New tools you've bought recently?

[Shran]

I put loose sockets in those clear plastic fishing lure organizer deals. Only for sets that hang out in the truck or my junkyard box though - I use those Hansen peg trays for my shop tool box, keeps them organized really well.

You're not missing much on the new Stanley tools - old ones were great but I think the new ones are junk. Especially sockets. I bought a new set of 1/4 drive 12 point and stripped out the sockets really fast. Metal is just really soft. MasterForce from Menards has been my latest go-to for kinda cheap-ish hand tools and their selection & warranty is pretty hard to beat.

 

[Roert42]

There are a lot of decent rid range brands out there now a days. I like Tekton, they have a lot of variety in how you can get sets or singles of stuff. Easy to get replacements too.

They even have sets of 1/4 drive stuff in a little zip up box instead of the hard plastic stuff.




I was never really a fan of the blow molded cases because it hard to add stuff later, like with your ratchet.

I have a big 3 row socket rail that I keep in the bottom of a bucket boss bag with the spring loaded clips. I tuck ratchets and extensions around the sides. Can also toss screwdrivers or pliers, drills whatever else in there too. Can change what I have depending on what I think I'll need.

 

[Shran]

Tekton is decent too, hit or miss on who carries them locally if that even matters. I wish stores would just pick a brand and stick with it.

I'm not big on blow molded cases either, they are almost always artificially inflated to make it look like you're getting a giant tool kit and then there is a lot of wasted space. Obviously designed by people who don't use tools! I have one blow mold Craftsman kit in the F250 that is actually not designed that way, it's actually a pretty complete kit in a small box but most are not like that.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I was never really a fan of the blow molded cases because it hard to add stuff later, like with your ratchet.

Until now it was my second favorite 3/8" ratchet so it was happily living in the ratchet drawer since I rarely had a specific use for the rest of the set.

I have one blow mold Craftsman kit in the F250 that is actually not designed that way, it's actually a pretty complete kit in a small box but most are not like that.

My Stanley set was pretty lean that way and that was a perk. IMO they really knocked it out of the park putting that set together.

I have a tool roll for trips with sockets on sticks and whatnot but really for running around the farm a hard case is nice.

 

[superj]

i was bored and googling around at work and came across a very utilitarian bed rack/ overland rack that i have actually seen on lots of local trucks. it has a high static load rating and can be sized differently so i think that is why its so popular here. lots of people use this rack to carry kayaks, water, and those traction boards to get unstuck here at the beach.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/VEVOR-Overland-Truck-Bed-Rack-54-3-68-3in-Adjustable-900lbs-Capacity-Rack-Heavy-Duty-Steel-Fits-Full-Mid-Size-Trucks-PKHJGGKHJGDCFHKXZV0-250928/339183014

it looks like an industrious person could also easily make a cover that maybe snaps on straps to it to make a soft side shell.