Mobile socket storage...?

[zer0cell]

I am in the process of piecing together some socket sets in both metric and SAE along with some ratchets and accessories etc. to take with me on the go. I am wondering what people out there are using for carrying them around. If I was planning on keeping all these in a permanent home inside a tool box it would be no problem but I want a convenient way to keep them organized unlike just tossing them all in a box and having them all loose.

One idea of course is to just put them all on socket rails and then put them in a craftsman truck box like this:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00965119000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=

that's a pretty inexpensive way to go. Another option would be to try and find some sort of organization case along the lines of this one:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_68107-1074-...+set&pl=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=socket+set

Something like that however may be hard to find as just a stand-alone box, without all the tools already in it.

Before anyone says it.... YES I know I could have just bought a set like that and have been done with it. At this point that is no longer an option for me, and even if it was... where is the fun in that?

Anyways, let me know what kind of ideas ya'll have. Links would be helpful is possible.

BTW, I am open to the idea of having several small organizational boxes which I can put into a larger one... if that helps. Other ideas are good too though...

 

[DrkMtnDew]

i have one of those truck boxes myself. works very well and stores nicely under the back seat. got a couple screwdriver, 10'' cresent, 3/8'' ratchet/sockets, allen wrenches, etc. i coulda bought the set too, but why spend money on stuff i already have.

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

I have a tool set like the one in the Lowes link that never leaves my truck. I also use Pelican cases for my trail tools and recovery gear. When I take my next trip, I'll try to get some pictures while I have them out. They work well though, and I can throw them in my roof basket to save cargo space inside.

 

[zer0cell]

@DrkMtnDew
I have one as well but I use it to store one of my flooring tools which did not come with a box. That sucker sure isn't cheap and it can blow out your stud walls if you aren't careful. You DEFINITELY do not want to use a cheater bar with this thing

 

[zer0cell]

I have a tool set like the one in the Lowes link that never leaves my truck. I also use Pelican cases for my trail tools and recovery gear. When I take my next trip, I'll try to get some pictures while I have them out. They work well though, and I can throw them in my roof basket to save cargo space inside.

Yep, some pics would be nice.

 

[farmmech86]

My sears sells empty blow-mold cases like the ones that the sets come in...might look into that. They are kinda hidden, I think they are under the socket rails or something. I use the truck box, and I really like it. My sockets are on rails.

 

[bmxr4life87]

There's a tray its a flat piece of sheet metal with handles on the ends and 4 socket rails riveted to it evenly spaced out so you have 4 socket rails on one tray it would keep everything tidy in a carry box then just supplement with individual socket rails for 1/4 and 1/2?

 

[larry_g]

http://www.strictlytoolboxes.com/portable-toolbox.html

By far the best.

 

[Hank McMauser]

I like the plastic socket rails available from NAPA they have a ball detent just like a ratchet/extension they seem to hold the sockets in place well.

 

[crewchief888]

i dont keep a ready to go box or bag in my truck.
if i need to go away from my place to work on anything, i'll either grab a few tools and put them in a bag, or for more extensive repairs i have a vintage CM 3 drawer top box that i can load up.

depends on what type of work/repairs i'm going to do.
i have a lot of different options for toting tools around.
welding/fab work i have a large bag for grinders, drills, clamps & supplies.

only time i load up a lot of stuff is when we go wheeling for a day or 2.
CM 3 drawer gets loaded,
tool bag of "essential" tools in the s-10,
grinders, drills, welder, generator,
milk crate with oil & A/F
couple hand boxes full of parts & supplies
ratchet straps

we've repaired everything from broken frames, hydrolocked engines, electrical problems and broken steering knuckles on the trail, or removed broken parts, returned to the parking area, to make repairs, returned to a broken truck on the trail.

 

[-->]

Bump. Anybody have pics? Im looking for something that will go in my truck that I don't have to keep in the bed.

 

[WhiteTrash]

Single cab, extended cab, or four door?

 

[BajaBound]

I use socket rails and store them in this bag.

http://www.mastercraftsafety.com/acc_toolbag.php

 

[Scout Driver]

I like the plastic socket rails available from NAPA they have a ball detent just like a ratchet/extension they seem to hold the sockets in place well.

I use the Craftsman version of these rails in my junkyard box. They work well and instantly let you know if you are missing a socket.

Scott

 

[Alchymist]

1/4 socket set in a small metal box, 3/8 set on rails. Bunch of other tools in one of these:
http://www.harborfreight.com/canvas-riggers-bag-38124.html

Carry it in the truck tool box and occasionally grab it and throw it in the wife's Escape when on a trip. Back when I bought mine they were $9.99. They seem to hold up well. (The smaller one, not the larger ones).

 

[mdbeck1]

I use the metal rails and put them in one of the flat storage boxes commonly available at HD, HF, Lowes, and several other places. The flat storage boxes fit nicely in the toolbox in the back of the truck.

 

[bcexplorer]

That socket roll up is cool. Over the winter i learned sewing so i could make some tool rolls, it was fun. If you could source the elastic material, this would be a fun project...

 

[mbshop]

I have an old plastic moulded case that carried std and metric sizes . 1/4 3/8 but not sure of 1/2. Could check.
You can have it , just pay shipping if its worth it. Craftsman case.

.

 

[cgv69]

I use the Wright tools plastic rails with the ball detents and keep them in a small plano box. One for Metric, one for SAE. I'll take some pics when I get home tonight.

ETA - Works OK but I am thinking about upgrading to the GearWrench set shown here... http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/KDT-80550F.html

 

[cgv69]

Here's what I did...

I have one for metric and one for SAE but I find I mostly only need the metric kit these days. It has 7mm-19mm shallows, 8mm-19mm deeps, universal, 3, 6 and 10" ext. and 1 ratchet. Other then the Williams ratchet, everything else was dirt cheap Kobolt clearance stuff.

Not the most robust setup in the world but I don't have that much $ into it and it's very compact.

That said, if i was doing it over again right now, I would go with the GearWrench 3/8 and 1/4 complete sets. You can get both for $108 + shipping... http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/KDT-80550F.html

Not as compact but probably less money in the end then what I put together, just as good if not better quality and much better fitted cases.

 

[Rt jam]

Just bought a rail of 3/8" socket organizers and have not got a service call since.

http://tekton.com/Tool_Organization/Socket_Organizers

 

[spike99250]

I use the Craftsman socket rails but cut them to fit whatever set I need them for. That way they are smaller and can fit in a smaller bow or bag. You can also mix and match different drive sizes on the same rail.

 

[Finky198]

^^^ I did my whole box with them great product...

 

[306guy]

I used to use the CM rails and always had issues with the sockets falling off in my tool bag (13" CM on sale for $3 X-Mas time!). I was looking for something different and b bought this new thing called a Socket Roll from an Indiegogo campaign. I like it. Holds all my stuff, no wrenches though. Here is the link for you guys to check out if you want.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/socket-roll-new/x/15315219#/

Now if I can just find something to organize my screwdrivers on the go