USA Made Socket Organization Solutions

[codeb]

I know there are threads out there on socket organization, but I wanted to get a review of a couple specific brands on one thread. I'm trying to figure out which brand I should switch to. I'm considering Mechanics Time Savers, Westling Machine, Ernst Manufaturing, and Triton Products. They all seem to be great solutions and better yet their USA Made. Below are links to each of the manufacturers websites.

http://www.ernstmfg.com/tool-organizers/socket-organizers.html?price=6-8

http://www.tritonproducts.com/magnetic-socket-storage/power-mats/

http://westlingmachine.com/ToolHolders.html

http://www.timesavershop.com/proddetail.asp?prod=720

Thanks for your information and help!

 

[franzdom]

I switched from the Timesavers to the Westling, they are SO nice!!!

 

[n8n]

Another one to consider is the Craftsman plastic socket rails. Yes, despite C'man offshoring all of their actual sockets, the rails are USA made and actually pretty good... go figure. Buying some extra pegs is crucial though, they don't come with anywhere near enough.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-pc...blockNo=1&blockType=G1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

also available in grey for metric, and fortunately the extra studs *are* available.

For a non-mobile toolbox, I probably would go with the Westling just because they look awesome, but I don't know anyone who has them, so I can't comment on possible downsides to them.

 

[kngelv]

Westling trays are awesome.

James

 

[Exceller8]

I switched from the Timesavers to the Westling, they are SO nice!!!

+1

I want to order another set.

 

[ecotec]

While I could not justify the price, the Westlings are amazing.

Maybe someday.

 

[rcjoy]

I like the twist-lock ones from Sears. Still made in USA. Available in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch drive.

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-1-2-in-dr-socket-rack-holds-14/p-00942332000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6

 

[neonnblack]

The westling trays are just amazing. Its the only review you really need.

 

[chrismenke]

The Westlings look like they rely on machined tolerances for retention...any issues spilling sockets when moving from box to cart?

 

[charger0926]

how about the magrail tl. i have several and think that they are by far the best socket holder. expensive...yes, but worth it in my opinion

 

[codeb]

Thanks guys. From what I can see the Westlings are the way to go. The only left to do is order them.

 

[chipper]

You would think for ordering the set there would be a discount over the individual pieces but I guess not unless I'm missing something... one day I will own these though I like their new torx tray too

 

[Adam.C]

I wish the time savers were available with sizes marked. If you really want to save time, it would be helpful to be able to instantly grab the 13mm

 

[RCStocker]

Another one to consider is the Craftsman plastic socket rails. Yes, despite C'man offshoring all of their actual sockets, the rails are USA made and actually pretty good... go figure. Buying some extra pegs is crucial though, they don't come with anywhere near enough.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-pc...blockNo=1&blockType=G1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

also available in grey for metric, and fortunately the extra studs *are* available.

For a non-mobile toolbox, I probably would go with the Westling just because they look awesome, but I don't know anyone who has them, so I can't comment on possible downsides to them.

Low's had them on sale for $5 for a set of 3 last year. At least the read form left to right. The Hansen ones are Chinese the read from right to left.
What I don't get is why the hell they skipped the 26 on them. Low's copied the others but forgot to put a post I for the 26. They should make them in two pieces for the 1/2" sot they would take all the way up to 32mm
There are some very nice rails out there but none take into consideration the sockets themselves. None will hold a full set other than the 1/4" and if you have a 1/4" 5/8" socket you are screwed. No place to put it. Yes I have them.

I think there is a lot of room for a new company with better organizers to come into the market.
I used wood dowels and drilled holes in a piece of walnut. I made them to fit the drawers. They work great. They hold all the sockets and they cost me about $2 each to make. It helps to have a complete wood and machine shop. I really can't say I like any of the socket organizers. I do like the magnet ones where the sockets lay flat. I like being able to grab the lot and then have the one I need with me. Other than that. ???? I have 4 different types of holders and like the ones I made far better.

 

[oldtimehockey]

I cannot run with the big boys...still using the Hansen socket organizers...

 

[chrismenke]

The Hansen ones are Chinese the read from right to left. None will hold a full set other than the 1/4" and if you have a 1/4" 5/8" socket you are screwed. No place to put it. Yes I have them.

The Hansen sets are USA and do include 1/4" drive 5/8" according to their site:
http://hansenglobalinc.com/our-products/socket-trays/

I have yet to go look at my trays to verify.

 

[drivesitfar]

i was thinking there was a better way to put sockets in the tool box and the Westlings look like the answer. is the $99 set the way to go with the free shipping or is there a larger set you can order on another site?

also anybody have those magnet sheets to hold their wrenches and other smallish tools in place? how do they work or what is the best option for wrenches without me looking inside a few hundred tool boxes on the toolbox thread?

i have had one version or another of the Craftsman holders in my mobile tool box and bench top and unless you screw them into your tool box they are a little bit of a pain to just grab one socket. now they are great for grabbing the row of sockets if you are under a car or out on the job and not sure which one you'll need.

 

[W0rLDWaR4]

Another one to consider is the Craftsman plastic socket rails. Yes, despite C'man offshoring all of their actual sockets, the rails are USA made and actually pretty good... go figure. Buying some extra pegs is crucial though, they don't come with anywhere near enough.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-pc...blockNo=1&blockType=G1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

also available in grey for metric, and fortunately the extra studs *are* available.

For a non-mobile toolbox, I probably would go with the Westling just because they look awesome, but I don't know anyone who has them, so I can't comment on possible downsides to them.

I have these and love them! I had those ugly metal ones that craftsman sells before these. Holds 1/2" deep impacts without breaking.

 

[PowderKeg]

Things to not like about Westling:
1. over priced
2. their name prominently displayed on the front
3. none of the socket trays can not hold a complete set of sockets
4. can not adjust or modify trays (add or subtract pegs)

Overpriced? A set of six from Hansen's website runs $86, 12 rails from Ernst would run @ $96, and $99 for 6 Westlings. Hansen and Ernst are plastic, Westling are billet aluminum. Not much of a price diff there, then consider the material...

Name? Only prominent when they're empty. Fill 'em up and you mostly see chrome...

Not complete socket sets? What the heck socket sets you got? Nobody makes a socket organizer that will hold every conceivable socket set or combination of sockets ever (or to someday be) produced. AFAIK, Westlings pretty well cover the vast majority, not including /32 sockets in 3/8 and 1/2 drives. All my complete Snappy and Wright sets (a set of Craftsman too) fit very nicely, with one exception - wish they offered a third 1/2 drive plate to fit my SAEs up to 1 1/2".

Can't adjust? No need to, Westling's pegs are spaced out just right, not too jammed, and not to spaced out to waste a lot of room for chrome. Don't know how they fit for impacts.

I bought the Westlings to replace brand new Hansens - found out that several deepwell sockets wouldn't fit down over the Hansen pegs. The Hansens were intended to replace the old cheap chromed rails with spring clips (that always hold either too tight or too loose). While Westling's aren't the be-all and end-all for everyone, they are an excellent option that I'll highly recommend. Someday I'll pick-up another set, and now they've got universal holders for the odd-man-out sockets, Torx, etc.

 

[MN4x4]

I like the Westling rails/trays, but they don't have enough pegs for my sockets. I am probably going to get the Ernst ones for that reason.

 

[Makapuu]

The Ernst may be the same as the Tektons, also made in the USA.

http://www.tektontools.com/All_Products/1882

I just transferred all of my sockets over to these. They are not engineered beautifully, and take some finesse to figure out how to put the sockets on so they stick, but I like the red/black colors (I have a black/red GT500 -the engine bay is my avatar - so go with that color scheme on many garage things). The best feature is the little labels with the socket sizes so you don't need to look at the sockets to figure the sizes.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

There are pros and cons to each choice . I use Hansen's for my chrome sockets westling for my impacts and the black craftsman rails screwed down to a piece of plywood for everything else.

 

[Lance-AR]

Why are these options better than the Snap-On tray that holds several rows?

 

[Southernbuild]

The Westlings look like they rely on machined tolerances for retention...any issues spilling sockets when moving from box to cart?

Actually, it isn't a problem; I have rotated my Westling Machine Co trays, with sockets 90 degrees so the sockets are parallel to the ground, without any sockets falling.

Highly recommend them

Socket rails still have their place, but as far a toolbox storage / shop use goes, I would definitely recommend the Westling trays, as a great looking, solid, well thought out, long lasting, American made product.

Note: if the labeling bothers you, they have a non-labeled version

 

[FunkyfullWidth]

rad you sound like a nut job. The westlings are great socket trays. I use them every day both professionally and at home. I have NEVER had a need for a 16mm 1/4 drive socket, why would I want it engraved on my tray. You won't have an empty 5.5 peg if you buy the 5.5 socket, why is that westling's fault that YOUR sk set doesn't have one, when my craftsman and snap on set does.. It doesn't sound like you've ever even owned or tried the westling socket trays rad, why don't you go preach somewhere else.

I bought them during the new years sale last year and they're holding up great. I bought the full set, plus a few extras for different bits and 12 pts. and the like. They save an incredible amount of space. I ran with the hansons, i've tried the kobalts, I used the time saver or whatever it's called, and I find the wesltings to be the easiest as far as grabbing sockets off it, without worrying about breaking a silly plastic piece off.

 

[woodstockva]

I did a full review on the Westling Trays....you can check it out here --->

Also, instead of asking Westling why they didnt made trays w/a missing 5.5 on one row & 16mm on the other.....perhaps the better question would be "SK, why did you not make the same sizes included in both your shallow & deepwell set?".

Mass production (even on a relatively small scale) is what keeps prices down.....if they taylored each tray to each manufacturer, then the price would shoot up.

I dont think $100-$120 w/shipping included for a complete set of 8 trays is a bad price at all.

 

[flyingtpot]

Westling trays are too expensive? Whatever! What do you do for a living? I'll decide if what you sell is worth anything in life.

To me the Westling trays are very little coin to get in the game. I don't want plastic or non-US molded junk in my roll cab.

I have no affiliation with the Westling staff, other than being a consumer of their products. Through correspondence with them I've found them always to be polite and having excellent customer support.

The Westling trays are a system. They can be had with and/or without the size listing. That is a nice feature. I have several different brands of sockets and the trays with size markings have been just fine for my requirements.

Clearly one must be clueless and not understand what it takes to make a tray like Westling's here in the States. At any price less than what they sell for it would be giving them away at a loss.

Disliking the name on a tray is the real kicker! Who see's it on the tray when it is loaded and in a closed tool storage drawer? So somebody doesn't like labels? Does that mean you go around all day without any labels that show a brand name on your motor vehicle? Phone? Clothes? Any where in your house?

I find the 'haters' of Westling trays must drink from the same water source as that of the Snap-on 'haters'! Because they are relentless with the hate and can go on and on and on....

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I dont like the Westling Socket trays for my chrome sockets but they work great from my impacts.

 

[NFH2740]

Hansen.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I like the twist-lock ones from Sears. Still made in USA. Available in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch drive.

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-1-2-in-dr-socket-rack-holds-14/p-00942332000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6

Can you put mix drive sizes on the same rail?

 

[ADSR]

For all the most popular craftsman socket sets.

http://foamfittools.com/Csocketorganizers.php#sockets

 

[azhatchback]

I did a full review on the Westling Trays....you can check it out here --->

Also, instead of asking Westling why they didnt made trays w/a missing 5.5 on one row & 16mm on the other.....perhaps the better question would be "SK, why did you not make the same sizes included in both your shallow & deepwell set?".

Mass production (even on a relatively small scale) is what keeps prices down.....if they taylored each tray to each manufacturer, then the price would shoot up.

I dont think $100-$120 w/shipping included for a complete set of 8 trays is a bad price at all.

Nice review. I picked up some Harbor Freight ones a few months to see how I would like them with out spending too much. I really like them but the other day the wife bought an eliptical off craigslist and my truck has a camper shell so I loaded up some tools to take it apart so I could fit it in my truck. Not knowing what sizes I needed I took my SAE and metric 3/8 trays and man did they flex. This was the first time I have done this since switching over to these trays. Had to be real careful so they woulden't break. HF ones are definetly stronger than over priced Hansen's and point the sockets up like these billet ones but they are wider too and take up lots of room.

Easy to move, more compact, you got me sold! Thanks for the detailed youtube review.

 

[kngelv]

Things to not like about Westling:
1. over priced
2. their name prominently displayed on the front
3. none of the socket trays can not hold a complete set of sockets
4. can not adjust or modify trays (add or subtract pegs)

I disagree with everything in this post. I have Westling, Hansen and Ernst. I'm in the process of converting everything over to Westling trays. They are solidly made in the USA, look great and NO annoying flex.

James

 

[Adam.C]

I liked the video, but didn't think much of the review. I've seen a couple of these sorts of videos here lately. What I want to see is a couple key functions described (e.g. these are the features I'm considering and this is why) and then analyzed. Never once have I moved my socket racks from one box to another. That would be last on my requirements list. If it is a big deal for pro mechanics, explain why.

Magnetism of the tray is interesting, but again, wouldn't even make my top 5. What I don't want is for the socket holder to magnetize my sockets. Do MTS holders do that? The Snap On packaging seems to.

What I see here and elsewhere are bright, young, ambitious guys, reviewing aspects of tools that are essentially meaningless to me. Here's my suggestion, and hopefully this will spark some interest in this thread:

Please consider the following functions (no particular order):
1) For a given set of sockets, what is the footprint required to house them with various holders?

2) Many of my tools are presently kept in a Kennedy roller which has fairly low depth (2") drawers. What drawer height is required to house a set of deep sockets? 1/2"? 3/8? Pretty sure MTS just redesigned some of their products. They appear to have smaller footprints and be lower in height to previous models. This has been a problem for me.

3) How legible are the size markings once all the sockets are in place and crammed into a drawer FULL of tools. Those of us who want/need size markings want them clearly visible. This is why I initially chose Hansen (but I'm no longer using them for other reasons).

4) Ease of use- How hard is it to find the pegs, slip the socket on, grab the one socket with greasy fingers.

5) Does it store sockets drive down or drive up? Which is better? What are the pros and cons. How are the sockets marked?

6) Can the sockets touch? Will they get dinged together? Scratched up? Should we care?

7) Retention within the box? Mag base? Interlocking? Can you spray mount drawer liner to the bottom? Would that help? Is it a good idea?

I'm happy if you disagree and think there is a whole different set of criteria that shouldl be considered (if so please share). Also happy to be told I'm wrong and the review considered exactly those things you were inetersted in.

For my part, I just spent big money on a couple Blue Point branded MTS720s. I'm going to try them out and see if I like them. So far I haven't particularly liked anything. I want my sockets, ratchets, and extensions in a single drawer. Trouble is I have several 8-1/2 X 11 sheets of paper worth of bit sockets in their original snap on trays. I like these trays because I can quickly find what I'm looking for. Unlike 6pt sockets, I cant look at a torx or allen bit and know what size it is. The large lettering really helps me. The black Snap On trays are quite nice for that. But they take up a lot of space. I'd like a new tool box, but I want the smallest one I can get away with and this one drawer will size it for me. I'm following this thread with great interest.

 

[woodstockva]

Nice review. I picked up some Harbor Freight ones a few months to see how I would like them with out spending too much. I really like them but the other day the wife bought an eliptical off craigslist and my truck has a camper shell so I loaded up some tools to take it apart so I could fit it in my truck. Not knowing what sizes I needed I took my SAE and metric 3/8 trays and man did they flex. This was the first time I have done this since switching over to these trays. Had to be real careful so they woulden't break. HF ones are definetly stronger than over priced Hansen's and point the sockets up like these billet ones but they are wider too and take up lots of room.

Easy to move, more compact, you got me sold! Thanks for the detailed youtube review.

Your welcome! I am glad you liked the review & it helped you see the differences between the different trays. Thanks for watching!

I liked the video, but didn't think much of the review. I've seen a couple of these sorts of videos here lately. What I want to see is a couple key functions described (e.g. these are the features I'm considering and this is why) and then analyzed. Never once have I moved my socket racks from one box to another. That would be last on my requirements list. If it is a big deal for pro mechanics, explain why.

Magnetism of the tray is interesting, but again, wouldn't even make my top 5. What I don't want is for the socket holder to magnetize my sockets. Do MTS holders do that? The Snap On packaging seems to.

What I see here and elsewhere are bright, young, ambitious guys, reviewing aspects of tools that are essentially meaningless to me. Here's my suggestion, and hopefully this will spark some interest in this thread:

Well I can assure you that there are only two video reviews about Westling trays period....mine being one of them.

For the people actually looking at purchasing these, and who are researching them prior to dropping $100+ & hoping for the best....I tried to show them being compared to plastic trays, how the socket retention was in a toolbox AND in a tool cart (both being slammed shut or banged around), and the various features they have.

I personally do not go rooting through my tools with greasy hands, I always wipe my hands off & all of my tools off prior to putting them away or going through my boxes, so that was and never will be an issue for me.

The one & only "suggestion/complaint" that I read about online before ever getting a set of these were the lack of magnetic pins. I literally read this dozens of times. I think my demonstration showing why that would not be a good idea or necessary was dead on.

If you watch many of my reviews, you will see that I am not just some young, ambitious guy who holds up shiny tools and says how good they look. I actually show them being used & what they can or cant do. I go to great lengths sometimes to make sure this is done accurately and easily to see.

The Westling trays are an upgrade over any plastic trays as far as look, finish, quality, feel, and durability.....however, if you like seeing the sizes poked through the top of the sockets, these are not for you.

 

[AndrewV]

I love my time savers, they take up less room(total) than the rest.
My tritons while easier to use, max out my drawers hight, i mainly have axel impact sockets in them. And they have an awkward hole in the ends, of the single rails, but they still hold good.

Twist locks have became annoying for some reason.

 

[azhatchback]

I liked the video, but didn't think much of the review. I've seen a couple of these sorts of videos here lately. What I want to see is a couple key functions described (e.g. these are the features I'm considering and this is why) and then analyzed. Never once have I moved my socket racks from one box to another. That would be last on my requirements list. If it is a big deal for pro mechanics, explain why.

Magnetism of the tray is interesting, but again, wouldn't even make my top 5. What I don't want is for the socket holder to magnetize my sockets. Do MTS holders do that? The Snap On packaging seems to.

What I see here and elsewhere are bright, young, ambitious guys, reviewing aspects of tools that are essentially meaningless to me. Here's my suggestion, and hopefully this will spark some interest in this thread:

Please consider the following functions (no particular order):
1) For a given set of sockets, what is the footprint required to house them with various holders?

2) Many of my tools are presently kept in a Kennedy roller which has fairly low depth (2") drawers. What drawer height is required to house a set of deep sockets? 1/2"? 3/8? Pretty sure MTS just redesigned some of their products. They appear to have smaller footprints and be lower in height to previous models. This has been a problem for me.

3) How legible are the size markings once all the sockets are in place and crammed into a drawer FULL of tools. Those of us who want/need size markings want them clearly visible. This is why I initially chose Hansen (but I'm no longer using them for other reasons).

4) Ease of use- How hard is it to find the pegs, slip the socket on, grab the one socket with greasy fingers.

5) Does it store sockets drive down or drive up? Which is better? What are the pros and cons. How are the sockets marked?

6) Can the sockets touch? Will they get dinged together? Scratched up? Should we care?

7) Retention within the box? Mag base? Interlocking? Can you spray mount drawer liner to the bottom? Would that help? Is it a good idea?

I'm happy if you disagree and think there is a whole different set of criteria that shouldl be considered (if so please share). Also happy to be told I'm wrong and the review considered exactly those things you were inetersted in.

For my part, I just spent big money on a couple Blue Point branded MTS720s. I'm going to try them out and see if I like them. So far I haven't particularly liked anything. I want my sockets, ratchets, and extensions in a single drawer. Trouble is I have several 8-1/2 X 11 sheets of paper worth of bit sockets in their original snap on trays. I like these trays because I can quickly find what I'm looking for. Unlike 6pt sockets, I cant look at a torx or allen bit and know what size it is. The large lettering really helps me. The black Snap On trays are quite nice for that. But they take up a lot of space. I'd like a new tool box, but I want the smallest one I can get away with and this one drawer will size it for me. I'm following this thread with great interest.

Watch the video again and actually go to Westling's web site. It will answer most of your questions. They also have a tray with both 3/8 and 1/4 pegs for torx sockets.

Thanks for the video it answered all my questions. I then went to their site and measured my HF trays vs these and they are more compact. A little longer but they will save me some room.

 

[Makapuu]

My one issue with the Westlings is that the sockets are not locked in. When you grab a set of sockets and turn that Westling rack on its side or upside down, everything falls off and goes bouncing on the floor. I agree that magnetic trays are potentially messy. That is why I prefer the straight racks where the sockets lock on, either by twisting or by a spring pressured bearing like Craftsman or the Tekton USA. I have found after breaking them in a little, the sockets do lock in easier.

 

[flyingtpot]

From my experience the Westling trays manage sockets adequately and sufficiently from becoming dislodged when my roll cab is moved or the tray is removed from its drawer.

I absolutely do not want any of my sockets on or near any magnetic type tray. For as much as I like Snappy tools, all of their mag trays get stored in a separate tote away from sockets. Anyone want to buy or trade for a large assortment of them.

I don't consider several MTS720 trays as 'big money' as someone posted. Two of those trays are chump change in the world of tool acquisition.

Trays or rails that lock sockets in place have some merit. In my current shop socket storage considered that is an unwanted hassle. Socket quick and easy pull is more important and locking rails don't offer that feature.

 

[cgv69]

Westling trays are too expensive? Whatever! What do you do for a living? I'll decide if what you sell is worth anything in life.

Why the tone? Everybody has to decide for themselves what something is or is not worth. They are not worth it to him but they are to you. That's great but neither of you are "right" or "wrong". That's why we live in a free market where we are all free to decide where to spend our hard earned money.

I'm very interested in this thread because I need a new rail/rack for some impacts I have coming. I'm happy with the Hansen racks but they won't fit in the drawer I plan to use. I could care less about the Plastic vs. Metal/flex no flex argument as I don't take my trays out of my tool box so that's a non-issue for me.

I was looking as Westling's 3/8" metric tray as I think it would be close to perfect for my needs and at $18 (engraved version) I think the price is reasonable. What killed it for me was the shipping cost ($12) so $30 for 1 tray shipped is a bit much for me.