What to replace a blow molded socket case with?

[Arketh]

Got a socket set that's done me well for at least 20 years, but as with all blow molded cases, the hitches and hinges are on their way out. Some careful handling is getting it from point A to B without leaving a trail of 1/4" sockets everywhere, but I'm not certain when that's going to start happening. Adding strapping in probably the shorter term fix.

Now if this was a set I used at home, or in a shop environment, slap everything on rails, and done deal.
And rails may be the the best option yet but I'm still looking at options. I've got some deep sockets on the standard steel rails and clips and haven't entirely been happy with the retention in the situation I'm using them in.

Use case: Bouncing around in the back of a work van. Things will freeze and get bounced around so durability and retention are high on the list. Set is 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2". Standard and Metric. Must be portable, either carry handle on it, or easy to toss in a bag. Extension and ratchet storage options would be nice, but things can always be modified. Separating things by drive size helpful just to keep the lugging weight down.

I'm not ruling out replacing the set, but I've been working hard to reign in my lust for new tools when what I have fits the job.

 

[Bucko]

My truck set had the blow molded case that fell apart too. I went to a 50cal ammo can with the sockets on rails that I cut down, the wrenches went on two of the big harbor freight clip loops. I then top the can off with a few rags to keep things from flopping around. Can fits perfect on its side under the rear seat.

Wrench Rings, 2 Piece

Amazing deals on this 2 Pack Wrench Ring at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[4xdog]

Proto sell a range of metal cases in a lot of sizes that are quite nice. Probably difficult to manage drive size separation without rails or something, but as a purely durable case these are good. "Reasonably" priced, but not cheap.

 

[Jswain]

Any chance you could mount a new set of hinges/latch on there? Maybe rivets or heat set inserts. Going to be tough to beat the original blow molded case for portability/organization/ease of use. Steel socket rails In a tool bag being runner up I'd guess unless you have a 3d printer.

Maybe a wooden box that you mount the blow molded portions in for the socket retention, but has the durability & new hardware to keep them closed firmly...like a briefcase

 

[Treeman]

I'm a DIYer and this probably won't work for you. I separated my 1/4. 3/8, and 1/2 socket sets into the Sears truck boxes. I use plastic socket rails and made holders for the ratchet and extensions. I just have the essentials, not a 100% socket set in these. The hinges are "real" hinges, not the bending plastic type, so they don't break. You might have to have separate standard/metric boxes for your set up.


Here's my 3/8 set of both metric/standard:


I made my primary tool set unitized. The tool chest/cart can be moved easily around the farm shop. I can pull out a socket, wrench, or screwdriver set as a unit and take it to the field or another location easily.

 

[AndyL]

3d print a replacement case

 

[Fedwrench]

The sky is the limit as to options. there are tool rolls. I would opt for a gate mouth soft side tool bag. you could use those zippered storage bags to separate socket sets by drive size. I'd also consider a tool back pack. Good luck

CLC 1.5 in. W X 9 in. H Polyester Tool Pouch Set Assorted 3 pc - Ace Hardware

This multi-purpose 3 bag set with zipper closures is perfect for small loose parts or tools and are designed with a swivel clip to make them easy to hang from your bag or belt loop.Find the BAG MULTIPURPS ZIP PK3 at Ace.

www.acehardware.com

https://www.acehardware.com/departments/tools/tools-storage-and-organization/tool-bags/2494219

DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 11.75 in. W X 15.25 in. H Ballistic Nylon Compact Tool Bag 25 pocket Black/Ye - Ace Hardware

Get additional storage with the DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 11 in. Compact Tool Bag. This bag has over 25 pockets and a front bungee cord that allows for vertical storage of power tools, hand tools and other items. The Compact Tool Bag can be carried by its shoulder strap, carry handles or can be...

www.acehardware.com

 

[DadsTools]

If you've had the set that long, and its specific configuration has served you well, I'd repair the case. Of course, I'm an old timer raised in the days when you threw nothing out--everything was repaired if at all possible, so my first thought on everything is repair it.

There are small hinges that you can use to repair the back. I'd try to find a small-scale continuous hinge that you can cut to length. Have enough screw holes (drill more if you need) to attach into the plastic with small self-tapping screws. You might have to shave the remainder of the old hinge plastic to get a flat enough surface. With enough screws and perhaps a little glue, it will never fail again.

The latches are trickier. Perhaps the easiest would be to use a velcro strap with adhesive-backed sections on the top and bottom. The case will no longer sit perfectly flat, but it sounds like that's less of a concern with your usage. Certainly will lay flat enough to use it. I have some small metal toolbox latches I might use, but I'd be afraid that the tension on them will eventually cause the fasteners to pull out of the plastic, so I'd probably choose the velcro approach.

BTW, for the record, the industry jargon for those kinds of molded-in hinges is self-hinged.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I have an old friend that hates replacing anything. He is comfortable with what he has and all new stuff is lesser quality. I've replaced hinges and latches on several coolers and plastic cases with leather or canvas. I get heavy material from old belts or boots.
I try and glue and through bolt with backing plates whenever possible.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

Canvas tool bag. Organize the inside with socket strips and/or those zippered pouches like Klein sells. Canvas is pretty good for keeping the lugging weight down.

 

[bonneyman]

I've tried all sorts of things for the problem the OP has stated. Small loose tools are always an issue. Most of the time I just use restored socket boxes for sockets, though transferring to new blow molded cases I've done, too. Though the best option I've found so far is plastic ammo containers.

Hex bits I store in this MTM style.

J-20-LLD

Though, their options in rifle cases might work for shallow and deep 1/4" drive sockets.

RF22-SM

These look like they'd handle 3/8" deep sockets nicely.

Shotshell Ammo Box | Plastic Ammo Boxes | Ammo Storage Boxes

Our shotshell ammo boxes are made with high quality plastic to protect against cracking, chipping, or warping. To top it off, we have a lifetime warranty.

www.berrysmfg.com

And these stackable styles might work well in a plastic or metal ammo can

MTM Case-Gard 12 Gauge Shotgun Shotshell Trays 50 Rounds Capacity Stackable Polymer Black [FC-026057000213]

Cheaper Than Dirt! is America's Ultimate Shooting Sports Discounter, and we live up to that title. Expect bulk ammo deals, discount firearms, parts to build your next gun and more.

www.cheaperthandirt.com

 

[fang123]

I'm a DIYer and this probably won't work for you. I separated my 1/4. 3/8, and 1/2 socket sets into the Sears truck boxes. I use plastic socket rails and made holders for the ratchet and extensions. I just have the essentials, not a 100% socket set in these. The hinges are "real" hinges, not the bending plastic type, so they don't break. You might have to have separate standard/metric boxes for your set up.


Here's my 3/8 set of both metric/standard:


I made my primary tool set unitized. The tool chest/cart can be moved easily around the farm shop. I can pull out a socket, wrench, or screwdriver set as a unit and take it to the field or another location easily.

 

[klassenl]

Post in thread 'Replacement for Blow Molded Case' https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/replacement-for-blow-molded-case.463823/post-8722711

This worked for a while and then I changed to socket rails and a leftover bag from a cordless combo kit.

 

[dscheidt]

Use case: Bouncing around in the back of a work van. Things will freeze and get bounced around so durability and retention are high on the list. Set is 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2". Standard and Metric. Must be portable, either carry handle on it, or easy to toss in a bag. Extension and ratchet storage options would be nice, but things can always be modified. Separating things by drive size helpful just to keep the lugging weight down.

I'm not ruling out replacing the set, but I've been working hard to reign in my lust for new tools when what I have fits the job.

my solution for this problem is ernst twist lock rails. rails then go into a zippered pouch, a pouch per set. Also in the pouch are extensions, universals, etc, that don't fit well on the rails. pouches go in tool bag. Also in the bag are wrench rolls, a handful of pliers. it's not a big bag, but it's heavy. Paired with a bucket organizer with some pretty obvious stuff, it can get a lot done.

If I had to carry six sets of sockets, I'd probably do three pouches per size. 0ne metric, one sae, last with ratchet, extensions, universals, adapters, etc. If you have longer ratchets and such they might need to go in a pouch. I made all my bags and rolls to fit exactly what i wanted to carry (and they're color coded (and labeled, because I can't remember the color coding...)), but there are plenty of commercial options that can work. the ernst rails do a good job hanging onto the sockets, the pouches are insurance, and a quick way to grab the right set when I know I want the 1/4 drive metric or whatever.

 

[Chumly]

I roll in this hot rod Lincoln and the roads on base are, well, governmental with their ability to do anything right. Posting this to show I'm mobile and bounce too:

https://imgur.com/yvDQ7o0

What I've basically done is (already noted above) get some 3-bag set of Klein canvas bags with different colors (probably 4-bags, think my chainfalls are in the 4th). I have rando extensions, adapters, and bits loose in there that I commonly use and a rail of sockets. Yeah, the rail sticks out when zipped up but it doesn't matter to me or take up more space. This color is the metric stuff, this color is the imperial stuff, that color is that weird **** for special jobs, and that other one I guess has my chainfalls in it. I just toss 'em in the lower left box.

Worth noting that I have room in a larger Klein canvas bag (5539) to do the same as the 5139 white canvas bag to do the same thing but also add a basic 10-piece wrench roll. grab a bad and it's all there unless imperial and metric are mixed.

 

[kbeefy]

how about some of these?

Lisle mag organizer

VIM mag tray

Earnst socket tray

 

[robert6715]

Any chance of contacting the manufacturer & getting a new OEM case?

 

[david3921]

I have the same issue. The case I need (Craftsman) has been discontinued. There are 3 or so for sale on Facebook Marketplace, however. Some are close while others would have to shipped. The OP might find one on there.

 

[ArcReactorKC]

I need to get some pictures. I had a gearwrench 3/8" set that finally had enough. So I 3d printed two socket trays, and put a hinge and latch on the trays, so when they close it's just like the blow molded case was. It's been living in my one ton for over a year now and so far so good. The best part is if it does break or start to deteriorate I can print another lid or bottom and be back in business in about 6 hours.

 

[Gummi Bear]

Small zipper bags to organize the sockets, and another to facilitate the ratchet and extensions.

In my truck, I have ¼" drive and 3/8" drive sorted by SAE and metric in zipper bags. Another for ratchet and extensions. These are mostly cheapies, just enough to "get me home" if something occurs.


My work tools, everything is in Klein zipper bags, and I write on the bags.

 

[tester19]

A big fan of the Ernst socket rails! They totally organized what was a mess. You can mix and match ANY size drive on the same rail. They clip in and out of a tray that lays flat in my tool box. So now I can grab a rail of sockets throw them in my soft sided tool bag and go.

When you come back a simple click and the entire rail is back in place.
.
.
.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

I have the same problem. My go to box when I start any job is a 38 piece 1/4, 3/8 Craftsman I bought around 1990. I can do 80% of jobs with this set. The thin plastic hinges tore years ago, now I have two trays, instead of one box.

 

[Chumly]

Ya'll got me asking the truck guy about replacement cases so this may or may not help but I'll toss it out there. My blow-molded case(s) for my S-O torque wrenches split at the seams and the clips finally broke off. "Is there a replacement case?" Yup, $35 a pop. Very expensive for blow-molded cases but...whatever.

A standard socket set is for sure for sale and they still make them, no matter the brand. So what I'd do is e-mail customer support for the like-new/Same-count socket holder and see what they offer for you. I wouldn't even bend the truth on the back story...just ask them "I have a so-and-so socket set, do you offer a replacement case at all?" Some might send you one, some might sell you one. Give service a shot.

If that falls short, try another brand with the same story <-and that's where we start bending the truth but get results.

 

[Tuc04]

I have an old Craftsman box where the plastic hinge broke. I used a piece of strap and some rivets. It’s been like this for over a decade with no issues.

 

[Bad Eye Bill]

Any chance of contacting the manufacturer & getting a new OEM case?

A few years back I had a Canadian Tire case replaced under warranty. It was advertised as a lifetime warranty 201 piece tool set, (I just pulled that number out of my ***, I don't remember the actual number), the 201st piece was the case. They gave me a new one no questions asked.

Things may be different now.

 

[ecotec]

I roll in this hot rod Lincoln and the roads on base are, well, governmental with their ability to do anything right. Posting this to show I'm mobile and bounce too:

https://imgur.com/yvDQ7o0

What I've basically done is (already noted above) get some 3-bag set of Klein canvas bags with different colors (probably 4-bags, think my chainfalls are in the 4th). I have rando extensions, adapters, and bits loose in there that I commonly use and a rail of sockets. Yeah, the rail sticks out when zipped up but it doesn't matter to me or take up more space. This color is the metric stuff, this color is the imperial stuff, that color is that weird **** for special jobs, and that other one I guess has my chainfalls in it. I just toss 'em in the lower left box.

Worth noting that I have room in a larger Klein canvas bag (5539) to do the same as the 5139 white canvas bag to do the same thing but also add a basic 10-piece wrench roll. grab a bad and it's all there unless imperial and metric are mixed.

I, also, use zipper bags to separate my tools in the hand box that I work out of. I have one for my socket set, one for my ratcheting wrenches, one for my “bag of tricks”, one for my screwdrivers…

This system works for me. I put it all away before I start at a job site and sometimes during a job if I am put on a different kind of work. As a job goes on, the tools that I am repeatedly using go in my “rig bag” or my top tray of my hand box.