Socket and Wrench Organization

[Bigtee]

Got the new boxes I wanted for Christmas and now I am looking to organize both of them. All of my sockets and wrenches are loose and need to be in racks. Who makes the best socket tray and wrench rails?

 

[MrGiggles]

Harbor Freight has a cheap set that does the job pretty well. There are much better ones on the market, although they're more expensive.

 

[Adam.C]

For sockets, I like Hansen racks or Snap On's trays that hold sockets flat and are numbered. Depending on the type of box, one or the other may be beneficial. Hansen racks with the numbered pegs are available from several suppliers.

For oft used sockets, 1/4 and 3/8 shallow, 3/8 swivels, torx, I like to use mechanics time savers magna caddys.

For wrenches, I think the Protoco wrench racks are best.

 

[DirtyWeRX]

Where are you looking to store your sockets and wrenches? In a tool box or a tool bag? Ernst manufacturing hands down for socket organization for either scenario as they have the twist lock feature.

 

[Drake9]

Where are you looking to store your sockets and wrenches? In a tool box or a tool bag? Ernst manufacturing hands down for socket organization for either scenario as they have the twist lock feature.

I really like there wrench rails too. Wrestling (Sp*) machine has some sweet socket trays too

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

I prefer mechanics time savers

 

[Bigtee]

I really like the Hansen trays and racks. Searching for the best deal on them now. I'm organizing one of the Dewalts from HD and a HF red cart. I have a lot of tools, just never had them organized well.

 

[Zeke]

I prefer mechanics time savers

Link?

Costco has/had some nice end wrench holders, 4 for $25.
http://www.costco.com/Ernst-15-Tool-Wrench-Gripper---4pk.product.100055679.html

 

[jim1987]

I really like my kobalt wrench rails. But they all face the same way. If I had to do it again, it'd be Ernst space saver wrench rails. One goes one way, and one goes the other way.

Also really like my kobalt socket trays. But again, if I had to do it again, itd be one of those plates with socket pegs on it.

 

[Bigtee]

Link?

Costco has/had some nice end wrench holders, 4 for $25.
http://www.costco.com/Ernst-15-Tool-Wrench-Gripper---4pk.product.100055679.html

Thanks Zeke, just ordered the wrench racks from Costco. Looks like the best price on the Hansen trays is eBay

 

[Bunit98]

I love my hansen trays. Keeps me organized and I can tell if there is anything missing of mine

 

[whitedogone]

menards had hansons on sale....if you have a menards close.

 

[rapid robert]

Ernst grippers are AMAZING for wrenches! Love them.

 

[rapid robert]

For sockets I use old style kobalt rails, still available on amazon. Love them and allow me to grab a set, say 3/8 shallow 6 pt out of the tool box all at once.

 

[panknuckshovel]

I prefer mechanics time savers

Mechanics time saver stuff is really cheap through Advance Auto with the TRT30 code.

 

[neuralsnafu]

I have the HF socket trays for metric... and they seem to work well, keeps all the sockets from bouncing around, Even moved my cart in a uhaul driven by my younger brother... not a single socket escaped!

I also have the Kobalt wrench rails (the cheap plastic ones), I bought two sets to cut up and fit them all in one drawer. Allows me to keep all the wrenches with number sides up...

 

[pressure teck]

I bought the sockets trays from HF. I like them being number to keep the sockets organized, however you need a deep drawer with impact sockets.

I am considering buying the service cart soon that HF sells. Can anybody give me any input on the quality of the carts they sell.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Lowes now carries Torin organizational products, so you may want to browse there, too.


Right now I'm using Ernst gripper wrench rails and the Kobalt trays for my sockets. Both work decently well enough. I also have a set of 3/8 impact sockets on the HF metal rails because I am out of room in my box for more trays. They aren't the most satisfactory solution but they work OK for now. I will be replacing them in the future.

I have a couple of the Ernst socket rails, too, the twist and lock feature is great.

I encourage you to consider some factors before you settle on a solution- such as, how deep are the drawers you will be using (shallower drawers are not satisfactory for standing up sockets), do you want the sockets in a grab and go package so that you can take them with you under a car or away from the tool box/cart (if you want portability, socket rails are the way to go IMHO), and how much money do you want to spend.

I do not recommend HF plastic rails (they ****), and against the Sort a Wrench wrench trays (too short for my wrenches)

 

[Bruce57]

I like the Ernst stuff. Plenty of selection at reasonable prices, US made.

 

[Bigtee]

I went with the Ernst space saver wrench racks and the Hansen socket trays. Now I'll have to get the boxes organized and see what I'm missing.

 

[MrGiggles]

I bought the sockets trays from HF. I like them being number to keep the sockets organized, however you need a deep drawer with impact sockets.

I am considering buying the service cart soon that HF sells. Can anybody give me any input on the quality of the carts they sell.

The red carts are the same quality as the bigger 44/56/26" boxes. Huge casters, smooth drawers, and heavy material. I really like mine.

The black 4-drawer carts are good quality as well, but they are shorter, have smaller drawers, and a smaller top compartment. IMO the red cart is worth the extra 69.00.

If you search, there is a huge thread dedicated to those carts and modifications members have done to them.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I use Hansen holders for my sockets. And have two "sort a tool" wrench holders sitting next to each other to hold my wrenches.

The sort a tool wrench holders are only $10 at sears.http://www.sears.com/sort-a-tool-inc-wrench-sorting-tray/p-00965223000P

Chris