Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[buck12]

I don’t like the metal ones. I like sockets that come in a container that has marked pockets for each size.

I have some of those and the issue for me is when I add smaller or larger stockers that end up with no home.

 

[BravoXray]

Socket organizers...I want something I can take out to where I may be working, not a drawer liner thing.

I use and like the metal ones that used to be common. They're easy to cut to fit a shorter toolbox, too.

Bruce

In the over 50 years that I have had a tool box, that's all I've ever used. Cheap, simple to add sockets to, and take up the least amount of room, which is at a premium in my box. You can mix drive sizes on a rail to hold specialty sockets or drivers. Did I say they're cheap too?

 

[rangerfredbob]

Conveniently for me instead of having one tool box I'm migrating to two... for years I worked in a top box from one of the 2X" boxes, then a few years ago I added a 46" bottom box from HFT which was magical... now with the new shop coming I don't want to compromise and I have more space so I splurged on the 56" bottom and top so I'll have more room to spread out, and being in a shop I'll likely be closer to what I'm working on. I've had those chrome rails, when they work they're fine but when the sockets don't stay on it's aggravating. Anymore I have a much better grasp of what I need for a project so don't need a whole slew of stuff. My plan is to just have common stuff spread around, you shouldn't HAVE to search for a 9/16" or 10mm wrench or socket!

I'm new to organization, it's foreign to me, I HAVE sets of things but they aren't convenient to use (other than that Husky kit, it's awesome!), I'm tired of searching for things, I want to do things "more right" once I get space to do projects...

 

[Diggin It]

My toolboxes are generally cardboard. They are a variety of sizes and have different lettering on them, some even have mailing or shipping labels from years past. No worrries about dents or paint chips. No drawers to get stuck. Some have non-matching cardboard inserts though.

 

[mcfarmall]

Love the dollar or so individual metal socket rails. I cut them to fit the exact number of sockets and I always know when one is missing. I like their locking extensions...have 2 sets of the 1/2" drive ones. Just picked up an 8 pc set of Metric 3/4" drive impact sockets for 31.79 after a 25% off coupon. They are very nice quality.

I have found that from what I buy at HF, more of the stuff doesn't suck than does suck, but that's probably because I can recognize junk when I see it and just don't buy it.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Might be inconvenient at this point, but on the bottom if it is open I would look into covering up any holes. It's been a long time since I got my 44" so I don't remember, and just ordered the 56" set so I don't have that yet...

If it's open at the bottom, you could unbolt the casters and put a piece of sheet metal or plywood between the casters and box, should keep most stuff out.

No suggestion on the opening, but I found that a bucket of rat poison bricks was a sound investment. I had mice constantly getting in my shop and chewing up some styrofoam cartons. I trapped a few but the rat poison bricks keep them down. None last more than a couple of days and the good thing is that they start looking for a way out after eating because it makes them search for water. Many times I find one dead at the door where he was obviously looking for a way out.

 

[John_Mc]

No suggestion on the opening, but I found that a bucket of rat poison bricks was a sound investment. I had mice constantly getting in my shop and chewing up some styrofoam cartons. I trapped a few but the rat poison bricks keep them down. None last more than a couple of days and the good thing is that they start looking for a way out after eating because it makes them search for water. Many times I find one dead at the door where he was obviously looking for a way out.

Unfortunately, poison is not an option for me. Our cat is a mouser (but doesn't go in the shop), and I like the collection of owls and hawks around here. I'd like to keep them all around. If the mice stayed in the shop and died, it would be easier: I'd just dispose of the bodies. Since they are driven out by the poison, looking for water, I'd also be poisoning the animals I want around.

 

[John_Mc]

So, those of you with organized tool boxes, what's your thoughts about socket organizers? Right now all of my sockets are in a single drawer, metric, standard and special all drive sizes all just in a heap... I likely have 10 10mm sockets but where? Here's links to the 3 options/styles from good ol HFT:

Fancy post style
Cheaper short post/tray style
Cheapest hole style

I'm leaning toward the middle option, I only included the standard version of the top two, bottom is metric and standard in one kit apparently. Top would obviously be nicer, slightly less wasted space but $50 for Metric and Standard, middle is $20 for metric and standard and bottom is $15.

On the other hand I just realized all options are likely not excluded from the 25% off coupon I just got emailed for this weekend, so if I send the wife through with one and I get one they'd be cheaper...

Still, opinions? $50 (or even $37.50 with discount) seems steep for organization...

Unfortunately, all of those designs require storing the sockets standing up. Not a big deal for the short sockets, but with the deep well sockets it forces me to store them in a taller drawer. I don't have a lot of storage space, and I need the taller drawers for tools that actually need that height.

Socket organizers...I want something I can take out to where I may be working, not a drawer liner thing.

I use and like the metal ones that used to be common. They're easy to cut to fit a shorter toolbox, too.

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Bruce

I have some of these for my 3/8" drive sockets. I really like them. Unfortunately, when I went looking for one for my 1/2" sockets, I just can't find them anymore.

I'm considering some of the Husky socket organizers at Home Depot:

1/2 in. Drive Socket Rail

or

1/2 in. Swivel Magnetic Socket Rail

I'm not too nuts about all the plastic, but they do have a lifetime, no receipt required warranty.
Not sure why I would need the swivel feature or the magnet of the second one (I have a hard time believing the magnet will hold my collection of deep well sockets in place on a vertical surface). I'll probably go with whichever one seems sturdier.

I bought some Icon deep well 1/2" drive sockets a while ago. I like the sockets, and the display case seemed handy, but it turns out it's worthless as a carrying case: There is a handle which would work for easy carrying, but there is no latch or clip to hold the lid closed. As so as you pick it up by the handle, the lid comes off, and all the sockets spill out.

 

[herm0016]

I really like the Kennedy led trailer lights. Nice and bright, water sealed. Installed a set almost a year ago on my flat trailer, and a set tonight on a little single axle trailer.

 

[czechsonofagun]

i got few, like electrical sheet metal sheers and grinder dedicated to masonry cutting blade. So far so good for home shop use.

Oh and pneumatic nailers, i could never justify to buy a name brand for my use.