What are problems that you have with current socket cases?

[SocketLover]

Hey Everybody,

You might have seen my previous post, but in case you didn't I'm currently trying to design a new socket case for my 3D printing class. Thanks to the suggestion of Adam C. I've decided to take a step back and just take suggestions from you guys. Just comment any problems that you have with your current case and I'll try to research and address those issues.

Thanks.

 

[bcradio]

They take up too much room in the trash can.

 

[smiffy]

Lack of space for extra bits and pieces in them
something i would be interested in is a metal case that can be stocked with your own choice of tools for example a complete set of sockets up to 32 mm or 1 1/4 spanners up to say 24 mm inch beeaker bar spark plug sockets hammer waterpump pliers side cutter and so on do a metric sae and combination of both boxes i know you can get metal tool boxes but at a quick glance there is no way of telling if something is missing and there usually a hodge podge with no neatness if everything had its place would be very usefull for mobile circumstances

 

[thecheeseguy]

The hinges and latches break, the sockets fall out of place when it is turned upside down or sideways. They take up a lot of unnecessary space.

 

[jwdominick]

They take up too much room in the trash can.

this^^^, get some drawer socket organizers and call it good. If you need a portable set buy one that has a case and keep it for travel.

 

[edwinh]

Are you meaning cases that come with sets, or drawer organizers?

The gearwrench set cases are **** (the actual tools are fine) and the thing depresses and the bits fall all around. So annoying. I filled the innards of mine with spray-can foam so it sort of works ok now. I have an old 80's blackhawk/proto socket set and that blow mold case is sturdy as heck in comparison.

But for a custom case that isn't a drawer organizer - yes I'd want to extra spots for u-joints and extensions and adapters, and more than one ratchet..

 

[bwringer]

Socket sets that skip sizes, and then there's no room in the case for you to add the missing sizes... aargh.

But yeah, 99.9% of the time the only issue is that the case takes up too much room in the landfill. So maybe you could come up with decent biodegradable plastic packaging...?

Another idea might be packaging that breaks away fairly easily, leaving a usable socket rail or box with space for the ratchet, extension, etc.

 

[Junkmanryan]

Not sure why everyone throws away their perfectly good socket cases.

How about something that you don't need a screwdriver to get the sockets out with, and that the sockets also don't fall out of?

 

[RedneckWelder]

I have yet to see a plastic socket case that wasn't junk

When you open the case the sockets may be out of place from the lid being too high. Plus when you knock the case over you now have a hundred or so sockets to pick up and put back in their place.

And then the whole part about where they take up a lot of room in the toolbox drawer ***** too.

 

[coljar]

post img

I just like to put them in the drawer without a case. I have mostly 6 point sockets, but in some sizes, I keep a 12 point beside them for the times I need them on a 12 point bolt head. I also keep 2 or 3 sockets of the same size in the more popular sizes. Don't mind the 80's carpet lining my box.

Edit: Wait a minute, it was 1978 when I put it in there.

 

[Rarified27]

Wasted space making the case unnecessarily large.

Staying compact eliminates buying a bigger box, so my sets are on rails in zippered bags because I can't find a complete set (std/deep/ext+rat) in a tight case.

Poor design also leads to cases with one full side and another less full side. Keeping like things together is great, but not wasting space in my box is better.

 

[Gmonkee]

Smiffy, you want a box/case with room to add in bits but shadowed to a specific set of tools to your own specs. Each in its place like those blow molded cases.

You aren't asking for much at least from a bulk supplier... That is two concepts that go against the other in addition to what are your specs? This week or next month after you add bits? Will his supplied wrenches be the ones you want or does this have to be made by Blackhawk or Oxwall?

What you need to do is a custom shadowing job in a box of your choice like the airplane guys do. And then be prepared to pull a liner and start over in any drawer after too many mods render the old incorrect somehow.
That or find a mostly adequate prepared kit in a blow mold case and sacrifice the additional bits.

Or maybe figure out which option you really can use best. But don't ask a mass producer of kits to build your dream kit as you change content and specs at random intervals. You can guess the answers you'll get.

My own kit has changed in content and weight many times to fit my work. Prepared kits don't work for me as l like the brands and types of my choice and most probably wouldn't like exactly the same.

Be it two SO Epiq's stacked up or a dollar store plastic box its what most if not all tool owners and users do, build a kit that fits their needs from what is available to them. And then organize it in a manner that works for themselves.

 

[Gmonkee]

Socketlover:

The best socket storage was in common use 90 years ago. A tin box just big enough to contain the quantity and content each user demands for his work. At least for us guys that travel with tools.

The guys with a fixed place and space to spare love Hansen trays or socket rails, some use the supplied trays that came with the set.

If the goal is a better socket rail make one that holds firm, releases easily and has replacement parts for decades to come. lt has to be low profile and ridgid in structure. Beyond that its all style points.
And it should sell at an accessible price point.

 

[signcrafter]

The best socket case I've ever used and the only one I've ever truly liked were the old Mac metal socket holders.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-MAC...hash=item19fdd7f058&item=111632969816&vxp=mtr

 

[smiffy]

Smiffy, you want a box/case with room to add in bits but shadowed to a specific set of tools to your own specs. Each in its place like those blow molded cases.

You aren't asking for much at least from a bulk supplier... That is two concepts that go against the other in addition to what are your specs? This week or next month after you add bits? Will his supplied wrenches be the ones you want or does this have to be made by Blackhawk or Oxwall?

What you need to do is a custom shadowing job in a box of your choice like the airplane guys do. And then be prepared to pull a liner and start over in any drawer after too many mods render the old incorrect somehow.
That or find a mostly adequate prepared kit in a blow mold case and sacrifice the additional bits.

Or maybe figure out which option you really can use best. But don't ask a mass producer of kits to build your dream kit as you change content and specs at random intervals. You can guess the answers you'll get.

My own kit has changed in content and weight many times to fit my work. Prepared kits don't work for me as l like the brands and types of my choice and most probably wouldn't like exactly the same.

Be it two SO Epiq's stacked up or a dollar store plastic box its what most if not all tool owners and users do, build a kit that fits their needs from what is available to them. And then organize it in a manner that works for themselves.

I thought it may be obvious that there 2 different ideas either a socket set with adiadditional space what people want to add themselves or a complete blowmolded or even better metal that contains a basic tool kit
The idea of shadowing is all very good but there doesn't appear to be anything suitable
to put it in perhaps that would be an idea to produce a stirdy steel case with blank foam in it ready to go

 

[Askme42]

I have yet to see a plastic socket case that wasn't junk

When you open the case the sockets may be out of place from the lid being too high. Plus when you knock the case over you now have a hundred or so sockets to pick up and put back in their place.

And then the whole part about where they take up a lot of room in the toolbox drawer ***** too.

I rarely have more than 1 or 2 sockets out of place in my dewalt socket set case. However some of the small ones are a ***** to get out.

 

[bwringer]

The standard blow-molded case could be greatly and easily improved with some scored knockouts for other sockets/tools, or a place with a molded box for spare fasteners, adapters, etc. -- basically any way the user could adapt the case to his or her needs.

Another thought could be to make the socket area a tapered trough as found in those old metal cases. Make the fit loose enough that an extra socket can fit (especially if you insist on skipping sizes). Maybe add a durable elastic band over the top to keep the sockets in place.

One thing I've always wanted to see is a tool case filled with some sort of "crushable" foam. You nestle your tools inside, then close the lid, crushing and forming the foam around the tools. Then you apply UV light, heat, horrible chemicals, or whatever to set the foam permanently. The last step could seal the surface, or you could add a layer of velvet or whatever to prevent wear.

 

[oldldh]

Mine are GearWrench...

And...

I don't have any problems...

The blow molded trays hold all mine, and they don't take up too much space...

An...elegant solution!!!