Socket Organization

[nichocha33]

Let’s see your organizers, I’m looking for reasonably priced organization options. I have the HF trays as of now but can’t stand that it won’t fit some of my sockets or has skips etc, so now I’m leaning towards Ernst Socket Boss,let’s see what ya got and hear the pros and cons


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[CGarage]

I bought the HF plastic socket trays and am very disappointed with them. The plastic is of such poor quality that I have broken multiple pegs with very light use. I am not abusive towards the trays or any of my tools, ever and I work with attention to detail.

 

[Jtels85]

I went with Made In USA Hansen socket trays for my SK sockets... seemed fitting. My new Craftsman sets (216 Pc. Mechanic Set for $99.99) are on the steel trays from Lowe’s. I used red (Craftsman brand) for SAE and blue (Kobalt brand) for metric. Both can be had for less than $60 retail.

 

[Jtels85]

 

[bobcatdan]

I made my own.

 

[Wyoming09]

I really like the Ernst rails. Reasonably priced and come in different lengths.
I usually purchase from Summit Racing as the prices there are better than buying directly from Ernst.

https://www.ernstmfg.com/Socket-Organizers.aspx

https://www.summitracing.com/search?SortBy=BestKeywordMatch&SortOrder=Ascending&keyword=ernst

 

[Real_PhillBert]

I love the Westling Machine socket trays.

Google Image pic:

 

[txlonghorn1989]

I like how you organized SAE vs metric by color.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I like my Hansen trays for shallow and deep sockets. I also use a Hansen bit tray for adapters as well as plastic rails and some homemade trays.

 

[MarvinBerry]

My new Craftsman sets (216 Pc. Mechanic Set for $99.99) are on the steel trays from Lowe’s. I used red (Craftsman brand) for SAE and blue (Kobalt brand) for metric. Both can be had for less than $60 retail.

Few weeks back I bought two blue Lowes trays for $16 each with the goal of organizing all my random & scattered sockets into a usable set. So far I dig 'em.

All the sockets are mixed brands & some missing sizes so its far from complete or an "ultimate set" . What I liked about the lowes tray was that it didn't have size markings & is easy to configure. Plus they were cheap!

My two trays are mixed SAE & metric... shallow on one tray and deep on the other. I thought about doing the color coding thing myself but based on location of the box vs what I'm working on I generally take the tools to the project & may not know what sizes I need.

 

[Djosbun]

Westling ALL THE WAY! You can choose what color you want. They also offer laser markings for the sizes in both metric and SAE option. My wife is getting me a 3-row metric (which is a newer option that they offer) for Christmas.

-- Dave

 

[smuro04]

I’m using the HF trays which I think are the best bang for the buck. I scored the center dividers (the piece with the sizes printed on them) and snapped them off. Now all my sockets fit and I’m not worried about missing sizes or whatever.

 

[Ilikeike]

I have then Hansen at work and home. I like to clearly see the sizes on the pegs.

 

[thr3squared]

Hansen for the shallow and deep sockets. Just picked up an Ernst tray for specialty sockets- torx, hex head, adapters, universals

 

[cdsloop]

I'm a big fan of Vim Magrails. I'd be all over the Westling trays if they would add magnets.

 

[Rickster]

I have an older toolbox so the socket drawer height is a bit tight. I found the Hanson trays worked best for me. Also have two Mechanics Time Saver blocks for extra sets of metric & SAE deeps that I can grab and go. My "other" sockets are on regular socket rails/clips that I put together several rows on a sheet metal base. If I had the height, I probably opt for those nice metal based socket rail sets with 4 rows each.

 

[Zewnten]

VIM all the way. For "mobile" sockets I have a metal socket tray with the flip over handle and I glued a VIM rail underneath and then cover the magnet and tray bottom in a thin layer of that plasti-dip to avoid scratching the stuff I stick it to.

 

[Joebass]

I have mostly Ernst in my main box. 1/4 to 1/2 in the top drawer of my US General 44. 3/4 on top.
The ones that aren't Ernst are craftsman, that haven't been upgraded to Proto yet. And my Torx, and hex sockets that I haven't gotten rails for yet.

 

[snm805619]

I went with Made In USA Hansen socket trays for my SK sockets... seemed fitting. My new Craftsman sets (216 Pc. Mechanic Set for $99.99) are on the steel trays from Lowe’s. I used red (Craftsman brand) for SAE and blue (Kobalt brand) for metric. Both can be had for less than $60 retail.

I like how you used two different colors to distinguish

 

[nichocha33]

I’m using the HF trays which I think are the best bang for the buck. I scored the center dividers (the piece with the sizes printed on them) and snapped them off. Now all my sockets fit and I’m not worried about missing sizes or whatever.

I really like that idea


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[nichocha33]

All of these are great, I really like the VIM mag rails but $$$$$. Does anyone make the mechanics time savers with out markings, I have a whole **** ton of sockets and would like my overflow to be organized too


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[bobcatdan]

I use several different methods.

 

[4 FN 27]

I could never find anything I like that fit my sets. So I built my own.

Car Shop Tool Box:

Machine Shop Tool Box:

 

[Ryanbabz71]

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[81turbota]

Very nice guys. Love the shop made organizers 4 FN 27.

Here’s my home box. Everything but duplicates, impact, bit/torx, torque wrenches and other extensions are in this one. I will likely replace the socket organizers as I can’t stand the skips.



Here’s the 3/8” drive SAE drawer of my work box. I don’t recommend this type of organization unless one box is designed to support 4 or 5 techs. I posted the picture anyways because it’s somewhat unconventional. Other drive sizes in SAE and metric have their own drawer similar to this.

 

[Flyordie]

I really am actually pretty impressed with a lot of your all's boxes and how you got it all organized. Most of ya'll have far more tools than I got though.

I still prefer the older steel rails. I just lube them up with a little PB-Blaster and the sockets hold but come off and on just fine.

 

[426 HEMI]

Red for Imperial, black for metric, stainless for hex and torx. Plus a few Magrails for specialty sockets.

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[Badger 13]

I prefer the Westlings as well, well made in the US, and work well for me. Was hoping they would have a black Friday sale this year, but I didn't see it, or missed it.

 

[jeffmoss26]

crammed/piled in the drawer...lol

 

[BK13]

Kind of a left turn, but how do you guys store/organize 3/4" sockets?

 

[4 FN 27]

Kind of a left turn, but how do you guys store/organize 3/4" sockets?

Same way...metrics on the left and 3/4 Drive on the right.

View media item 87379

 

[drmarkr]

If you like the magnetic strip style.....check this pricing?!? Takes a couple of weeks to arrive, but if you can wait.

https://www.banggood.com/3Pcs-14-38...-p-1265732.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CN

 

[javyLSU]

If you like the magnetic strip style.....check this pricing?!? Takes a couple of weeks to arrive, but if you can wait.

https://www.banggood.com/3Pcs-14-38...-p-1265732.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CN

Those are not magnetic... Harbor Freight sells these in store for half that price:

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-pc-socket-rail-set-68101.html

 

[thool]

I don't have nearly as many as you guys! So far, all I've done is take the lids off my GearWrench blow mold cases and keep everything in the bottom halves. One drawer has all my 3/8" and the other has my 1/4".

This works well for me because I can remove an entire set and bring it with me to another location in my garage. If I have to travel to a friend's, I'll pop the lid back on and take a set.

If I get more, these are some great ideas.

 

[JiminAZ]

I just use the Olsa type rails. Red for imperial, blue for metric, black for adaptors, swivels, and fittings. My drawers are small and this method allows me to cram in the most quantity and still be under control. Also typically what I am working on is not right next to the box so I can grab the correct set and carry it to whatever I'm working on.

Someday I'll have the nice Westling organizers. Have to build a shop and get larger boxes first.

 

[Heap64]

Magrails

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[faiee]

Have hansen trays but what annoys me is there is no room for several of my sockets including 11/32..

 

[CafeTools]

I like the more heavy duty metal 5 row Lock a socket trays. Even though they are expensive they are just simply good looking. Also they stay put, or lock and grab it.

The smaller tray is a craftsman and is cheaper. Not nearly as nice but is a good middle ground. There are lots of clips for rearranging. Still portable. I am impressed with it.

 

[CafeTools]

Yes I honestly think these Craftsman trays are the best you can do. They are easily available, hold a ton of sockets, customizable, and portable. Also made of good plastic and metal, they are very Compact and dont take up much space.

 

[SteadyC]

Just picked up a husky 66.