How have you organized your sockets?

[uberhahn]

This problem plagues me. All of my open end wrenches have a neatly organized place in their drawer. My metrics have a loop of yellow electrical tape around the handle for differentiation.

But...

the sockets... Any home-made solutions? Primarily interested in those that fit in standard rolling tool-boxes.

uberhahn

 

[e9999]

I have mine on these long rail sticks with little movable stamped metal clips to stick them on.

Not too satisfied with the setup for the truck tool box. The banging around makes some fall off all the time, especially the big ones.

Would be better for stationary tool box though.

 

[uberhahn]

Ya. I've got a few of those, but not sold on them. I'm looking for a good way to organize in a drawer. I may take the time and cut out some foam for each socket. That way I'll know what's missing...we'll see. Winter project.

 

[79fj40]

I bought some rails at sears that have a magnetic bottom and the sockets twist on and lock in place. I like them much better than the metal clip rails. just my .02

 

[copasspupil]

Here are a few ways:

The top one I've used before works fine except that plastic sticks break off or I'd be inclined to tell you to buy them for sure. I've heard nothing but good things about the magnetic ones.

 

[nuclearlemon]

i also keep mine on the rails, that way when you're wrenching on something, you can take the whole rail with ya.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I like the rails too, especially the black plastic ones they sell at sears. They really grip the sockets well and they don't come off banging around in the trail tool bag. I also use the same ones in my stationary box.

 

[spressomon]

I like the rails too, especially the black plastic ones they sell at sears. They really grip the sockets well and they don't come off banging around in the trail tool bag. I also use the same ones in my stationary box.

The plastic rails from Sears are what I've been using for socket containment in my LC tool kit too; works great.

I use and like the ones copasspupil displayed for my garage tool chest mainly because they're faster...

 

[-Spike-]

I made my own rack boards. 1/2" MDF boards with dozens of 1/2", 3/8", or 1/4" holes, and corresponding 1" long dowels in the holes. I have a separate board for each of the 3 drive sizes. I got to lay it out the way I wanted, which was nice. It's very obvious when a socket is out. The drawbacks are the time and PITA of drilling all the freaking holes, and that it holds the sockets 1/2" higher than the drawer bottom which makes the deep sockets not fit in some drawers they would otherwise be fine in. It is also difficult to move the whole set, so you can't take them with you under the car or whatever.

What I'd really like is plastic plates that sit on standoffs with holes for the sockets, but the ones they make are usually one big sheet with a bunch of holes you wouldn't use, taking up a bunch of space. I'd like strips that I could add or subtract to match the sockets I have.

 

[cruiser88]

in buckets

 

[LDowney]

I like the rails too, especially the black plastic ones they sell at sears. They really grip the sockets well and they don't come off banging around in the trail tool bag. I also use the same ones in my stationary box.

Ditto

Also, they allow sorting of sockets (1/4, 3/8 & 1/2 by metric & SAE) which allow for ready placement in the tool boxes to quickly find what I need. Plus when I am packing for the trails, I only pack the socket rails I probably would need to cover potential trail repairs into tool bag.
I have tried to use the metal rails and the plastic forms with the magnets, but found them inferior compared to the Sears for holding sockets in place while in the trail tool bag (when I open the tool bag for a trail bag, having my sockets still organized is the best for a bad situation).

 

[Joe_E]

I picked up the Lisle socket trays at sears a few years back. Holds the shallow and deep in magnetic slots. You can carry them by the handle without the sockets falling off and the whole thing will stick to the side of the box if you desire.

 

[craptabulous]

Here are a few ways:

i use both , one for the drawers in the tool box if im working at a bench and the other for if i have to go to a machine and can't take my tool box or service truck .

they both work well , the top one is rather tall . measure it and the drawer you plan on using to make sure it will fit .

i also use the metal strip ones that clip on , works well for shallow sockets . especially for 3/8th drive and smaller . no good for 1/2 drive deep or bigger .

i will also just use big kits with sockets that go in side and clip in . works good out in the field or in the back of a vehicle .

 

[bad_religion_au]

in buckets

i'll second that

 

[Trollhole]

On the trail I use this roll. Works really well. And it's only like 13 dollars.

 

[Source3]

Here are a few ways:

I use these. I wrote the size of the socket in the middle plastic bar with a permanent marker. At the end of a wrenching day, it makes it really easy to tell what I have left behind.

Got them at Sears.

 

[fj-junkie]

I've tried all types and like the Mechanics Time Savers the best. Welcome to Mechanic's Time Savers
Just my $.02

 

[haryv]

take a look at seattletools.com

Did not know about this company until the other day. Foam based managment of knowing which tools are missing.

Make this a correction. Seattletool.ca

Do not know why its a Canadian company but it is.

 

[budget76]

I've tried all types and like the Mechanics Time Savers the best. Welcome to Mechanic's Time Savers
Just my $.02

x2 on the time savers, I LOVE em. I don't have enough room in my box for the other magnetic ones, so I found some of the time savers used.

As of now, my collection uses 6 of the time saver mangetic ones, some rails, and a bunch of the metal sk/husky socket set boxes.

 

[tornadoalleycruiser]

Thank you for this thread.
I currently use the plastic grey plates from sears for the drawers and the plastic strips loaded to go to the vehicle. (read 2 sets of sockets needed) but I think I will change it up after reading this. The plastic trays that sit in the drawers are ok but if you have any SK or other sockets they will not fit in the proper spot cause they're too "thick' and when filling in the blanks with spare sockets that just SUCKS.. I keep 6 point on one side of the tray and 12 point on the other.
Other problem with the plastic plates from sears is the deepwell sockets try to fall over and they take a whole drawer in the toolbox. But does give you an excuse to go buy another tool box? Normally on sale black friday..