Mobile mechanics: question on socket organization

[redLSJ]

What rails or holders do you guys throw in your bags to keep your sockets in line?

I'm leaning towards Ernst for the color coordination and dual sided rails. I really don't need any special features, except for handy socket access on a rail that won't allow them to fall in the water. Thanks.

 

[plinker]

I've got Gearwrench rails for my 1/4 drive stuff, work well and the sockets dont fall off.

 

[MattT]

I use these. They retain sockets very well. Only downside is you have to line up sockets with drilled retainers.

 

[RetroJim]

In my tool boxes I use the metal strips and the red plastic trays that the sockets sit on a post . When I go to the salvage yard , go to help friends and so on , I like to use those trays that have the magnets in them . That way they don't fall out and you know when you are missing something . Wrenches I like the roll out sleeves that are leather to hand made ones where I slide the wrenches into a section . That also works good to keep your tools in order and you know if you are missing some . I usually have a small metal tool box or a tool bag I carry them in . Each of my cars also have the small C/man socket sets and a few wrench's to make a easy fix if I break down .
Seems to work for me .

Jim

 

[redLSJ]

I use these. They retain sockets very well. Only downside is you have to line up sockets with drilled retainers.

Excellent, I'm assuming (based on price and location) they only come in gray, not blue and red?

I don't think given the price difference color selection is going to be make or break though, I'll probably give them a shot. Thanks.

If anyone else has more suggestions, feel free.

 

[daveblank]

Excellent, I'm assuming (based on price and location) they only come in gray, not blue and red?

Matco sells them in blue & red.

 

[Givl Reggin]

Matco sells them in blue & red.

Sears has them in BLACK and GRAY.

The HF ones are actually a sea green color.

 

[MattT]

Excellent, I'm assuming (based on price and location) they only come in gray, not blue and red?

I don't think given the price difference color selection is going to be make or break though, I'll probably give them a shot. Thanks.

If anyone else has more suggestions, feel free.

AFAIK the china freight ones only come in grey and you can only get them in one length. I've also got a couple Wright, USA made, ones I bought from McMaster. They're available in blue and red and 3 different lengths. I've also seen Craftsman rails of this type and Matco also has 'em like Dave said.

I bought the Wrights to try in my travel kit and they impressed me so much I wanted to upgrade all my rails but couldn't justify the expense. It would've cost me well over $100 The Wrights are molded and finished better.

 

[Deskmechanic]

The craftsman ones are nice that is what I use for everything. The HF ones are NOT the same - they are more brittle, a crappier kind of plastic.

 

[EvenTheLoosest]

Snap-On rails are very inexpensive and are USA:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=storage&Group_ID=3223&store=snapon-store

 

[crewchief888]

What rails or holders do you guys throw in your bags to keep your sockets in line?

I'm leaning towards Ernst for the color coordination and dual sided rails. I really don't need any special features, except for handy socket access on a rail that won't allow them to fall in the water. Thanks.

set of sockets never come out of my service truck, if i have to work out of sight of my truck, i grab the sockets/tools i need and toss them in a small mechanics tool bag. what wont fit in the bag goes i my back pocket.

even when headed out to the junkyard, i only take the tools i need for the parts i'm going after, i hate carrying a junk of tools i wont need or use, and it's just one more thing i have to worry about.

 

[MattT]

Snap-On rails are very inexpensive and are USA:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=storage&Group_ID=3223&store=snapon-store

They don't retain the sockets well enough for a travel kit. I'll grant you SO are the best metal rails I've used.

 

[redLSJ]

set of sockets never come out of my service truck, if i have to work out of sight of my truck, i grab the sockets/tools i need and toss them in a small mechanics tool bag. what wont fit in the bag goes i my back pocket.

even when headed out to the junkyard, i only take the tools i need for the parts i'm going after, i hate carrying a junk of tools i wont need or use, and it's just one more thing i have to worry about.

I'd like to use the SO rails, but, I would prefer plastic with better retention. I work out of a bag on docks and move between storage units. Looks like I'll check out what Matco has to offer too. Thanks.

 

[Diesel_Crawler]

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