SO Socket Rails/Clips - Still Good and Stout???

[Davefr]

I've had it with these HF $.99 socket rails where their only viable use is inside the toolbox. The rails and clips are so flimsy and weak that you cannot actually pick up the rail without sockets falling off. (even small ones!!)

I have some older SO socket rails from 10 years ago that were very stout. Unlike the HF rails, you couldn't cut them tinsnips. You needed a hacksaw.

Are the current SO socket rails still the same as they've always been or are they like the generic/HF versions?

 

[chadster1]

I've had it with these HF $.99 socket rails where their only viable use is inside the toolbox. The rails and clips are so flimsy and weak that you cannot actually pick up the rail without sockets falling off. (even small ones!!)

I have some older SO socket rails from 10 years ago that were very stout. Unlike the HF rails, you couldn't cut them tinsnips. You needed a hacksaw.

Are the current SO socket rails still the same as they've always been or are they like the generic/HF versions?

Yes they are. PM inbound.

 

[tonydanzah]

always ernst and the ones durnst mfr makes cman/kobalt/matco/sk

 

[rsanter]

I think I have some of the older SO rails Im not using

bob

 

[airbuff101]

http://ullman-devices.com/

Ullman has been the OEM socket rail mfg. to most of the tool truck brands for probably most of 50 years. Made in USA and thick , sturdy spring steel.

They are handled by quite a few tool warehouses still.
Rob

 

[Hiball]

I've had it with these HF $.99 socket rails where their only viable use is inside the toolbox. The rails and clips are so flimsy and weak that you cannot actually pick up the rail without sockets falling off. (even small ones!!)

I purchased some of the Cheap HF Socket rails for holding extra Sockets while i was building Used sets etc, at first i was stoked about the Price but it became quite obvious after applying and removing the sockets a Handfull of times they became too distorted to hold the sockets properly for transportation. I did find you could spread them a bit and make them work but after a couple cycles they were falling off again.

 

[fordbroncodave]

the snap on socket rails are the best. how do they do it? the ones i have are like 20 years old and they still hold sockets on tight

 

[ricleh]

These are the nicest socket rails I have ever seen

 

[Hiball]

These are the nicest socket rails I have ever seen

What is the "Clip" Material made of? Cost? Are they Nepros?

 

[Hiball]

LOL.. If i would have know the Snap on Socket rails + Clips where so cheap i wouldnt have even bothered with the HF models.

1/4"

3/8"

1/2"

 

[BiltFordTuff]

the plastic socket rails from HF are the best Ive had luck with

 

[Davefr]

LOL.. If i would have know the Snap on Socket rails + Clips where so cheap i wouldnt have even bothered with the HF models.

1/4"

3/8"

1/2"

I noticed the same thing!! I had to look twice to make sure I didn't overlook a decimal point location.

 

[ricleh]

What is the "Clip" Material made of? Cost? Are they Nepros?

Yes, they are Nepros. The clip is made of a rubberized plastic material. It works very well to retain the socket while allowing the socket to come off easily also. Much better than the metal spring clips IMO. They come in several configurations. 6, 10 or 15 clips in the 1/4" and 3/8" and 6 or 10 clips in the 1/2". The ends are removable and the rails can be cut to custom length if desired. I modified a couple of my rails. The cost is

1/4" 6 clips $11.60
1/4" 10 clips $14.10
1/4" 15 clips $15.70
3/8" 6 clips $11.60
3/8" 10 clips $14.10
3/8" 15 clips $16.20
1/2" 6 clips ? didn't buy any - Guess=$12.00
1/2" 10 clips $15.50

 

[MattT]

the plastic socket rails from HF are the best Ive had luck with

Yeah those rip offs of the plastic Danaher rails are pretty good. Not as well molded or strong as the Danaher ones but still better than anyones metal rails IMO.

 

[jpo_tdi]

Do all the SO rails the same width? How easy is it to customize the length of the rails? How well do the socket hold down clips work or is it better to just screw them down?

I just purchased the Craftsman 299 socket set and I need to have some sort of organization to my tool box mess.

 

[chopper1]

I mix drive sizes on the rails for the same mfg and have over 50 HF rails of sockets. I agree with the comments of sockets coming loose but have found that the ones made in China are more guilty of this than the ones made in Taiwan. I also have some Craftsman, made in the USA, with handles, and I have to say compared to the ones from HF they are real ****.

 

[JayL]

I happen to have one SO 1/2" drive Socket Rail. The sockets snap in and out more smoothly in this than the HFs and CMs that I have. In fact a lot lot better. Didn't know these were that cheap and with free shipping from SO site too. Might grab a few more.

 

[Greatbear]

I've replaced a lot of my metal rails with the plastic Craftsman versions. They are surprisingly stiff, the sockets stay on solidly (even impact deepwell 1 1/2 and 36mm) but there's no need to wrestle them off of the rails because they are retained by a ball lock.

 

[tooldeloo]

Ullman's good. I believe they make the ones for Craftsman, which I got. Plus, I drive past their place in Ridgefield, CT. It's nice to see things still being made here.

 

[NewShockerGuy]

LOL.. If i would have know the Snap on Socket rails + Clips where so cheap i wouldnt have even bothered with the HF models.

1/4"

3/8"

1/2"

Thank you for that! That's actually the first reasonbly price snap on stuff I have seen.. just ordered two of each! hahah now all these loose sockets will have a damn place to go!

Plus free ups shipping... pretty freaking awesome honestly!

-Nigel