Replacement for Blow Molded Case

[AldeanFan]

I have this socket set that’s kind of sentimental. I carry it in the truck most of the time and it’s a pretty good set for side of the road repairs.

Unfortunately he case is failing, both clasps are gone and now one of the hinges is broken.

I was planning to buy socket rails and a small tool box to keep these in, but thought I’d better ask here incase anyone has a better idea, which you guys usually do.




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[lilredex]

You're about a year too late, but I gave away a couple of those cases. Had trouble even giving them away.

I have shown my boxes on here many times. They mostly reside in my roller or on the wall.

 

[AldeanFan]

Well that’s too bad .

Love your chest setup,
For me I’ve got my drawers full, these are my travel sockets.

I may also look at one of the boxes with drawers like below and put all my travel tools together.



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[AldeanFan]

So now if fallen down the rabbit hole of modular tool boxes.
This might be a better option as I use the tools for racing weekends and for camping. Some tools go to both and others only to one or the other so it would be convenient to have multiple boxes I can grab and go with what I need.


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[Citation]

I bet you could fix that old case up. Use a long rod as a new hinge. Just drill things out and run a rod from end to end. Get some toggle clamps to replace the clasps
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074X2LB1J/?tag=atomicindus08-20
or perhaps just a sliding bolt type lock. So long as the body is in good shape you can fix things up vs replace.

 

[gungatim]

I've used scrap leather and pop rivets for hinges, you can fab latches or repurpose some as well. done a lot of coolers that way, piece of old leather belt and a pin.

 

[Al Borland]

And NOBODY mentioned Duct Tape?

 

[BrandoJames]

That’s a Mastercraft socket case, right. Here’s a new Mastercraft replacement socket case for $10 bucks from Canadian Tire:

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-socket-set-replacement-case-95-pc-0589247p.html

 

[AldeanFan]

That’s a Mastercraft socket case, right. Here’s a new Mastercraft replacement socket case for $10 bucks from Canadian Tire:

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-socket-set-replacement-case-95-pc-0589247p.html

Thanks but it’s discontinued.
Besides the whole set will probably be on sale next week for 49.99


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[Gummi Bear]

I’m not particularly a big fan of blow molded cases. I’ve tossed a bunch of them in the recycling bin


For truck use - I use a tool bag, and organize my sockets in small zipper bags. Ratchet, screwdriver, hammer, measuring tape, all get tossed in the bottom of the bag.

I also keep some emergency fix it stuff in there too: an assortment of hose clamps, some wire, JB Weld, etc.

Also - when HF has sales, pick up some magnetic hardware trays. I keep a couple in the truck, and have them stashed all over the shop. Nothing will set off a cussing storm like knocking a screw off the fender into the grass on the side of the road.



I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[BTL-A4]

What about a canvas roll? One for each group of tools.

 

[PhantomEB]

Buy new Mastercraft socket kit in blow molded case. Put old into the rolling chest on Hansen trays from Princess Auto. If that’s full, canvas rolls in a Kuny bag for one of the vehicles.

 

[Bacon!]

I have a similar enough case for a Craftsman socket set and I intend to fix it up, already have the parts but life put the project on the back burner.

I'm going to put slots in the case to insert sheet aluminum behind the points where i put stainless steel latches and a hinge in back. The sheet aluminum will be held in place to drill then cut to size, then with expanding spray foam holding it lined up (temporary nails holding it in place through the case side wall) for use of M4 x 8mm truss head self tapping screws to attach the hardware. You could use rivets if you preferred. It is a bit harder to describe the process than to just do it.

The hinge I think I got off some 30 year old microwave oven (back when they were made like tanks with a full piano hinge on the door), but you can buy regular hinges at most hardware stores, and the latches are just something random I got off ebay. Hmm let me see if I can dig up those...

Can't find the bay listing, they look like the following. Come to think of it, I ordered these once and they got lost in the mail so I ordered a 2nd set, then a month after I got the 2nd set the first finally arrived and looked identical but were thinner metal. IRRC they were something like $2 free S/H for a 4 pack.

 

[klassenl]

I did this

 

[KnurledNut]

That is superb!

 

[Trimmerman]

I have this socket set that’s kind of sentimental. I carry it in the truck most of the time and it’s a pretty good set for side of the road repairs.

Unfortunately he case is failing, both clasps are gone and now one of the hinges is broken.

I was planning to buy socket rails and a small tool box to keep these in, but thought I’d better ask here incase anyone has a better idea, which you guys usually do.




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I got through. Hello, I understand this post is 5 years old. I have the same case with the same problems. I drilled out the hinge and put in a big bolt. It has held up for over 20 years of home mechanic use. When the silly little snaps went. I started using the ********* twist ties off coffee bean bags. Just one, on the handle. I have to replace it periodically. I'd like to have a replacement case too. However, I won't settle for less. The arrangement of the tools in the case is unbeaten. All three sizes, standard and metric. long sockets. a variety extensions. even a screwdriver and a pair of pliers in mine. And space for a few other things. I have a handful of slightly larger sockets I carry for that little bit extra reach you need sometimes. I don't carry the combination wrenches in it anymore. I use pouches now. 4 wrenches don't do anything. You need 13 of each, SAE and metric. I carry both, in my other hand. It evens out the load a little. Having them together is great. Sometimes a metric will fit better. They fold open and lay flat. You can have all your tools under the car with you within easy reach. I am taking time away from a clutch replacement to type this. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10217026962406903&set=pb.1252762330.-2207520000&type=3

 

[PoorUB]

Years ago I bought a Craftsman sockets et, 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" in a blow molded case. I like the case becuase you can see if anything is missing in a second. Any way I guy I worked with accidentally dropped it thirty five feet off a roof onto concrete. Lets just say the case didn't drop test very well. I used it for a few months with a couple nylon straps around it, then got tired of that so I stopped in Sears, yes, it was that long ago! I asked to buy a replacement case and the counter guy looked it up and said there was no replacement case available. I was not very happy! I remember standing there, kind of fuming and I happened to look up and there was a huge banner, "Your satisfaction guaranteed, or your money back!" I pointed to the banner and said I wasn't satisfied! He asked if I had a receipt, and I didn't. He said the best he could do was the last sale price, good enough for me!
I remember I had bought the set on sale, and it also came with SAE and metric nut drivers with the sale price. They didn't want the nut drivers as they were not part of the set, just an add on for a the sale. When I got home I looked on my book keeping program on my computer and found when I bought them. I paid less for the set than I got back, and kept the nut drivers!

While I was at Sears I did look around for another tool set, this time looking for just 1/4" and 3/8" as I rarely, if ever used the 1/2" set, but I didn't find anything I liked. I drove over to Grainger and bought sets there in bow molded cases. That was close to twenty years ago and I still have the sets from Grainger.

I will have to remember the wooden case using the blow molded case for an insert. Great idea!

 

[bornbadbob]

I did this

Impressive!

 

[Bill Porter]

I've had this Sears/Craftsman socket set with blow molded case for decades. I use it often and it fits perfectly in my garage drawer. One of the side holders broke off and the other one is going. I use white duct tape to keep the one side closed, but I just keep it flat in and out of the drawer so they don't spill all over the floor. After reading some posts here and watching a couple YT videos, I am going to try and install some metal case latches. Would really love it if the latches were as strong as the tools themselves. We'll see. I'll update this post with pictures whenever I get done with it. Also, if you have suggestions on what kind of latches to use, I'd really appreciate it!

Here's what it looks like currently:

PS - it's a full set but I'm using the little 5mm that's missing from the case.

Bill Porter
Katy, Texas

 

[wjjeep]

I’ve been putting some of my stuff into Milwaukee Packout boxes. I like these systems because of how well they stack, especially when transporting it in a vehicle. There are many brands, so pick your favorite flavor.

 

[alinc100]

I've had this Sears/Craftsman socket set with blow molded case for decades. I use it often and it fits perfectly in my garage drawer. One of the side holders broke off and the other one is going. I use white duct tape to keep the one side closed, but I just keep it flat in and out of the drawer so they don't spill all over the floor. After reading some posts here and watching a couple YT videos, I am going to try and install some metal case latches. Would really love it if the latches were as strong as the tools themselves. We'll see. I'll update this post with pictures whenever I get done with it. Also, if you have suggestions on what kind of latches to use, I'd really appreciate it!

Here's what it looks like currently:

PS - it's a full set but I'm using the little 5mm that's missing from the case.

Bill Porter
Katy, Texas

I used these latches on a similar Craftsman case. They screwed in pretty well. I did glue/silicone some hardwood to 'flatten' the surface. I can't attest to their longevity as I put this set under the seat of my truck and have not accessed it since. In a round about way, that is a good thing. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGF9BLQH?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Bill Porter]

I used these latches on a similar Craftsman case. They screwed in pretty well. I did glue/silicone some hardwood to 'flatten' the surface. I can't attest to their longevity as I put this set under the seat of my truck and have not accessed it since. In a round about way, that is a good thing. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGF9BLQH?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thank you for sharing that. I've ordered some latches from Amazon that I think will work best for what I want to do, but if they won't do what I'm picturing, I'm definitely ordering those that you sent. Would prefer to have black latches on my black case. Much appreciated!

 

[Bill Porter]

Well, I finally got it done. I wanted it to look like one of Craftsman's newer cases like this:



But all I could was this:





It works great and should hold. I used special "super glue" in the holes and underneath the latches. Really pleased with how this turned out and want to thank all those who contributed to this thread and my success!!

Happy Holidays.

Bill P.

 

[alinc100]

Bill, I think that turned out great. We've all known for years the plastic latches are a weak point ,after you get past remembering which side of the case is UP. That is a great save and should get years of extended use.

 

[theoldwizard1]

In general I don't like blow molded case because they do not allow "accessories" to be added to your set. I have a some Milwaukee cases shoved up in on inaccessible shelf. It is easier to store my drills (3/8" and 1/2") and impact (3/8" and 1/2") in drawers.

2 exceptions.

Tap and die set. It is the only possible way to keep things organized ! The hinge broke on my Craftsman tap and die blow molded case (circa 1975). Top and bottom were in good shape. Made a couple of giant "rubber bands" out of bungee cord. Works perfectly !

1/4" socket set. Again, this is and old Craftsman blow molded for SAE sockets. However there is enough room I can fit a whole 1/4" metric set of sockets (on a rail) and extensions, universal and 3/8" to 1/4" adapter ! The latch failed years ago (and the hinge is going), but the same bungee/rubber band trick keeps it going.

 

[captain14]

Good job.

Did you install any backing material inside the case prior to installing the latches?

 

[Bill Porter]

Yeah, I'm not a full time mechanic or anything. I just try to fix what's broken around my house and I've been doing most of my automotive work lately. I'm like a weekend warrior in the garage. I've been using this set for several decades and got it when my father was alive and still doing projects - so the sentimental value is really big. This case fits perfectly in one of my drawers on top of other tools and by putting the latches in the front instead of the sides where the plastic ones were, it still slides in and out easily. I keep some extensions and swivels in the top of the case, but I have a whole set of impact sockets and heavy duty components in their own tool box. I have tons of very old hand tools, etc. that remind me of my childhood with every use. As I'm in my mid-50s, those things are quite important to me now

 

[Bill Porter]

Good job.

Did you install any backing material inside the case prior to installing the latches?

Yes, I filled them with a special thick glue that hardens like plastic. It's like plastic-wood, but for plastic. It takes 24 hours for a full cure so I haven't touched my case yet, I usually wait 48 hours just to be sure.

 

[grissom]

Well, I finally got it done. I wanted it to look like one of Craftsman's newer cases like this:



But all I could was this:





It works great and should hold. I used special "super glue" in the holes and underneath the latches. Really pleased with how this turned out and want to thank all those who contributed to this thread and my success!!

Happy Holidays.

Bill P.

Could you provide a link to those latches

 

[Bill Porter]

Could you provide a link to those latches

Yes, but they are not very sturdy. They will work for my limited purposes of just keeping the case from opening while carrying it around my home garage, but if you're taking your case all over and sliding under seats, etc., I would probably buy something else. These are mine:

Latch Hasp Catch Toggle Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Hardware Cabinet Case 2pcs for doors gate locks - Amazon.com

Latch Hasp Catch Toggle Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Hardware Cabinet Case 2pcs for doors gate locks - Amazon.com

a.co