Sears 38 piece set storage

[joe_pinehill1]

Hi, I have an old 38 piece set, the first set I bought and my go to, I can do 90% of jobs with just these tools. The plastic hinges have torn, anyone know a replacement or a recommendation to store set so I can grab and go?

 

[mike93lx]

My first thought would be something like a pack out with Ernst rails. Or maybe some rails and a soft bag that comes with a cordless tool set.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

My first thought would be something like a pack out with Ernst rails. Or maybe some rails and a soft bag that comes with a cordless tool set.

It’s nice to have the shadow boxes for sponge count

 

[mike93lx]

If you want to organize it like you have it, you'll need to source an exact replacement set (unlikely) or so something yourself, like foam in another case

 

[Modern Garage]

If you were happy with the case before it broke perhaps you can repair it?
I've repaired broken plastic hinges on quite a few cases and boxes with rectangles cut from an oil bottle and screwed over the original hinges.
Joe

 

[WWheeler]

Cut what's left of the plastic hinges and cut-to-length a piano hinge and install into the plastic case with tri-fold/folding leg rivets (rivets for attaching to softer materials like plastic)

EDIT: I like Modern Garage's suggestion better for its ease and negligible cost.

 

[rancherbill]

I had the same problem. I went to a HW store and got some small hinges and small screws. I trimmed off the old plastic hinge and screwed the new one on. It works well.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

I had the same problem. I went to a HW store and got some small hinges and small screws. I trimmed off the old plastic hinge and screwed the new one on. It works well.

Good idea. Its either that or buy a smaller Packout and Rails. The Packout would add space for more bits and pieces. But also $$.

You can't beat the shadow box/ sponge count of the plastic, I've kept all the sockets together for over 30 years.

Milwaukee PACKOUT 22 in. Medium Red Tool Box with 75 lbs. Weight Capacity 48-22-8424 - The Home Depot

The PACKOUT modular storage system is the industry's most durable and versatile storage system. The PACKOUT tool box is constructed with impact resistant polymers and metal reinforced corners so it can

www.homedepot.com

 

[driftpin]

My solution is like Modern Garage suggested, but I use 1" woven nylon braid or whatever you call it. I usually use pop rivets and reinforcing washers. Sometimes it's the front latches, I used long strap Velcro around the box, and just loosen it a bit, and slide it off one end, and slide it on, and tighten the Velcro when I'm done. I have several blow-molded Sears tool cases I've done these repairs to, and haven't had to re-do any, after years of use.

 

[rancherbill]

.....Its either that or buy a smaller Packout and Rails.....

I think it's a GJ rule that we buy tools to fix stuff, not to buy expensive Chinese **** to replace stuff we don't fix.

Seriously, I was surprised how well it works. I used 1/2 inch screws. I was traumatized when it broke, because it was so handy.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

A $12 hinge did the trick

 

[captain14]

Win! Did you have to buy any tools to fix the case?

I have one from the same vintage I found at a thrift store intact with the tools. No damage except some of the plastic is scratched.

 

[nbpt100]

Nice work with the long hinge! I have a similar type of cman tool box and love the storage. I totally get your desired to keep it. The hinges on mine are still ok but the two plastic clasps to keep it closed have broken. I now use a bunge wrapped around it to keep it closed. It is not perfect but good enough. I would post a pic but it is in my van right now. Maybe later.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

Next, I forgot to pick up a small hasp to keep it closed. Or I may try and pop rivet Velcro strips to the front.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

Win! Did you have to buy any tools to fix the case?

I have one from the same vintage I found at a thrift store intact with the tools. No damage except some of the plastic is scratched.

No new tools, only bought the hinge.

 

[driftpin]

Next, I forgot to pick up a small hasp to keep it closed. Or I may try and pop rivet Velcro strips to the front.

There is a 'sexless' Velcro which grips much more-securely than the traditional hook/loop & 'fuzzy-side' Velcro. I use it on a Craftsman blow-molded truck toolbox w/a busted pair of latches. I have it wrapping circumferentially around the box and it does a better job of holding things securely than the pop-rivet idea you have. I considered that, but after trying the sexless Velcro, in my opinion, it worked much more-securely.

On the 1/4" drive small Craftsman blow-molded toolbox sets, when the side of the box hinge pins failed after years of use, I used the threaded moly wall anchors w/the collapsible arms that spread-out as you tighten the machine screw, to provide a new hinge pin. I bet I did that repair > 20 years ago.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

I had a roll of Velcro and used it. It’s enough to keep from all spilling out. REI has free Velcro

 

[rancherbill]

No new tools, only bought the hinge.

My rule is that 1/3 of the "saving" on a job is spent on tools for the next job. I have a ton of stuff that I bought this way.

Milwaukee boxes are stupid expensive so I am sure you would have spent $60, so go wild with your new $20 tool budget and take your honey out with the other 40 saving. It's GJ Economics 101

 

[nbpt100]

My rule is that 1/3 of the "saving" on a job is spent on tools for the next job. I have a ton of stuff that I bought this way.

Milwaukee boxes are stupid expensive so I am sure you would have spent $60, so go wild with your new $20 tool budget and take your honey out with the other 40 saving. It's GJ Economics 101

Those Pack out boxes are marketed to tradesmen working out of their Trucks every day. Organization is key to working efficiently. The cost can pay for itself for someone like that. Not likey worth it to the average person. I am not even considering quality and overall value. Just the concept. It would be a good thread to talk about the different options out there.

Glad you efficiently solved your problem. Everyone looks at how they justify an approach to problem solving differently. For good reasons.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

Those Pack out boxes are marketed to tradesmen working out of their Trucks every day. Organization is key to working efficiently. The cost can pay for itself for someone like that. Not likey worth it to the average person. I am not even considering quality and overall value. Just the concept. It would be a good thread to talk about the different options out there.

Glad you efficiently solved your problem. Everyone looks at how they justify an approach to problem solving differently. For good reasons.

Agree. I'm devoted to M12 and M18, but as much I try I can't justify a pack-out box set.

 

[rancherbill]

Those Pack out boxes are marketed to tradesmen working out of their Trucks every day. Organization is key to working efficiently.

How did they ever survive before the Chinese (Milwaukee) solved their problem? There wasn't a problem. They had hand tool boxes and milk crates. Now everybody wants a shiny red plastic toolbox.

Milwaukee Packout are HEAVY and BIG. You put all your stuff in them and you need 2 men and a horse to move them.

 

[nbpt100]

How did they ever survive before the Chinese (Milwaukee) solved their problem? There wasn't a problem. They had hand tool boxes and milk crates. Now everybody wants a shiny red plastic toolbox.

Milwaukee Packout are HEAVY and BIG. You put all your stuff in them and you need 2 men and a horse to move them.

That is why they sell one with wheels and a long handle. Not just Milwaukee but many of them now. Ridgid, DeWalt, Ryobi than I know of. The small parts boxes are a good idea for fasteners, fittings, small tools, etc.