More socket organizers

[rjprice]

So I read and read and read about socket organization. I got totally wrapped around the axle on this. At the end of the day, I wanted to be able to put a set of sockets (3/8 or 1/4 in drive) in my rolling cart so that meant some type of rail or magnetic holders. I finally decided on Hansens for 1/2 in drive, Ares magnetic for 3/8 and 1/4 in drive.

The OCD thing is real! I set out to find all of the missing sockets and it took a while but I did it. Everyone needs a 5/8 in 1/4 in drive....

 

[Richard Cranium]

I will never know why hansens puts those unpopular sizes on their organizers.

 

[ryan20021982]

Nice, I feel your OCD pain lol

 

[Corndoggeh]

What brand is the 5/8 in 1/4" drive?

 

[Tallpilot]

Nice, I feel your OCD pain lol

Me too! Although I had to settle for an impact 1/4" drive 5/8"

 

[bugnut]

If you were really OCD like some of us the ratchets and extensions would be as organized as the sockets! ;-O

 

[rjprice]

What brand is the 5/8 in 1/4" drive?

The deep 6 pt was a no-name and was $5.50 on ebay. Seller is somehow charging $29 now:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Socket-1-4...d=322863202356&_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850

The short 5/8 1/4 in drive was a Proto and came from Zoro:

G0290787 Socket,1/4 in. Dr,5/8 in. Hex Socket,1/4 in. Dr,5/8 in. Hex Expedited Shipping Available $4.75 1 $4.75

I had a surprising number of the oddball sizes but I had to hunt down a few.
Cant wait to use my 1/8 deep socket.....

 

[Greatwhitewing]

So I read and read and read about socket organization. I got totally wrapped around the axle on this. At the end of the day, I wanted to be able to put a set of sockets (3/8 or 1/4 in drive) in my rolling cart so that meant some type of rail or magnetic holders. I finally decided on Hansens for 1/2 in drive, Ares magnetic for 3/8 and 1/4 in drive.

The OCD thing is real! I set out to find all of the missing sockets and it took a while but I did it. Everyone needs a 5/8 in 1/4 in drive....

Just curios why you place your sockets "business end" down?

I like to see if they are 6 or 12 point in my somewhat Hodge podge collection

 

[Snakebyt]

i bought mine years ago at lowes on clearance

 

[Shehzada]

So I read and read and read about socket organization. I got totally wrapped around the axle on this. At the end of the day, I wanted to be able to put a set of sockets (3/8 or 1/4 in drive) in my rolling cart so that meant some type of rail or magnetic holders. I finally decided on Hansens for 1/2 in drive, Ares magnetic for 3/8 and 1/4 in drive.

The OCD thing is real! I set out to find all of the missing sockets and it took a while but I did it. Everyone needs a 5/8 in 1/4 in drive....

I like how you took that photo (leaning forward) from behind the toolbox

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

 

[Tallpilot]

Just curios why you place your sockets "business end" down?

I like to see if they are 6 or 12 point in my somewhat Hodge podge collection

Mine are all 6 points, the 12 points are on a rail pointed up. Hansen trays are probably not well suited for hodgepodge collections.

I think Hansen's concept is you pick up the socket and put it directly on the drive tool without flipping it around so it's faster. Note that Snap-on pushes Hansen trays so they label their sockets 'upside down'

 

[ryan20021982]

What brand is the 5/8 in 1/4" drive?

They are Westward

 

[EOC_Jason]

Yeah I think I'm going to have to go with some home-made or customizable socket trays because the HF ones I have do NOT have enough spots for all my socket sizes! Drives me nuts!

 

[4 FN 27]

The OCD thing is real!

I know nothing of it...

 

[ryan20021982]

Yeah I think I'm going to have to go with some home-made or customizable socket trays because the HF ones I have do NOT have enough spots for all my socket sizes! Drives me nuts!

Ya my impact sets really bother my OCD, they do almost fill the hansen trays but i have way too many that don't have pegs to sit on.

View media item 82283

 

[rjprice]

Just curios why you place your sockets "business end" down?

I like to see if they are 6 or 12 point in my somewhat Hodge podge collection

The Hansen organizers put the drive end up. Not my favorite. I like to see the open end, too. The ares are all open end up.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I like my Hansen trays. Some times I load the whole tray in my cart for certain jobs Some times I might take the whole tray and put my drive tools/extensions I need in the middle of the tray and carry the tray. also use other types of holders for different types of sockets.
<a href='https://postimg.org/image/gqethzk6n/' target='_blank'><img src='https://s19.postimg.org/d6svs6hgz/Soc_hold.jpg' border='0' alt='Soc_hold'/></a>


My 1/4" drive 5/8" sockets are Blue Points and I use them fairly often

 

[kythri]

What brand is the 5/8 in 1/4" drive?

Here's some more:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=221170

 

[225]

I love the magnetic tray idea for extensions.

This is current setup, getting a new box next week. I also have 1/2" Hansen organizers. But no room for them yet.

 

[unknownroad]

How well do the Ares magnetics hold the sockets? Will they keep them in if you, say, smack the socket tray off the seat and onto the floor of the car while you're working? (the reason I've given up on Hansens)

I finally had to buy a 20mm metric sockets because I couldn't stand looking at that gap any more... I don't think I've ever encountered that size and needed the socket, maybe they just make them to satisfy collectors...

 

[A DuB]

I’m using wrestling machine trays. A bit pricey, but I absolutely love them.

 

[BigBoreFan]

I know nothing of it...

that's quality work my friend

 

[SRSemenza]

I like my Hansen trays. Some times I load the whole tray in my cart for certain jobs Some times I might take the whole tray and put my drive tools/extensions I need in the middle of the tray and carry the tray. also use other types of holders for different types of sockets.
<a href='https://postimg.org/image/gqethzk6n/' target='_blank'><img src='https://s19.postimg.org/d6svs6hgz/Soc_hold.jpg' border='0' alt='Soc_hold'/></a>


My 1/4" drive 5/8" sockets are Blue Points and I use them fairly often

It looks like you have a couple of longer 1/4" breaker bars in there. What brand / model number? Length?

Thanks,

 

[johninct]

I am switching over to Mechanics Time Savers magnetic ones because I can take the sockets out of the drawer to where I am working. They hold good and yet, I can take the sockets easily to where I am working. I really like having all of my 3/8" swivel impacts in one and can take them anywhere. I wish that they made more sizes.

 

[Tallpilot]

that's quality work my friend

It really is. You could sell those if you wanted to.

 

[Itsjustdirt]

I know nothing of it...

You win this game.

 

[Ohmthis]

I know nothing of it...

Do you have more info on making those (I'm assuming you made those correct?)? Do you have a build thread maybe? Those are perfect for what I'd like.

 

[WWheeler]

I know nothing of it...

A work of art. Seriously.

But I couldn't help but notice ...

 

[4 FN 27]

that's quality work my friend

Thank you!!!

It really is. You could sell those if you wanted to.

I wish but they would not be cost effective.

You win this game.

Just doing what I know best...Sheet Metal. Thank you

Do you have more info on making those (I'm assuming you made those correct?)? Do you have a build thread maybe? Those are perfect for what I'd like.

I don't have build thread. I did the majority of these Socket Trays and Wrench Trays back in 1997 or 98. I had just purchased the Craftsman 1-10 Add-on Set they offered at the time. I go tired of everyone on my Race Team slamming Drawers and Tools sliding everywhere and thought just measure every socket and every wrench...next thing I knew everything I owned had a home.

Over the years as I added items I revised thing. My main Tool Box is the Car Shop is about to get a make over like the newer design trays you see in the last post I did. Layered and screwed together vs forming and weld assembly. I have about 30 more sockets that need a home and 40 extensions.

I'll do a build thread when I get to actually cutting parts for it. I have all the Cad work done just need to generate some programs for the Laser.

A work of art. Seriously.

But I couldn't help but notice ...

Thank you...I fixed it for you. I cannot remember where I left that socket. I think it was on my Mill when I took the pic.

Me and my OCD...great part is in my 40 years of wrenching I have lost very few tools. I still have the set my Mom gave me when I turned 16. A few of the sockets have been replaced from wear.

I have used the snot out of most of these SAE tools and wipe them down every time before they go back in the box. The metrics don't get used to much in my line of vehicles.

Having a Sheet Metal Shop enhances my OCD.

 

[4 FN 27]

Even my Hardware Collection and Machine Shop Tooling is going OCD...

 

[Coach James]

The deep 6 pt was a no-name and was $5.50 on ebay. Seller is somehow charging $29 now:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Socket-1-4...d=322863202356&_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850

The short 5/8 1/4 in drive was a Proto and came from Zoro:

G0290787 Socket,1/4 in. Dr,5/8 in. Hex Socket,1/4 in. Dr,5/8 in. Hex Expedited Shipping Available $4.75 1 $4.75

I had a surprising number of the oddball sizes but I had to hunt down a few.
Cant wait to use my 1/8 deep socket.....

Found 1 more option for someone:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RN4IM6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Coach

 

[e015475]

I organized all my sockets and filled in all the missing sizes, then measured the diameters of them all and loaded them into an Excel spread sheet and sent it to these guys, along with the dimensions for the drawer the tray was going in

https://www.foamfittools.com/

A few days later a email contained a socket layout to approve and I printed it out and taped it together and placed all the sockets on top of it to see how it'd look.

A couple weeks later the tray came in the mail. It probably doesnt pack enough sockets for a pro mechanic and I wonder how long the foam would last in everyday use in a shop, but for me it was some of the best money Ive spent on organizing tools.

 

[4 FN 27]

I organized all my sockets and filled in all the missing sizes, then measured the diameters of them all and loaded them into an Excel spread sheet and sent it to these guys, along with the dimensions for the drawer the tray was going in

https://www.foamfittools.com/

A few days later a email contained a socket layout to approve and I printed it out and taped it together and placed all the sockets on top of it to see how it'd look.

A couple weeks later the tray came in the mail. It probably doesnt pack enough sockets for a pro mechanic and I wonder how long the foam would last in everyday use in a shop, but for me it was some of the best money Ive spent on organizing tools.

That is awesome. Looks like they have a pretty comprehensive selection based on Craftsman Tools.

I wonder if they have come across differences in the OD's of some of the sockets??? I ran into a couple of situations where the Blanks used in the 70's were smaller than the same socket in the 90's. The foam is more forgiving than the Stainless. I might have to give them a call.

 

[e015475]

My socket collection is a forty year accumulation of sockets going back to when I was in high school. Proto, Husky, Craftsman and probably some SK too. I just measured them all and sent them a list of what I wanted. Here's a shot of the final result. Like I said,it probably wouldn't work for a pro, but it is perfect for me. I can see right away if a socket is missing by the red foam

View media item 44573

 

[Snakebyt]

My socket collection is a forty year accumulation of sockets going back to when I was in high school. Proto, Husky, Craftsman and probably some SK too. I just measured them all and sent them a list of what I wanted. Here's a shot of the final result. Like I said,it probably wouldn't work for a pro, but it is perfect for me. I can see right away if a socket is missing by the red foam

View media item 44573

thats a very nice setup

 

[jdoe213]

How well do the Ares magnetics hold the sockets? Will they keep them in if you, say, smack the socket tray off the seat and onto the floor of the car while you're working? (the reason I've given up on Hansens)

I finally had to buy a 20mm metric sockets because I couldn't stand looking at that gap any more... I don't think I've ever encountered that size and needed the socket, maybe they just make them to satisfy collectors...

Some people like to look at the gap... just not in the socket drawer.

 

[jdoe213]

I like my Hansen trays. Some times I load the whole tray in my cart for certain jobs Some times I might take the whole tray and put my drive tools/extensions I need in the middle of the tray and carry the tray. also use other types of holders for different types of sockets.



My 1/4" drive 5/8" sockets are Blue Points and I use them fairly often

Can you give us the part # for the blue handled Williams 3/8 drive driver?

 

[Tallpilot]

Having a Sheet Metal Shop enhances my OCD.

It is very obvious when looking at the work of a true craftsman. You are probably correct that 'bespoke' formed/bent (I don't know the correct sheet metal terms) organizers would be ridiculously expensive at retail pricing. But there is certainly nothing else like them I have seen.

 

[Bryanthegreat]

I know nothing of it...

I dig the extension tray.