The Socket Lockits are interesting, but a bit pricey. They seem ideal for someone that would be moving their sockets to and from jobs without having to deal with them falling off like other types of rails. The Ernst still seem to be the most flexible option I've see though.
Ernst or Hansen socket organizers?
- Thread starter Bluehinder
- Start date
The Socket Lockits are interesting, but a bit pricey. They seem ideal for someone that would be moving their sockets to and from jobs without having to deal with them falling off like other types of rails. The Ernst still seem to be the most flexible option I've see though.
TejasBimmer
Well-known member
Update on those MTS?
nismomans13
Well-known member
I use the 99c rails from HF, they haven't failed me yet.
Todd.Brock
Well-known member
I bought mine at Sears when they were on sale over Christmas. Another cost effective solution is to by them from Hansens website directly. They have over runs they sell for about the same price as sears if they arent on sale. I bought 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 metric and standard. I believe the total was about 60 bucks for all six. the only problem I have is they wont fit in the Snap On drawer with a drawer liner. I had to cut a spot out so the drawer would close. Great for organizing and putting in your cart to take to your work though. Glad I did it.
TejasBimmer
Well-known member
I was at Lowes this past weekend and saw this interesting piece.
It's from Kobalt @ $17
Right now I am leaning towards Ernst organizers (easier to combine sets of sockets).
or the SocketLockit versions (sockets will not fall off if on it's side).
But the Sears' socket bar is temping too - but I would have to add labels.
My requirements is to be able to read what is loaded there and able to lay the socket set on it's side. I have already ordered a Lista Mobile tool cabinet - MMP0600-0702 (44 3/8 wide).
Similar to the smaller sister shown above.
The mobile cabinet will house my metric gear (because my two cars and truck is all Metric). While my SAE stuff will be housed in a different stand-alone combo-tool DW sized cabinet from Lista.
Decisions, decisions....
It's from Kobalt @ $17
Right now I am leaning towards Ernst organizers (easier to combine sets of sockets).
or the SocketLockit versions (sockets will not fall off if on it's side).
But the Sears' socket bar is temping too - but I would have to add labels.
My requirements is to be able to read what is loaded there and able to lay the socket set on it's side. I have already ordered a Lista Mobile tool cabinet - MMP0600-0702 (44 3/8 wide).
Similar to the smaller sister shown above.
The mobile cabinet will house my metric gear (because my two cars and truck is all Metric). While my SAE stuff will be housed in a different stand-alone combo-tool DW sized cabinet from Lista.
Decisions, decisions....
kythri
Well-known member
So, the Ernst deals - are they already labeled, or do you do that yourself?
The thing that's kept me away from Hansen trays (and perhaps I just haven't looked at them closely enough) is if they don't account for ALL sizes - for example, do the 1/2" drive ones have pegs for 19/32", 21/32" and 25/32" ??
Will I ever find anything to use those sockets on? Probably not. Do I want them to have their own peg - damned straight!
The thing that's kept me away from Hansen trays (and perhaps I just haven't looked at them closely enough) is if they don't account for ALL sizes - for example, do the 1/2" drive ones have pegs for 19/32", 21/32" and 25/32" ??
Will I ever find anything to use those sockets on? Probably not. Do I want them to have their own peg - damned straight!
DiStOrTiOn
Well-known member
Hey Moose, I'm with you bro. I've got all my sockets on rails right now, smallest to largest from left to right. It just makes more sense to me. I don't know what that right to let **** is. But, I was thinking about switching to the ernst stuff. The hansen takes up too much room in my box, where space is at a premium.
bigjon
Well-known member
The rails come supplied with stickers.
I'm in the process of re-organising my drawers. If I had to start over again I would go 100% with Ernst's. I like the Hansen's but they do require alot more space. I seem to be acquiring alot more tools since I've joined this forum.
Fedwrench - Can you expand what the differences are between the spring ball retainer on the Craftman vs. Ernst? What is the difference? Why do you prefer the Cman?
Is there a large amount of price difference between the heights?
I have seen Craftsman at Sears...I haven't seen Ernst. I'm trying to decide between lock-a-socket, Cman and Ernst Rails.
Thanks for any input
Kevin
I was at Lowes this past weekend and saw this interesting piece.
It's from Kobalt @ $17
/QUOTE]
The magnetic holder is interesting. Are those tappet wrenches, or are they really that thin and crappy looking?
wantedabiggergarage
Member Emeritus
THOSE wrenches, are the OLD JH Williams made, regular wrenches. They are NOT tappet wrenches.
While I am not big on their open end and the K drive as it was called, the box end is great.
While I am not big on their open end and the K drive as it was called, the box end is great.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
The Ernst model uses a piece of plastic as a hinge to retain the socket. The craftsman uses a spring loaded detent ball similiar to that on a ratchet. The height difference is about an 1/8 of an inch. There is a price difference on the various Ernst lengths. It varies with where you shop. the Craftsman rails only come in one length and two colors.
I prefer Craftsman because, they're cheaper than Ernst models and readily available. The Ernst versions are available in different lengths and colors though. The Craftsman versions have no wasted space. I would buy one of each type to try out before deciding which one to get.
In the pictures Ernst 3/8 drive is on the left and Craftsman 3/8 is on the right.
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The Ernst model uses a piece of plastic as a hinge to retain the socket. The craftsman uses a spring loaded detent ball similiar to that on a ratchet. The height difference is about an 1/8 of an inch. There is a price difference on the various Ernst lengths. It varies with where you shop. the Craftsman rails only come in one length and two colors.
I prefer Craftsman because, they're cheaper than Ernst models and readily available. The Ernst versions are available in different lengths and colors though. The Craftsman versions have no wasted space. I would buy one of each type to try out before deciding which one to get.
In the pictures Ernst 3/8 drive is on the left and Craftsman 3/8 is on the right.
Wow, thanks for the input -- and EXTRA CREDIT for the pictures. I can see what you mean about prefering the Cman retention. The design looks quite a bit more stout.
Which design would you say retains the sockets more firmly to the rail? The cman detent ball or the Ernst clip? It is likely that most of the time I'll be picking sockets out of the drawer (not bringing the whole rail with me.)
I think you are giving good advice by buying one of each before investing in a entire set.
I was looking at the lock-a-socket too that require a 1/4 turn to lock in.Price is not so much a consideration for me. Quality and long-lasting performance is is what is most important to me. I only want to do this once!
Mike F
Well-known member
Does anyone know of a source for the size stickers that the Ernst uses? I have the Craftsman rails and it is tough for me to quickly identify socket sizes. ( It really ***** when you begin to age and you start needing glasses to see details. But at least this is ALL that has gone so far! )