extra sockets

[v1ru5879]

What does everyone do with their extra sockets? Over the years lots of double triples and what not from various cheap sets and some random quality ones. Hate to just toss them but they literally sit in an ammo can and never get touched

 

[Hobbit]

"Double" is not enough "triple" is getting there "what not" is just about right. I don't toss tools it is against all I believe in. My mother always slips change in our X-mas stockings maybe you could start a new family tradition and ad a socket to everyones stocking.

 

[bri_man57]

I try to make complete ish sets and put them in vehicles at the least. But I drive an 18 year old Diesel and a 30 year old truck so maybe a little more mandatory to carry tools lol.

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

 

[mike93lx]

I have them in an old tool box tucked way in the back of a shelf. Hoping to give them away some time, probably best to just drop off at the habitat for humanity restore

 

[v1ru5879]

I'll go through them today and see what exactly is in there. I know most of it is cheapo sets so I will just make a scrap bucket to take to the recycling center. Definitely will sort out the good ones. Also gotta figure out how to store my passthrough sockets, great idea, horrible to find a storage solution for them. Was thinking a small HF foam box. Anyone else have some solutions to the pass through sockets? I guess a magnetic holder would work too, hmmm

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[blacksporty]

I have quite a few of 9mm, 11mm, 5.5mm and other odd balls I don't know what to do with.

 

[chrismenke]

I try to sell or trade them here or on eBay to justify spending money on sockets to fill out my Hansen trays that I know I'll never use, like a 5mm 1/4 impact.

 

[finn]

Why would you scrap them? Take them (donate) to the local Restore , St Vinnies, Goodwill, or any charity that serves your area. Even cheap sockets have value to a struggling college student.

I have been bringing unused tools to the local tool store recently. They take a 50% cut, but handle inventory and sales, as well as customer interface. Recommended sales price is 50% or new retail, but I still consider it a good deal.

 

[v1ru5879]

I did consider doing a donation but here where I am all the locations are closed. I need to get the garage cleaned out so I can bring my car in until I can get it to the speed shop

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[sberry]

I use most of them. I quit collecting a quite a while ago. I bought a set of 3x4 sockets pretty much dupes, it was a bargain but I realized I simply didn't need them no matter what a deal. Not worth enough to really appreciate and I could work with what I had.
I focused on what I need and use, wasn't interested in collecting to fill the boxes.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I have a shoebox with a variety of extra sockets, on top of already have multiple sets between the garage and basement. Someday I should organize or at least inventory my extras. I'd get rid of them but as soon as I do, I'll lose one from my sets.

As they say, "two is one, and one is none."

 

[Negen]

5.5mm are mandatory if your an electronics technician 5, 5.5 ,7mm all mandatory some times strange things like 11/32 or 9/16

I have quite a few of 9mm, 11mm, 5.5mm and other odd balls I don't know what to do with.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[v1ru5879]

Didn't get around to sorting them out tonight, setup the new workbench n started breaking down all the cardboard. Tomorrow after work I'll work on filling the drawers n sorting out the "dead weight" I know for sure there is a bag full of the Pittsburgh suckers (not even the pros) n also a dollar store set. I'm talking bout the ones that don't even hold onto the ratchet

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[v1ru5879]

It's amazing liberating to get rid of extra stuff. That's becoming more and more important to me the past year or two.

Today I got rid of my big welder. I lost a lot of capability because of that. I can no longer effectively weld cracked aluminum bell housings and stuff like that. So what? I haven't done that in years. I now have a small, portable Lincoln square wave 200 multi-process that does essentially everything that I have done for the past 20 years. Anything beyond it's capability I can hire done. It takes up less than 1/4 of the space, and can be moved about readily.

I couldn't believe how good it felt to load up that 650 pound welder, and walk back into the garage and have that empty place to do something else with.

Same with the sockets. I've sold about 120 of them this week. 5 craftsman sets, 3 snap-on, and 2 proto. Immediately listed back essentially identical sets to start the next round of disposal. The drawers full of extras keep getting less full all the time. I'm looking forward to when I'm down to the dregs, and I throw them in a box and start the lot at 99 cents on ebay and they go down the road.

I'm putting drywall on the back wall, corner and ceiling of my garage at the moment. When I get the back 6 foot done, I'm installing three new 46" rolling boxes with 12 feet of workbench on top of them against that back wall. The stuff that those will hold will free enough floor space to continue along one wall and doing the ceiling. Each finished piece allows me to get closer to the final product, which will be a clear, sealed, warm garage to park in, with everything that I choose to keep organized in easy to access storage.

It all starts by getting rid of one extra piece of clutter at a time. Even if that's just a few cheap sockets.

I am heading down the same road as you. No longer holding on to stuff I haven't used in over a year. Junked an old Dremel oscillating tool that that batteries would literally last 3 mins on high speed. I have the kobalt 24v oscillating tool so no need to keep that other around. Anything usable will get donated if the thrift stores open soon otherwise off to the landfill. I've been getting rid of all the extra hardware that comes with everything. Keeping the drywall anchors n common screws of course. The odd ball screws and various buts n pieces are all going out. Had a bunch of torx lags from a pergola we bought from Sam's a few years ago. We sold that home and no longer have a pergola, can't see any reason to hold on to them. Especially with the hardware stores within 5 mins from my home. Slowly working on getting a quality version of my freebies and hand-me-downs. I'm pretty invested into the kobalt 24v line so I'll continue it. One of my local stores has the kobalt jobsite fan discounted to $50 and am tempted to get it, even tho I really can't justify it other than it's a good deal. I do need an angle grinder and jigsaw. Pry gonna go with a corded grinder vs battery just because those seem to eat batteries no matter what brand

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[rayra]

I did consider doing a donation but here where I am all the locations are closed. I need to get the garage cleaned out so I can bring my car in until I can get it to the speed shop

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

surely an ammo can of sockets is not going to interfere with that.
socket racks are inexpensive, and can feed your need to organize. And make them handier to give away later as something useful rather than as a can of scrap metal.

 

[zzjabzz]

As above, try and make complete sets from them. you may even end up buying some odd ones here and there to complete the second and third sets...

 

[PelicanPines]

The word Extra has me confused... no such thing as extra tools. It's always an effort to reach that moment in time when you are close to having almost enough tools... there is no extra.

It's like women... can never have enough women... provided you have really good noise cancelling headphones.

 

[mfewtrail]

What does everyone do with their extra sockets?

Throw them all together in a box until I have a need for them. It's nice to have duplicates that you don't really care that much about to modify, beat on, etc.

 

[v1ru5879]

It's not just the ammo can of sockets, it's the whole facet of the keeping junk that you can't use or need.

Why would you buy socket racks, spend the time sorting and organizing, dedicate space to storing them, and then take the time to give them away later? Time and space are limitations on our lives. Anything we can do to save those things improves the quality of our lives. Hoarding cheap sockets that we have no use for, degrades the quality of life, not improves it.

The same rationalization can be made for drywall scrap pieces, leftover screws and washers and hardware extras from things you bought years ago, old ice cream buckets, odd bits of string, and even old newspapers or used bolts or nails.

If it bothers you to throw them away in the scrap metal, put the scrap metal bucket out at the curb with a free sign on it and let the scavengers have at it.

It's really hard to break out of the poverty mentality and hoarding mindset. Everything is valuable for "someday". I might break or lose all my stuff, and then I'll use this garbage that I don't want now, so I'll save it. I might be so poor someday that a discarded socket will be precious to me when I can't afford to replace the one I break. Is that really how you want to think? Do you really believe your circumstances will be like that? I know I've had a hard time breaking out of that mode. But, I regret none of the stuff I've gotten rid of over the past 5 years. Not even the stuff that's been thrown into the trash or the scrap metal. And, I really, really like working in the space in my shop and garage that's not cluttered up with stuff I have to move to do anything.

I agree 100% I am by no means using these tools to make a living so I am doing my best to just have what I need and not hold onto stuff that will most likely never even get touched. If I was wrenching for a living outta my garage that would be a whole different story. I have an old black n decker drill nicad that barely holds a charge and its been sitting on the shelf for 8+ years at this point and has been used a handful of times. I also have an old B&D angle grinder with the wires exposed and no handle thats been just taking space. I can agree with the very hard to get out of that mentality. I can appreciate the minimalist aspect of downsizing and gaining clutter free space, makes it easy to know where everything is

 

[brownbagg]

i got a five gallon bucket full

 

[v1ru5879]

i got a five gallon bucket full

You ever need the one that's right at the bottom?[emoji16]

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[jd_1138]

Triples? lol. I have 4 of each size -- one for garage, one set for shed, one for basement, one in the trunk set of tools.

I'd make sets out of them and put them in different areas.

 

[Big_D]

I have a container full of duplicates, triplicates, and cheap tools that have had a better life. Never throw anything away. You will find a use for it one day.

 

[CarsonConcepts]

Anyone else have some solutions to the pass through sockets? I guess a magnetic holder would work too, hmmm

I don't use my pass though set very often, so I have them in a small Plano type organizer box. Each compartment has 2-3 sockets in it so it's easy tofind what you're looking for. The 1/2" and 3/8" equivalent size sockets are big enough to say in order in the compartment. The 1/4" don't, but it's easy enough to find the one you need from a few, instead of digging through the whole pile.

 

[v1ru5879]

Finally went through the ammo box and separated the no names, sri Lanka, taiwan, and a few Japan's. As far as branded ones I found a lot of craftsman 12 point (2) 1 1/4, some promax, a snapon (dunno how it made its way into the pile) a couple Stanley and I may have missed a couple names. I came in for a break, concrete isn't kind on your feet when wearing converse shoes. Gonna group n inventory the name brands and pry eBay them unless anyone here is interested in the lot. I may end up tossing them in the ultrasonic to clean them up

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[v1ru5879]

Whew that was a task, I still gotta go back n get the part numbers on the ones that have them. But I ended up with mostly craftsman and promark sockets. Let's see if my chicken scratch is legible. The way format is s for shallow d for deep then the drive size, socket size and point. Then the markings on the socket for the craftsman were either v vv or g

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[v1ru5879]

Following pictures in order by brand is as follows:

Crew line
Promark
Cornwell
Husky
SK tool
Billings
Metrinch
Stanley
Master mechanic
True craft
Kmart Auto
Truth
Power craft
Challenger
Allied
Snap-On

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[HotrodHR]

Following pictures in order by brand is as follows:

Crew line
Promark
Cornwell
Husky
SK tool
Billings
Metrinch
Stanley
Master mechanic
True craft
Kmart Auto
Truth
Power craft
Challenger
Allied
Snap-On

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

OK, I give up, what are you going to do with your lists?

 

[andys]

surely an ammo can of sockets is not going to interfere with that.

This can is from a submarine, used to hold torpedoes.

 

[ezover]

complete craftsman sets in the shop, partial sets in the garage, dups in coffee cans in case one breaks or is needed elsewhere.

shop box gets filled first with tools.

I treat the garage box the same way I treated the little box in my sandrail. if it's a tool I had to use in the house it goes in the garage box (within reason lol).

a friend taught to try and do repairs out of my carry on box that way if I ever broke down I had the tools to fix it, also you do not fill it with junk you do not need.

 

[richfinn]

I have come to the conclusion, having anything "extra" is just hassle and baggage, if you have exactly what you need and no more it's way easier to keep track of and maintain/organise.

Minimalism is the way forward!!!

Donate your surplus to a School or something

 

[lardy1]

I got tired of trying to decide what to do with all my old sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers and about everything else that was just taking up drawer space and sent it to the local auction. I don't get much for it but it's gone and somebody else can try to figure out a way to sort and sell it.

I've collected antique pottery and depression glass for many years. I collected vintage tools long enough to see that it's not for me.

 

[v1ru5879]

Well so far I have an old Stanley tool box that's getting filled with all the tools and what not I have no use for. Hopefully this week the thrift stores should open so they can be donated.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[bpjr]

I went through this a few yrs ago. First thing I did was throw away the junk brands...most were 30-40 yrs old, never used and just taking up space. Then I made extra backup sets and the lone good brands went into a drawer to fill lost or broken ones. Did something like that with screwdrivers too and they are in the same drawer.

 

[Tallpilot]

I try to make complete ish sets and put them in vehicles at the least. But I drive an 18 year old Diesel and a 30 year old truck so maybe a little more mandatory to carry tools lol.

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

That's what I do. When I upgrade something in my main box I put the old one in my truck. If that size was already in the truck then I upgrade it and put it in the lady's car. Finally cheap Chinese stuff goes in the recycling and decent stuff that I have too much of goes to my neighbor.

At this point there is probably enough stuff in the truck to open a mobile service business.

 

[richfinn]

OK, I give up, what are you going to do with your lists?

Its procrastination, he knows it has to go to the socket graveyard and making a list is a delay tactic

I do this sh*t all the time

I know I will never use those cam timing tools from 1992

Maybe I could repurpose them?

Maybe some poor guy doing a resto really needs them?

Maybe ebay, somebody will pay good money?

Maybe I should buy a giant shiny tool box and keep them forever like a precious investment (that is so heavy you wont be able to move it)??

 

[Shelbylex]

I have some doubles, triples, etc
I keep the ones I am interested in and slowly try to complete sets.
If I am not interested in some, I try to sell them. Can not remember exact price, but I think at some point I sold 75+ sockets (combination of US, taiwan, etc in both metric and SAE) with swivel, habdle, etc in a large socket box for $20-25, sold smaller sets for less.
My approach is the following: periodically put extras in a box and try to sell for little.
For the tools that do not sell for little money, I just donate them. I bet somebody will be happy to get them for free or almost nothing. Worst come to worst you can melt them, but I bet there are enough people who could use the old sockets.
Save the environment and their money!
...Also sometimes it's good to have extras for cases when somebody asks for some sockets - you do not have to lend (worrying that they might loose it) - you can always give it to your neightbor as a gift!

By the way - there was a thread in GJ for free sockets - this is also an option if you do not mind mailing them!

 

[4 FN 27]

I put all my extras or spares in a drawer. In case I loose one or need to modify one for a special application.

 

[jgromada]

I keep my "spares" on a rail if they are unique enough to warrant it. For example i have a 3/8 rail with almost exclusively SK but i have a few "spare" Proto sockets that i really like because they are very very short and have worked well in tight spots

 

[555]

I put them in a 24" plastic tool box. When it's too wet or cold to do anything outside, I sort them into groups. I've made up several complete sets and quite a few "almost" sets. I'll put them out at the next community yard sale for $5 for the almost and complete sets and $1 each for the individuals. I don't care if they are made in China or if they are Snap On they are going!