Small in-vehicle socket set

[mike93lx]

EDIT: I am not looking for recommendations on what else to carry beyond the socket set. I already have a lot of other tools in my car and have that covered. This post is just about sockets.

I have been carrying around a small Craftsman socket set in the trunk of my car for a bit. It's been helpful a couple times, but the case is way too big.

I am going to put all of my in-vehicle tools into a soft bag and want to organize the sockets with these Tekton socket rails in both 3/8 and 1/4. I'd like to keep it to one rail for each size, which limits me to 14 - 3/8" and 15 - 1/4" each

For a point of reference on what I would likely be repairing something on, I drive a 2012 Volkswagen and tow a couple small trailers that have all SAE fasteners. I'll be carrying a metric wrench set and a crescent wrench as well.

This is what I'm thinking:

3/8" - all shallow
17, 15, 14, 13, 12, 10
3/4, 5/8, 9/16, 1/2, 7/16, 3/8
3/8 to 1/4 adapter

1/4" - all shallow
10, 8, 7, 6, 5.5
7/16, 3/8, 5/16, 9/32, 1/4, 3/16

Am I missing anything important? I'll have a couple open slots on each if need be.

Keep in mind that is is not supposed to be comprehensive. It needs to be compact and lightweight.

Thanks!

 

[63mothership]

Might also wanna add some screwdrivers and pliers. Not just a socket set.

 

[KnurledNut]

17mm (1/2 drive 6pt deep)...and...
short 1/2 breaker bar for your wheel bolts?
Also...
19mm? (1/2 drive 6 pt deep) for your trailer lug nuts?

Edit:
XZN triple square socket set

 

[liam.fenemore]

Torx is probably a good idea, Titan makes a pretty good small set.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ZHBLDK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[kctyphoon]

i predict by the end of this thread people will be telling you to have a entire toolbox in your car.. i carry a small socket set, and husky brand of pump pliers, diagonals, slip joints, adjustable wrench, and vice grips and needle nose. i think i bought it all around christmas time a few years ago at HD and got it all cheap.. 6in1 screw driver, multi tool and utility knife. my hand tools literelly fit into a small pouch aside from the socket set. i also keep a small jump pack, compressor, plug kit, jumper cables. with the m18 3/8 impact and flashlight, lug nut socket set and the 1/2" extendale HF ratchet.. duct tape, gloves first aid kit. it all fits in the removavable storge tray in my honda crosstour. sounds like alot, but doesnt take up much space. its all under the removable floor panels in the back of my car. if you look in the window it looks like i have nothing.. ultimately, space should dictate what your willing to carry

 

[Tron]

You need to think about what repairs you can, and are willing to do at the side of the road. Drive belt, battery, replace a light bulb. I might consider a fuel pump, depending on how easy it is to get to.

 

[90zcar]

I just carry a small bag in my car with a hf 3/8 ratchet and some kobalt shallow sockets that go from 8mm-19mm and a pliers, dykes, 2 screwdrivers and hammer

I also carry a harbor freight 25" breaker bar with a 3/4 socket attached for my wheels

I actually have never used any of those tools on my actual car but they always came in handy when I was away from home and had to do something. I also have made money with those couple of tools in a parking lot fixing something for somebody that was broke down.


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[Coach James]

Along with pliers, screwdrivers etc, I carry this set:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_573338-22328-86750_1z0wcfvZ1z140vv__?productId=50200783&pl=1

I don't just have it for the car. I have also used it to fix equipment at our gym and other people's houses.

Coach

 

[jn50308401]

I've had more problems with trailers than my cars, so maybe a good breaker bar and socket for the lugs, bulbs, a good spare tire for the trailer, wire repair tools for the lights, maybe a small grease gun.
Trailers are probably the most neglected pieces of equipment I see on the road.

For the love of Pete
check the air pressure, age and overall condition of the tires on the trailer. I see so many guys flying down the interstate at 80 MPH with smoke coming off a trailer tire about to explode

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[kblee27]

Sometimes you need an open end, a small combo wrench set can take care of that
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NPXHFM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I'm partial to spline, this take care of many types, including hex, damaged nuts, e-torx
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00176HUOK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mike93lx]

Might also wanna add some screwdrivers and pliers. Not just a socket set.

I will have plenty of other tools. This thread is specifically for the socket set.

 

[mike93lx]

17mm (1/2 drive 6pt deep)...and...
short 1/2 breaker bar for your wheel bolts?
Also...
19mm? (1/2 drive 6 pt deep) for your trailer lug nuts?

Edit:
XZN triple square socket set

My car has a lug wrench with the spare and i keep a 4-way on the trailer

 

[mike93lx]

You need to think about what repairs you can, and are willing to do at the side of the road. Drive belt, battery, replace a light bulb. I might consider a fuel pump, depending on how easy it is to get to.

A fuel pump is way outside what i would deal with on the side of the road. Besdies, I drive a TDI, so that's a whole 'nother ball game

 

[mike93lx]

I've had more problems with trailers than my cars, so maybe a good breaker bar and socket for the lugs, bulbs, a good spare tire for the trailer, wire repair tools for the lights, maybe a small grease gun.
Trailers are probably the most neglected pieces of equipment I see on the road.

For the love of Pete
check the air pressure, age and overall condition of the tires on the trailer. I see so many guys flying down the interstate at 80 MPH with smoke coming off a trailer tire about to explode

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Agreed. I don't tow a ton, so i check tires every trip and try to regularly keep an eye on bolts.

 

[jn50308401]

Agreed. I don't tow a ton, so i check tires every trip and try to regularly keep an eye on bolts.

Good deal!

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[Fender1325]

Id bring a couple compact jacks - bottle or scissor. Deep sockets, jumper cables, spare serpentine belt perhaps....thats about it. On a modern car what is gonna go wrong that you'll fix on the side of the road really? Pretty much a flat tire. Stay up on maintenance - belts, hoses, fluids, battery and you wont ever need those tools.

 

[padronanniversary]

I always carry in the truck also a tarp to lay on as well as nitrile gloves. as for tools be willing to have them stolen, only cheap sets in my truck

 

[mike93lx]

Id bring a couple compact jacks - bottle or scissor. Deep sockets, jumper cables, spare serpentine belt perhaps....thats about it. On a modern car what is gonna go wrong that you'll fix on the side of the road really? Pretty much a flat tire. Stay up on maintenance - belts, hoses, fluids, battery and you wont ever need those tools.

seriously, does anyone actually read the question and subsequent posts?

This is about a socket set, not what other tools to carry

 

[90zcar]

If your looking for decent sockets for the car for cheap. Check out lowes this week. They usually put their Taiwan kobalt 3/8 socket sets down to $10 bucks for the Christmas/Black Friday time


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[mike93lx]

If your looking for decent sockets for the car for cheap. Check out lowes this week. They usually put their Taiwan kobalt 3/8 socket sets down to $10 bucks for the Christmas/Black Friday time


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No, I am not looking to buy more sockets. Did you read the post? I am trying to repackage my existing Craftsman set to store in a smaller space.

 

[kctyphoon]

No, I am not looking to buy more sockets. Did you read the post? I am trying to repackage my existing Craftsman set to store in a smaller space.

you got a great way of showing gratitude.. what else do you expect people to post in here?? you need a thread just to talk about HOW to package a handful of sockets? buy a rail, stick them on.. you cant figure that out for yourself but you wanna complain about people offering other advice for you, and anyone else that might be reading this..

 

[pepgj]

At the risk of not answering the question, Proto has socket rails (called socket bars by them) on Amazon for about $2.50, which is quite a lot less than the rails mentioned in post #1.

For field repairs, I think I'd prefer socket sets in those small trays with the clip that covers the sockets, but horses for courses.

 

[retDAC]

No, I am not looking to buy more sockets. Did you read the post? I am trying to repackage my existing Craftsman set to store in a smaller space.

I read everything and can appreciate your chagrin. In viewing your proposed listed sockets, I see you have the all more likely sizes covered either directly or by interchangeability.

Perhaps 18mm also might be a good idea for you? I don't know what needs you are envisioning.

Possibly 11/16" as well since 17mm won't cover it (0.6875" - 0.6693" = 0.182").

Do you forsee a need for 7/16" and 3/8" in both drive sizes?

 

[mike93lx]

you got a great way of showing gratitude.. what else do you expect people to post in here?? you need a thread just to talk about HOW to package a handful of sockets? buy a rail, stick them on.. you cant figure that out for yourself but you wanna complain about people offering other advice for you, and anyone else that might be reading this..

gratitude? Why should I be thankful to someone just because they typed some words on an internet forum? I asked a question, and got a bunch of answers that didn't pertain even after I further clarified the post. I feel like more and more people here just want to get a post in and don't really care if it contributes.

 

[mike93lx]

I read everything and can appreciate your chagrin. In viewing your proposed listed sockets, I see you have the all more likely sizes covered either directly or by interchangeability.

Perhaps 18mm also might be a good idea for you? I don't know what needs you are envisioning.

Possibly 11/16" as well since 17mm won't cover it (0.6875" - 0.6693" = 0.182").

Do you forsee a need for 7/16" and 3/8" in both drive sizes?

Thanks. I probably can eliminate the duplicates, especially if I'm not going to carry two ratchets.

I couldn't think of any time that I have used an 11/16 or 18mm, which is why I left them out. Any particular application that you can think of for them?

 

[mike93lx]

At the risk of not answering the question, Proto has socket rails (called socket bars by them) on Amazon for about $2.50, which is quite a lot less than the rails mentioned in post #1.

For field repairs, I think I'd prefer socket sets in those small trays with the clip that covers the sockets, but horses for courses.

Thanks. Can you link to the small trays that you are referring to?

I only wanted to go for something like the Tekton rails over metal rails as they seemed like they would hold onto the sockets better and with the Tekton rails, I can consolidate all of the clips onto a single rail, making the package even smaller.

 

[kctyphoon]

gratitude? Why should I be thankful to someone just because they typed some words on an internet forum? I asked a question, and got a bunch of answers that didn't pertain even after I further clarified the post. I feel like more and more people here just want to get a post in and don't really care if it contributes.

wow.. what a guy.. well, you made it on the list.. congrats..

 

[Lassen Forge]

I used to have a 50 cal ammo can as a tool box, and my socket sets were loose in small canvas bags - one for 3/8, one for 1/2". Not quite as convenient as a socket rail (I had to dump them when I needed one) but they fit (along with the other stuff in the box).

 

[retDAC]

... I couldn't think of any time that I have used an 11/16 or 18mm, which is why I left them out. Any particular application that you can think of for them?

Not specifically. Since you had both SAE & Metric listed, just wondered if you were trying to fill a near complete set. Again I don't know what needs you expect. The only other marginal possibility within your range would be 11/32" which is quite unlikely for most people. Something to do with electrician's work maybe. Possibly certain kinds of machinery. I think 9mm applications are even rarer so if you are trying to keep things to a minimum based on your own experience, that can be avoided as well.

Btw, while you have covered 19mm with 3/4", 16mm with 5/8", and 11mm with 7/16", you still have some potential duplicates:

8mm and 5/16" (0.3150" - 0.3125" = 0.0025")

9/32" and 7mm (0.2813" - 0.2756" = 0.0057")

 

[mike93lx]

Not specifically. Since you had both SAE & Metric listed, just wondered if you were trying to fill a near complete set. Again I don't know what needs you expect. The only other marginal possibility within your range would be 11/32" which is quite unlikely for most people. Something to do with electrician's work maybe. Possibly certain kinds of machinery. I think 9mm applications are even rarer so if you are trying to keep things to a minimum based on your own experience, that can be avoided as well.

Btw, while you have covered 19mm with 3/4", 16mm with 5/8", and 11mm with 7/16", you still have some potential duplicates:

8mm and 5/16" (0.3150" - 0.3125" = 0.0025")

9/32" and 7mm (0.2813" - 0.2756" = 0.0057")

Thanks again, that's helpful. That's why I eliminated 9mm, and I was thinking he same as you said with 19, 16, and 11. I'll axe the additional duplicated that you listed.

 

[joel63]

Ok, to go straight to your question, I

would add in 3/8 dr. 11mm, 11/16.

In 1/4 dr. 9mm, 1/2.

I can appreciate what you trying to do in keep your sets to a minimum.

My approach with that is to have a complete set within the size range you

to carry.

jm2c

 

[90zcar]

Wow you came off a little harsh there. But I can forgive.

How about a couple things for your trailer and call it good with what you have. Anything more than what you can't do with a socket and simple hand tools is most likely going to be more complex than what your are going to want to do safely along the road. Granted I have done some pretty in depth repairs along the road but I was also younger with vehicles that were much much more older and less reliable.
Your driving a 2012 so I wouldn't be stressing to much in this. If anything get urself a AAA card or know someone with one and just tow the car somewhere safe if something happened bad enough


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[Marc Benjamin]

I often wonder how come nobody ever suggest a fire extinguisher and a real first aid kit.






You know we're trolling you know right?

 

[90zcar]

I often wonder how come nobody ever suggest a fire extinguisher and a real first aid kit.






You know we're trolling you know right?

Let me add to your good suggestion......a GOOD fire extinguisher


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[mike93lx]

Wow you came off a little harsh there. But I can forgive.

How about a couple things for your trailer and call it good with what you have. Anything more than what you can't do with a socket and simple hand tools is most likely going to be more complex than what your are going to want to do safely along the road. Granted I have done some pretty in depth repairs along the road but I was also younger with vehicles that were much much more older and less reliable.
Your driving a 2012 so I wouldn't be stressing to much in this. If anything get urself a AAA card or know someone with one and just tow the car somewhere safe if something happened bad enough


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Sorry if It came across as harsh. It's frustrating when people don't really listen to what is being asked. The same thing happened in a thread I starting in the fabrication sections, and after a while, it just feels like a waste of time.

I already have AAA, so I'm all good there, thanks.

 

[90zcar]

You kind of made the question difficult as simple as you may think you made it. It's most likely the way you are posting things if you have had issues on other topics.
Anyways
If you have AAA then don't worry about anything more. That's why you pay for that service. Tow it back to where you can work on it.


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[PJNJ]

Sorry if It came across as harsh. It's frustrating when people don't really listen to what is being asked. The same thing happened in a thread I starting in the fabrication sections, and after a while, it just feels like a waste of time.

I already have AAA, so I'm all good there, thanks.

If you re-read your original post you'll see that you are a little vague at the end asking if you missed anything. Maybe you should be a little more careful how you word your questions. It can get frustrating for everyone at times - OP and posters. Not trying to be mean or harsh just helpful.

 

[shoggoth80]

Canvas tool bag? Not the coolest or most organized...but it works. I keep my junkyard stuff in my car in a small plastic box.

 

[R. Johnson]

If you actually want to be able to fix anything on the VW, torx and triple square bit sockets are going to be necessary.

As for storage, rails are about as compact as it gets. Cut them down so they only fit the sockets you need.

 

[mike93lx]

If you actually want to be able to fix anything on the VW, torx and triple square bit sockets are going to be necessary.

As for storage, rails are about as compact as it gets. Cut them down so they only fit the sockets you need.

I had to google triple square as I have not yet encountered it in any of the work that I've done on my car. I wouldn't expect to encounter something like that when I only have this set.

I've needed very little torx beyond the small sizes, which will be covered by a folding torx key set. Beyond that, maybe the size that I need to remove the belly pan.