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Organize my Sockets

JDC

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Joined
Jan 1, 2008
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37
Location
Valparaiso, In
I have maybe 3 sets of 1/4 3 sets of 3/8 and a set of 1/2. These sets are metric and standard, deep and shallow, impact, etc. Maybe 400-500 in all. I am a home mechanic and need a box just for these. Im thinking 3-4 drawer to sit on my workbench. Anyone know a good, cheap box for these. Any other ideas on organization?
 
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BigAl62

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Apr 18, 2011
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suburbs of Chicago
Craftsman or Harbor Freight would probably be the cheapest way to go. Another thought is cruise Craig's List for a used box.
 

wolflrv

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Jun 7, 2011
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304
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Savannah, TN
You might get a couple of intermediate chests and stack them. That would give you 4-6 drawers to organize in. As far as socket organizers, there's a ton of threads on this already.
 

Altec

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Jun 17, 2011
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SoCo, MD
You might get a couple of intermediate chests and stack them. That would give you 4-6 drawers to organize in. As far as socket organizers, there's a ton of threads on this already.

Agreed, but I'd go for one, or two of the deepest drawer intermediates I can get. That way Hansens, Ernst, and VIM trays can fit. :)
 

Brad54

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Jun 13, 2006
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4,646
Are these lose sockets, or are they on rails/organizers?

I dunno how many sockets I have... I've got two 1/2-inch 6pt (impact and regular) up to 1 1/8-inch, and a full set of deep impacts.
3/8 I have two full sets of standard (6- and 12pt) and two full sets of deep (6pt)
1/4 is the same.
And then I've got torx tip, allen tip and screwdrivers.

One set of each in metric.

They're all on rails, and the standard all fit in the top of my Craftsman box, along with all my ratchets, extensions, breakers, speedhandles, etc.

The metric sockets are all in another drawer, along with two full sets of metric wrenches.

If you don't have your sockets on rails or some other organizing method, that needs to be your first step.

-Brad
 
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JDC

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Jan 1, 2008
Messages
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Location
Valparaiso, In
I still have the majority of them in the black plastic box they came in. THe others are on rails with a few floating around.
 

NUTTSGT

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Northern Central Ohio
You could go with a regular tool box or intermediate box. Do you have any drawers under your work bench ? Craftsman makes a single drawer that would be killer if it was mounted under your bench top.
 
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Danglerb

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Sep 6, 2007
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SoCal
I want my most used sockets easily accessible, the rest I have no issue with just packing into the drawers in any semi sorted fashion thats handy. I have a few sets still in the plastic boxes, but I don't see that as a long term plan, just me not having time to find a spot for newer stuff.
 

LawnDart79

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Oct 17, 2010
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Minnesota
I know this is more box than you were asking for but for the price, it's a very good deal.

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...er-cabinet-with-8-drawer-top-chest-67831.html

This is a high quality box for the price. It's great for the home/hobby mechanic.

If this is too much box for you, I'd recommend going to sears and getting one of their top chests. I personally wouldn't buy a bottom box from sears, but I think a top chest sitting on a workbench would hold up well if not abused. Just pick the one you like.
 

Brad54

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Jun 13, 2006
Messages
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I guess first I'd invest in some Sears plastic socket rails (with the detent ball on them) and start organizing all of them into "sets." 6pt, 12pt, etc.
this will also let you know how many you're missing to form complete sets.
I like to avoid the metal racks with the metal holders like they were hookers with visible cold sores... They always bend, the metal clips always lose their spring tension and the socket falls off, etc.

Every now and then socket trays/boxes (little open box/tray with the handle on top that swings down out of the way) from Mac, Snap-on, etc. show up here in the classifieds too.

The Hansen trays with the posts are popular, but they usually hold standard and deep on the same tray. I like the racks because when I'm working on something I like to take the whole set of 1/2-inch or 3/8-inch sockets to the work piece, as I usually need several different sizes. Your mileage may vary.

Once you have them all laid out and on racks or in storage trays, then you'll know how much space you need for them. At that point you can thin the herd too, and sell some.

I've got a full set of standard and deep well in all three drives in my road trip box, a full craftsman box set in my wife's Corvair, and two sets of each in my main shop box. This many in my shop box lets me have one for me, and one for a buddy or my son if we're wrenching on a project together (work goes MUCH quicker when everyone has their own tools). It also gives me an immediate back-up if one breaks.
Then I set my 16 year old up with a full set.

The rest went to the swap meet.

-Brad
 

littletoes

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Nov 9, 2010
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Location
NE Washington
I think I have something like 32 or 33 different socket sets maybe more.....NOT TWO ARE THE SAME.

One set, for example, 1/2" drive impact, goes from 6mm to 39mm, very complete.

I separate them by drive size mostly. The 1/4" and 3/8" are in the top of the box for easy and quick use, the 1/2", 3/4", & 1" drive stuff is in two large drawers at the bottom of the top box, with all the extensions, ratchets etc. to go with them.

Hope this helps.
 

pipsters

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Sep 1, 2010
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USA
I have around 400 as well as a home DIY guy. I am organizing and selling quite a few of them off. I think I counted 14 or 16 10mm. Really? Do I really need that many 10mm sockets? Seriously? I would at first say you really don't need that many, and focus on pairing down to what you really need.
 

TexasT

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Feb 22, 2009
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Texas
Really? Do I really need that many 10mm sockets? Seriously? I would at first say you really don't need that many, and focus on pairing down to what you really need.

How could you not need them:bounce:? I guess I am a hoarder. I'll buy 10mm, 13mm, and 15mm as well as 1/2", 7/16" and 9/16" anytime I see them cheap. My kids loose them, my wife looses them, heck even I have been known to lose one or two now and again.

And to stay on topic, I like the plastic rails my matco stuff comes on as well as the metal rails snapon and craftsman sells. I even get those rail clips on sale every now and again at Sears.
 

Steevo

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Here's how I organize mine.
Well, most of them, anyway.
I have others in other tool boxes and other locations.

i-j2QBvM4-L.jpg


I try to maintain some sense of order by piling them together.
 
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