Westling Machine Anodized Socket Trays

[Kevin54]

Re: anyone seen these socket trays?

From what I am reading, due to the anodizing actually being in the metal it would take something capable of etching the aluminum in order to remove the color. But please do some more research.

Anodizing will come off the those pins if you use the sockets on a regular basis. Some chemicals will remove the anodize. People use Easy-Off oven cleaner to remove anodize fom aluminum trim before buffing. It does impregnate the aluminum somewhat, but it won't wear as good as a powdercoat job would, unless it was hard anodized. The holders he shows is just a conventional anodize so will wear easier. We anodize quite a bit of items where I worked and it will wear if it is something that is used regularly. Don't get me wrong, they'll last for quite a long while, but the pins will wear off by taking the sockets off and on.

 

[Holt]

I know your hands are full of request and suggestions but just to add to the pile I would love a bit holder kinda like the mechanics time saver version. Just a block of aluminum with holes drilled about 10 mm down for 25mm bits, 25mm for 50mm and so forth. Some may see this as pointless but I would love it.

 

[1320stang]

Are the pins a press fit?

 

[Westling Machine]

I know your hands are full of request and suggestions but just to add to the pile I would love a bit holder kinda like the mechanics time saver version. Just a block of aluminum with holes drilled about 10 mm down for 25mm bits, 25mm for 50mm and so forth. Some may see this as pointless but I would love it.

No problem! Thanks for the request! We have several ideas in mind similar to what your describing!

Are the pins a press fit?

Yes the pins are press fit in and cant be removed.

 

[Kevin54]

No problem! Thanks for the request! We have several ideas in mind similar to what your describing!



Yes the pins are press fit in and cant be removed.

I noticed on your website that you have a manual lathe. Are you making all of those pins on a manual lathe? If so, you guys have to be killing any profit. You definitely need a Swiss style machine to kick those pins out.

And don't take it wrong that I was busting on your product because of anodizing over powdercoating. I was just commenting that the pins would wear the color off. I fully understand about being able to control powdercoating thickness to be able to hold dimensions.

Personally, I think the product looks great. For the price, I don't see how you can be making much of a profit off of the product, especially if you aren't running a CNC turning center.

 

[Westling Machine]

I noticed on your website that you have a manual lathe. Are you making all of those pins on a manual lathe? If so, you guys have to be killing any profit. You definitely need a Swiss style machine to kick those pins out.

And don't take it wrong that I was busting on your product because of anodizing over powdercoating. I was just commenting that the pins would wear the color off. I fully understand about being able to control powdercoating thickness to be able to hold dimensions.

Personally, I think the product looks great. For the price, I don't see how you can be making much of a profit off of the product, especially if you aren't running a CNC turning center.

Actually most of the equipment on our website is no longer with us. That is how our shopped looked when we started in 2007. Everything on the holders is made on CNC equipment now. We would be really tired of looking at pins if we had to make them on our old Monarch lathe!

Look for a major website upgrade coming soon.

And thank you for the info/feedback!

 

[KPSquared]

Do you have any pics of how the anodizing looks after some use? Like in the boxes at your shop?
Maybe a pic with the length of time in service but without the sockets on them.

 

[1320stang]

Yes the pins are press fit in and cant be removed.

How are they assembled, with an arbor press by hand? Or with a plastic hammer? Could the average Joe assemble it himself?

My thinking was that you could stamp the ends of the pins, Joe Customer could order the pins he desires, then he could put them where he wants them.

My other thought was the end of the pin could be drilled for a magnet.

 

[Kevin54]

Actually most of the equipment on our website is no longer with us. That is how our shopped looked when we started in 2007. Everything on the holders is made on CNC equipment now. We would be really tired of looking at pins if we had to make them on our old Monarch lathe!

Look for a major website upgrade coming soon.

And thank you for the info/feedback!

I'm anxious to see what the new website provides. If you are a small business that caters to individual needs, I can see where you can really profit from it. In todays manufacturing business, it's really hard to find a business that caters to the "average joe". They either want to make a fortune off of one part, or they don't even want to talk to you. From what I see from your prices, you're in line with the "average joe".

 

[DSLTRK]

Re: anyone seen these socket trays?

We will defiantly post it here when we get some different colors made. Are you looking for a magnet under every socket or just under the corners to keep the tray in place?

No, just on four corners to attach to a box or similar.

 

[DSLTRK]

Re: anyone seen these socket trays?

Rubber feet are in the works and will be an option soon on the website. The magnets are a good idea. The cost of machining a spot for the magnet in every plate would be alot so it could be a custom option. Like we mentioned earlier, finding a good USA made magnet supplier is proving to be difficult.

I don't care where the magnets are made. You have to cut your losses with that as our good ol' govt won't let companies access our magnet reserves. The Chinese have great, strong Neo magnets cheap.

 

[FunkyfullWidth]

Re: anyone seen these socket trays?

I don't care where the magnets are made. You have to cut your losses with that as our good ol' govt won't let companies access our magnet reserves. The Chinese have great, strong Neo magnets cheap.

you may not care, but i'm sure theres alot who will. Being able to market a made in usa out of all usa parts is a big deal for some people. I'd rather see it with no magnets then some chinese magnets. I think being made in usa is part of the main allure with these trays.

 

[Bull]

Re: anyone seen these socket trays?

you may not care, but i'm sure theres alot who will. Being able to market a made in usa out of all usa parts is a big deal for some people. I'd rather see it with no magnets then some chinese magnets. I think being made in usa is part of the main allure with these trays.

I tend to agree. And besides, the magnet issue becomes moot if you line your box with the kind of liner that won't let a heavy, loaded tray of sockets so much as wiggle when the door is closed.

 

[DSLTRK]

Re: anyone seen these socket trays?

I tend to agree. And besides, the magnet issue becomes moot if you line your box with the kind of liner that won't let a heavy, loaded tray of sockets so much as wiggle when the door is closed.

A loaded deep set will flip over if you close/open the drawers in a hurry, especially on a matted surface. I also can't count the times when I needed a tray on a surface that was slick metal and sloped (wind turbine, truck body, truck frame, tractor, etc) Who says these trays live in a box permanently?
I hope Westling will at least offer the magnets as an option, I will be a customer of those.

And yes, I don't care where a dinky button magnet is made, as long as it works.

 

[Snowbound]

A bit of 3M spray adhesive and sheets of fridge magnet from the craft store would be ideal for those wanting to magnetize these trays.

I've used that stuff and it is pretty strong.

 

[Helios]

Probably look at getting at least a couple.....assuming I remember.

 

[Westling Machine]

Do you have any pics of how the anodizing looks after some use? Like in the boxes at your shop?
Maybe a pic with the length of time in service but without the sockets on them.

I will try to get some pictures to post up of our most wore out set. But I don't believe there is much for noticeable wear at this time.

How are they assembled, with an arbor press by hand? Or with a plastic hammer? Could the average Joe assemble it himself?

My thinking was that you could stamp the ends of the pins, Joe Customer could order the pins he desires, then he could put them where he wants them.

My other thought was the end of the pin could be drilled for a magnet.

That is an interesting idea. One issue we do see is the 1/4" and 3/8" pins do not have much surface area on top of them to make a large engraving and also the label would not be visible when the socket is on the tray. Thanks for the idea however! They all help us out.

I'm anxious to see what the new website provides. If you are a small business that caters to individual needs, I can see where you can really profit from it. In todays manufacturing business, it's really hard to find a business that caters to the "average joe". They either want to make a fortune off of one part, or they don't even want to talk to you. From what I see from your prices, you're in line with the "average joe".

Thanks! We are anxious too. The website is just another step to this entire project. We look forward to seeing what it will and can bring.

A loaded deep set will flip over if you close/open the drawers in a hurry, especially on a matted surface. I also can't count the times when I needed a tray on a surface that was slick metal and sloped (wind turbine, truck body, truck frame, tractor, etc) Who says these trays live in a box permanently?
I hope Westling will at least offer the magnets as an option, I will be a customer of those.

And yes, I don't care where a dinky button magnet is made, as long as it works.

You are correct in that the trays may not live in a box permanently. For that reason we are working on the bottom magnet idea! Also the fully loaded trays do stay upright surprisingly well in a drawer slam. We will work on a movie demonstrating the holders stability since it seams to be fairly large concern.

 

[GIJoe4500]

Opened up my socket trays today. Great product! Can't wait to put them to some use.

 

[Greg_R]

Powdercoating not durable? You need to find a new powdercoater. It's far more durable than anodizing, and I <3 anodizing.

Agreed, but I'd be concerned about the thickness of the powdercoat. The pins need to be the right size to fit the sockets (not too tight, not too loose).

 

[purpurite]

I don't believe the pins would be powdercoated at all. I think they are worried about the press-fit tolerances of the tray before the pins are pressed in.

 

[GIJoe4500]

Oh. By the way. My pins are not anodized. Only the 1/4" aluminum is anodized.

 

[86k10]

We need some pics with some sockets on then. You know what you need to do.

 

[GIJoe4500]

We need some pics with some sockets on then. You know what you need to do.

It won't be a fully loaded, in a toolbox style pic. But I could temporarily load a couple of them up with the sockets out of my Blue-Point set.

 

[GIJoe4500]

I like! The 3/8" metric could use 1 more peg! But I definitely can't complain. Missing sockets are because they are dirty (and the kit was missing a few when I bought it)

Had to do the tilt test. both 1/4" and 3/8" drive made it just fine to 90 degrees without losing a single socket. Probably could have even gone a little further to be honest.

 

[mdbeck1]

....
You are correct in that the trays may not live in a box permanently. For that reason we are working on the bottom magnet idea!

An idea...
You could drill (and countersink) a hole through the magnet and tap a hole on each corner of the plate to bolt on the magnets. Then those that want the magnets could install them and those that don't.....

....or you could put a rivet through the magnets.....

BTW: I really like these... Too late for the Christmas list but maybe for my birthday????

 

[Westling Machine]

I don't believe the pins would be powdercoated at all. I think they are worried about the press-fit tolerances of the tray before the pins are pressed in.

You nailed this one on the head. With the labor involved with plugging each hole for powder coating we are looking at the same cost as anodizing would be.

Oh. By the way. My pins are not anodized. Only the 1/4" aluminum is anodized.

That is correct. The pins are not currently anodized and I doubt if we ever will be anodized do to cost issues with anodizing thousands of little pins.

I like! The 3/8" metric could use 1 more peg! But I definitely can't complain. Missing sockets are because they are dirty (and the kit was missing a few when I bought it)

Had to do the tilt test. both 1/4" and 3/8" drive made it just fine to 90 degrees without losing a single socket. Probably could have even gone a little further to be honest.

Great pictures! I'm glad some more pictures showing how stable the sockets are being posted, as it is a question we are getting asked on a daily basis. People are concerned with sockets falling over like dominos when a drawer is slammed.

An idea...
You could drill (and countersink) a hole through the magnet and tap a hole on each corner of the plate to bolt on the magnets. Then those that want the magnets could install them and those that don't.....

....or you could put a rivet through the magnets.....

BTW: I really like these... Too late for the Christmas list but maybe for my birthday????

That is a great idea. One issue we do have with a system like that is adding cost to the holders, in the form of the tapped hole, when people do not want the magnet. It could however be added as an extra option to the current holders available!

 

[GIJoe4500]

That is correct. The pins are not currently anodized and I doubt if we ever will be anodized do to cost issues with anodizing thousands of little pins.

I know they weren't suppose to be. A lot of people have mentioned stuff about anodizing, powdercoating, etc rubbing off from a lot of use. The only place that will really see any considerable rubbing, is the pin itself, so i don't think that strengths of anodizing vs powdercoating really needed to ever even be discussed. Great product. I'm glad I ordered them.

 

[Rico.]

Forgive me if this has been mentioned, as I haven't read the entire thread,
but I have been informed that I MUST post this link for the Facom socket
tags. As far as I know they only come in metric sizes, but I use them and
they work a treat.

Steve at the Ultimate Garage sells a full set for $10

http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?products_id=5495


This is my 1/2" metric drawer....


Facom 1/2" Drive Socket Set

 

[Burtonrider10022]

Such fast service!

 

[Rico.]

Such fast service!

Well I do aim to please.....

 

[tvfd911]

Not going to lie, I ordered my set today so I'd get them in time for taking up to the farm in a week. I didn't want to risk a back order situation with all the support it appears Mr. Westling is about to get. From the measurements I heard about and the depth of my deep well sockets, I think I've finally found an acceptable solution to storing sockets vertical in my shallow deep drawers of my older boxes. If they turn out to be as good as they appear in the farm box, I'll probably be getting a second set for the home box down the road.

 

[kippieland]

Just got mine in the mail today...they are super sweet!

 

[drsung]

Any plans or thoughts on making single row trays instead of double?

 

[Kevin54]

Forgive me if this has been mentioned, as I haven't read the entire thread,
but I have been informed that I MUST post this link for the Facom socket
tags. As far as I know they only come in metric sizes, but I use them and
they work a treat.

Steve at the Ultimate Garage sells a full set for $10

http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?products_id=5495


This is my 1/2" metric drawer....


Facom 1/2" Drive Socket Set

Whoa....I need to order some of those. I have a hard time reading the sockets with glasses on.

 

[bas157]

On the non-USA magnet source, what about drilling out the bottom for little button magnets but not putting any magnets in? That way, if someone wants to buy some non-USA magnets in, then can, just let people know what size magnet to buy and they can glue them in themselves. This is going with the assumption that those little button magnets come in standard sizes.

 

[Burtonrider10022]

On the non-USA magnet source, what about drilling out the bottom for little button magnets but not putting any magnets in? That way, if someone wants to buy some non-USA magnets in, then can, just let people know what size magnet to buy and they can glue them in themselves. This is going with the assumption that those little button magnets come in standard sizes.

They have already stated that they are considering this idea or similar ideas, but every modification will add time to the process and as a result raise the cost.

 

[purpurite]

Do you really need magnets? My Hansen trays with sockets in them are relatively heavy, and don't move around at all on a drawer liner. Not to mention that magnets make trays REALLY hard to take out of a drawer. Is that really what's wanted?

Here's an idea for those who want magnets—go buy sheet magnet from Michael's or Hobby Lobby, or any scrapbooking store with one sided adhesive back, like a decal. No drilling, no pinning, no rivets, no sourcing rare Earth magnets made in America. Then stick the magnet on the base, trim around the outside with an Xacto knife and b00m! You're all magnetized and happy. And they don't have to re-engineer the existing trays to accommodate a few guys who don't think they will stand up well on their own.

I have a few socket trays that barely hold anything that are magnetized with sheet magnet like this and they are a beotch to take out of an unlined drawer. It will definitely hold anything you want it to hold.

Maybe even some resourceful and entrepreneurial individual here on GJ could get a set of these trays and a big roll of .030" magnet sheet, and make sets of adhesive magnet bases for people who wanted to add on to their cool new socket sets.

 

[Robbie UK]

Mr Westling - With USA ********** pretty much in the bag would the UK be next??

 

[Prior]

These holders look great! What is the thickness of the base, particularly for the 1/2" ones? I'm using a Craftsman 26" bottom box to store my sockets and there isn't much clearance in the drawer for the 1/2" drive deep wells.

Thanks!

 

[twincam00]

The only improvement I can think of is etching or painting "MADE IN USA" on the top of them