Socket "keeper"

[warrenpfo]

How best to store my sockets? Over the years i have collected a number of sockets from various sources and at the moment they are just left at the bottom of a tool bag and I have to rummage through to find the right one. Seen as they are all different makes they wont fit into one of those pre cast plastic boxes you get when you buy a set so is there another way to store them in size order apart from on a piece of string which is my next best option at the moment.

On another topic would it not be a good idea to have a "tools" section under equipment??

 

[Gav Peter]

These are quite good Warren

 

[Andrew Prince]

Warren, if you don't have a container/box that the sockets came in (i.e. with holes for each socket to sit in), the most convenient storage system is a "rail" with spring steel holders that slot into the square hole (1/2", 3/8" or whatever size). Some socket sets come on these rails, rather than in carry-cases.

Something like this perhaps? I'm sure there are tool suppliers and hardware stores that stock them too.

EDIT: Gav beat me to it

Cheers,
A

 

[AndyCook]

i bought a load of those socket rails last week from Houston at a Sears department store, 4 for about £10 - they work well, and easier to carry socket set in the car with these for trips, as they rattle like a bugger in a normal socket set box!

but not much use to you now being a USA store... - should have let me know!
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-2-pc-soc ... 941325000P

 

[warrenpfo]

Thanks

Whilst on the topic of sockets what is the best system when it comes to socket setup.

¼” starting at 6mm up to what size and then switching to ½” up to what size and is it worth carrying ¾” sockets?

I cant see the need for deep sockets unless told otherwise.

 

[Gary Stockton]

Socket "keeper"

Kinda personal choice - I looked for a long time before replacing my tired 1/2" drive set from SA. I ended up getting a Facom 1/4" set 4-14mm and then a set of deep 1/4" sockets from Halfords. Their pro range is not bad.

Then a general service 3/8" drive set from Blue Point (poor man's Snap-On) that has a lot of stuff in it - 8-24mm shallow and deep sockets, hex key sockets, torx sockets etc. Very useful.

Then a set of flexi GearWrench spanners 8-23mm

Found the 1/2" drive to be too big to get the socket through some gaps. The 3/8" is plenty big enough.

Oh - and a fairly robust torque wrench

Cheers


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[Jon Wildsmith]

It's been discussed before I'm sure and the Halfords Professional range got mentioned a lot. Something like this seems quite a good deal when they're on special, which seems to be most of the time. I bought a couple of those a few years ago and haven't been disappointed with them.

 

[Gary Stockton]

Socket "keeper"

Yep - theirs seems pretty good too. And yep - we do have a fairly long thread on this somewhere - or more than one probably


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[Jon Wildsmith]

this one is the one I was thinking of

 

[fridayman]

Socket "keeper"

Do yourself a favour and get 6 sided sockets. I haven't rounded a nut/bolt since I switched.

 

[Andrew Prince]

is it worth carrying ¾” sockets?

Not really - I expect some of the very large size sockets only come in 3/4" - for example the 54mm socket required for the 80 series hub/lock nuts is 3/4" but you're not going to need many sockets over 24mm. So I think 3/4" is overkill unless you're also using the set for working on lorries and tractors

My personal preference is for 1/2" stuff and I've tried to only buy this size for compatibility with torque wrenches, extensions, "wobble" joints etc. But as Gary says, in the smaller sizes the 1/2" joint can limit access to small bolts because of its thickness. Obviously you can get adaptors between sizes.

 

[Chris Green90]

Re: Socket

Kinda personal choice - I looked for a long time before replacing my tired 1/2" drive set from SA. I ended up getting a Facom 1/4" set 4-14mm and then a set of deep 1/4" sockets from Halfords. Their pro range is not bad.

Then a general service 3/8" drive set from Blue Point (poor man's Snap-On) that has a lot of stuff in it - 8-24mm shallow and deep sockets, hex key sockets, torx sockets etc. Very useful.

Then a set of flexi GearWrench spanners 8-23mm

Found the 1/2" drive to be too big to get the socket through some gaps. The 3/8" is plenty big enough.

Oh - and a fairly robust torque wrench

Cheers


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TBH I can't fault halford Pro gear. I have had many cheap set of sockets in the past. Early las year I baught on of halfords big sets and it has been superb. Full set of ring spanners set of ratchet spanners, full set of sockets for 3mm to 29 (I think without Checking) plus alsorts of extensions etc. Just so you know how good the kit was I managed a full axle rebuild wit it. and everything still looks like new. Cost me £99 on offer and its packs in a box small enought to fit in one of my storage boxes. hmmmm that reminds me haven't put any pics of them up.

 

[BRE Fabrications LTD]

at the moment they are just left at the bottom of a tool bag and I have to rummage through to find the right one...

If you do keep your sockets in a tool bag this looks pretty cool:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-CB12BL-FLEXIBLE-SOCKET-HOLDER/dp/B0002BUX6I

Would be good for a tool bag in your vehicle too.