Socket Set organizer for milwaukee packout or similar small case

[mrjaw14]

I have a husky socket set in a blow molded case. case is falling apart and some of the sockets are junk and don't have detents. I like this setup though because the case fits neatly behind the backseat of my truck. I want to put together a kit in a similar footprint. Milwaukee makes a set that's ~$300, but I'm not familiar with the socket quality or how good the ratchets are. I am a Snap-On and SK guy typically, if that gives an indication of the quality I want. To build my version I was going to get a packout, then some ernst socket boss rails so that a twist is required to remove the sockets, and some foam to control rattling and maybe use some SK sets of 1/4 and 3/8 shallow and deep, metric and SAE. The packout case and the ernst rails are ~$100 just for the storage, not counting sockets. I also won't have the room for as many ratchets, extensions, and adapters as I want.

Has anyone put together a socket and ratchet kit in a packout a slim pelican case, or similar I can get some ideas for?

 

[Dave455]

I’ve never used a packout, still a bit new this side of the pond, and for some reason they won’t sell us the red ones. I think your plan is pretty sound, and the packouts are a good size.

Thought about using Pelican cases in the past, but with their sloping sides and rounded corners they are hard to make trays for. I end up using the “pick and pluck“ foam, but while that’s fine for things like cameras, it’s useless for tools.

I’ve found that the only way to go, especially for sockets, is to custom make your own boxes, or at least trays for them. This is a nice Facom box I have. The Facom top tray holds 1/4 drive handles and small pliers, and I made this bottom tray to hold bit drivers, bits, and sockets. Works great, does exactly what I wanted.

If you wanted to buy “off the shelf” the Facom sets have about the most intelligently designed boxes I’ve found right now. The tools are pretty decent. Probably up there with SK, but not Snap On quality. Here’s one of their “Nano” sets. They offer many varieties, but not metric and SAE in the same box.

 

[four.cycle]

I got this little gem for a "road kit" if I'm going out of town. I have larger stuff in a plastic zip-lock behind the seat.
Not sure if this is what you're aiming for:

 

[mrjaw14]

I need 1/4 and 3/8, shallow and deep, metric and sae. I work on a lot of different things, so I need some really high-density storage options unfortunately. The blow molded cases cases always seem to break at the hinges or latches, so I'm shooting for a case that is at least replaceable and also I can move the contents to another case if necessary if they stop making the first case.

 

[Dave455]

I need 1/4 and 3/8, shallow and deep, metric and sae. I work on a lot of different things, so I need some really high-density storage options unfortunately. The blow molded cases cases always seem to break at the hinges or latches, so I'm shooting for a case that is at least replaceable and also I can move the contents to another case if necessary if they stop making the first case.

Totally understand the requirement. I suffer the same way if I’m setting up machine tools, only I need Whitworth as well.

There are very few makers who offer sets with both SAE + Metric, 1/4 + 3/8, shallow + deep. In fact that Milwaukee might be the only one.

I know SK offer mixed sets with SAE and Metric, shallow and deep, but you would need to get one in each drive size, and the blow moulded boxes are not as good as the packout.

It would also get quite costly to buy all those tools new from a decent manufacturer. If you have the tools, maybe buying the packout and hand making the trays is the best way to go, if not the easiest?

I generally end up carrying separate sets as required, which is not ideal, so totally understand what you want. I like the idea myself, now I think about it!

 

[Al Borland]

DeWalt Nano? Available in 3/8 and 1/4 drives. SBD Craftsman is starting to sell setups along those lines as well.
Honestly, the Tekton looks to have the most space-conscious cases.

 

[four.cycle]

Not sure if this is a viable option, but you might check out the offerings of:

Jensen / Jensen Tools & Supply, Inc., 335 Willow St., North Andover, MA 01845 / http://www.jensentools.com/ / primarily a repackager of outsourced private brand tools (sockets and wrench outsourced from Proamerica/KAL) /

Techni-Tool / Techni-Tool Inc., 1547 No. Trooper Rd., PO Box 1117, Worcester, PA 19490 / formerly 1216 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19107 / similar to Jensen Tool - outsources from other manufacturers and re-brands some items /

Neither of these two companies are primary manufacturers - they are strictly repackagers and marketers, so the prices on the tools themselves will be ridiculously high, but both of them offer a variety of devices in which to carry and transport the tools.

As an aside: I fully understand and appreciate your comment about the blow-mold cases - they are all, without exception - horribly wasteful when it comes to efficiency of used space. That "Tekton" set isn't something I carry around locally, as it will not fit behind or under the seat of my truck, so it's strictly a "long distance" item. (That "Tekton" case is 2-3/4" x 12" x 7-1/2", for reference.)

 

[Rickster]

Check out the Teng Tools website. They have a lot of tools in foam and/or plastic tray options. https://tengtoolsusa.com/

 

[drtyler]

If you want all of the following in the same, slim package (1/4 & 3/8 drives, SAE & metric, shallow & deep), then the Milwaukee kit you show is going to be hard to beat.

The tools are fine and won't let you down. The reviews online and at Toolguyd seem very positive.

The other option is to buy the same packout case and cut your own foam and add existing tools. Factor in your time involved and some frustration along the way, and you'll probably wish to have just bought the fully loaded packout from the start.

Saw this in another thread. It doesn't help in that it has blow molded case, but I think the other requirements are there for less than the packout at $149. Gearwrench 83001 at Home Depot.

GEARWRENCH 1/4 in. and 3/8 in. Drive 6-Point Standard & Deep SAE/Metric 90-Tooth Ratchet and Socket Mechanics Tool Set (106-Piece) 83001 - The Home Depot

GEARWRENCH Mechanics Tools have all been designed with the professional user in mind to increase productivity, access, and strength. The ratchets and sockets are made from premium alloy steel and feature

www.homedepot.com

 

[JordanOH]

You can buy a packout and the socket trays separate.

Milwaukee PACKOUT Low-Profile Organizer

Milwaukee PACKOUT Low-Profile Organizer - 48-22-8431

www.acmetools.com

Milwaukee SAE & Metric PACKOUT Trays for 1/4in & 3/8 Ratchet & Socket Set

Milwaukee SAE & Metric PACKOUT Trays for 1/4in & 3/8 Ratchet & Socket Set - 48-22-9486T

www.acmetools.com