Socket trays. What works?

[rogersmithiii]

I had my sockets stored in these Harbor Freight trays. They worked ok, but the sockets fell out of them if you tipped them in any way.

I stepped on one yesterday, and broke it. Going back to HF, it seems that they only have these spring steel clip trays that I hate.

I saw this on Amazon, which looked interesting, but I'm concerned about magnetizing my sockets.

Curious what people use and like to organize your sockets?

Thanks

 

[Qualitytools]

HF does have magnetic base ones. I prefer the magnetic base rails. I have a few not from HF and have not had an issue with causing the sockets to magnetize. Mine are from KOKEN

 

[andersen24]

Hey Roger,

I’m in the same boat as you in a way. I’ve had the HF stem tray forever, but am starting to convert my tools over to Tekton. I just ordered these and am waiting for them to arrive. I was looking to switch to something since Tekton doesn’t skip any sizes in their sockets and wanted something to accommodate that. I watched a couple YouTube videos of people using them and so far everyone gives them great reviews.

http://https://toolboxwidget.com/products/3-8-socket-organizers

 

[LXCam]

Here’s a little rabbit hole for you to climb into.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=349176&highlight=Sockets

 

[PelicanPines]

Best socket trays out there...

are rails.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I personally like the peg style trays. The best ones were the ones that Rural King used to sell where the sockets would sit upright instead of upside down. I personally didn’t like the rails they are too hard to pull the sockets off of.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[unslow1]

I personally like the peg style trays. The best ones were the ones that Rural King used to sell where the sockets would sit upright instead of upside down. I personally didn’t like the rails they are too hard to pull the sockets off of.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

These are my preferences also. I really dislike rails but I have blow molded kits for when I need to take tools somewhere. Some people don't have multiple sets.

 

[richfinn]

I still like the original MTS mechanics time savers (magnetic blocks) for the smaller 1/4" drive sets, simple with no parts to break, and easy to clean

Good quality old skool metal rails and clips (Snap-On/Ko-ken) are far superior to the cheap superstore **** and last a long time, for the cost!!!!

I hate the plastic Hansen style racks with numbers telling me what to put where!!!!

 

[Fedwrench]

I think most trays eat up too much real estate and I want the freedom to mix different drive sizes on a rail to tailor my sets but, that's just me.

My favorite rails are Vim's Magrail TL but, they get expensive.

My second favorite would be the VIM made nylon rails with square drive pegs sold under many brands:
https://www.harryepstein.com/13-wright-blue-socket-rail.html

https://cripedistributing.com/produ...-10-positions-usa?_pos=8&_sid=75b920971&_ss=r

https://cripedistributing.com/produ...-usa333290808298?_pos=13&_sid=75b920971&_ss=r

Next would be the same design as above but, with an aluminum rail from Capri Tools, Olsa Tools, and many different Amazon brands:
https://olsatools.com/collections/t...rganizers-rubber-endcap?variant=8537243516979

If you still really want a tray, I'd go with this Ernst made Tekton model:
https://www.tekton.com/trays-with-s...color=black&drive-size=1-4-in,-3-8-in,-1-2-in

you can still have the freedom to tailor the rails to meet your needs. Again, this is what works for me, your results may vary

 

[kbeefy]

I also really like the VIM Magrails, it seems like the price has doubled since I bought mine.

For 1/4 I like the magnetic 'Time Saver' blocks like my snap on sockets came in.

For my to go bag I have always used the metal rails with clips, they take up the least space.

I also still have many harbor freight and hansen trays.

 

[Sumboodie]

I use rails. Grab the whole rail and no 27.65 trips to the toolbox and back.

 

[MongoTA]

Years ago when my son got a car, I bought him a socket tool set from Lowes that had several pull out drawers in a too-large roto-tumbled blue plastic case. The tools were fine, but the case was a true pain in the rear.

Last year I ditched the case and I moved all the sockets on to these socket holders, also Kobalt brand, from Lowes. They're maybe $25 each. The individual holders can be mixed and matched, or moved from one tray to another. In the scond photo, the plastic tab at the end of the rail can be depressed, allowing individual holder to be moved on or off the rail.

The base is metal. Socket clips are plastic with spring loaded ball socket holders. Easy to pull a socket off or replace it on the holder with one hand while in an awkward position.

The do hold the sockets and even the longer extenders firmly when stored or held/carried around vertical. Just used them this morning. I've never had one fall off.

http://https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Steel-Multiple-Drive-Socket-Storage/3381278

 

[Corndoggeh]

I believe its very hard to beat the westling machine rails. I do wish they made a universal one with swappable pegs though but I've noticed theyre continueing to release new types of rails. Recently bought a rail that fits the Craftsman 8pt socket set.

 

[tez929rr]

Curious what people use and like to organize your sockets?

Thanks

Definitely prefer the Hansen style. Amazon sells some off brand (or relabeled) for less $$$. I really appreciate being able to see the size on the top.


https://www.amazon.com/Socket-Organizer-Storage-Holders-Toolboxes/dp/B07FMY5V62/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Socket+tray&qid=1619294181&sr=8-5

 

[crewchief888]

i use several different types.

SO metal rails,
MTS magnetic,
old style metal trays ( like sockets used to come in "back in the day")
lisle flat tray

my least favorite are hansen type trays, IMO, too much wasted space.

 

[Professional Tool User]

My personal preference are Ernst plastic trays and plastic twist lock rails. Haven't had any issues with sockets separating from the rail ever since I got them.

 

[shawhite]

Mechanics time saver lock a socket

 

[magicrat]

Vim magrail. But once cry once. Then u should b good for the next 20-30 years

 

[anavrinIV]

I like the Ernst rails. You can get trays for 2 or 3 rails, the clips can be changed and spaced so you can lay them out however you like, and they twist locks are easy to use and hold very securely.

 

[toddmorr]

Ernst, cheap, effective, flexible and durable

Sent from my SM-G970U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[ChefRex]

All depends on how they will be used, I recently got Westling 3 row in 1/4" and 3/8" for my service cart, having shallow, semideep and deep in a row works very well for me.
I have other types too, much rearranging with a new box.

 

[Outahere]

I like the horizontal pegboard style of socket organization. I want to be able to grab a socket out of my toolbox easily, one handed, without having to twist it or wrestle with it. And the pegboard allows a lot of customization and flexibility as to how the sockets are organized.

I bought my organizer about 10-12 years go at Sears, and have recently been looking for something similar. But the horizontal pegboard idea does not seem to be popular. Google only turned up one system called the Organizer Genie:

https://www.ascendtools.com/organizer-genie-tool-organizer-pegboards-and-accessories.html

Anybody here have experience with the Organizer Genie for socket storage? Can the sockets be easily removed one handed?

 

[shawhite]

I like the horizontal pegboard style of socket organization. I want to be able to grab a socket out of my toolbox easily, one handed, without having to twist it or wrestle with it. And the pegboard allows a lot of customization and flexibility as to how the sockets are organized.

I bought my organizer about 10-12 years go at Sears, and have recently been looking for something similar. But the horizontal pegboard idea does not seem to be popular. Google only turned up one system called the Organizer Genie:

https://www.ascendtools.com/organizer-genie-tool-organizer-pegboards-and-accessories.html

Anybody here have experience with the Organizer Genie for socket storage? Can the sockets be easily removed one handed?

Check out the matco tool grid

 

[Yarpo]

They all work, generally. I love the rails that fed pointed out, I've got a few sets still on those wedged between some larger harbor freight trays so they don't tip. Also have the Olsa tool rails, two long orange ones. The hansen trays are ok, but I don't like the sockets being upside down, I should resell them or give them away because I recently added my first westling tray and love it. Easy to read, the weight is great because they wont shift in the drawer, and they pegs are spaced well and they've got some nice cool colors.

https://westlingmachine.com/pages/socket-trays

 

[darkzero]

These work for me & I like em a lot. They take up more room though & I know most people prefer vertical storage. They have a removable backing plate & there is a magnetic layer between the 2 plates. The magnetic layer is just that refrigerator magnet stuff but thicker (I forget the name of the stuff right now). When I worked at a shop I had the backing plates removed & the trays were stuck to my service cart. But now that they're at home they just sit in a drawer with the backing plates on so I can take the trays with me when needed.

They're NLA though. I got them 20 yrs, at that time they were already disco'd & my Snap-on dealer had a hard time finding them for me. But at least he did, just not in the colors I wanted.

(The ones at the front of the drawer)



For some of my impacts I have them on the Ernst rails. They're all plastic though and not sure how durable/long lasting they'll be but should be fine for my home use. Twist to lock & the rails are removable from the trays. They don't cost much from Amazon.

 

[Outahere]

Check out the matco tool grid

Is Mantis the manufacturer of the Matco grid? I like what I see from Mantis. Appears to be much better priced than the Organizer Genius or the Matco Grid.

https://mantiscanada.com/about-toolgrid

https://www.jbtools.com/tool-grid/

 

[The Spoon]

Another vote for the Ernst rails. I keep the sockets unlocked while in the toolbox and lock them when I need to take them out. I have a separate set of rails in a rolling plastic bin that I take to the junkyard. They get banged around along with whatever parts I throw in the bin and they haven't lost a socket yet.

 

[Alex_OT]

I think most trays eat up too much real estate and I want the freedom to mix different drive sizes on a rail to tailor my sets but, that's just me.

My favorite rails are Vim's Magrail TL but, they get expensive.

My second favorite would be the VIM made nylon rails with square drive pegs sold under many brands:
https://www.harryepstein.com/13-wright-blue-socket-rail.html

https://cripedistributing.com/produ...-10-positions-usa?_pos=8&_sid=75b920971&_ss=r

https://cripedistributing.com/produ...-usa333290808298?_pos=13&_sid=75b920971&_ss=r

Next would be the same design as above but, with an aluminum rail from Capri Tools, Olsa Tools, and many different Amazon brands:
https://olsatools.com/collections/t...rganizers-rubber-endcap?variant=8537243516979

If you still really want a tray, I'd go with this Ernst made Tekton model:
https://www.tekton.com/trays-with-s...color=black&drive-size=1-4-in,-3-8-in,-1-2-in

you can still have the freedom to tailor the rails to meet your needs. Again, this is what works for me, your results may vary

Thanks for mentioning us!