Socket Drawer or Blow Molded case

[Wellie]

My current socket drawer is on rails, mounted on trays, that can be removed but do get rather bulky/heavy (pic attached). Currently organized by drive size and 6 vs. 12 point. I am gifting my son most of my socket and wrench collection and buying all new. ALL this is going to my son.

I live on an acreage and repairs often end up outdoors. I keep a portable briefcase set in my truck and shop, but size/depth is often lacking. Dragging the sockets rails (or loose sockets) back & forth from my shop box is a pain in the ****. The socket drawer works well for in-shop repairs, but not outside.

I ordered Tekton complete sets in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch, both 6 & 12 point. I’m struggling… keep using socket rails or keep in cases for portability? Seriously considering blow molded case storage.

Pros/cons? Thoughts?

FWIW, blow molded cases are not a warrantable item.

 

[Walkers]

If you have the cash to buy what you want all new, just buy the VIM Magrails and be done and happy!!

 

[gleman]

Have you considered a Montezuma style box? https://www.montezumastorage.com/collections/triangle-toolboxes-outdoor

I see a bunch of ag repair guys use the 36" box.

 

[LXCam]

Sounds to me like leaving them in the cases is the way to go for you. I have both conditions - shop and field and having my field stuff perfectly organized without a chance of miss placing or it falling off and wandering into narnia is the only way to go.

 

[Wellie]

If you have the cash to buy what you want all new, just buy the VIM Magrails and be done and happy!!

I essentially use that system today… alternative product but same rail/tray setup. My trays have 4-rows, each tray is one drive size, and the rows in order are 6pt shallow, 6pt deep, 12pt shallow, 12pt deep. Get big and bulky to move around.

 

[Wellie]

Have you considered a Montezuma style box? https://www.montezumastorage.com/collections/triangle-toolboxes-outdoor

I see a bunch of ag repair guys use the 36" box.

Very interesting thought that I’ll have to investigate. Ironically my current box, a Masterforce, is made by Montezuma. Fantastic box.

 

[Wellie]

Sounds to me like leaving them in the cases is the way to go for you. I have both conditions - shop and field and having my field stuff perfectly organized without a chance of miss placing or it falling off and wandering into narnia is the only way to go.

I’m thinking that as well… if I had more cash I’d have both methods fully setup, or not give them to my son. But a chance to help him out and give him a further resource makes it worth it.

I’ve heard good and bad about the Tekton cases. I know I’ll want rails inside, and loathe them outside. Hard choices indeed.

 

[Dig Doug]

Milwaukee pack out socket trays
1/4, 3/8 & 1/2

chrome or impact are available

I have the 1/4 and 3/8 sae & met chrome in 6 pt
its easy to see if your missing something in the case.

 

[gahrajmahal]

I have both, but honestly I just grab the US / metric 1/4” and 3/8” combo set that is organized in a blow molded case even when I’m working in the driveway.

 

[wmihl]

I have a tool chest now that can comfortably fit all my tools, before I had the Craftsman blow molded case for my sockets and what did not fit into that went into two different plastic tool boxes. One for standard and the other for metric. I did motorcycle track days and was easier to grab the metric box and socket case along with any other motorcycle specific tools I needed. If you can find socket rails that would lay into tool boxes to fit your needs I would suggest going that route, as the blow molded cases leave out certain sizes needed for those off site repairs.