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Socket rail alternative....

Oida!

Active member
Joined
Sep 30, 2017
Messages
39
Location
It's in my blood.
Fellow "journalists":

I hope everyone had a relaxing Thanksgiving break.

Like most within the tool-loving fraternity, I have been tormented with my socket organization strategy.

After some trial & error, I stumbled upon (literally) a solution that I had to share with you.

I have a total of twelve photos that will follow. The following list is the caption for each photo.

1. A friend of mine was cleaning out the **** in his den. I just happened to stop by to say hello. I tripped over the cabinet he was breakinig down. Specifically, I tripped over the mounting rails. This rail can be purchased on eBay for $11 or so.

2. I got to thinking, "I bet a socket clip could fit into this rail."

3. Took the rail home and cut it with an angle grinder

4. Grabbed a 3/8 socket clip

5. Sized it into the rail.

6. Slid the clip in.

7. Regular sized sockets, both 1/4 and 3/8, on the rail.

8. The fitting is so snug that they do NOT fall out of the clips.

9. Deep well sockets (3/8 in this photo) do not fall out.

10. If you have those rare earth super-strong magnets, the rail can stick to them no problem

11. Rail on the magnets.

12. The rail cut down to 12" lengths, organized in toolbox.

Total cost to me was about $20. I purchasd a few bags (qty 10 per bag) Ares 3/8 socket clips from Amazon.

*** NOTE: 1/2" socket clips will not fit ***

I cannot overstate how versatile, snug, and cheap this solution turned out to be.

This rail is sturdy and firm. However, I did experience some difficulty in making a couple of the rails because my friend had bent one during disassembly. They are not inidestructible. But they are better than any store-bought offering out there.

If you're looking for a change in how you keep your sockets, I would strongly consider this one. It changed my life.

Cheers!
 

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OP
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Oida!

Active member
Joined
Sep 30, 2017
Messages
39
Location
It's in my blood.
I am considering cutting the excess metal away, actually. It would make the tool chest much "cleaner".

the 1/2 clips not working was a huge disappointment. And it is probably a dealbreaker for a lot of folks. I never considered hunting for larger rails that might accommodate the 1/2 drive.

Hmmm....
 
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