Options for portable socket/drive tool storage?

[AceofSpad3s]

I have sockets on rails, or in the plastic trays up in the top box, I don't really care for either choice and I end up walking back and forth to find the right stuff and have to carry it all loose in the hand.
The dewalt 1/4 socket set I bought a few years ago cheap at sears, I like it because I can just flip up the socket and pull it off the holder and have everything in a compact space.
However I always end up using some other ratchet and it can't fit any extensions or extras in the case.
Is there any good options for a case that will hold all the sockets firmly so they don't scatter if it's thrown around, but also has spare room for accessorizes and ratchets?
Not looking for a massive Montezuma type rig, but something big enough for a set of 3/8 metric shallows, deeps, at least 2 ratchets, extensions up to 6", universal joints.

 

[Negen]

A metal box like proto similar with magnetic koken rails should be fine I would think

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[JBradley500]

No desire to get something like the HF tool cart?

 

[AceofSpad3s]

No desire to get something like the HF tool cart?

I have a cart but it's on a separate level than the workshop, so if I put anything I frequently use in there I'll be stuck having to pull a car out to get in it when I am just working on something in the shop instead of outside.

 

[65k10]

Would the Ernst Socket Boss with one rail using their ratchet/extension holders work?
http://www.ernstmfg.com/store/p/52-8451-3-Rail-Twist-Lock-Socket-Boss-18-Blue.aspx
http://www.ernstmfg.com/8355-Face-Mount-Ratchet-And-Extension-Holder-3_8_inch-Drive-2-Pack.aspx

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Would the Ernst Socket Boss with one rail using their ratchet/extension holders work?
http://www.ernstmfg.com/store/p/52-8451-3-Rail-Twist-Lock-Socket-Boss-18-Blue.aspx
http://www.ernstmfg.com/8355-Face-Mount-Ratchet-And-Extension-Holder-3_8_inch-Drive-2-Pack.aspx

Is it possible to get all the rails with 3/8 clips instead of 1/4 and 1/2?

 

[65k10]

Is it possible to get all the rails with 3/8 clips instead of 1/4 and 1/2?

Hmm. I'm not seeing a way to get all 3/8 clips on the 3 rail Socket Boss like you can with the 2 rail version.

I think you can buy all the components separately (tray, rails with or without clips, extension holder) and make a Socket Boss fitting your desired configuration.

 

[FigureItOut]

Is it possible to get all the rails with 3/8 clips instead of 1/4 and 1/2?

Hmm. I'm not seeing a way to get all 3/8 clips on the 3 rail Socket Boss like you can with the 2 rail version.

I think you can buy all the components separately (tray, rails with or without clips, extension holder) and make a Socket Boss fitting your desired configuration.

Like he said, just buy some extra clips. Look for everything under the Tekton brand and it'll be a little cheaper. It's nice stuff.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930AZ using Tapatalk

 

[Ericmacc]

I am looking for the same thing. I also thought about getting some magrails and putting it in a smaller metal toolbox to keep all my ratchets and sockets in.

 

[californiaHank]

The long Ernst socket boss rails (18" rails) and trays (overall length a bit under 20") fit perfectly in some portable tool boxes.

I have all my sockets and most of my ratchets and extensions on Ernst rails and trays. When I have a remote job, I grab the sets I need and load them in a 20" Proto hand carry box along with other tools I need for the day. (The Proto box is J9975R - costs around $50.)

 

[petercookies]

Hope I'm understanding your situation correctly, but when I'm for instance working on something in the driveway and need to ferry tools from my tool cabinet in the garage, I like using an open-top tool tray (the kind that Craftsman used to put inside their portable tool boxes).

Super handy and keeps everything close to hand. Then when I'm finished, I just load everything back in the tray and take it back to the cabinet.

 

[Sloper0204]

Is it possible to get all the rails with 3/8 clips instead of 1/4 and 1/2?

Call them and make the request, they have always been very accommodating to me when on the phone.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Went digging through some drawers and ended up finding some craftsman plastic rails in 3/8, can these clips interchange between different brands like the Ernest? If I could put those ernest ratchet holder on the existing rails I have, I think I could get something I could live with.

 

[Sloper0204]

Went digging through some drawers and ended up finding some craftsman plastic rails in 3/8, can these clips interchange between different brands like the Ernest? If I could put those ernest ratchet holder on the existing rails I have, I think I could get something I could live with.

They will not interchange with Ernst.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

They will not interchange with Ernst.

Someone mentioned tekton ones earlier, are those rebrands of ernst?

 

[Sloper0204]

Someone mentioned tekton ones earlier, are those rebrands of ernst?

If you look at the pictures on the Tekton and Ernst websites, they look very similar. Who knows if they are molded at the same plant or if it is just rebranding. Judging by the pictures they would be interchangeable.

I own a pile of Wright, Craftsman, Ernst, and Williams rails, even though they look compatible doesn't mean they are. The Craftsman clips just barely fit the Wright rails.

 

[jimreed2160]

I organized all of my 1/4" stuff in a vintage grey Craftsman toolbox I found while cleaning up my garage. I went to Lowes and picked up a few of their magnetic holders and a few of their plastic ones. The magnetic holder keeps everything from sliding around in the box and is nice for the deeps. The removable tray holds ratchets and extensions. This box is easier to deal with than a cart when I go outside for quick jobs.

 

[WWheeler]

I use flexible urethane socket holders from weldtab and just toss a set or two into a toolbag along with the rest of my roadside toolkit. Because they are flexible you can put them in a bucket or whatever tool storage container fits best for you. I love these things. They really hold onto sockets quite well and can take all sorts of abuse. Best of all they're relatively inexpensive compared to many other options.

I've been using holders like these for my on-the-go sockets for 20 years now. 1st ones I bought back in the 90s at Northern were orange (IIRC they were 'Great Neck' branded) and I'm still using them in the worktruck. They've been through hell and back, used almost daily, but still hold the sockets just like when they were new. The metal-clip style rails I bought around the same time for my garage tool-chest socket set, cost more, were used half as often, yet lasted less than half as long before they gave up. None of them are still around.

FWIW Here's a youtube video of a guy, who I take it used to sell them on ebay or something, showing how well flexible urethane socket holders work. lol. He's nuts to swing them around like that but does give a pretty good description of how they work and what to expect using them.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I put extensions and driver tools in the gap between the sockets on my Hansen trays. Then I just carry the whole tray to where I need it. I also will at times stick the trays in my tool bag. They don't take being thrown around much though.

If you have sockets on a rail, you could always throw them in a small case along with extensions and driver tools.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-17-in-Plastic-Tool-Box-Blue/1000225015

 

[Tom White]

If you have sockets on a rail, you could always throw them in a small case along with extensions and driver tools.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-17-in-Plastic-Tool-Box-Blue/1000225015

Glad you posted that link. I really like the idea of those. Need to get to Lowes and check them out.

I don't do much wrenching around my place but have been trying to find a way to sort out tools for different uses. For example - one box for my tractor and implements, one for the riding mower (basically for if I need to level the deck, change blades, that sort of stuff.

I already have a couple larger boxes but hate messing with those behemoths when only about a half dozen pieces are needed at any given time. Good grief, the one with 3 sizes of socket sets plus a slew of large combination wrenches gets darned heavy!

 

[ssdave]

I work a lot differently than many on here describe. When I'm working on a vehicle, for instance, I use a folding metal table (small, very heavy duty) that I set up next to the work space. I have a good idea of what tools I need for the task, so I grab them and put them on the table. That's usually a 1/4" and a 3/8" ratchet, 3 or 4 extensions, a couple of screwdrivers, 2 pair of pliers, a light, a hammer, and a couple of parts trays. Sockets, usually less than 5 sizes will do almost everything. If I have to use a parts tray to carry the stuff to the table, so be it.

If I need anything after I start, I'm glad of the opportunity to stretch my back going to the tool box.

I'd hate to have a rail or box full of sockets at my work area. I want just the stuff I'm using. Nothing more in the way or to get confused with. Now, my sets are very comprehensive and large, so that may color my perception. I have 550+ sockets in my top drawer, my 1/2" drive shallow 12 point SAE set for instance is 22 sockets. I have 6 point, 12 point, regular, deep, swivel, etc. So, I'll grab maybe 10 sockets; they'll be a mix of drive sizes, regular and deep, swivel, torx, hex, etc based on what I know I might need. If I had to bring 4 to 6 sets to the table to get the 10 I need, it'd be too crowded.

If I used a tool cart, I'd work much the same way. The cart top would be like my table. I might keep a favorite selection of ratchets and pliers and screwdrivers in the drawers, along with some basic socket sets. But, I'd take them out and put them on top before starting, just like I do on the table. And get the specialty sockets from the main box to go with them. Just what I intend to use.

When I'm done, I only have to clean up and put away what I've used. I like that.

So, what works for me is clear organization in my main box so I can readily identify and get the sockets I need to take to the work area.

 

[ssdave]

Here's a followup of pictures of the entirety of tools I needed to swap out the motor, front end, brake system and other peripherals on a ford Escape V6 that I swapped a totalled vehicle parts into a more used one. It's a picture I took at the end of the removal, to show what minimal tools were needed for the job. Everything used is on that table, with maybe the exception of larger hammers and pry bars. A couple of ratchets and wrenches are hiding under the rags/gloves.

 

[JazzBlueRT]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T4XL2MO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And some tool foam

https://www.foamfittools.com/

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Glad you posted that link. I really like the idea of those. Need to get to Lowes and check them out.

I don't do much wrenching around my place but have been trying to find a way to sort out tools for different uses. For example - one box for my tractor and implements, one for the riding mower (basically for if I need to level the deck, change blades, that sort of stuff.

I already have a couple larger boxes but hate messing with those behemoths when only about a half dozen pieces are needed at any given time. Good grief, the one with 3 sizes of socket sets plus a slew of large combination wrenches gets darned heavy!

Sears/craftsman have some smaller ones too minus carry handles. I have a few of these that I store tools like pullers that I don't want pieces floating around and getting lost.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-12in...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=COKQvIfR1NsCFQ6JwAod2yIJwg

 

[mfgorilla]

Sears has a bigger one with handles too...
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-22inch-standard-truck-box/p-00965119000P?plpSellerId=Sears&prdNo=12&blockNo=12&blockType=G12

 

[CTyankee]

I have sockets on rails, or in the plastic trays up in the top box, I don't really care for either choice and I end up walking back and forth to find the right stuff and have to carry it all loose in the hand.
The dewalt 1/4 socket set I bought a few years ago cheap at sears, I like it because I can just flip up the socket and pull it off the holder and have everything in a compact space.
However I always end up using some other ratchet and it can't fit any extensions or extras in the case.
Is there any good options for a case that will hold all the sockets firmly so they don't scatter if it's thrown around, but also has spare room for accessorizes and ratchets?
Not looking for a massive Montezuma type rig, but something big enough for a set of 3/8 metric shallows, deeps, at least 2 ratchets, extensions up to 6", universal joints.

Had the same problem myself. Needed portable socket storage. IMO socket rails are a pain in the ***. Finally decided to just buy this complete socket set with a molded case. There's a thread about this in the "hot deal section"

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT80550P

Granted the case isn't what I'd consider heavy duty, and you're not going to be able to toss it around, without the some sockets breaking free inside...but if you handle it with some care, everything will stay in place. Very decent tool quality too IMO. . Small, portable and covers probably 95% of my needs for basic jobs. No more rummaging around, fighting socket rails and easy to see everything is all there when your done. I'm much more organized because of these sets. I have 2 of the previously mentioned plastic Sears tool totes one that holds a 1/2 socket set, along with breaker bars, the other for pliers a few screwdrives and other misc. stuff.

I'm only a DIYer so YMMV.

 

[earlthegoat2]

My dad wanted something like that so I bought him the 3/8 drive SK SAE/metric set in the blow molded case.

 

[Tom White]

Sears/craftsman have some smaller ones too minus carry handles. I have a few of these that I store tools like pullers that I don't want pieces floating around and getting lost.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-12in...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=COKQvIfR1NsCFQ6JwAod2yIJwg

Yeah, Sears used to be an option around here, but not any more. A few years back there was a Sears about 20 miles west and one about the same distance to the east. They are both gone now and the closest is about 50 miles away. That is OK though, because I pretty much hated Sears anyway.

On the other hand, we have both Lowes and Menards stores still in the towns where Sears used to be. Home Depot is pretty much out of the picture. Their closest stores are about 40 miles away.

 

[scubadoober]

IKEA Raskog if you have one near you. keep rags, brake cleaner, penetrant, and nitriles in each tray. Then just use the top one for temporary tool trolleying. Small foot print.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Found one of those magnetic holders in the garage with a handle on it for a full set of deeps and shallows, retention isn't great but I'll see if I find some strapping to give it more positive retention. I try using a small metal box for carrying all the extensions and accessories.

I do have a cheap pelican laptop case I bought a year or two back, I might look into the foam idea. Has no foam with it right now though, and the tool foam mentioned earlier is pretty expensive, anyone know a place to find it cheap? The case is 5 or so inches thick so I need a good size chunk.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

IKEA Raskog if you have one near you. keep rags, brake cleaner, penetrant, and nitriles in each tray. Then just use the top one for temporary tool trolleying. Small foot print.

Looks neat, I got the bottom of my 2 drawer car loaded with liquids, but that looks like a nice option to get some more room.

 

[JazzBlueRT]

Found one of those magnetic holders in the garage with a handle on it for a full set of deeps and shallows, retention isn't great but I'll see if I find some strapping to give it more positive retention. I try using a small metal box for carrying all the extensions and accessories.

I do have a cheap pelican laptop case I bought a year or two back, I might look into the foam idea. Has no foam with it right now though, and the tool foam mentioned earlier is pretty expensive, anyone know a place to find it cheap? The case is 5 or so inches thick so I need a good size chunk.

Lots on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZX1VYFQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Ericmacc]

https://www.socketroll.com/productsr-blue/

This looks like a nice idea