal fiilings like crazy.

I really like the idea of a magnetic socket tray I can take over to the car, and not worry about sockets falling out, however despite the amount of sweeping and vacuuming I do, any magnetic tray or holder ive ever tried still picks up tons of metal shavings.

 

[Zeroek]

I've got a combo of Hansens and Mechanics time savers. I like the time savers just because of the magnetic bottom and how durable they are but pricey as all get out. And you can get them in a ton of colors. I'm in the process of switching all my 3/8" drive into Time saver holders and donating my hansen holder to my brother since he needs some.

 

[bchee]

That is hard to say? I did find a photo of the same rails only MAC branded online here awhile back so mac tool also has or had them. If we could find the no name outfit that makes them maybe you could get them for less?

If anybody knows the source I'd like to know.

 

[cb450r]

Well after doing a little research I have found that the Craftsman ect.... branded "Lock a socket" socket rails could be made by or distributed by Mechanics time saver.
I also found a few sites that are selling them as low as 10 bucks each, Still pricey but better then 20.
Here is a link to one of the sites.
http://www.toolhawker.com/manufacturer_Mechanics-Time-Savers.html

 

[bchee]

Well after doing a little research I have found that the Craftsman ect.... branded "Lock a socket" socket rails could be made by or distributed by Mechanics time saver.
I also found a few sites that are selling them as low as 10 bucks each, Still pricey but better then 20.
Here is a link to one of the sites.
http://www.toolhawker.com/manufacturer_Mechanics-Time-Savers.html

Sweet. Thanks for the link. It looks like the only difference is they are not magnetic.

Edit: I noticed they sell the magnetized ones for $16.90


I found another rack with a different 'twist.' You put the socket on and it automatically locks. You have to turn it to remove the socket.
http://www.socketlockit.com/

 

[PoorOwner]

Hey, so the mechanics time savers are same as craftsman but the magnetic ones are almost $20 anyway? I just bought a craftsman today and really like the quality.. for $20 I do not expect any less though. (made in USA) I am using this one to store my 3/8" impact sockets on the side of the box for easy access.

The magnetic strip is in the back and I think won't magnetize the sockets at all.

 

[cb450r]

Hey, so the mechanics time savers are same as craftsman but the magnetic ones are almost $20 anyway? I just bought a craftsman today and really like the quality.. for $20 I do not expect any less though. (made in USA) I am using this one to store my 3/8" impact sockets on the side of the box for easy access.

The magnetic strip is in the back and I think won't magnetize the sockets at all.

Yeah that is how it looks, I guess that if you really didn't need or want the magnetized backing you could save some cash. I did see that Matco had them for around $27 ea. if you really want to spend some cash

 

[bchee]

The Craftsman ones are slightly shorter and have lower capacity. (for example, 1/2" holder is 18" and holds 14 sockets)

The MTS brand 1/2" holder is 22" and holds 16 sockets.

I prefer the non-magnetized ones. thanks again for the link

 

[Jokeman]

Hansen Trays here. One for 12pt and one for 6pt sockets.

Duplicates go on regular rails with metal clips.

 

[nyjets53]

Ernst Holders Here...

<a href="http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/nyjets53/?action=view&current=sockets001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/nyjets53/sockets001.jpg" border="0" alt="ernst"></a>

 

[Sunrise]

so impact sockets fit on hansen?

 

[musgofasta]

Hanson knock-offs from HF. $20 get you 6 trays, 3 metric and 3 SAE's. a 1/4, a 3/8 and a 1/2 tray. Best method I've found so far for space maximization.

 

[ephotrod]

I personally like the Ernst rails because they are portable and can be bought in many different lengths. The advantage of being portable is very nice. I work on things outside, sometimes at a friend’s house or out in the field making the rail advantageous for myself.

Another advantage is knowing if I’m missing a socket when I see an empty clip. With the hanson tray system that advantage only works if it’s full. Please note if you go to a salvage yard the advantages of the Ernst rails are highly visible.
Josh

 

[bchee]

Hanson knock-offs from HF. $20 get you 6 trays, 3 metric and 3 SAE's. a 1/4, a 3/8 and a 1/2 tray.

I've seen these on sale for 50% off several times already. You possibly could get 6 trays for $10, which is cheaper than 1 hansen tray.

I noticed the metric tray has no space for a 12mm socket.