How do you store your (deep) sockets?

[Herbie]

So I've been slowly building up my in-vehicle toolkit. I started with a few of my good tools and a few of my cheap tools, and I've been swapping things around as I learn what I need. My best method for figuring that out is to ONLY use my in-vehicle kit to work on the van. If I end up having to go into my shop toolbox to get something done, I either move that tool directly to the kit or make a note to (quickly) purchase a second such tool. Inspired by Jonathan Hansan's excellent series on his one-case toolkit and my own drive to avoid uni-tasking tools, etc. I've got myself a decent start. My kit isn't quite as fully capable as some people's, but it will let me make the fixes I could conceivably (and comfortably) make on-trail. I don't carry the massive socket for the CV axle nut, for example, but neither do I carry a spare CV, so I'm not sure I'd need it.

Anyhow, Most of my tools are currently stored in rolls. I have a cheap HF vinyl roll for my Craftsman combo ratcheting wrenches , and everything else fits into one of these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KKUTCY/ I have a second one which I'm about to grow into as I'm adding some punches, drifts, and a few dedicated screwdrivers (up till now I've used one of those 1/4" replaceable tip units, but sometimes the barrel is too large for certain tasks.)

Those rolls include pockets for short sockets, which is what I've been using until now. My current short sockets are from an ancient set that originally came in one of the cheap blow-molded cases which has long since disintegrated. I've got quality ratchets, but my short sockets are on the cheap side and I don't currently have any deep sockets in the kit, which is my newest item to remedy. I have rubber "holders" for my smallest 1/4" drive sockets that actually fit into two of the slots of the tool roll, and that's great. The socket pockets on my rolls won't accommodate deep-sockets, so I need to find another solution. I've seen the flexi-strips for sockets, but they don't seem much better than the old-fashioned steel strips, and in either case the sockets would be the only thing not in rolls, so I'm worried they'd get separated from the strips...

Too Long, didn't read: How do you store your sockets, and especially deep sockets, in your tool kit? (Particularly if they aren't in a blow-molded case.)

 

[tarditi]

I have had good luck keeping my sockets and ratchets in an old dopp kit. It stays on place and when you open it fully, you can access whatever you need readily.

 

[java]

I took one of the old school metal holders and cut it in half. Fits in the tool box much better this way.

 

[Herbie]

I took one of the old school metal holders and cut it in half. Fits in the tool box much better this way.

There's an idea with merit. I'm also looking at these because I like the idea of a twist-to-lock, so the sockets are less likely to separate. The shorties are nice, but it'd be cheapest to get a long one or two and cut 'em, as you suggest.

In either case, I'd probably be back to having either a tool bag or a small case to store them in, since I don't think any socket rail is going to work just bouncing around the back of the van. Up until now, I've really liked having tools in discrete rolls since I can squirrel them away in the various niches.

EDIT: Maybe something like the Klein zippered pouches I see people using in other threads. That would keep everything together but be small enough to be stashed like another roll...

 

[Weasel with a Diesel]

This is what I use:

The sockests are turned by 90° and after that locked into place. I really hate bags with the sockets rolling around in them. It is also very to check for completeness.
The blue part is painted metal. So no bending or breaking. Only the black parts are made of plastic. They do fit nicley in a box for storage.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: I use two sided KOBALT socket holders/w spring tension bases-

They're not metal, they seem to be poly???-

Very strong and short about 12", dbbl sided--

:costumed-smiley-007:bike_rider: JIMBO

 

[phydough]

I use a few lengths of all thread with washers and nuts to keep secure, cut just a bit shorter than my toolbox.

It is cheap, and made with what I had at the time.

 

[pugslyyy]

I've tried a lot of different approaches, bags of sockets, sticks of sockets, etc.

About 6 years ago I bought one of these - http://www.amazon.com/Crescent-Professional-Tool-Set-piece/dp/B006ADC2QG/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt - I've really liked the way it keeps everything organized and makes it easy for me to do a quick visual check of my sockets.

 

[takesiteasy]

I took one of the old school metal holders and cut it in half. Fits in the tool box much better this way.

x2. I use several holders cut in half and keep them in a zippered pouch along with the ratchets and drivers. I like that you can see quickly if any sockets are missing.

 

[Herbie]

x2. I use several holders cut in half and keep them in a zippered pouch along with the ratchets and drivers. I like that you can see quickly if any sockets are missing.

Yeah, I think this is the way I'm going. I'll cut down a couple of the metal strips for now since they're going unused, but I'm eyeballing the locking ones the next time I have money to spend on tools. Zippered pouches fits with the way I like to store my tools - small discrete containers, preferably soft.

 

[4x4mike]

I also use tool rolls. I have two and prefer them to one large, heavy, sharp cornered tool box. One down side is actual storage space.

I went from this:

To this:

My hammer/mallet, breaker bar and assorted other items that don't fit in the roll side in with my other gear or under a seat. I found that with too much storage space you end up carrying things you don't need. One of those items are 1/4 sockets. I might carry an 8mm or 10mm but there isn't much need especially if you're already carrying 3/8 drive, pliers, adjustable wrenches, etc. I crawled all over my 4Runner and picked out what I needed.

Having said that it's nice to have a tool or two for other gear than the vehicles (bicycle, kayak, table, chairs, etc). I found I only need a few deep sockets so I carry only those. Some fit in a pocket, one on an extension and one on a swivel.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Heh heh, that kinda looks like part of mine-

I also use tool rolls. I have two and prefer them to one large, heavy, sharp cornered tool box. One down side is actual storage space.

I went from this:

To this:

My hammer/mallet, breaker bar and assorted other items that don't fit in the roll side in with my other gear or under a seat. I found that with too much storage space you end up carrying things you don't need. One of those items are 1/4 sockets. I might carry an 8mm or 10mm but there isn't much need especially if you're already carrying 3/8 drive, pliers, adjustable wrenches, etc. I crawled all over my 4Runner and picked out what I needed.

Having said that it's nice to have a tool or two for other gear than the vehicles (bicycle, kayak, table, chairs, etc). I found I only need a few deep sockets so I carry only those. Some fit in a pocket, one on an extension and one on a swivel.

Everybodys gotta story-

:costumed-smiley-007:bike_rider: JIMBO

 

[BigSwede]

Do you really need a ton of deep sockets? I only carry three; a 24mm for the crank pulley nut, a 36mm for the pinion nut (and another obscure big nut inside the transfer case, which I sincerely hope I never have to get to on the trail), and a spark plug socket. Everything else I can do with regular sockets and ratcheting wrenches. I only carry sockets and wrenches in the sizes my truck uses; my tool box is heavy enough without carrying every size of everything.

 

[Herbie]

I don't need a ton, but I do need a few.

Astro vans have more than a few tight corners, so there are several places where a normal socket won't grab the fastener and there isn't room to come at it from the side with a wrench. Believe me, I tried going without for as long as I could, but after having to go back to the main tool box more than a couple of times, that means I need that tool in the van.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

I like the Ernst Manufacturing socket rails, which can be set up as a mix-and-match holder for 3/8 and 1/2-inch sockets. I too find it useful to have a selection of deep sockets; however, I've found that about 90 percent of the applications I've needed them for fall within the 10mm to 15mm range. I tried the "Max Axess" style of ratchets and sockets with the pass-through design, but did not like the system at all.