Hansen Socket Organizers?

[car99r]

Anyone know of any places that seell these in a kit or anything? Looking to buy several to replace some el cheapos I bought awhile back...

 

[bigjon]

I purchased mine from these guys. Got it as a 6 piece set.

http://stores.ebay.com.au/Advantage-Tools

Heaps on eBay sold as a complete sets.

P.S. The only difference between the old discontinued black & blue trays were the missing 15/16 post on the 3/8 tray. The new red & blue trays have it.

I actually like my Ernst rails better.

 

[zr52002]

At least local to me, O'Reilly's sells them at $9.99/rack regardless of size, which is better than anybody else I've seen in-store, especially on the 1/2 drives.

 

[Merkava_4]

Have you checked these out yet? I've got a few of them and they are awesome. They have a strong magnet on the back.

If you click on "Click to purchase" you'll see a menu of the different kinds they have.

http://mechanicstimesavers.com/shop/intro/caddy.asp

 

[dxdexter]

Have you checked these out yet? I've got a few of them and they are awesome. They have a strong magnet on the back.

If you click on "Click to purchase" you'll see a menu of the different kinds they have.

http://mechanicstimesavers.com/shop/intro/caddy.asp

I actually own some of these magnetic holders as well and while they are handy to stick a set of sockets to the side of a toolbox or to any metal of a vehicle being worked on, I feel they take up way to much space for the small amount of sockets they hold. IMO the Hanson trays are also huge space wasters. There are much better alternatives.

 

[AndrewHR]

There are much better alternatives.

So, what are the much better alternatives?

 

[dxdexter]

So, what are the much better alternatives?

This subject has been discussed many many times. This thread will give some ideas: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11126&highlight=socket+organization
that utilize less room within a drawer. There are many more threads and as well check out the "show your toolbox" thread and there are many ideas as well.

I use a combination of socket trays and individual rails as well as simply having the sockets sit on the drawer bottom. Just one socket tray for my SAE sockets @ 102 sq in (6" x17") can hold more sockets than three Hansen trays that occupy 134 sq in and can also hold adapters, universals or torx and hex sockets which the typical Hansen trays cannot. If I placed enough trays in my large drawer to contain all the sockets (including 12 and 6 point 1/2" drive), I would have no room for anything else and I would still need rails or special Hanson trays for the flex sockets, universals, screwdriver sockets,torx,hex, and 8 point and other odds and ends.

 

[Merkava_4]

I feel they take up way to much space for the small amount of sockets they hold.

You're right; they do take up a lot of space, but I can pull the socket out with one hand (like you would a metal socket tray) and they indicate to me what's missing; something a metal socket tray won't do.

Everything has a trade off.

 

[Stanger]

You're right; they do take up a lot of space, but I can pull the socket out with one hand (like you would a metal socket tray) and they indicate to me what's missing; something a metal socket tray won't do.

Everything has a trade off.

Yeah, and I'm willing to make that sacrifice. Hansen trays make it so easy to locate your sockets. I would be digging through that drawer posted above for a few minutes before I found what I was looking for. I also like the Hansens because it is easy for other people to locate my tools. If I ask them to get me a 1/2" socket, they'll have no problem finding it.

 

[Ye Moderne Locksmitherie]

how about old skool: Pegboard, with a tag on the hook, so you know what was removed ? Make a "bulleten board" with pegboard back, and you can lock it shut.

Now you freed up a few drawers in your tool chest, AND you have a hook for every size.... no fooling with holders that have overlap in the premade sizes.

Also works for box wrenches, T Handle ball-drivers ( HEX ) etc.

Not EVERYTHING needs to be in the chest.

:}

 

[car99r]

WOW, I have been checking out the Ernst rail setups and I like them.

Do you have to use the holders they show for the rails for them to stand up? I was thinking I could save even more room if I did not have to put them in the drawer as well...

 

[bigjon]

WOW, I have been checking out the Ernst rail setups and I like them.

Do you have to use the holders they show for the rails for them to stand up? I was thinking I could save even more room if I did not have to put them in the drawer as well...

The mounting kit stops it from tipping over (particularly the deep) in your drawers while you open & close them.

I don't have alot of tools so space isn't an issue in my tool chest. Both the Hansen & Ernst's work well for me.

Price wise the Hansen's are cheaper (~$63 for set of 6) because you have to buy 12 Ernst (~$6.99 each for 18" 15 clips) rails to hold the equivalent amount of sockets.