socket organizers

[Maxcustody]

What is with all of the different colors and your organizing scheme?

1/4=orange
3/8=green
1/2=red
blue is for swivels, odd ones

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Ernst are awesome because they are so modular. You can store the rails sideways utilizing both sides of the rail or you can store then standing up individually or in their plastic trays or you can hang them from a wall. The plastic is strong and doesn’t flex and the twist-lock keeps the sockets on solidly. I like them beck I can just grab and go. That is my home storage solution.

For work, I now use Westling. Non-magnetic, slim, rigid, lightweight, and you can have the option of labeled or blank. Since my box never moves I don’t have to worry as much about mobility. When I was moving more on the shop floor I used Ernst just because they hold the sockets so much better but I got tired of constantly twisting to get the sockets off a thousand times a day. The biggest downside to Westling is they are incredibly behind on orders. I’m on week 10 of waiting for some extras I ordered and I don’t think they’ll come anytime soon. So if you need them now or in the near future look elsewhere.

 

[endmill]

I use Olsa aluminum socket rails. They are very strong, and you can cut them to length and add an end cap.

Beautiful. It’s pure art form.

Beautiful. It’s pure art form.

Nice. Did you make them?

 

[Rickster]

I use the Hanson trays for the bulk of my 3/8dr sockets. HF clip tray for the speciality sockets. I keep the lesser used (in my DIY case) 1/2dr sockets in a thin drawer on those flat magnetic holders. 1/4dr's are all on shorty plastic rails because I usually grab the whole rail when the job calls for 1/4dr. I did have trouble with the Hanson trays fitting my metric impacts but I noticed the metric and SAE holders were the same size but the SAE had two less posts and more room between posts. So I just spray painted one of the SAE trays and used a Sharpie to renumber the pegs.

 

[jsaw]

I made some out of leftover scrap birch plywood and some dowel. They do not have any detents to retain the sockets, but since they ride in the top of My cart, I wanted them to be easy to grab and put back without fumbling. I do wish that I had painted them before putting them into service, but they work OK.

 

[infinite97]

Westling in my service truck. This is an old picture, it’s basically fully packed without much wasted space at this point.

 

[decableguy2000]

I use Olsa aluminum socket rails. They are very strong, and you can cut them to length and add an end cap.

Is it actually?

I use the Olsa as well,

I have found the Kobalt's, Performance tool, Ares, and Astro are all interchangeable. I do like the Olsa end caps.

 

[ecotec]

Ignore the colors in the drawer… this is my metric drawer.

I have a mix of different storage styles but my favorite are the locking strips. I cannot remember the name of them… but there was more than one brand. Every time I run into this style strip, I buy every one they have (regardless of color). I would love to have enough to do the entire drawer.

The one’s in the top 2 rows of the 3rd picture are 3/4”

I need more of the strips in 3/8” and 1/2”.

 

[ecotec]

Mine are like JSAW’s without the extra height.

They cannot be taken out of the drawer easily, unlike JSAW’s. I don’t usually have to go into my metric drawer. I usually use the sets in my cart. They are in Ernst and Harbor Freight trays.

 

[propmaker]

I like these as they stay stable with a large base https://www.harborfreight.com/14-in...y-sae-70025.html?_br_psugg_q=socket+organizer

 

[peterp]

I had a thread on wrench organizers that morphed into socket storage. Below are the posts that are relevant. I used the Earnst/Tekton style because you can move the sliders to mix and match everything. For example, I had Allen wrench socket and Torx socket sets that came with 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" sockets, and rearranging the sliders made it possible to keep those sets together. They are also incredibly compact for storage because everything slides together to the minimum distance.

I Olsatools inset socket racks for shallow/deep metric and SAE sockets, then the Earnst/Tekton style sliders for everything else. The sliders aren't the easiest to use for grabbing sockets, but the flexibility and compactness makes up for it for me..

These are the relevant socket organizer posts from my prior thread:

How do you organize screwdrivers and wrenches in tool chest?

What is everybody using to organize screwdrivers and wrenches in their tool chest drawers? If you have a great solution for organizing screwdrivers and wrenches -- please post them. I've tried a bunch of different organizers and don't like any of them. For example, I just ordered four set...

www.garagejournal.com

How do you organize screwdrivers and wrenches in tool chest?

Now the not so good (for me). I ordered this 4-rail socket organizer. It actually is really nice, but the dimensions on the Amazon listing say that it is 16.7" in length, but it is 17.5", just slightly too long to fit front to back in my 41" Craftsman tool chest (usable depth in drawers is...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Blackbyrd]

glad I stumbled onto this thread..... ive been debating redoing my stuff as I have some duplicates and impacts that are still in a case. was looking for something to combine all by stuff

 

[VolksWomble]

I seem to be a bit of an oddity in my socket organisation… my sockets don’t seem to fit into the normal numbered racks. I really like the peg type arrangement as they are quicker but I couldn’t find a holder that was infinitely variable, so have to to use clips. Previously the rails with clips on always ended up disturbing all the others when you pulled off a socket… so I came up with this:




these are Teng rails, with sprung clips, bolted onto a piece of 10mm thick aluminium. The base is heavy heavy enough the pulling any socket off the clip can be done without disrupting anything. 3/8” at the front, 1/2” at the back. 1/4“ is all in a drawer…

 

[mepstein]

I only use metric sockets so I don't have the quantity of some people but I like my layout. Everything on Tekton rails. Grey=1/4, red=3/8, black for 1/2. Tekton didn't have 1/4 sockets on rails so I purchased their set in a box and got the rails on the side. Everyone has their likes and this is what works for me.

 

[VolksWomble]

I only use metric sockets so I don't have the quantity of some people but I like my layout. Everything on Tekton rails. Grey=1/4, red=3/8, black for 1/2. Tekton didn't have 1/4 sockets on rails so I purchased their set in a box and got the rails on the side. Everyone has their likes and this is what works for me.

Interesting, you’re one of the few people who run them front to back, by size rather than left to right.

 

[Madjik Man]

I seem to be a bit of an oddity in my socket organisation… my sockets don’t seem to fit into the normal numbered racks. I really like the peg type arrangement as they are quicker but I couldn’t find a holder that was infinitely variable, so have to to use clips. Previously the rails with clips on always ended up disturbing all the others when you pulled off a socket… so I came up with this:




these are Teng rails, with sprung clips, bolted onto a piece of 10mm thick aluminium. The base is heavy heavy enough the pulling any socket off the clip can be done without disrupting anything. 3/8” at the front, 1/2” at the back. 1/4“ is all in a drawer…

Well done.

 

[Madjik Man]

Interesting, you’re one of the few people who run them front to back, by size rather than left to right.

For what ever reason I cannot run my sockets front to back. I have to see them side-to-side/left-to-right.

I mostly only use metric also and 80% of my sockets are metric. SAE has it's own drawer.

For my metric I have 1/4" on the left, 3/8" in the middle and 1/2" on the right. Various types run front to back in their respective size. Eg 1/4" chrome standard left front, 1/4" chrome deep left middle, 1/4" socket bits left back.

 

[mepstein]

Interesting, you’re one of the few people who run them front to back, by size rather than left to right.

The Tekton 18” trays fit perfectly front to back. I’m not a tech so I don’t know what other people do. I do wish the top tray of the HF 56 was full length but not enough to pay more for a different box. This is just a hobby for me.

 

[tamaraw]

I made a quick one last night as I move frome several carry cases to a single Hazet Assistent.

Its just an unfinished walnut slab with brass dowel pressed in, I might do more finishing work later.

 

[mepstein]

I made a quick one last night as I move frome several carry cases to a single Hazet Assistent.

Its just an unfinished walnut slab with brass dowel pressed in, I might do more finishing work later.

I think yours is my favorite so far.

 

[lolaetype]

I was sitting around one day with nothing to do so I made socket holders out of two pieces of plywood and various diameter wooden dowels; one for SAE and one for metric. I don't have as many sockets as many of you do and this works for me.

 

[Madjik Man]

I made a quick one last night as I move frome several carry cases to a single Hazet Assistent.

Its just an unfinished walnut slab with brass dowel pressed in, I might do more finishing work later.

Beautiful

 

[rockinacummins]

I have these from Harbor Freight (yes, I know) in my Montezuma box in the back of my truck for my 1/2” deep impact sockets. The magnet is strong enough that they stand upright and, so far, haven’t fallen over.

 

[mepstein]

Until this year my sockets were just thrown in the box or still on the plastic “tree” or package they came in. Any socket holder is better than none. I had 1/4 the number of sockets that I have now but it took 5 minutes to find what I needed. I could never go back to that.

 

[Callelle]

I just use the cheap harbor freight peg ones for the most part. Colors mean nothing really

 

[VolksWomble]

…This is just a hobby for me.

Me too, and as such I take it very seriously

 

[Grant Gunderson]

I'm a fan of custom cut foam. I have a full set of Snapon sockets, so it takes up some space. Everything is in line by size. Metric on Left, Inch on Right. These are in Vidmar cabinets (with the exception of the crowfeet), so they are deeper than most tool boxes.

First drawer is all ¼ and ⅜. Second drawer is all 1/2





ToolBed.com has a pretty big library of tools they have scanned, including everything Snapon. Using their layout software you can configure the drawer anyway you like and then have them cut it. I've had this setup for several years now and it still looks new. That being said I always clean my tools before they get put away.

I had the Westling socket trays before. I hated them. I could never get them to fit the layout that I wanted. If I didnt go the foam route, I think I would have done what others on GJ have done and custom make them out of AL and plexiglass.

 

[mepstein]

I'm a fan of custom cut foam. I have a full set of Snapon sockets, so it takes up some space. Everything is in line by size. Metric on Left, Inch on Right. These are in Vidmar cabinets (with the exception of the crowfeet), so they are deeper than most tool boxes.

First drawer is all ¼ and ⅜. Second drawer is all 1/2





ToolBed.com has a pretty big library of tools they have scanned, including everything Snapon. Using their layout software you can configure the drawer anyway you like and then have them cut it. I've had this setup for several years now and it still looks new. That being said I always clean my tools before they get put away.

I had the Westling socket trays before. I hated them. I could never get them to fit the layout that I wanted. If I didnt go the foam route, I think I would have done what others on GJ have done and custom make them out of AL and plexiglass.

Beautifully done. I could see myself doing something like that in a couple years. Right now, I'm deciding what I need and growing the selection. Once I figure out what I really need to have on hand, it would make sense to go custom like this. My dad is a retired surgeon. He loves organization like this.

 

[4 FN 27]

I'm a fan of custom cut foam. I have a full set of Snapon sockets, so it takes up some space. Everything is in line by size. Metric on Left, Inch on Right. These are in Vidmar cabinets (with the exception of the crowfeet), so they are deeper than most tool boxes.

First drawer is all ¼ and ⅜. Second drawer is all 1/2





ToolBed.com has a pretty big library of tools they have scanned, including everything Snapon. Using their layout software you can configure the drawer anyway you like and then have them cut it. I've had this setup for several years now and it still looks new. That being said I always clean my tools before they get put away.

I had the Westling socket trays before. I hated them. I could never get them to fit the layout that I wanted. If I didnt go the foam route, I think I would have done what others on GJ have done and custom make them out of AL and plexiglass.

The OCD here exceeds mine!!! Well done!!!

 

[shawhite]

I'm a fan of custom cut foam. I have a full set of Snapon sockets, so it takes up some space. Everything is in line by size. Metric on Left, Inch on Right. These are in Vidmar cabinets (with the exception of the crowfeet), so they are deeper than most tool boxes.

First drawer is all ¼ and ⅜. Second drawer is all 1/2





ToolBed.com has a pretty big library of tools they have scanned, including everything Snapon. Using their layout software you can configure the drawer anyway you like and then have them cut it. I've had this setup for several years now and it still looks new. That being said I always clean my tools before they get put away.

I had the Westling socket trays before. I hated them. I could never get them to fit the layout that I wanted. If I didnt go the foam route, I think I would have done what others on GJ have done and custom make them out of AL and plexiglass.

Your missing a socket. Lol

 

[Madjik Man]

I'm a fan of custom cut foam. I have a full set of Snapon sockets, so it takes up some space. Everything is in line by size. Metric on Left, Inch on Right. These are in Vidmar cabinets (with the exception of the crowfeet), so they are deeper than most tool boxes.

First drawer is all ¼ and ⅜. Second drawer is all 1/2





ToolBed.com has a pretty big library of tools they have scanned, including everything Snapon. Using their layout software you can configure the drawer anyway you like and then have them cut it. I've had this setup for several years now and it still looks new. That being said I always clean my tools before they get put away.

I had the Westling socket trays before. I hated them. I could never get them to fit the layout that I wanted. If I didnt go the foam route, I think I would have done what others on GJ have done and custom make them out of AL and plexiglass.

That’s so awesome. And I’ve considered that.

But my biggest hesitation is what do I do if I can an additional socket set? Or an extra extension or ratchet…

 

[ycgoat]

I like the magnetic socket holders and have a few different brands. They work great in the garage tool box, and I have stuck then on the P/U bed sides for the odd mobile use.

Since I am electrical not mechanical, my typical mobile socket sets are small basic sets in a soft pouch with individual elastic socket holders

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have the old school stamped rails/clips at home. At work I have some Hansen which I like better.

Having a deep drawer with sockets standing up and numbered is really nice.

 

[RonnieC]

Wow! I had no idea they still made the Dymo label makers!

 

[Grant Gunderson]

Beautifully done. I could see myself doing something like that in a couple years. Right now, I'm deciding what I need and growing the selection. Once I figure out what I really need to have on hand, it would make sense to go custom like this. My dad is a retired surgeon. He loves organization like this.

Thanks. The foam is cheep enough in my mind, its not that big a deal to order new foam as needed. Especially since they keep your layout files saved its easy to modify / change a layout down the road.

The OCD here exceeds mine!!! Well done!!!

Thanks. I dont know if it's OCD (if it was it would be CDO as thats alphabetical). The reality is, I hate waisting time looking for **** mid project. I learned a long time ago, if I paid my self $1 for every minute that I waisted looking for a tool, good organization becomes really cheap.

Your missing a socket. Lol

Thats the nice thing about foam, is you know immediately if anything is missing. In this case its a good reminder to tell my brother its time to bring back the one he borrowed!

That’s so awesome. And I’ve considered that.

But my biggest hesitation is what do I do if I can an additional socket set? Or an extra extension or ratchet…

I might get banned from GJ for saying this, but I am DONE buying sockets, ratchets and extensions.

I have full sets of Snapon sockets in FDX in both shallow and Deep and I also have a full set of the regular FD sockets in ¼ semi-deep for those rusted fasteners that the FDX wont fit. I have full sets of Snapon Wobble Plus extensions in all 3 sizes. I have the full range of Hex and Torx sockets in both shallow and deep and all are either PBSwiss or Snapon. All of my ratchets are either Snapon or Nepros. I also have a full range of Snapon torque wrenches in both same and metric configs, (with the exception of one CDI thats the same as there snapon). So for the type of work I do, there is quite literally nothing left to buy.

I have changed the layout a few times to optimize my workflow, and at this point, I am at the point where I dont see any way to improve it for how I like to work. The nice thing is if I do decide to change it, or just decide I want fresh foam at some point, Tool Bed keeps your layout files, so its easy to go back modify a layout, add to it, change a drawer size etc. It was also cheaper to have the foam done, then it would have been if I was to order enough of the nicer socket racks to fit my needs.

At the end of the day, foam isn't for everyone, but it works really well for me. I also really like the custom socket racks many of the guys on here have made. Especially like @4 FN 27 versions. I think another member on here did some like his, with a back engraved plexiglass top to mark the sizes, thats nice too. Unless you already have a ton of material on hand for something like what those guys did, its cheaper to do foam, especially when you take into account your time.

 

[tamaraw]

Wow! I had no idea they still made the Dymo label makers!

Neither did I but I looked it up and apparently they do have newer models. Mine is a basic vintage model with probably an equally old supply of tape.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

This is a spring loaded snap on ( Blue Point ) 1/2" socket rail. I had a set of these that got stolen, I liked them, does anyone know who the sub contractor is that makes them, or that is, can they be had for less than $150 per unit ? I like them, I dont love them.. at least not $150 worth of love, per rail.. but they work well. Appears to still be available at Snap-On.com for $152. There is a ball in them that retracts just like a ratchet drive, when you push down on the skirt of the socket holder.

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

Features​

• For 1/2" drive sockets
• Includes 13 clips
• Push-button, spring-loaded clips provide quick, easy release of socket even with greasy hands
• Extruded aluminum socket rail for light weight and durability
• Detent ball at bottom of clip permits clip to be easily positioned on rail
• Rail features laser engraved Snap-on® logo

• LSR1213

 

[Madjik Man]

Thanks. The foam is cheep enough in my mind, its not that big a deal to order new foam as needed. Especially since they keep your layout files saved its easy to modify / change a layout down the road.

Thanks. I dont know if it's OCD (if it was it would be CDO as thats alphabetical). The reality is, I hate waisting time looking for **** mid project. I learned a long time ago, if I paid my self $1 for every minute that I waisted looking for a tool, good organization becomes really cheap.

Thats the nice thing about foam, is you know immediately if anything is missing. In this case its a good reminder to tell my brother its time to bring back the one he borrowed!

I might get banned from GJ for saying this, but I am DONE buying sockets, ratchets and extensions.

I have full sets of Snapon sockets in FDX in both shallow and Deep and I also have a full set of the regular FD sockets in ¼ semi-deep for those rusted fasteners that the FDX wont fit. I have full sets of Snapon Wobble Plus extensions in all 3 sizes. I have the full range of Hex and Torx sockets in both shallow and deep and all are either PBSwiss or Snapon. All of my ratchets are either Snapon or Nepros. I also have a full range of Snapon torque wrenches in both same and metric configs, (with the exception of one CDI thats the same as there snapon). So for the type of work I do, there is quite literally nothing left to buy.

I have changed the layout a few times to optimize my workflow, and at this point, I am at the point where I dont see any way to improve it for how I like to work. The nice thing is if I do decide to change it, or just decide I want fresh foam at some point, Tool Bed keeps your layout files, so its easy to go back modify a layout, add to it, change a drawer size etc. It was also cheaper to have the foam done, then it would have been if I was to order enough of the nicer socket racks to fit my needs.

At the end of the day, foam isn't for everyone, but it works really well for me. I also really like the custom socket racks many of the guys on here have made. Especially like @4 FN 27 versions. I think another member on here did some like his, with a back engraved plexiglass top to mark the sizes, thats nice too. Unless you already have a ton of material on hand for something like what those guys did, its cheaper to do foam, especially when you take into account your time.

Definitely ban worthy. If not, just constant shaming.

 

[mepstein]

Wow! I had no idea they still made the Dymo label makers!

Lots of new and original ones on eBay. I recently purchase a blue and white one that looks exactly like the one I had when I was a little kid. I needed it for a project but getting a nos one that looked like my childhood toy was a bonus.

 

[sparky 1971]

I like the Hansen's but they don't go large enough. My 1/2" sets go to 38mm and 1-1/2" and the trays go to 27mm and 1-1/4". As soon as the drawer would open, some of the deeps would fall over. When the drawer would close, the rest would fall. Last night I took some scrap 1X6, laid out the extra sockets to mark, drilled some holes and put dowels in to make my own. I have the same issues with impact sockets but that's another drawer and I'm out of dowels.