I came across this GEARWRENCH 120XP mechanics tool set a couple of months ago, and I have been itching to buy one.
The set features 94 pieces, with 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ drive tools, accessories, a selection of 6pt and 12pt SAE and metric sockets, and also a customized foam tray. It’s available at Home Depot for $229.
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Before I give you my opinion and ask for yours, Gearwrench is a new ToolGuyd sponsor, and so I’d be “playing with the house’s money” if I purchase a set. That doesn’t really make it easier, as money is money, and if I’m buying a tool you can be sure it’s one I actually want to use.
A couple of readers asked questions about EVA foam tray tool sets, and this set perfectly fits my needs, but I’ve been on the fence.
My take on this set is a loaded one. Before I get into it:
@Dylan – I’m sorry it has been taking me so long to get back to your question about good EVA foam tool sets. The fact of the matter is that there are generally two options – many pieces for a lot of money, or few pieces for a ton of money. This Gearwrench set is the first and only option that speaks to me. Its tool selection isn’t comprehensive, but it’s also not at all sparse. This to offer the best “package deal” in my opinion.
If you need something this set doesn’t offer, most additional purchases will complement what you get here. If you buy a consumer-focused set and you want say better ratchets, there’s overlap on top of your recent investment. That’s why I love the idea of this set, although for my own needs I’m reluctant because I upgraded just weeks before learning about it.
With this set, you get better ratchets and what looks to be a full set of extensions out the door. Further purchases – if even ever needed – won’t diminish the value of your initial investment.
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Also, none of your investment goes into hex keys, insert bits, nut drivers, or similar. Quality over quantity.
Now, for my personal thoughts on this set. What first appealed to me is that it’s positioned between value-oriented sets and “dear goodness how much do they cost?!” tool truck and industrial brand options.
One brand – and it’s not even a mainstream name – that specializes in modular tool assortments is currently offering a 156pc 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ set for a whopping $950. This Gearwrench set by comparison, model 83071-07, is a 94pc 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ set priced at $229.
That’s a lot of money for a starter set, but this isn’t exactly a starter set, it’s more of a solution to specific tool needs.
I don’t do a lot of automotive work, but I do some repair and maintenance tasks on occasion. I maintain and repair my equipment. I assembly my own gear. I build custom fabrications. My tool needs are very varied, and I benefit from using better tools.
I bought new socket sets last winter, in 1/4″ and 3/8″ sizes. I didn’t replace my existing tools, I bought those sets to equip a “satellite box,” a tool box remote from where I normally keep my full range of tools. The need existed for a while, but I made do carrying different components and smaller sets back forth. I came across some very hard-to-pass-up deals and splurged.
Those new tools have worked out VERY WELL so far. But… now I’m wishing I had the same with 1/2″. So, I still head to my main box. It’s not a big deal, but “oops, I need one more socket/adapter/extension.”
I also still have portable 1/4″ and 3/8″ kits that I love using since they’re compact and usually have *exactly* what I need for certain tasks. “Certain tasks” is the keyword. I’ve learned to match certain small kits to specific needs.
This Gearwrench set checks off a lot of boxes for me, when it comes to both general purpose and specific tool needs, and I really wish I learned about it even two months earlier than I did.
With this set, you get Gearwrench’s premium 120XP ratchets, and so that’s already a plus.
There’s no filler, and that’s a big deal.
A lot of DIYers are drawn to big numbers – 150 pieces, 200 pieces, 300 pieces. This is a 94pc set, but it has a lot of what I want, and nothing I don’t.
At the center of everything is the drawer-friendly tray. I love foam-fitted tool sets and wish I had more of them.
The “uncut EVA foam tray” measures 25.8″ x 15.6″, which is actually perfect for the box I’d put it into. The product images suggest you can trim one side of it just a little bit if you need to fit a slightly shallower drawer, but I can’t tell for sure.
This set offers a mix of 6pt and 12pt sockets, it has a shallow and deep assortment, and nice selection of 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ extensions.
When you have a tool tray like this, it creates a shadow board type of effect. If a tool is removed from this Gearwrench tool tray and not replaced, you’ll know it, as you’ll see an orange hole glaring at you.
Put your tools back when you’re done with them!!
It’s in our nature to fill holes. How many of you have purchased a couple of individual sockets, not because you needed them, but because they filled gaps in your socket tray or organizer?
Staring at a hole in a tool tray would better motivate me to put my tools away when I’m done with them. This is already a goal, but apparently I haven’t been properly motivated yet, because there are occasional lapses with frustrating outcomes.
I looked at some other tool tray options. I’ve been considering this set for a couple of months, and I’ve also been researching readers’ question.
One consumer-centric option is a 300pc set from another brand, priced at $249. That’s a big difference compared to this set, but the two brands are in different quality tiers. That higher piece set is not an upgrade, it just gives you more. Maybe you can use some of those extra tools, but for a lot of them there’s only benefit if you’re starting with no tools and are on a budget.
I don’t need more wrenches, hex keys, or screwdriver bits, I need a modestly sized socket set that covers 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ drive sizes. For all those other tool needs – I’m already covered.
I filled this need already, with the holiday promo sets I ordered, but not with 1/2″ tools. If I had a do-over, I might have just purchased this Gearwrench set.
I think this set could work for me. There’s too much overlap in my tool drawer, and so those 1/4″ and 3/8″ sets will have to go somewhere – maybe they’ll go back in their cases to be portable tool kits.
In theory, I prefer 6pt sockets over 12pt. But in practice, I’ve worked with a lot of 12pt sockets in tool sets and assortments, and nothing bad happened yet. Actually, 12pt sockets even come in handy at times, such as with breaker bars if I can’t get very good positioning with a 6pt socket.
Gearwrench has a neat drawer liner for organizing hand tools, but it’s not quite the same.
The Trap Mat drawer liners are great for organizing and protecting your loose tools. If a cut foam tray is available, I’d take it.
Tool sets like this one usually provide a more modular approach to equipping a box with new tools.
If you have an existing tool set, you can cut your own tool foam, pick and pluck foam, or layered foam, but it’s not going to be as nice and tidy as this.
I have never had a tool set like this one before – I have always went with a piecemeal approach, with 1/4″ and 3/8″ modules, a 1/4″ and 3/8″ assortment, and then with 1/2″ I bought drive tools and separate socket rails.
When trying to judge the price for the Gearwrench tool tray set, I compared it to their 120XP 3/8″ 56pc mechanics tool set, which is priced at $95 via Home Depot.
There’s also the Gearwrench 120XP 3/8″ 57pc mechanics tool set, priced at $104 via Amazon. It looks to be the same set but with an added flex-head cushion grip ratchet.
Gearwrench’s 120XP 51pc 1/4″ set is $85 via Acme Tools, their 120XP 49pc 1/2″ set is $220 via Acme Tools, and their 3pc 120XP ratchet set is $110 via Acme Tools. Update: CPO has the 3pc ratchet set for $77 – that seems like a great buy.
As an aside, this is how you tell the more serious and pro brands apart from the more consumer-targeting ones. If this was aimed at consumers, it’d have double the price count with hex keys and insert bits. Those fillers do come in handy, but a lot of users don’t want an inflated part count. Remember, when you see all those fillers in a set, you’re paying for that.
If I want or need a 3/8″ set, these smaller set options would be golden. But I need more – I have a portable 3/8″ set, and now I need a convenient assortment for a general purpose tool box..
That brings me to this post. This set seems to be a solution to several of my frustrations. Not to sound preachy, but it marries Gearwrench quality (I’m a fan of the 120XP ratchets especially) with a very convenient foam tray.
I want to know your thoughts. I’m working to move a whole lot of Gearwrench-related requests and related topics off my “someday” list and onto my to-do list.
Are you guys interested in this set? Not to sound too eager, I’ll buy it in a heartbeat. If I learned about it 2 months sooner, I’d already own it. If I bought it now, I’ll have to pack up what I bought last winter, and I’ll save them for my kids or use them elsewhere.
And if you’re not very interested, I’ll probably still buy it once there’s some more distance between my winter purchase, because it is an upgrade, albeit one with some overlap.
If you’re as interested in an exploration of this as I am, what do you want to know? If not, what would you want me to buy for review or exploration purposes instead?
I figure that if I am interested in exploring a particular product, many of you will be similarly interested, but I feel like I need to ask.
If I’m being honest, this is also one of those sets I’d be forever curious about. It looks to fit my needs, it’s reasonably priced, and I already know I’m fond of Gearwrench tools and their quality. But new territory always makes me second-guess myself until I finally push myself to make a decision.
Asking you guys to push me one way or another – and to ask your own questions I might not have considered – is the easy way to get out of my own head.
Thoughts? Questions? Requests?
Price: $229 via Home Depot
Soup
I like it a lot, but I wish it was just a really complete set of one drive like that 3/8 drive set. I have that set and like the tools a lot, but the case is straight trash. If I don’t keep in extra foam padding, the short pieces won’t stay in their spot and will move if the case isn’t perfectly level. Also, the laser etched numbers aren’t the easiest to read.
I would just rather have a comprehensive set of one drive type than all three drive types with fewer sockets. I like how that foam is set up and how easy it would be to see each socket.
So I would buy a foam set like that, but only if it was a complete set of a certain drive type.
Aaron
I like standardized boxes and drawers. I hate blowmolded cases that don’t stack. I’m the kind of crazy that likes custom foam and I dream of custom foam in all my cases but don’t have the follow through to do it myself or the money to have them built.
My main socket kit is in a drawer and was a 138pcs kit. This foam would be better than my current solution. I don’t use mechanics tools enough for quality to be a big deal for me though, so I mostly end up with Kobalt and a lower price point.
I feel like the “how big a deal is it if the tool breaks mid-project?” question is one of the most important to be able to answer when deciding how much to invest, and for me sockets are infrequent enough use that I could cope with a very high failure rate.
Would be really nice to be able to find them when I want them though…
fred
We used quite a few shadow boards in our fabrication shop. Today there are folks who will come out to your factory, take a picture of your tools laid out in drawers and then fabricate custom two-color foam inserts for you. I have not priced any of this – but can imagine its not for the typical hobbyist or small shop owner.
When we worked on fabrication of assemblies for some of our aerospace customers I recall that FOD was a big issue – and leaving some small tool inside an assembly was a much bigger deal than just the tools’ replacement cost. I can imagine that some errant allen wrench rattling around inside an aircraft would not be a good thing. We had to have a process to account for everything to insure that nothing was inadvertently left behind. Sort of like surgeons making sure nothing is left inside that shouldn’t be there before they close you up.
aerodawg
Yep. That missing 10mm socket will ground an airplane at untold cost till it’s found….FOD has crashed many an airplane…
Plain grainy
First off I’ll mention that i have used their ratcheting wrenches. They have been flawless, just a pleasure to use. I don’t really like the drawer insert type sets, they just don’t work for me. I’m amazed at the variety of products that gearwrench offers. Auto creepers, mechanic swivel seats, mechanics tool chests, rolling tool chests, ect, Just search for Gearwrench on the Acme tool site, it will take a long time to view all their products there.
Stuart
I am aware of how extensive their lineup is, even if I only consider the products of direct interest to my needs and usage.
I have soooo many different Gearwrench products in my tool box.
Is there anything in particular you’d be interested in seeing covered/reviewed/explored here?
Plain grainy
Nothing in particular, but i certainly have a lot of respect for their tools.
Harry
It looks nice but, foam eats up a lot of real estate in tool chest drawer. Great for seeing if something’s missing though. as for the tools themselves, I’m not a fan of the 120XP series ratchets. One of the things that makes a Gearwrench ratchet a great little ratchet, is the thinness of their heads. You lose some of that thinness with the twin pawls of the 120 XP series. I’d prefer the 84 or 90 tooth platform. I’d also prefer six point sockets too but, that’s just me.
Plain grainy
I’m definitely a six point socket fan myself.
Nate B
Eating space in the drawer is always my complaint too. This one looks better than most — there’s not much waste between the sockets, and the extensions have a little of extra elbow room but not egregiously so.
This is probably the first foam-shadowed tool set I’ve ever seriously considered, specifically because it doesn’t waste a ton of space. I’ll have to measure my drawers and see if it’ll fit, but this might convince me to sell/give my old set and replace with this.
Jared
Buy buy buy!
Seriously, it’s a good looking kit. This is what I would choose if I didn’t already have way too many nice ratchets and a very complete socket set. I’m still tempted. Gearwrench is good stuff, this is a nice selection and I love foam trays.
This looks like a top pick for a quality socket set without busting the bank on an industrial brand.
skfarmer
i like the idea but the execution is off. a very strange assortment of tools. a fairly complete set of drive tools but a strange assortment of sockets.
are you listening tool companies? a few tweaks would make this a great set.
1. get complete 3/8 sets. 10-19 standard and deep and 3/8-3/4 standard and deep in 3/8 drive. that is the bread and butter stuff.
2. cut the huge overlap in 1/4 and 1/2. 10mm-1/2 max in 1/4 and about 17mm- 5/8 on up for 1/2 drive
3. every 1/4 drive set needs a spinner handle/extension combo and every 1/2 drive set needs a breaker bar.
4. skip the deep sockets in 1/4 and 1/2 drive. if your set has drive adapters and 3/8 deep sockets in the sizes listed above most of you deep socket needs are covered.
PW
I agree 100%. Could not have said it better. This is exactly what drives me crazy about the mid-range assortments like this.
I’m glad for sets that omit yet another mediocre set of allen keys and pointless bits I own a dozen times over.
But I also don’t need so much overlap in drive size at the expense of a complete shallow/deep 3/8 range.
This is one reason I keep coming back to Tekton for these things, they’re one of the few midpriced tool names that give me complete no-frills assortments at reasonable prices.
They don’t have a slick foam insert tray like this though. Sounds like Stuart really wants it, so I say go for if it makes you happy 😁
Stuart
I do, but if there are other requests for me to tackle first…
Plus, it seems convenient to know what questions might be asked.
“Will this serve my needs” is a question I ask all the time, and one that my bank account is tired of me answer.
Stuart
Overlap is not always a bad thing. A 1/4″ socket might fit in recesses a 3/8″ socket is too wide for, and a 1/2″ ratchet can mean not having to go digging for a 3/8″ breaker bar.
Jared
There will always be compromises in a kit you don’t assemble yourself. I think this Gearwrench set does a good job of being usefully complete though.
I also like overlap so I don’t have to switch drive sizes as often and I can use my smaller ratchets when appropriate – or step up to a big on even on small fasteners if I have something to break loose.
My main socket set has huge overlap for those reasons. Like 1/4″ from 4mm-16mm, 3/8 from 6mm-24mm.
As a second option, I’d like to see Gearwrench offer very complete foam cutout sets in single drive sizes – and/or make it modular.
Actually, modular would be better for me. E.g. Give me a 6-point set of shallow and deep 3/8″-drive sockets only, all arranged in foam like this. Have another set of 12-point sockets in the same sizes. Or make each style it’s own set. I just want them in foam so I can plunk them into my tool box.
Foam isn’t cheap nor easy to replicate with results like this – that’s part of the value in this kit.
skfarmer
yes, overlap can be good. i did not see an actual tool list but do you really need 10-13 mm in all 3 drive sizes plus deeps and similar things in sae. just getting rid of some of the duplication and adding some of the things missed adds so much more capability.
Jared
Nope, you’re wrong. You can never have too many 10mm sockets! 😂
Remember this?
https://toolguyd.com/kincrome-emergency-spare-10mm-socket/
But seriously, I concede there are probably a couple tweaks I would make to the set too – I just think this might be my default recommendation for quality, price and organization for another ready to step-up from homeowner grade tools. It may not be perfect – but I feel like this is the closest I’ve seen.
Mike (the other one)
I agree with this. I do wish more brands would offer a 3/8″ spinner handle/extension. It is handy in certain situations.
I also would like to see extra-long/swivel spark plug sockets, as regular spark plug sockets require an extension or two, and they can come off inside the ignition coil well.
Jared
I’ve been meaning to buy a spinner handle/extension. I have spinner handles. I have extensions. Once I saw the Mac extensions with handles I knew I had to get some.
I’m leaning towards the Williams version so far – but I think it’s only available in 1/4″ and 3/8″, both somewhat short. Any other recommendations? Mac’s are beautiful, but way too much money.
I want a cushion grip – not acetate.
PG
It’s beautiful!!
and a bit too big for my Husky rolling tool chest.
Aaron
that too big issue is notable… it almost seems like some of these foam insert kits would work perforated so you can split it into 2 drawers
Leo B.
Stuart, does the whole foam tray and tools come in a box or anything? Like a blow mold case? Thanks!
Stuart
I didn’t buy it yet, but I would not presume so. If in a tool case, it would be arranged very differently. This looks designed to fit in a low-profile drawer.
From the measurements, this would be sized like an artists’ portfolio case.
Joe H
Whats the thought on 12pt sockets in 1/2 drive? Rust here in Minnesota can eat through a vehicle in 10 years. I work on my own vehicles and deal with extremely rusty, 20-30 year old fasteners sitting under a vehicle on the regular and I never dare to put a 12 point 1/2 drive socket on those fasteners for fear of rounding one off and opt for my trusty 6 points. Some need a torch and copious amounts of penetrating oil to budge, along with maybe a breaker bar, and a few choice words. Often they break before rounding with a 6 point socket. Is there generally enough contact on 12 point 1/2 drive sockets 19mm and up to use on even crusty nuts and bolts? Very few fasteners require a 12 point on only some vehicles. I think the people that need 12 point sockets are fewer than the people that deal with rusty fasteners.
Stuart
I don’t have much experience in this area, but I often see a lot of sets with both 6pt and 12pt mixed configurations. I’ve never made it a point to learn how the selections were determined.
I don’t blame you – with a crusty rusted fastener, I’d likely reach for a 6pt socket too.
With this set, it looks like the smaller sizes and deep sockets are 6pt. To be safe, when rusted fasteners are a frequent concern, I’d likely step up to a bigger set with more 6pt sockets in larger drive sizes.
Joe H
The problem is they keep mixing 12 point and 6 point sockets in sets when I think it should be 6 points all the way through. GearWrench is not the only one guilty of this. Its hard to find a budget “mechanic’s” set with only 6pt sockets. Anytime someone in the rust belt buys a mechanic’s set, they have to go out and buy a matching 6pt set for all the 12pt sockets. And the 12 pt sockets get shoved to the side and hardly ever used, often never. Most people buying the budget mechanic’s socket sets are not going to be doing work serious enough where they will access the 12 pt fasteners even on most vehicles that even have them. I think 6pt is a better value for most people. Rusty nuts and bolts are encountered almost all over many vehicles. If a person needs 12pt sockets specifically, its not hard to find them locally and its usually only for very few sizes of fasteners.
Jerry
First, I lime the set. I like the idea you can see what is missing. However I’m definitely with Joe on preferring 6 point sockets. Even with a breaker bar you hardly need a 12 point. If you remove the socket and rotate it on the bar 1/4 turn one way or the other you can almost always get it where you’d get a 12 point. Its one more step sometimes, but usually with a breaker bar you are pulling hard on a rusty bolt and need the extra grip a 6 point provides.
While I like the kit, I need/want my 1/2 drive to go up to 1-1/8 at minimum, and 1-5/16 preferred. Those are very common sizes on farm machinery and it is so much easier to run bolts off and on with a 1/2 drive and only use the 3/4 drive for breaking g loose and final tightening.
Stuart
That’s a good point.
My general set is all 6pt, but I’ve used 12pt with good results – but not on rusted-stuck fasteners.
Rotating sockets by hand with me tends to be like how USB plugs always seem to require 3 tries to get the alignment perfect. Sometimes I’ll use a ratcheting adapter, but it seems I’m needing a breaker bar less these days if an impact can fit.
Wayne R.
I can see 12-points on a box wrench, 6-points would limit it too often.
But I still don’t get why 12-point sockets are made. Less material so lower cost? Am I missing something? If you had both, would anyone select a 12 over a 6 for something?
Maybe I should say I don’t know why anyone buys 12-point sockets (beyond having no choice/knowledge)…please someone tell me?
MM
12-point bolt heads are a thing. I often come across them in automotive applications. 12-point sockets also fit on square -headed bolts and nuts though those are becoming more and more rare as time goes by.
Jared
I don’t think 12-point sockets are really a huge disadvantage. I’m not debating that 6-point usually offers greater engagement, just that good 12-point sockets aren’t weak either.
In addition to fitting a couple of extra fasteners styles, possible benefits from a 12-point socket that may or may not be relevant to you include:
– easier to get lined up, especially with recessed fasteners – e.g. think of a spark plug down a long hole,
– if using a breaker bar, you might not have the clearance to get a 6 point lined up where you want,
– pounding a smaller 12-point socket onto a damaged fastener (e.g. if its a damages SAE bolt, maybe switching to a metric 12 point that almost fits – and MAKING it fit with a hammer) – much easier with a 12point than a 6,
– 12 point is lighter – really only noticeable on 3/4″ drive and larger sockets though (especially if you’re carrying a case full of them).
That’s the end of my 12-point defense. 6-point is usually better.
Mike
I have a set of Gearwrench ratchet/open end wrenches and 1/4″,3/8″,1/2″ socket wrenches and they’re some of my favorite tools. The finish is excellent and they feel good in the hand. The open end wrenches are super thin and work many place my other sets can’t.
As for this set, I like the execution of it but I need imperial sockets like a hole in the head. I have a set of 30+ year old Craftsman imperial sockets that get used very, very rarely. Maybe if I worked on vintage American cars? But at this point, regardless of country of origin, manufacturing is metric. Although I understand American aviation is still on the imperial bandwagon.
Aaron
Looks nice but if it isn’t made in the U.S., I am not interested.
Andy
I’m also curious where it’s manufactured. US – I want it. Taiwan – maybe. Mainland China – nope.
I could be wrong, but I don’t think gearwrench does US. Most of my sockets today are Proto or SK for that reason.
James R.
I’ll fire a question…
How durable and hearty is the foam? I carry sockets and ratchets in my tool duffel when I got off-roading in my Jeep. Blow-mold cases, and even those aluminum strips for sockets take up valuable space and add unnecessary weight to my bag of metal.
Something like a foam “tray” might be awesome to keep all of that stuff in one place, while also not adding to the weight factor.
So, how durable is the foam? And how snug is the fit?
BF
Last year I settled on the GearWrench 120XP sets for my main socket sets:
1/4” (80300P) for $45
3/8” (80550P) for $65
I’ve been really happy with them, especially at the sale price. From what I can tell, they are essentially the best value you can find, although Tekton is a good option for one tier up. Still looking for the 1/2” to go on sale.
I’d love a foam mat, but I prefer my sets to what is offered here: more complete sockets, more deep sockets, and all 6 point.
This would definitely save someone time and simplify the process if they didn’t care about those advantages. But it won’t save money unless you had to buy immediately.
Steve
I really like GearWrench tools but ran out and measured my tool drawers and they are too small. Just saved a couple hundred. I agree with Skfarmer about going with 6 point and less overlap. I don’t NEED any tools but I would buy a set that fit those parameters, and my drawers, in a heartbeat.
John
That looks pretty! The foam keeps everything neat and organized, but this set has too much of some things and not enough of others. It’s also not very portable and the pricing is really steep. Everyone has their own preferred method of toolbox organization, so the size of this tray might not work for everyone. Also, the deep sock would take up far less space if they were able to be stored in an upright position. It a quality set of tools, but the layout and pricing wouldn’t work for me.
Mike
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-300-Piece-Standard-SAE-and-Metric-Polished-Chrome-Mechanics-Tool-Set/1000251051
The kobalt set includes some wrenches & allens also.
The issue with any of these sets is ablility to expand AND match to fit growing tool collections. A mismatch mess of different foam cutouts will look terrible
Stuart
Different brands’ tools play very well with each other once I close the drawers and leave the room. As long as there’s no impaired functionality, if it fits in a drawer, I don’t care about matching brands.
The issue with that Kobalt set – for me – is that I’d be paying for all sorts of tools I don’t need. So if I already have a spinner handle, but driver, nut drivers, bit sockets, combination wrenches, and hex wrenches, a lot of money is going towards tools I don’t need.
If you’re just starting out, it can be good to have that kind of variety and if you never plan to upgrade.
The Gearwrench stood out to me because it’s the best fit for me that I’ve seen – and it seems to be reasonably priced.
Sometimes I view purchases as stepping stores towards pricier or higher quality brands. For my own needs, there’s no upgrade from that Gearwrench for the needs I have it in mind for.
It’s hard to say, but the Gearwrench set looks to be much more space-efficient to me, which I also like.
There have been an increase in the number of foam-fitted tool sets in recent years, and it’s a topic I’ll be exploring soon.
Smaller socket sets usually come with blow molded cases, and most are terrible – I got rid of mine ages ago. The largest socket sets don’t come with any storage or organizational accessories, or if they do it’s a custom tool box. These foam trays are as perfect for me as a straight-from-the-store solution can get.
928'er
I’ve got a drawer full of SAE sockets that haven’t been used since I stopped buying used up British sports cars about 30 years ago.
So, sets that include SAE sizes have no appeal for me. YMMV
Stuart
That’s a good point.
Personally I use SAE/inch maybe 5:1 to metric, but I still use metric a lot, and so I need both.
Brian M
I have a few socket sets but my main, large sets are all Gearwrench and they’ve been great. I have both chrome and impact sets by GW and I would definitely buy again if I had to do it all over. I actually reach for my 120XP more than my Snap-On dual-80.
audiovideofreak
Not a fan of 12pt sockets. Deal killer for me so forget the tools…I just want the tray. Would they consider selling that separately?
Bob
Is the top layer brushed aluminum? Looks nice. Don’t think Ive seen that before on a foam insert. Im guessing its just a hard plastic piece with an image of brushed metal on top?
Unless you have a punch press probably not a diy option.
Stuart
I don’t think so – it’s likely textured plastic like I’ve seen on some other products.
If you go the DIY route you can just go with dual-layer foam laminations and cut it carefully with a knife. But that works better for longer tools. For something like a round socket recess, hand-cutting a neat circular shape isn’t easy.
Christian
It’d be really nice if the tool companies could provide the CAD files of whatever type so that you could arrange the cutouts yourself, have the foam CNCed and mailed out to you.
RickB
From someone who has worked on cars for home & hobby for over 40 years — This is a COMPLETE WASTE of idea design, manufacturing for tool set up and product implementation time and sales production cost !
PLAINLY obvious the “Desk Jockey” who thought this was a good idea, HAS NEVER worked with thier hands !
These things will last about a month in the work area of anyone who “actually” works around them and they will be destroyed or covered in oil, fuel, grease, etc. and useless.
IF management “ACTUALLY” wanted to do something to get more tools sold, THEN LOWER THE INITIAL PRICES !!
Make your profit margins by eliminating the upper dozen company staff members salaries by 25- 35% and get your shear profits by the “One off” sales (aka Customer buying just one size socket because they lost one).
Just more junk being built that creates extra waste material (aka natural resources, scrap material, chemical issues), that was approved by desk jockeys who have no real concept of “the real world” around them.
Stuart
Tool control is actually a very big business, with major brands offering some very pricey solutions.
In a lot of industries it’s required as part of FOD management.
This isn’t going to be for everyone, but there are absolutely merits to foam trays like this.
Speaking of waste, I’d rather more tools be packaged with drawer-friendly foam trays over blowmolded cases I usually have no use for.
James
Kincrome do excellent EVA Tray Sets – the 60″ Tool Kit that I purchased came absolutely full of them, with each drawer having a full assortment of specific tools
Flotsam
i had one like this, it does look pretty but i found the practicality lacking. I ended up moving all the sockets onto rails and now i generally just grab a 3/8 ratchet and the 3/8 rail of sockets when i go out to the car. (i have no garage)
From the limited investigation i did. You can get an 84 piece Gearwrench combo (similar) for $104 So that is roughly $115 for a nice piece of foam. Not too many people will bother making their own foam trays so this is the price of prettiness.