How to organize sockets?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a 6 point socket on a 12 point nut?

Use a six-point socket to a six-point nut and a 12-point socket to a 12-point nut. When you maximize the fitting surface of the material, it would have less chance of slipping off.

Can I mix my 3/8 and 1/2 impact sockets in one case?

You can mix 3/8 sockets  with 1/2 sockets as long as you place each one in dedicated trays and label them. You still have to organize them to find them easily.

I can't find my socket wrench, can I use my wrench instead?

As long as the wrench wraps fit around the fastener, you can use it. Ensure that it doesn't only wrap above the fastener, the open end should fit around it

Why are sockets so hard to organize?

What are the benefits of organized socket sets?

1. Easier access

No more sorting through a pile of sockets just to find the one you actually need, if you’re in the middle of fastening or attaching wood and concrete.

If your sockets are organized properly you’d only have to only pull each bit from the designated placement and return the piece after each use.

2. Less downtime

Because of easier access, you can work more efficiently with no frustrations and time wasted.

This allows you to devote more time and focus on the job and finish faster.

3. No more guessing between imperial or metric sockets

Since sockets come in both SAE and metric sizes, parts can quickly get confusing when you’re looking for exactly the right socket for a specific bolt or nut.

While some sizes can be used interchangeably, having an organized set that separates these two systems can help you get a snugger fit.

4. Ability to keep track of inventory

Without proper organization, the loss of a socket is highly likely.

The last thing you want is to realize that a socket is missing right when you need a certain size for a critical nut.

By having an organized inventory, you can easily identify missing sockets just by looking at the socket organizers you are using.

What are the components of an impact socket set?

SAE and metric socket sets

SAE stands for Society of Automotive Engineers and is the standard system for socket sizing [1] in the United States.

Imperial uses inches while metric is used worldwide and uses millimeters for sizing (More simple!).

Time to switch to metric no matter where you live!

3/8 inch sockets

This sizing refers to the size of the drive socket, which is the square hole on the back of a socket that attaches to the drive square of the ratchet. Here’s a first class list of 3/8 inch socket kits.

Unlike socket sizing, imperial measurements are the international standard for drive size.

1/2 inch sockets

Slightly larger than ⅜ inch drive sockets, ½ inch sockets only fit on ratchets with ½ inch drives.

This provides the advantage of being able to turn larger-sized nuts and bolts, as well as provide a greater turning force than smaller sockets.

More impact socket set options for your 1/2-inch impact wrench here.

Extension bars

Used for awkward and confined spaces, extension bars extend the length of the drive for you to reach the nuts and bolts within these difficult areas.

Universal adapters

Just like extension bars, adapters can extend the drive.

However, adapters can have universal joints, allowing you to use and turn the sockets at any angle.

Hand ratchet

The hand ratchet is a wrench-like device that uses sockets to drive nuts and bolts.

A hand rachet is basically a long shaft with a mechanism on one end that is connected to the drive square.

This mechanism only engages and turns the socket when moved in a certain direction by hand.

Find out a better way to drive bolts and nuts. 

Components you should not mix in one drawer

How to organize sockets by metric standard?

If you’re not that familiar with metric size sockets, you might be confused about how to organize different sized sockets? Metric sockets are organized similarly to imperial sockets but should be separated from each other and arranged in order of size.

Some socket organizers are even color-coded to specify which kind of sockets each part is (red for SAE and blue for metric for example).

Many organizers are also labeled to indicate which sockets should go where, based on length and size. 

You can also spray paint your sockets different colors to match, depending on imperial or metric bits.

How to organize sockets by depth?

Sockets can be categorized into two types: deep and shallow sockets. Deep sockets are used when driving longer bolts and reaching recessed fasteners.

When organizing impact sockets, these two types should be grouped separately from each other.

This means that sockets should be ordered first by standard or metric, then by depth, and lastly by size.

Most organizers do this by having slots for shallow sockets at the front row and slots for deep sockets at the back.

What storage types can you use?

1. The socket box that came with a complete set

So, how to organize sockets in the toolbox?

There’s no shame in using the box that came with your socket sets.

In fact, in superior quality sets, you can find the best-fitting and most compact organization since they’re designed to secure the sockets during travel and shipping while taking up the least space possible.

Low-quality socket containers can be flimsy at times though and less durable if made from low-grade plastic.

However, factory boxes are the best way normally to store sockets perfectly for the bits in a complete kit from the beginning.

Here’s what we think for a complete 3/8 and 1/2 inch combo kit with a carrying case. 

2 Magnetic socket holders

organizing sockets in a toolbox can be easier using a magnetic socket holder.

These portable magnetic trays can take up a lot of space but can be bought for cheap. Their magnets are strong and can even help clean the sockets by collecting metal shavings.

All you have to do is put your sockets on their respective slots and the magnets will secure the metal parts down.

A large handle on one side allows you to easily carry your sockets around from job to job without fear of sockets falling off and getting misplaced.

3. Foam trays

Foam trays or drawer inserts are cheap and can offer the best fit and cleanest look. These can be made on the spot for your specific kit or bought with arranged pre-cut slots for the sockets.

Keep in mind that these trays are sized specifically to fit a container or drawer.

Since foam trays are usually pre-cut, the layout may also come labeled so you know where each socket should go.

While cheaper, foam trays have the disadvantage of not being as reconfigurable if you ever decide to rearrange your sockets or move to a new cabinet, you can always move the foam tray.

4. Socket rails

Rail storage is popular amongst a lot of mechanics and DIYers because of its flexibility and high storage capacity.

Rails look great and can motivate you to keep your sockets organized.

Socket rails can make a great gift for mechanics unless you want to consider something else to give.

Each rail has mounting points which are sized to accommodate a specific socket drive size, with ⅜” and ½” being the most common.

These rails would have to be installed to a firm base and should be organized such that each rail would only hold a specific type and drive size for better organization.

5. Socket tray containers

Using tray containers is another preferred storage method and one of the easiest to utilize.

Trays are affordable and readily available.

Unlike socket rails, tray containers have a fixed number of slots with long pins. These pins are typically organized with the front row designated for shallow sockets, and the back for deep sockets.

Since the holders don’t always have a tight grip, you can get and return sockets quickly and with ease. Just make sure there is a top-down closing side to hold pieces in place when transporting your tools

6. Tool case and pouch

While not ideal for workshop storage, tool cases and pouches do have their place especially when tools need portability.

Just like magnetic holders, these can hold your sockets securely as you move.

If you’re always on the go from job to job, pouches can make life easy to help carry your sockets around.

Label your compartment or color code for metric and imperial sockets

Labeling is the key how to organizing sockets by size.

The best way to keep track of your sockets is to designate each compartment for only a specific group or set and label each position. This will allow you to work more efficiently and avoid making a mess by placing bits in the wrong order.

While most organizer kits are already color-coded for metric and imperial, some organizers such as rails and inserts may not be ideal to paint with color markings from spray paint, or tape.

How to build a DIY socket organizer?

In the previous sections, we’ve mentioned that you can cut your own foam trays for your sockets but in this one, we’ll explore more solid and robust DIY socket organizers made out of wood. There are a lot of unique options to choose from, but most of these have sockets standing upright.

Here are some ideas for organizing sockets sets to consider.

Method 1: Drill holes into plywood.

The first option is to cut plywood into a small board and drill appropriately sized holes to ensure a snug fit.

To do this, you first have to arrange your sockets on the board and space different parts out by eye. 

You would then have to measure the diameters of your sockets with calipers and mark out holes for drilling. 

Since the holes are meant to hold the socket by its outer diameter, parts may not fit anymore once you get a new set so keep this in mind.

Method 2: Utilize wooden dowels.

A more universal alternative is to have wooden dowels stick out from the board appropriately sized to the sockets’ drive slots.

This also provides a snug fit plus you can hold sockets from a variety of sets provided the bits all have the same drive size as the size of the protruding wood.

To do this, you would have to measure and space out your sockets evenly on the board, mark out each of the centers, then drill a ⅜” or ½” wide hole.

The holes should only go halfway through the board. You would then need to measure both the depths of your hole and the drive socket.

Compare measurements to get the length of dowel you’d need.

Once cut to size, apply some wood glue into the holes and insert the dowels. You can also get a tighter fit with square dowels.

Organizing sockets is a must.

Organizing sockets should be part of the new order – The new socket order.

Garage organization can be a lot of work but is well worth the result of a clean working environment in the end.

With a lot of options to choose from I find an organized socket inventory will help me be more efficient, reduce downtime, and prevent unnecessary frustrations inside my workshop.

Staying organized is one of the traits all good DIYers always have and we hope this guide has helped you in this regard.

You can always judge a man by how tidy his socket collection is.