Small box for 1/4" sockets

[theoldwizard1]

I have an old Craftsman 1/4" socket set that came with a decent blow molded case. It was nice because it had molded in pockets for each SAE socket (yes, the set is probably over 40 years old). It was twice as nice as it had enough rumor for add-ons like extensions, spinner handle and a full set of metric sockets.

Well, it is dying ! I'm looking for a replacement.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Would something like a small tool bag work ? Or a pencil case ? Put all the sockets on rails for organizing or a set of Hansen socket rails if they live in a tool box drawer.

 

[CallumRD1]

The Tekton 1/4" case is particularly nice in my opinion. Space for full sets of metric and SAE sockets, extensions, spinner handle, universal adapter, and a reasonably large extra storage compartment. Maybe you can convince them to sell you one.

1/4 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set, Inch/Metric (55-Piece) | TEKTON | SKT05301

Includes: 5/32-9/16 inch (SAE), 4-14 mm (Metric) 6-point standard and deep sockets, ratchet, extensions, hex bit holder, u-joint, spinner handle, and case. No skipped sizes. SKT05301.

www.tekton.com

 

[Terra Nova]

Have this SK set that lives in the cab of my truck. Really really handy. They have a slightly large kit in the same case that comes with a universal and a palm ratchet.

SKU - 91844

 

[JradM]

Nobody makes a universal blow-molded case as far as I know. I suggest you find a good locking socket rail and put that inside something like a tool bag if you want it to be portable - or maybe a Dewalt Toughsystem box (or similar) if you want something rigid.

I'd recommend an Ernst socket holder. You can buy just the rails, or rails that lock into a tray for use in a tool chest. There are a couple of different rail options too - with a detent retention, twist lock or magnetic. I like the twist lock personally. Ernst socket rails are also rebranded and sold by Tekton and Gray.

Another advantage for the Ersnt rails is that you can buy racket and extension holding clips. That means you can keep all the contents of your blow molded kit locked together.

 

[JradM]

Sorry for this low-quality picture - I just happened to have it on my phone to show you what I'm referring to.

On the far left is my 1/4" sockets mounted in an Ernst 13" double-rail tray. Mostly obscured in shadow, I have two 1/4" drive ratchets mounted to the tray too (and there's still room if I wanted to add more sockets or a couple extensions on the other rail).

The tray to the right has no sockets, just a bunch of Proto ratchets.

 

[Bubba Fett]

This is meant for Packout boxes, but I imagine it could sit in any box that's large enough.

https://www.grainger.com/product/MILWAUKEE-Black-Red-60RJ98?searchQuery=48-22-9486T&searchBar=true

 

[Dumber than lumber]

I have an old Craftsman 1/4" socket set that came with a decent blow molded case. It was nice because it had molded in pockets for each SAE socket (yes, the set is probably over 40 years old). It was twice as nice as it had enough rumor for add-ons like extensions, spinner handle and a full set of metric sockets.

Well, it is dying ! I'm looking for a replacement.

Old cigar box.
For reelz. You may want to attach some clips and bits of wood to keep components separated.

 

[qqzj]

Find a block of wood, drill a bunch of holes, and you got yourself a nice case. I actually saw someone did it, and result was great.

 

[JradM]

Old cigar box.
For reelz. You may want to attach some clips and bits of wood to keep components separated.

Actually that brings to mind another approach. If you find an appropriately-sized box of suitably-sturdy material, you could just rivet some socket rails to the inside.

I think a small metal box would be perfect for this.

 

[4xdog]

Proto make (in the US, even) a range of small metal toolboxes. They don't have the convenience of molded spots for each socket, but they're probably more compact and they'll likely outlast us all.

 

[FMB4]

You might consider keeping an eye out for a used/vintage Craftsman tin box for said socket set.

 

[tez929rr]

Amazon shows the SK box for sale for $22.29.
SK Box

 

[maydaymike]

The Tekton 1/4" case is particularly nice in my opinion. Space for full sets of metric and SAE sockets, extensions, spinner handle, universal adapter, and a reasonably large extra storage compartment. Maybe you can convince them to sell you one.

1/4 Inch Drive 6-Point Socket and Ratchet Set, Inch/Metric (55-Piece) | TEKTON | SKT05301

Includes: 5/32-9/16 inch (SAE), 4-14 mm (Metric) 6-point standard and deep sockets, ratchet, extensions, hex bit holder, u-joint, spinner handle, and case. No skipped sizes. SKT05301.

www.tekton.com

I think I still have one of these cases if it's something you're interested in. I unloaded the sockets into a drawer and shelved the empty case when I bought them a few years ago.

 

[charbar]

Ebay might be your friend in this case. I don't think Ive ever seen anywhere else with blow molded cases for sale.


I just went and looked through my pile of cases to see if I had something that would work for you. I do have a SnapOn blow molded case for 1/4" drive, however it doesnt have spaces for each individual socket. Looks just like this one.....https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ebayimg.com%2Fimages%2Fg%2F1twAAOSwCNVgXmXo%2Fs-l300.jpg&f=1&nofb=1

 

[four.cycle]

"Ebay might be your friend in this case..."

There are always dozens of boxes listed on Ebay.
The hurdle is getting past the garbage in the search results.
Searching for "tool box" you will be there all day.
You can try "socket box" / US only / used / and generally find some decent stuff, but sellers think it's gold plated.
If you search "metal box" be sure to insert in the words to exclude: jewel, jewelry, CD, lunch (as well as narrowing it to "US only" and "used".)
Most of the blow-mold plastic socket boxes I've seen on Ebay are either (a) for 3/8" drive sets or (b) have either broken latches or hinges.

YMMV

 

[JradM]

I was thinking a low-profile tool box with socket rails riveted to the bottom would make a pretty nice portable kit.

This is the tool box style I had in mind:

I swear I saw one of those at Walmart for ~$7 recently.

Then just rivet a few of these to the bottom:

You can get these for cheap too. Like several for $5 cheap. Because the sockets would be vertical, you could fit a lot - and still have room for ratchets and extensions.

If it's just a 1/4" set, the toolboxes above are probably way bigger than necessary. I'd have to do some googling to see if there was an even smaller option. Cash box maybe?

 

[Terra Nova]

Amazon shows the SK box for sale for $22.29.
SK Box

I was almost going to suggest that but my recollection was that SK deep sockets were kind of an odd length. Since I have both sets I figured I would take a look.

Craftsman sockets and extensions fit like it was made for them! Ratchets, not so much, though with some trimming you could make it work.

 

[bob15]

I prefer this style box:


Blow molded boxes **** because they limit your selection of tools and accessories......The above box with the plastic Wright/Craftsman/SK socket rails and you are set.

https://www.pioneersteelusa.com/product/hand-held-standard-toolbox-r104

https://www.harryepstein.com/pioneer-steel-19-x-7-x-7-1-4-green-cantilever-tool-box-1819-5.html

 

[dnschmidt]

Drop by Walmart and get an appropriately sized piece of Tupperware. I use one of these for my paint gun cleaning tools. Has my brushes, Nozzle wrenches, spray gun lube that kind of stuff.

 

[Al Borland]

My 1/4" sockets (SAE) in my work bag are in little metal cough drop boxes, with rubber bands around them,
They don't get a lot of use though.

 

[theoldwizard1]

You might consider keeping an eye out for a used/vintage Craftsman tin boxes for said socket set.

You must be ANCIENT ! My Dad had one of those. He would be 98 this year.

 

[bbrins]

Until I recently expanded the 1/4 socket set in my work truck, I used to keep the sockets on the plastic Craftsman/Kobalt/Wright rails in a Klein canvas zipper bag(#5139, I think) along with ratchets, extensions, etc. Now it is in a slightly larger ATC zipper bag. After dropping a socket set in a blow molded case down a stairwell in an apartment building years ago, I decided I don't particularly care for blow molded cases. There were sockets everyfrigginwhere. With my zipper bag, I could throw it down several flights of stairs, and it will still all be there, it might not all still be on the rails, but it will still all be in the bag.

 

[Fedwrench]

Another vote for ebay. Specifically, Cripe Distributing on ebay. they often have socket set boxes from armstrong, allen, NAPA and other brands that might be what you're looking for.

 

[Bockscar]

You must be ANCIENT ! My Dad had one of those. He would be 98 this year.

Like one of these

 

[Bockscar]

You must be ANCIENT ! My Dad had one of those. He would be 98 this year.

Or this

 

[Michigan Mike]

How is the case failing? I have a larger blow molded craftsman that the hinge part of the case wore out and broke. I screwed a piano hinge on and it has lasted for many years. Your box is much smaller but if that is how it failed it may be repairable.

 

[Terry D]

Wizard, I have one of those Tekton 1/4" boxes. Brand new. Bought it a few months ago and put all the sockets in holders. I will check how and if Craftsman sockets fit in it. Message me if interested

 

[theoldwizard1]

How is the case failing? I have a larger blow molded craftsman that the hinge part of the case wore out and broke. I screwed a piano hinge on and it has lasted for many years. Your box is much smaller but if that is how it failed it may be repairable.

Same failure.

 

[wolf_from_wv]

Dewalt Medium Tough Case for the short, regular, and deep sockets. No room for rails, but it has 6 compartments. Smaller Dewalt case of same style for ratchets.

 

[FMB4]

You must be ANCIENT ! My Dad had one of those. He would be 98 this year.

Yep, I'm pushing 65 (and I don't feel a day over 75). My dad had a 1/4" Craftsman set that came with a tin box. Had a thin red plastic 'tray' that held all the tools in place. The tray eventually failed to the point that he tossed it. I have no idea of when bought the set tho (late '60s or very early '70s?).

 

[lardy1]

I have an SK case for 1/4" drive. I have no idea if it will work for you though. PM if interested.

 

[no704]

Get a bank deposit bag?

 

[ex-x-fire]

Find an old metal 1st Aid box.

 

[FMB4]

Or this

The 1 on the right is it, or very close to it.

 

[dscheidt]

Until I recently expanded the 1/4 socket set in my work truck, I used to keep the sockets on the plastic Craftsman/Kobalt/Wright rails in a Klein canvas zipper bag(#5139, I think) along with ratchets, extensions, etc. Now it is in a slightly larger ATC zipper bag. After dropping a socket set in a blow molded case down a stairwell in an apartment building years ago, I decided I don't particularly care for blow molded cases. There were sockets everyfrigginwhere. With my zipper bag, I could throw it down several flights of stairs, and it will still all be there, it might not all still be on the rails, but it will still all be in the bag.

Rails in a bag is what works best for me. put your ratchets and extensions in the bag or not, depending on what you're carrrying.

 

[gearhead1]

I’d try eBay.

I like the blow molded cases for 1/4 drive only since they’re small.

My favorite metal box is the old Mac one with the drawer in the bottom. I found these pics of it on the internet.

 

[gearhead1]

Vintage Hinsdale No. 13B Metal Socket/Ratchet/Wrench Tool Box USA Empty | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage Hinsdale No. 13B Metal Socket/Ratchet/Wrench Tool Box USA Empty at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[gearhead1]

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[gearhead1]

NEW Plastic 18 Piece 3/8" & 1/4" Drive Socket Set Case | eBay

This is a NEW plastic 18 Piece 3/8" & 1/4" Drive Socket Set Case. The case has numbered socket slots for 1/4" drive 3/16" thru 11/32", 3/8" drive 3/8" thru 3/4" as well as slots for a 3/8" to 1/4" adapter, spinner handle, extension, spark plug socket, and ratchet.

www.ebay.com