Vim Magnetics Socket Rails

[Dustin Echoes]

Anybody here have any experience with these?

http://thetoolnetwork.com/vim_magrail_tl_tool_organizatin_system.html

I've done a lot of research on socket rails, and decided that although they are pricey, they are the best. I like magnetic storage, and use neodymium magnets for a lot of things, but I like to hear customer reviews from guys like me. Any help would be appreciated!

-Dustin

 

[str8axle55]

They look pretty nice to me.

 

[MikeTHIS]

I bookmarked that. Pretty neat!

 

[kf4zht]

I really like those, may switch to them at some point, but $32 for the large one make hansen trays look cheap.

 

[Sachseguy]

The socket rails are very similar to the Kobalt rails sold at Lowe's. I always liked my sockets in the top (tray) of my toolbox. For years I used the Snap on metal rails and clips that were screwed or pop riveted to my box. The only problem was, I not able to take the entire rail of sockets to the car or other project. I discovered the magnetic rails (with clips) at Lowe's several years ago and have now changed over to that system. I really like it and find that it is much more functional than the older style. I now have all my sockets where I can easily see them and can quickly remove and replace the entire magnetic rail. They run about $18 - $20 per rail depending in the size of the socket. While that can get pricey if you have a lot of sockets, I thought it was well worth it for my needs.

 

[Dustin Echoes]

Oh yeah, If anybody out there has these rails, what is the actual length? The site lists them at 16", and my drawers are exactly 16". If they are even a little longer, I'll have to put them in at an angle, and it will drive me nuts. Will I have to trim them?

-Dustin

 

[Fedwrench]

I think MagRail TLs are vastly superior to any other socket rail system. I bought mine a couple years ago directly from VIM when they were offering a jobber pack which was an assortment of different length rails and mounting studs in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch drive sizes at a reduced price.

They take up minimum space and have very strong magnets. I have a 16 inch rail on my cart lid that holds a 3/8 drive socket set 8-24 mm and it doesn't move when wheeling my cart around the shop.

Pictured below is a 16 inch and 12 inch magrail with 3/8 drive studs on them. The studs resemble a solid valve stem cap with a threaded aluminum tee that slids into the slot on the magrail. The rails are strong and color coded red or blue. They're not cheap but, since I can't stand hansen racks, I feel they're worth the investment.
The magrails aren't good for portability though. You kind of have to pry the rail from your tool cart to move it, even with a drawer liner which is fine by me as I wheel my cart close to work anyway. They're not for everyone but, I wouldn't want to be without them. There's nothing else on the market too include the **** Lowes sells, that equals the MagRailTL.

 

[starquestMM]

is it strong enough to hold a deepwell on the verticle? My biggest complaint with the cheap racks I have now is holding power for heavier sockets and that I can't remove most sockets one handed.

 

[BB767]

I think MagRail TLs are vastly superior to any other socket rail system.....

.....They take up minimum space and have very strong magnets. I have a 16 inch rail on my cart lid that holds a 3/8 drive socket set 8-24 mm and it doesn't move when wheeling my cart around the shop....
:

I have yet to find a socket storage system I'm happy with. These look like they have merit. I'm curious Fedwrench, do they slowly over time magnetize the sockets?

Thomas from the Restored 1930's Auto Shop

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51567

 

[Dustin Echoes]

Thanks Fedwrench, That's exactly what I'm looking for. I don't need the individual rails to be portable, but I do like things movable. good to know that the rail is just under it's advertized length to! Should fit in the drawer no problem. Much obliged good sir!

 

[Dustin Echoes]

BB767, The site says they won't magnetize any tools, due to the flux direction of the magnetic field. Check out kjmagnetics.com they explain how it all works, and if you don't mind fabbing up your own stuff, the magnets they sell are great for tool storage.

P.S. I'm not affiliated with that site, I'm just a frequent customer. Never once had an issue, and their customer service is top notch.

-D

 

[magtl]

You can move the Magrail TL from one location to another. Use the sockets as leverage and tilt the rail to the side. If the rails are close together where they can’t be tilted go to Google patents and look at the Rail Lifter in patent number 8336709. With the Rail Lifter you just lift the Magrail TL straight up.
Do you think there is any interest in 18 inch or 20 inch Magrail TLs?
Also in the above Magrail TL patent, what are your thoughts on the two inch wide Magrail TL? IT will allow you to run two rows of one inch pegs for aligning wrenches standing on their sides or punches, files, and etc.

R.

 

[Fedwrench]

Do you think there is any interest in 18 inch or 20 inch Magrail TLs?
Also in the above Magrail TL patent, what are your thoughts on the two inch wide Magrail TL? IT will allow you to run two rows of one inch pegs for aligning wrenches standing on their sides or punches, files, and etc.
R.

The two inch wide model sounds interesting as a wrench rack but, it may be cost prohibitive. Pictures?
Again, 18 and 20 inch rails would be handy to some techs but, at $2 an inch retail, cost is a factor. I've managed with the 16 inch and smaller rails.