Storage for 5/16" bits? (Wera content!)

[VolvoRyan]

Well, curiousity got the better of me, and I bought a Wera 1/2" drive socket/ratchet/stuff kit. It's actually pretty neat. My only complaint is that there's some loose "paint" in the female ends of the tools. The ratchet handle has a bit more length than the standard handles I have here. The wobble has a little more "articulation" than the SK wobbles I have. The bits are in some really useful sizes for what I work on. Volvo loves hex and torx. The Hex Plus concept is interesting. The 3mm in my Tool Check was perfect for adjusting a 35 year old throttle body switch.

The case is nice, but I just don't need it for day to day. All the other tools integrate well into my tool box.... except: the 5/16" bits. Does anyone know of a way to organize them? 1/4" is obviously the standard on our side of the pond. Do I just make my own for the 5/16"?

Thanks!

-Ryan

 

[qqzj]

You can cut the holder off the case, which you don’t need anyway

 

[Jgaz]

I keep my 5/16” bits in this DeWalt case.

A bit overkill but it’s something that I had on hand when I was organizing things

 

[oldschoolcraft]

You could buy the VIM tools 5/16 impact bit set that comes in some rubber storage. The picture is blue but I heard from Last Best Tool that it comes in bright green now, Vim’s flagship color. Despite what the Amazon listing shows.

$10 and you can stop thinking about this

Amazon.com

 

[Dave455]

I’d think twice about ditching the case.

They’re a really nice design, they’re very compact (so won’t take up much space in a box) and they do stop everything rattling around!

The only sensible ways I’ve found to store any bits are blocks of wood (on a bench) and loose in plastic snap top bottles (in a road box).

I did make a tray for my smallest portable box, which I incorporated a bit block into, but that was more work.

And 5/16 definitely is a standard your side of the pond - it’s just for grown up bits…!

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Are they called 5/16” bits in Europe or do they refer to them as 8mm? As much as people on GJ hate claims that some SAE and metric overlap, the truth is 5/16 and 8mm are within a few thousandths of an inch and basically identical.

 

[Dave455]

Are they called 5/16” bits in Europe or do they refer to them as 8mm? As much as people on GJ hate claims that some SAE and metric overlap, the truth is 5/16 and 8mm are within a few thousandths of an inch and basically identical.

I’ve seen either term used.

Most often you see them marked up as 8mm (5/16) or somesuch.

As you say, 8 and 5/16 are very close.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I’d think twice about ditching the case.

They’re a really nice design, they’re very compact (so won’t take up much space in a box) and they do stop everything rattling around!

The only sensible ways I’ve found to store any bits are blocks of wood (on a bench) and loose in plastic snap top bottles (in a road box).

I did make a tray for my smallest portable box, which I incorporated a bit block into, but that was more work.

And 5/16 definitely is a standard your side of the pond - it’s just for grown up bits…!

Very nice!

I'm keeping the case. It's too nice. The labels are actually properly embroidered. I need to put the tools into the general population to give them a try. This is my first "go" with Wera sockets. I'm itching to use them.

-Ryan

 

[Jgaz]

I’d think twice about ditching the case.

They’re a really nice design, they’re very compact (so won’t take up much space in a box) and they do stop everything rattling around!

The only sensible ways I’ve found to store any bits are blocks of wood (on a bench) and loose in plastic snap top bottles (in a road box).

I did make a tray for my smallest portable box, which I incorporated a bit block into, but that was more work.

And 5/16 definitely is a standard your side of the pond - it’s just for grown up bits…!

@Dave455 Nice job on that tray!

 

[RTM]

Mine are just in a little metal box with my ¿Apex? Ratchet drive

 

[dukefx]

I keep mine in a Wera 5136471001. They are meant for 1/4" stuff but work perfecly well for 5/16".

 

[Dave455]

Very nice!

I'm keeping the case. It's too nice. The labels are actually properly embroidered. I need to put the tools into the general population to give them a try. This is my first "go" with Wera sockets. I'm itching to use them.

-Ryan

Wera seem to put a lot of thought into their designs, including the storage.

I’ve got basically the same set in 1/4” drive. I’m not under the illusion that they are Snap On quality, but I have a role for different grades of tools, and I find the Wera set a very useful thing to have with me.

The ratchet is a unique design, but it has grown on me. As you say, they’re longer than some, but also relatively flat. I’ve used this little 13mm socket a good deal, but cleaned up it shows no wear.

 

[Dave455]

@Dave455 Nice job on that tray!

Thanks!

I find that time spent on organisation and storage is seldom wasted!

Much like the O.P. I struggle with ways to carry hex bits.

I started putting that set together because I wanted a box with every basic screwdriver bit up to a reasonable size. It’s become my “go to” for small jobs.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Thanks!

I find that time spent on organisation and storage is seldom wasted!

Much like the O.P. I struggle with ways to carry hex bits.

That tray is very nice indeed.

I'm a stickler for tool organization after so many years of playing "find the tool". The Wera Tool Check has spoiled me for bit storage.

Wera seem to put a lot of thought into their designs, including the storage.

I’ve got basically the same set in 1/4” drive. I’m not under the illusion that they are Snap On quality, but I have a role for different grades of tools, and I find the Wera set a very useful thing to have with me.

The ratchet is a unique design, but it has grown on me. As you say, they’re longer than some, but also relatively flat. I’ve used this little 13mm socket a good deal, but cleaned up it shows no wear.

Wera is just a fun brand. I have a bunch of their screwdrivers, which work well and just feel really well balanced, and they just make me smile.

1/2" is kind of a weird place to start with sockets, but these fill a need.

-Ryan

 

[KnurledNut]

Plano 1226-50 Ammo Case for .44/.45