Sockets Tracking Lists

[Joe B.]

There have been a couple of threads recently about keeping lists of sockets you own so you know which ones to purchase if you run into a good deal. I was going to add this post to the end of one of those threads but they are now several pages down so I'm going to start a new one.

In one of those threads, Outlawmws posted a picture of the spreadsheet that he uses that is quite similar to a sheet I keep of all my main socket collection. Outlawmws' spreadsheet was a little better than mine. In a later post, Burtonrider10022 recommended sharing he sheet in Google Documents which is a pretty good idea.

So I went ahead and updated my personal spreadsheet of sockets that I own and I built is directly into Google Spreadsheet. If you are not familiar, Google Spreadsheet is basically a very simple version of Excel that is free to use and that lives on the web. One of the nice things about Google Documents is that they are easy to share. So, I have posted a copy of my Socket Inventory spreadsheet at the following link.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AuyObm8t6qGudHpUYThDZHN2QmpUdGhubzJJeUdCQ3c

Overall, I think the sheet is pretty self explanatory. Socket types are along the top and the fastener size is along the left hand column. A letter code for the brand is placed in the cell for the socket you own. There are separate sheets for both SAE and Metric while a third tab has a list of brands with corresponding codes.

The sockets on the list are my best attempt at identify common socket sizes. More obscure socket sizes like my 31/32" SK have been left off but could be added by the user. I shaded the cells representing the sockets that are included on a Hansen tray. The Hansen tray do have a few odd balls sizes but overall do a reasonable job aligning typical socket and socket drive sizes.

I have the file set so that you can't edit it but you should be able to download it or save it to another Google account. I would recommend keeping the file in Google instead of transferring it to Excel. One nice thing is that if you save this to a Google Drive, you will be able to view it on an iPhone. (Even if you don't have an iPhone or equivalent now, you probably will at some point.) Once you download it, you are free to adjust it however you like including adding or deleting details.

Let me know if this file is helpful and let me know of any recommended changes. I hope someone will find this sheet helpful.

Joe

P.S. Links to the other recent threads:
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181404
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2799247#post2799247

 

[bimmerZ5]

nice! missing a column for the half-deep or semi-deep. also, no code for Sunex...

 

[Joe B.]

nice! missing a column for the half-deep or semi-deep. also, no code for Sunex...

Added Sunex. I'm sure I'm missing others.

I thought about adding half deep but left it off because I suspect that many people including myself don't have enough to complete a list and the way it is now should allow it to print legibly on a standard 8.5x11 piece of paper. If you want, you can always add the column. Alternately, you can duplicate the sheet if you right click on the tab at the bottom and select duplicate. Then all you would need to do is change Shallow to 'half-deep'.

There are also a lot of specialty sockets I may add in the future like hex, torx, screwdriver, etc. There are a lot of product permutations to address.

 

[SnowHill11]

Looks nice, I'll try it out, also missing a code for Allen brand

 

[flippin]

Many thanks for having taken the time to create and share this extremely useful list. I have already started updating mine.

Cheers

 

[Joe B.]

I'm glad it is helpful. I just added few more brands and made some formatting changes.

Hey, I still need to add a page for Whitworth sizes! There really is no end to how big I could make this.

 

[cgv69]

I too have created my own SS for tracking my tools, including sockets. Thanks for posting your as it's cool to see how others address the same issues.

One major difference between yours and mine is I track part numbers, even on sockets. I do this for few reasons. The main reason is that part numbers, even for the same part can sometimes change depending on age or series. For instance a Mac 1/4 drive 10mm deep socket can have at least 3 different part numbers depending on series. Maybe I'm just **** but if I lost that socket I would want to replace it with the exact same one, part # MD6-10MM and not the newer equivalent which is part # MD6-10MMR

Along with that I often find it easier to find the correct replacement if I have the exact part #. Lastly I also think the part # may come in handy if you ever have to file an insurance claim?

 

[#1SomeGuy]

Missing mastercraft (canadian tire) and powerfist/propoint (princess auto) which are pretty common up in Canada.

Also, no spline?

 

[socket_wrench]

wow... you've taken tool tracking to a whole new level. i have a note pad type app on my phone that lists the sockets i'm trying to find. but this is interesting, i might have to do it. if anything, it would be cool to just get an inventory.

i'm guessing the cells you've colored are to identify your most common sizes?


<edit>
also, i wouldn't even bother adding codes for brands you don't have. that seems like extra work.

 

[Joe B.]

cgv69,
I actually started down the road of making a much more complicated database style list that would then feed a summary sheet. With that I could track item numbers, add notes and manage multiples of the same size. I have a pretty large collection of sockets not on this list that are more of a collection than working tools. Some day I may go down the road to build a list like that when I get some more time. I also find that the Google spreadsheet work great for simple things and is great for sharing with others people and other devices. To build a real detailed tracker, I would want to upgrade and use MS Excel.

#1SomeGuy,
Much like adding mid-length sockets, you can duplicate the list above and just make another sheet for all of your spline sockets. I don't have many if any so I left them off. There really is not end to the variety of sockets. I just realized that I did not include 8 point sockets. I even have one old Wright 10-point socket but I don't run into those that often. I added those Canadian Brands. I'm sure there are many more out there that I did not think of.

socket_wrench,
The cells are colors to show the spots on a Hansen brand socket tray so it is pretty close to a typical set. Some of the extremes large and small sizes on the trays I would consider outside of what would be considered typical. You are right, about making codes for all of the brand's I don't own. I started that when I was intending on making a much more complicated list that would include the wide variety of collector sockets that I have.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Really cool setup. This will definitely help with purchases, so I won't have to keep running out and checking on the physical sockets. I downloaded it and added Blue Point (BP), Williams Taiwan (WT) and Ingersoll Rand (IR).

Thanks a ton!

 

[MN Falcon]

I like your Brand Code for Pittsburg Tools.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I'd always meant to make a sheet for the purpose of knowing what I have. I've a wrench or two that could be replaced. And some spare sockets from when a roommate stole some tools.

Good thread.

 

[GIJoe4500]

Good work. I downloaded it myself, and made a few tweaks so it will better fit my needs. Looking forward to putting it to use next time I hit up the pawn shop and start digging through their piles of sockets.

I added Blue Point (BP), and Channellock (CL) to mine.

 

[TjoFrasse]

Great work! Thanks for sharing!

I made some additions (E-torx, bit sockets and wrenches) and changed the setup a bit more suiting me.

I will link it here for people that wants ideas. If you don't like it, PM me and I will remove it. I'm not trying to hi-jack...
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Atc_6Q6V8c7TdGk5OXVyOGFLSl8wUC1LRXhzZ0Z0UXc

Personally, I think I will change the color coding also. To a "priority" scale, like green = try to get, orange = get if price is good, red = don't bother.

 

[Monte]

ps: "Belzer" and not "Beltzer"

 

[Joe B.]

Great work! Thanks for sharing!

I made some additions (E-torx, bit sockets and wrenches) and changed the setup a bit more suiting me.

I will link it here for people that wants ideas. If you don't like it, PM me and I will remove it. I'm not trying to hi-jack...
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Atc_6Q6V8c7TdGk5OXVyOGFLSl8wUC1LRXhzZ0Z0UXc

By all means, post away. I almost left the file editable by anyone so that it could be collaboratively enhanced. Now that I have started it I'm going to keep adding brands as they come up or I think of them, your list has a lot that I missed. (and tools I almost never see!)

How are you handling open-end and box end wrenches that have two different sizes? I have been contemplating how to address them in a similar wrench list but in some cases which two sizes end up on one wrench may not be the same.

 

[kunkernator]

I am loving this spreadsheet!

I have been tracking my sockets on a little Excel spreadsheet that I printed out small and keep in my wallet. Then if I see a good deal I have the list right there.

Mine is NOTHING compared to what you have done.

 

[indyokie]

Many thanks !! - great work !

 

[TjoFrasse]

ps: "Belzer" and not "Beltzer"

Thanks

By all means, post away. I almost left the file editable by anyone so that it could be collaboratively enhanced. Now that I have started it I'm going to keep adding brands as they come up or I think of them, your list has a lot that I missed. (and tools I almost never see!)

How are you handling open-end and box end wrenches that have two different sizes? I have been contemplating how to address them in a similar wrench list but in some cases which two sizes end up on one wrench may not be the same.

Yes, I imagine the list is a bit more normal for Europeans, even though it's far from complete.

In my list I handled two sizes on one tool on wrenches as I just wrote the sizes that are covered. So one tool can represent two entries in the list. The information about which sizes are linked are not on the list though.

Making lists like this is dangerous though! I see way too many tools I need to buy

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Making lists like this is dangerous though! I see way too many tools I need to buy

Same problem I'm having, now that I filled it out!
I've been going through the sets and part numbers I have saved to buy online, and have been adding them to the list using red lettering. Once I buy them, I can change them back to black. It's helping with prioritizing, and has already saved me from sets overlapping and shown me I already have a couple of 3/4" drive sockets that are missing from a set I'm looking at!

Again, Many thanks!

 

[humber2]

I've had a list like the OP's one in Lotus 1-2-3 for years now.

It may suit to use a new sheet for each maker's tool you have.

I used Snappys codes for the column headers and put an X at top and bottom of each range size.

Putting a 1 for each socket stocked allows totalising.

I don't carry it with me, if I see immaculate sockets for sale real cheap it's cash and carry and I'm out the door, fast.

Checking can be done at home after washing, offering and recording to my collection.

 

[Outlawmws]

Some suggestions:

The image I showed in the other thread didn't show the tally functions I have where you got a total count plus a count by brand using the "Countif" functions in my actual worksheet. Not sure if Google Docs has that

Also if you transpose the columns and rows you get a more compressed page size. so you have a prayer of printing it and keeping a copy in your wallet, and should fit an Iphone screen better.

I did a couple of edits on mine to narrow the width on the text column a bit more, and this pic shows the tally, I think I left that out of the earlier pic.

Several guys have my spreadsheet for this page now.

 

[ckadams00]

Awesome & thanks! Spend a while yesterday getting it filled out!

 

[Burtonrider10022]

Some suggestions:

The image I showed in the other thread didn't show the tally functions I have where you got a total count plus a count by brand using the "Countif" functions in my actual worksheet. Not sure if Google Docs has that

Also if you transpose the columns and rows you get a more compressed page size. so you have a prayer of printing it and keeping a copy in your wallet, and should fit an Iphone screen better.

I did a couple of edits on mine to narrow the width on the text column a bit more, and this pic shows the tally, I think I left that out of the earlier pic.

Several guys have my spreadsheet for this page now.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=230598&stc=1&d=1357490818

Here is yours as a Google Docs. Google Docs DO tally, I just checked. I saved this to my own account and published it, if you for some reason want me to take it down just LMK

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqEnM6CtQu0YdDRoYzlGQVBHanpUS1JwMTVKODlHcVE

 

[Outlawmws]

No issues at all Burton. Whats with Google docs and not turning the text on end? does it not have the functionality?

 

[Outlawmws]

No issues at all Burton. Whats with Google docs and not turning the text on end? does it not have the functionality?

Well I looked and nope, not that I could find

Burton, I think you need to specifically share the doc, I didn't see the editing options in that one (I was looking at Joe's)

 

[Burtonrider10022]

Well I looked and nope, not that I could find

Burton, I think you need to specifically share the doc, I didn't see the editing options in that one (I was looking at Joe's)

I tried using the fun new button I found that said "publish", and apparently it didn't work as well as I'd hoped lol.

I'll "share" it instead: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqEnM6CtQu0YdDRoYzlGQVBHanpUS1JwMTVKODlHcVE


I'll update my original posting as well.

 

[TDWendt]

Good stuff guys. Might try something like this once I get a computer(all I got is my Android phone). What about a code for grey pneumatic?

 

[Burtonrider10022]

Good stuff guys. Might try something like this once I get a computer(all I got is my Android phone). What about a code for grey pneumatic?

Google Docs are 100% view-able and editable on a smartphone.

 

[puttsy]

Thanks for sharing man. I've been keeping track of all my sockets since about the time I started on GJ (Thanks guys )

I've got several Google Spreadsheet files that have various tools. The want list, the need list, etc...

My problem was when I decided that I would branch out from Craftsman because then, I needed to denote a slue of other info. but, part numbers have always been on my lists. Primarily, I started tracking P/N's to determine Stamped vs. Etched, vs. Dual Marked Cman sockets though. I tried also narrowing down my series but that just got too unnecessarily cumbersome.

I will use parts of this one and @Outlawmws's list. I like the colored impact socket block on that one (even though I don't have any impact sockets).

 

[Burtonrider10022]

..... I like the colored impact socket block on that one (even though I don't have any impact sockets).

Yet...

 

[06 DIESEL]

Wow, I just have a 20+ page, I think it is 27 now, spreadsheet that lists manufacturer, item, style, size, part number, cost, and quantity of every tool in my box. I also have sent this to my insurance agent in case something were to happen to the box or tools in it. I really need to update mine again, I think I have bought another few pages worth of tools and have yet to get them on the sheet, but the agent has the added cost in case something were to happen.

 

[Burtonrider10022]

Wow, I just have a 20+ page, I think it is 27 now, spreadsheet that lists manufacturer, item, style, size, part number, cost, and quantity of every tool in my box. I also have sent this to my insurance agent in case something were to happen to the box or tools in it. I really need to update mine again, I think I have bought another few pages worth of tools and have yet to get them on the sheet, but the agent has the added cost in case something were to happen.

I JUST did this last week! I did the garage and the house. Item/model numbers, replacement cost/value, serial number when possible, and a brief description. I also tried to find the items online and "print" a copy of each item's sales page with all of the info as a PDF and saved them all in a folder. I plan to add pictures of everything to this folder as well.


For fun, here is an example of what I did. Completely edited, of course.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqEnM6CtQu0YdHNTZHN1MENDS1NHaUdRaTFKeXV3cFE

 

[06 DIESEL]

I JUST did this last week! I did the garage and the house. Item/model numbers, replacement cost/value, serial number when possible, and a brief description. I also tried to find the items online and "print" a copy of each item's sales page with all of the info as a PDF and saved them all in a folder. I plan to add pictures of everything to this folder as well.


For fun, here is an example of what I did. Completely edited, of course.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AqEnM6CtQu0YdHNTZHN1MENDS1NHaUdRaTFKeXV3cFE

If I can make one suggestion to you, do not insure your tools as sets, insure them individually. Reason for this is if someone comes in and takes your metric socket drawer out of your toolbox then you have no way of putting a specific value on it. It does take longer, but in the long run it will be worth it, trust me.

I attached the first page of my inventory to give you an example of how I do it for my insurance agent. I do pay a decent amount for my insurance on the tools because of this, but if something were to happen and they no longer make the set that I had insured and only a larger set I will not be out any money to upgrade.

 

[Burtonrider10022]

If I can make one suggestion to you, do not insure your tools as sets, insure them individually. Reason for this is if someone comes in and takes your metric socket drawer out of your toolbox then you have no way of putting a specific value on it. It does take longer, but in the long run it will be worth it, trust me.

I attached the first page of my inventory to give you an example of how I do it for my insurance agent. I do pay a decent amount for my insurance on the tools because of this, but if something were to happen and they no longer make the set that I had insured and only a larger set I will not be out any money to upgrade.

This list is actually for my personal use, and I do have the Craftsman item lists for each of those sets with every individual socket and the part number if needed. That is a really good point though, and if I do ever submit it to insurance I will be sure to do it as such.

Actually, thinking about it, holy **** would that skyrocket the value of my tools. Craftsman sockets are on average about $3.00 each, so my 204 piece set is now valued at ~150 x $3.00 = $450 not including the bit drivers, ratchets, and hex keys. Great, now I need to itemize the living **** out of my garage.



EDIT: WOW!!! The 204 piece set I have is no longer sold. I knew this. So I just did the individual value of those tools... I had the kit listed for retail value of $199.99 but when itemized at retail cost the ACTUAL cost of replacing those tools would be over $600!!! Nice call, and thank you a TON!

 

[cgv69]

cgv69,
I actually started down the road of making a much more complicated database style list that would then feed a summary sheet. With that I could track item numbers, add notes and manage multiples of the same size. I have a pretty large collection of sockets not on this list that are more of a collection than working tools. Some day I may go down the road to build a list like that when I get some more time. I also find that the Google spreadsheet work great for simple things and is great for sharing with others people and other devices. To build a real detailed tracker, I would want to upgrade and use MS Excel.

I do use Excel but did not get that complicated with it. Here's a sample of mine...

I keep my primary and backup sets in the same SS. For instance, all the Kobolt sockets are keep in a tool kit in my truck. One of the reasons this layout works for me but may not work for others is I buy all my sockets in sets and don't have a bunch of loose sockets or mismatched sets. YMMV?

I'm not saying my way is right or wrong, its just another way of doing it that works for me.

 

[Gabastone]

Wow!!

I am a little more simple. If I need something and don't have it, I'll buy a set. If I lose a socket, then I will just pick up a replacement the next time I'm see the truck/store.

 

[augustus]

Just what I was looking for, thanks Joe B!

 

[e30bradley]

I just remember what I have and what I need.