Socket organizers, homemade?

[Fender1325]

I need some organizers for my toolbox but the Hansen plastic ones most people have are like $50 for a set of metric/sae 1/4, 3/8, 1/2. That's a lot of money for some plastic trays that cost 2 bucks to make. I know HF has the metal clip on ones for a buck or so each and I'll go that route likely, unless you guys have better suggestions. Anyone make their own?

 

[M1Firehawk]

I've been happy with the HF version of the plastic trays. Like $10 for a three pack of 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in either SAE or Metric. For $20, they cover everything I have.

Use a coupon and get them for $8

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-pc-metric-socket-trayorganizer-68102.html

 

[Fender1325]

Oh, I didn't see those! Is that setup for short and deep?

 

[M1Firehawk]

Yep, short and deep in all sizes.

 

[crewchief888]

kobalt (lowes) also has the hansen type trays.

no idea on quality

 

[Texsun]

If you want a DIY approach - here's a place to get started.

 

[Fender1325]

I'll bet that makes quite a racket going down the road haha. I'll tell ya, if I was as rich as that guy, I'd just buy the hansen ones haha

Nice work. As for shop and tools and land/equipment that guy is living the dream!

 

[rslaback]

Back when I was teaching I made my own for my classroom shop. In my case I wanted 2 shallow and 1 deep of each size. I also wanted to avoid empty spaces as if you have empty spaces on an organizer, in their minds that means whichever socket isn't there is supposed to be missing.

They weren't really anything special. Laid everything out on some squared up 2x stock and then drilled holes and glued in pegs that corresponded to the drive size.

My home box has some Hanson and some Harbor Freight organizers. The HF 1/2 drive metric organizer didn't quite have the size layout I wanted so I covered the factory print with labelmaker labels.

P.S. I work in industrial maintenance at an injection molding facility. It costs Hanson way less than $2 each to make an organizer.

 

[mbshop]

Hf metal clips are just to soft, no spring to the metal.
I use some because I don't move them. But if I did then I would get better such as sears sells.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I recommend Ernst socket rails.

As far as the guy who made the organizers in the truck box, I don't know how that guy can get by with that small assortment if he's setting it up for in field repairs. Especially since that newer stuff has metric fasteners for sure.


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[plinker]

I made a tray for 3/4 drive sockets, 2x6 with dowel rod pegs. Same could be done for any drive size just scale down the board and dowels used.

 

[matthew]

I drilled a bunch of holes in a piece of MDF with Forstner bits. Set the stop on the drill press to leave 1/4" of material at the bottom. It's nice - I like it better than the ones with pins sticking up because it gives a visual indication of how big the socket that fits in that slot is supposed to be.

 

[Fender1325]

FWIW, money's a little tight and so I bought the HF 99 cent Chinese specials....

I regretted my decision at first because they're sharp underneath due to the clip edges, but, I found if I load them up and rest the sockets on a hard surface (anvil) I used the claw of a hammer and lightly hammered down the sharp edges. Now they feel good in my hand, and these are portable which will come in handy for me.

 

[Fender1325]

Picture

 

[4 FN 27]

Having access to a Cad Software and a Laser...it comes as easy as measuring every socket and every wrench...I have a fair amount of time invested in the designs...

 

[Mr_B]

Yeh I used rails for last 30yrs, cut them to lengths of your socket selection and job jobbed, easy portable and easy see one missing, I not lost a socket in that time either
My rails tend be in 6 to 12 sockets pending on drive/socket size on cut to length rails.
Wouldn't want it any other way myself, hate the hansen type, custom to sockets could be okay though .

 

[Mr_B]

Having access to a Cad Software and a Laser...it comes as easy as measuring every socket and every wrench...I have a fair amount of time invested in the designs...

I like some of the storage designs you done here a lot ...

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

The Snap On rails are ~$3 each, and a bag of extra clips for another $3

 

[markw365]

I like the ernst rails for retention in the field so I don't have to sort through my tool bag. In the tool chest, I went bling and picked up the Westling socket trays, cheaper than I thought they'd be and I won't have to replace them again.

 

[4 FN 27]

I like some of the storage designs you done here a lot ...

Thank you Mr_B!!! I have a whole lot more ideas...just need more time.

 

[Chainsaw1]

Made about 9 of these rails out of materials that cost me less then $2 for everything. Can use jb weld or lock tight to secure the nails in. I did not buy any of the hardware/ flat stock new. Nails, flat stock, rivets, and washers. A new rail takes me only a few minutes to make. They do not break, hold up good in the car box. Can even tip over and all sockets stay on. Can also easily grab the rail and move it around. I highly recommend making them out of metal like this.