Toolbox for socket set - just the box?
Discussion
Not sure if this is the right section... I can see homes and DIY, but not a mechanics section?
I've had my trusty Halfords cheapo socket set for decades! It's great for travel as it's probably 40 x 30cm and maybe 5cm deep - so dead easy to chuck in the boot on a longer trip, or for smaller jobs. However, the case is finally crapping out, one of the clips has broke off, the lid has cracked and so probably time to see if I can replace it.
It has a 3/8" ratchet, a 1/4" adaptor for the screw driver, plus some bits, then metric sockets from 6mm to 16mm (maybe), and a couple of extension bars... You'll never swap a driveshaft with it, but generally covers most small jobs and emergencies! I've added a 1/4" ratchet and a longer extension, plus cable ties of course
So rather than just dump it all in a bag, is there a decent tool box / tool bag, that can still keep sockets organised? Or do I buy some rails and then chuck them into a bag? My ideal would probably be to stick in my 1/2" ratchet and those larger sockets as well, but not to be impossible to find anything!
Any ideas appreciated
I've had my trusty Halfords cheapo socket set for decades! It's great for travel as it's probably 40 x 30cm and maybe 5cm deep - so dead easy to chuck in the boot on a longer trip, or for smaller jobs. However, the case is finally crapping out, one of the clips has broke off, the lid has cracked and so probably time to see if I can replace it.
It has a 3/8" ratchet, a 1/4" adaptor for the screw driver, plus some bits, then metric sockets from 6mm to 16mm (maybe), and a couple of extension bars... You'll never swap a driveshaft with it, but generally covers most small jobs and emergencies! I've added a 1/4" ratchet and a longer extension, plus cable ties of course
So rather than just dump it all in a bag, is there a decent tool box / tool bag, that can still keep sockets organised? Or do I buy some rails and then chuck them into a bag? My ideal would probably be to stick in my 1/2" ratchet and those larger sockets as well, but not to be impossible to find anything!
Any ideas appreciated
lancslad58 said:
There are loads of metal toolboxes to choose from on Amazon
But just lobbing a load of sockets into a metal toolbox doesn't really help when trying to find the 10mm socket...I've a large metal tool chest, and the top section is luggable, but not transport friendly! So, it's more looking for ideas for something to keep everything organised rather than just a toolbox IYSWIM?
One of these?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B081Q99ZQD?ref=cm_sw_r...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B081Q99ZQD?ref=cm_sw_r...
Edited by Pickled on Friday 8th November 18:51
You can buy empty replacement Halfords boxes, as in the plastic moulded ones their socket sets come in... also have a look on eBay for them, more so if it's an older set.
I've got a variety of tool carrying solutions... in the garage I've got a double height Halfords Advanced roller cabinet that holds pretty much everything and I'm a tart so have their modular trays that hold 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" socket sets then others for screwdrivers, pliers etc.
For moving tools about, I used one of the deep DeWalt T-Stack boxes and have my sockets on rails. It's less organised but means there's loads of space to throw a grinder in it or my sandwiches. And it's a perfect size to sit on. That's the tip of the DeWalt iceberg.
For the car / trips, I've used one of those bigger organiser systems, current one is also DeWalt and has the sort of "mend and make do" essentials plus tape, spare fixings, glue, cable ties etc... holds a huge variety of stuff and fits neatly in the rear footwell or under the van seat.
I tried using the plastic moulded box my Halfords socket set came in but got irritated after a while. It's less accessible in the garage and if out, you'll inevitably need a second box to carry all the stuff that doesn't fit in said moulded boxes... hence I prefer socket rails and a box with removable inserts or a cantilever system.
I've got a variety of tool carrying solutions... in the garage I've got a double height Halfords Advanced roller cabinet that holds pretty much everything and I'm a tart so have their modular trays that hold 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" socket sets then others for screwdrivers, pliers etc.
For moving tools about, I used one of the deep DeWalt T-Stack boxes and have my sockets on rails. It's less organised but means there's loads of space to throw a grinder in it or my sandwiches. And it's a perfect size to sit on. That's the tip of the DeWalt iceberg.
For the car / trips, I've used one of those bigger organiser systems, current one is also DeWalt and has the sort of "mend and make do" essentials plus tape, spare fixings, glue, cable ties etc... holds a huge variety of stuff and fits neatly in the rear footwell or under the van seat.
I tried using the plastic moulded box my Halfords socket set came in but got irritated after a while. It's less accessible in the garage and if out, you'll inevitably need a second box to carry all the stuff that doesn't fit in said moulded boxes... hence I prefer socket rails and a box with removable inserts or a cantilever system.
Davie, that's good advice! I'm thinking a cantalever box could be a good compromise for something light enough, but with enough space for a decent selection of tools.
I think that meme is too accurate, that 10mm just dissappears every bloody time!!
Bill said:
RemarkLima said:
But just lobbing a load of sockets into a metal toolbox doesn't really help when trying to find the 10mm socket...
TBF you're on a hiding to nothing full stop with that. I think that meme is too accurate, that 10mm just dissappears every bloody time!! RemarkLima said:
Not sure if this is the right section... I can see homes and DIY, but not a mechanics section?
'Home Mechanics' is way, way down the page under 'Technical' which you'll find squeezed in between 'Supercars' and 'TVR'.https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?h=0&...
Have you a link to the one you're replacing? I sense I'm missing something but don't you just want an appropriately sized tool box with rails in it? There must be loads of suitable options, a small cantilever box sounds easier to carry than a bigger flat box but'll obvs not have the length for a longer rail.
For organizing sockets without the bulk of a big case, maybe try some magnetic socket rails they’ll keep everything organized, and you can just pop them into a sturdy tool bag. That way, you can toss in your extras like the 1/2" ratchet and larger sockets without losing track of things.
RemarkLima said:
Davie, that's good advice! I'm thinking a cantalever box could be a good compromise for something light enough, but with enough space for a decent selection of tools.
I think that meme is too accurate, that 10mm just dissappears every bloody time!!
The answer is several 10mm sockets,,,,in all drive sizes!Bill said:
RemarkLima said:
But just lobbing a load of sockets into a metal toolbox doesn't really help when trying to find the 10mm socket...
TBF you're on a hiding to nothing full stop with that. I think that meme is too accurate, that 10mm just dissappears every bloody time!! Gassing Station | Home Mechanics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff