What is everyone using for organizers? I need to start over as my home made rack doesn't fit all my sockets anymore. How are you liking the twist lock trays? They sound like a pain vs the detent ball type but I have never used one personally. Just wondering what I should try next, the Hanson style that you simply drop the socket in the plastic tray or the detent or twist rails. They will be getting used a lot every day. While I'm asking, got any screwdriver tray advice?
Socket organizers
- Thread starter 53chevy5
- Start date
lightning02
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2013
- Messages
- 2,677
i have the Hanson style and like them. only bad i can say about them is they dont go to bigger sizes.
Chris83
Well-known member
I am looking at going with the westling machine socket trays next. Currently I am using the Hansen style of trays but the don't work for all my hex sockets or torx sockets.
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
I use socket rails.
MrJason
Well-known member
I've got the Hanson style rails, for more than 2 years of increasing use and not one complaint.
Love them.
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Love them.
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Dick in Wisconsin
Well-known member
No pictures. That is a real surprise!
Dookie2122
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2015
- Messages
- 168
Ernst Socket Boss, can't beat them for flexibility.
XxToolAholicxX
Well-known member
Not again on this subject.. But. Anyways MAC Tools has this tray that holds all three sizes and it's really great.. I seen it at my friends shop he got it for $50...
Lol, sorry, I'm new here and after I asked this I thought to myself, I wonder if this subject has been beaten to death. I take that as a yes.
I picked up a set of Hansens for all my metric sockets about 2 weeks ago and so far I'm liking them. My only gripe is one of my 1/4" sockets won't fit over the peg but other than that they're nice and easy to use and I feel like my drawer is a lot more sane with them in there. I've still got a giant mess of disarray in my socket drawer but it's progress! Also if anyone has the sets of Toptul metric sockets from dnschmidt, they are a pretty good match. Only a few empty pegs on the whole range.
The magnetic mechanics time savers. Expensive but by far the best in my opinion.
The ease of use is what makes the difference for me atleast.
I used hansons, it was rare but if i tipped one over in the drawer i spent a few minutes cleaning it up, when you grab a socket you have to go straight up and down a little bit aggravating if they are at the back of a drawer. I used to break a few of the posts if i was in a hurry.
The hansons are a lot better than the old metal friction clip sticks but i just dont like them nearly as much as the MTS. The metal clips were so irritating i would not bother half the time if i was hot and tired and that is how i used to loose tools. Knock on wood i haven't lost a single socket since i bought the MTS 2 years ago.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002XMW3KS/?tag=atomicindus08-20
The ease of use is what makes the difference for me atleast.
I used hansons, it was rare but if i tipped one over in the drawer i spent a few minutes cleaning it up, when you grab a socket you have to go straight up and down a little bit aggravating if they are at the back of a drawer. I used to break a few of the posts if i was in a hurry.
The hansons are a lot better than the old metal friction clip sticks but i just dont like them nearly as much as the MTS. The metal clips were so irritating i would not bother half the time if i was hot and tired and that is how i used to loose tools. Knock on wood i haven't lost a single socket since i bought the MTS 2 years ago.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002XMW3KS/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I should get SAE sets of those to try them out against the Hansens. They do look pretty interesting. I'm not sure if I'll like that they aren't labeled though... Hmmm
Phantom552
Well-known member
You could always fix the lack of labeling with a label maker
But then I'll to start a "Which label maker is best thread" and spend months researching them.
bobcatdan
Well-known member
Flat magnetic panels. Can organize how every I want not matter the socket set size. Not the greatest for 1/4". When the box was at the dealer, I had 1/4" on Hansen trays. Since coming home, some additions ate up room for the Hansen so I deal with the 1/4" on the plates.
Attachments
I have the westling machine trays only grip I have is I wish they were spaced closer together the trays take up more room then the plastic Hanson style holders like I had before but quality is top notch and these should be around a long time!
https://scontent-iad3-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/1010706_10153868120273833_8077537346379711333_n.jpg?oh=3da05d39fc8af95558beee7a27f7fd05&oe=573CDB3D
https://scontent-iad3-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/1927623_10153868120298833_5410175720326474936_n.jpg?oh=8e01054ca13ee7d6075ce8ad05fee734&oe=57440261
https://scontent-iad3-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/1010706_10153868120273833_8077537346379711333_n.jpg?oh=3da05d39fc8af95558beee7a27f7fd05&oe=573CDB3D
https://scontent-iad3-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/1927623_10153868120298833_5410175720326474936_n.jpg?oh=8e01054ca13ee7d6075ce8ad05fee734&oe=57440261
Agreed. I have the twist locks and they're awesome. I just leave them unlocked unless I need to take my sockets out, which is usually only when I need them at home.
-Pat
Sent from somewhere in Minnesota
j p smith
Well-known member
I have some Hanson and magnetic base twist lock, my only complaint is that none of them go to 1 1/2". Anyone aware of a set that goes to 1 1/2 in 1/2" drive
If you're on a budget go get these. They'll surprise you.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008TM15LY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008TM15LY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
bfm336
Well-known member
How do they compare to the "same version" from HF? I find the HF ones to be too bendy.
I liked the feel of the HF ones but I could not get a single set that wasn't missing ball detents / didn't just have them falling out. I bought the 3 piece set, got home and all three were missing balls. Took it back to HF to do an exchange and me and an employee went through all the remaining boxes and all of them were missing detent balls. So I got a refund and left. Maybe those Tektons have a better track record?
Aaron Morris
Member
I bought the hanson style ones a couple of months ago, they're good and I like them a lot, much better than the crappy rails I had before.
But the missing sizes in my collection annoy me now I can see the gap, and it would be nice if they went up to 32mm.
But I still wouldn't go back to what I had.
But the missing sizes in my collection annoy me now I can see the gap, and it would be nice if they went up to 32mm.
But I still wouldn't go back to what I had.
RedneckWelder
Well-known member
Those look to be relabled Ernst socket boss rails, which are excellent
Aaron Morris
Member
Ah, glad it's not just me that has had that problem. I though it was something stuck in my socket at first.
JettaGetUpandGo
Well-known member
Me too (with a twist)! Obviously space wasn't a concern for me. I preferred the modular, well-labeled system that could be customized to my particular sockets and updated if I acquire more. The tongue and groove rails (hardwood flooring) could be substituted for plywood or narrower strips of wood to save on space.
For a label maker... any of the Brother P-Touch label makers that have the additional option of connecting to a computer are wonderful. There are tons of options for different tapes.
Greg85mcss
Well-known member
I had to replace a couple missing 1/4 sockets & the new Chinese craftsman must not be as well cleaned up on the inside. I drilled out the excess metal. No problems now
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Aaron Morris
Member
That was my plan, just haven't got around to doing it yet.
bfm336
Well-known member
Me too (with a twist)! Obviously space wasn't a concern for me. I preferred the modular, well-labeled system that could be customized to my particular sockets and updated if I acquire more. The tongue and groove rails (hardwood flooring) could be substituted for plywood or narrower strips of wood to save on space.
For a label maker... any of the Brother P-Touch label makers that have the additional option of connecting to a computer are wonderful. There are tons of options for different tapes.
I too, thought about doing this - my only concern is the wood holding moisture...
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1950mercury
Well-known member
Hanson trays for 8 years....in my main box and carts
rockinacummins
Well-known member
Yep! Except I splurged for the Hansen style black ones for $8. Have no complaints at all.
JettaGetUpandGo
Well-known member
I did stain the wood and use a coat of polyurethane (only on the top). These are out in the garage with no temperature or humidity control of any kind (Wisconsin, humid summers, brutally cold/dry winters). It's only been 6-8 months, but no issues yet.
The anti-slip mat keeps the wood from directly touching the bottom of the drawer. With the socket rails and clips the sockets do not make direct contact with the wood either. I would imagine a full coat of polyurethane or layer of paint around the whole board would be better to seal in moisture if this is a concern.
Kielbasavw
Well-known member
Westling. A buddy turned me on to them. Asked for them for my bday. The better half picked them up.
Humble Mechanic
Well-known member
I have the Westling for my 1/4 in. I think they are great. I have broken a lot of plastic holders over the years.
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