Make Your Own Socket Trays for $3.00 

I prefer dumping all my sockets in one drawer. Then I created a fun little game called Find the Socket. I time myself to see how long it takes to find a certain size socket. This tray idea would totally rob me of this fun little game.

Excellent idea and tutorial. I did this and it came out great! A SUGGESTION: Instead of using a hot glue gun, I went to my local art store and purchased "spray mount". It's basically just a spray-on adhesive you use to mount artwork on different types of backing. It works perfectly as it is not permanent, it allows you to peel off and adjust if necessary, there's zero dry time and it's made to work with lots of different surfaces. It worked perfectly for this foam and if I need to create a new template, I can just peel off the back/colored foam and reuse it for the new template. Thanks again for the tutorial. I'm very pleased! :^)

Great idea! I'll be doing this too, but think I'll go with spray adhesive.

This is the exact storage method I’ve been thinking for so long. Visually and actually retrieving the sockets I personally don’t love the vertical methods even though obviously you can buy those pre made. This is a perfect afternoon project for a medium size chest.

Nice that you did this video for our benefit. I've actually done this before, and I'd add a few tips to your good methodology. Like someone else mentioned, spray adhesive works really well. Lay the black piece good-face down over some of that brown paper everyone is shipping with now, and put your pre-cut colored piece just off to the side. As soon as you have sprayed the adhesive on, leave the black piece exactly where it is and lay the colored piece carefully over the top - then put a big book some something similar on top until it dries. This will give you no glue "run off", and offers less chance for a messy result. Hope that is equally useful. Thank you!

Awesome video. Thank you :-) You can also get large sheets of magnetic backing to use in place of the blue coloured backing. This can help during transport or if things get bumped around a bit. I haven't tested this by going vertical with the sockets and ratchets but if it was a strong enough magnetic backing, I'm sure it would work a treat! Very cheap to buy too.

When laying out your sockets, make sure to reverse the order if you want them to read smallest to largest --because when you flip them over whatever your original layout was when tracing will be reversed.

Thanks for the idea! I have a tool box I carry in my car that always rattles. This will help greatly to reduce noise and keep all in order.

Perfect my friend. Although a foam friendly spray adhesive will probably give you more time to glue both foams together. Will be doing this to my tools Thank you very much sir

over here in Australia interlocking foam from Bunnings (4 pack $12) are great for the cutout top layer then a yoga mat from Kmart ($10) for the underside.Like someone else said below red/blue for metric or brands.I have Kinchrome on the blue sheets and Sidchrome on the red.Raining today so it might be a good time to finally organise the new box!

I've been looking at socket organizers for a while. This is by far the best looking option for me. Thanks for the video

Great idea. Although, I think I would prefer to get slightly thicker foam, and just cut circles so I can stand them up instead of laying them down.

this is perfect for my tool chest, to customise each area. thank you, great video.

I been trying to come up with something for my tool box for weeks and glad I found this video so thanks!!

I'm getting ready to do this, in the next couple days. When I do, I'm going to set up a space heater to buy a little more time on the gluing portion.

You could of used the blue for SAE and red for metric

Really cool idea Mate !! I will definitely following your lead and making these up for my tool chest. I really enjoyed the clear concise instructions. A very well made and produced video. I have subbed to see more from you. Regards Matt

Nice job, I think I will try this with a 1/2" foam. I am sure 1/4 works well too, but I really want it to be secure. Thanks for sharing

not sure how well it'll work for sockets, but in my box for my lathe tools, i took one of those 1" soft foam mattress toppers and cut it up to fit the dimensions of the drawers. it's soft enough that most things will sink into the foam, leaving an impression where they will fit. it's more useful for heavier things - drill chucks, steady rests, tool holders - but it should work either way. and you can do your whole toolbox for however much the foam costs!

Going to be doing this after I finish with finals. Thank you so much for this. Liked and subscribed!

That’s awesome! Great share and great idea. Thanks for posting this! I’m going to make a couple of them for my tools!

This is so nice but it's time I dont really have to make. I would love to to do it. Literally I spent most of my time families and finishing projects. You did a really nice job

Nice video, I like how neatly everything is laid out, this is what most people think of when they hear the phrase "professional mechanic", (even though the toolboxes of actual professional mechanics are barely organized chaos). I'd love to do this to my tools/toolbox, but as a full time mechanic, I'm constantly adding more sockets, wrenches, and other tools, so this is isn't practical for my work tools, I'd be constantly making new foam patterns. However, this would be great for the tools I keep at home.

Left handed people are so creative! Nice solution.

Been searching for cheap but highly effective socket organizer idea, and this is it! Thanks so much for sharing.

That actually looks pretty good, and doesnt look like you micky moused it. it has a professional like despite being low budget. Kudos and Grats

Great idea. I love things organized. It is not a waste of time doing these things if you enjoy doing it. The people saying it is a waste of time seem to have time to make negative comments. If this is not for you then don't do it but for those who want ideas on how to organize their tools this is a great one.

Great job! I'll be implementing this too my tool chest!

I left a question for you about your video, which I thought was very informative and we'll done. What bothered me was I didn't read any comments until after I wrote mine, and I am really shocked at the assholes that troll you. I just wanted you to know that I respect the fact that you took the time to share this with people who actually appreciate it. Thanks!

I just use large ice cube trays, you can write sizes at the start/end of each row. Quite compact. Like this idea for larger items that are taking upspace anyway.

If you want vertical use a little thicker foam and draw circles. I like the idea of 1 red 1 blue. Another idea would be to use different thickness front to back angling towards the front. It would be a compromise between the two

Super cool idea. The addition of the colors for standard and metric from one of the commenters adds another dimension of cool!

Thanks! I've been trying to figure out a cheap solution to this!

Great video. Simple, yet very effective. Thanks

This is one of the nicest tool organizers I have seen. Price is right to very thrifty and common tools.

This is a standard 5S organizational process. We did this at Boeing many years ago. They sell nice organization templates at harbor freight, or your local home stores. Lowe’s, or Home Depot!

375 thumbs down? Why? Jealous and way to lazy to do this? It’s a great idea

Another fine how to video ! And I was going to ask if you made one for sockets , fantastic.👍🏻

Great idea, the only I would change is your glue. I had have poor experience with hot glue not bonding right, drying too fast, and the heat warping the material, stringy.I would 3M Super77 spray adhesive. The stuff is awesome. I AM NOT sponsored by 3M, just a fan of this product.

I really love the organization here. Bravo. I personally don't use this kind of socked organization as I just can't give up the space. But I like this idea and maybe I can use it to hold shallow sockets upright.

Mine worked great too. sears wants too much for these and they are junk. these are so cost effective its a win win. thank you.

Very nicely done and inexpensive, something everyone can use👍

Oh lawd. No way in hell would I have the patience to do this 637 times.

I understand those that say just buy a premoulded one for 3 to 5 bucks. But you all need to understand that sometimes it is really cool to create your own product. I also did the blue underlay because BLUE IS CALMING😄 Maybe stop some tools from flying across the shop!!😄.

Cool idea! You have a lot of patience! :)

Sweet video man thanks. I will hate having to do this for all the tools I have but the end product will be worth it.

Just an idea here. Ive done something similar but i used anti fatigue matting from harbor freight. Its really thick and holds up well. I just trimmed it to the drawer size. After that i traced out the tools and cut them out like you. Nice work.

love this idea. Will be doing this for my own storage cabinet

I enjoyed your video. It was very helpful. Very much appreciated! Thank you!

To attach the (blue) backing foam, you can cut it into smaller sections that can be glued individually. Then you don't have to worry about the glue cooling too quickly. Since the backing foam will be on the bottom, the cuts will not be visible.

Great tutorial. Thank you very much for making it. I really appreciate you added links to buy all the materials...

Great & Creative idea! The "Store Bought" plastic lay down style just didn't work for my sockets, as all Manufacturers are not consistent with the width & lenght. I even try ed the "Stand-up Version", and it was OK, but didn't really fit my need, as I typically have a couple of each size, but not all. Thanks for sharing this technique! Take care, -Thomas (12) SEAHAWKS FAN Port Orchard, Washington

This is a pretty awesome idea man! Good job.

Thanks dude, I really liked your video and the simplicity of your technique. On other videos their techniques are too complicated!

The US Navy does this. My father was in the Navy and did it to his tool box. Come to think of it he also did this when he was working for Nadep. Here is a cheaper and faster way. Depending how many tools or drawers you want to do you can use foam sheets from the hardware store. The same stuff that is used for siding and such. A hand router with a flush trim bit and a marker. Just lay out the tools. Trace around them and set the depth you want on the hand router and just route out the foam. You can get a drawer with a hundred or so sockets done in about 20 to 30 minutes.

Legend. Looks very slick. Thanks for making and sharing buddy

Awesome idea !! Thanks ! Keep up the good videos !

Excellent, but I did see a couple of things I would do differently. Marking the lines before adding the dots and using contact cement to bond the pieces together.

Had to do this when the plastic tray broke in my teng tools set. Tools should come with this as standard

I enjoyed your video. It was very helpful. Thank you!

Cool idea! I think this will break down very quickly when it comes in contact with solvents and oil

Leave a little nub at top and bottom of the hole to hold socket tight ,also use marker to mark sizes of sockets below the hole.

great idea! thanks for sharing.

Thanks for this great idea. I am a female DIYer and I love organised tools. I'm going to be doing this! I don't know why I didn't think of this! Ha!

thanks for taking the time to share this simple yet "everyone needs it" solution to a very common problem

My tool chest real estate is too precious to store my sockets horizontally.

You can buy thicker foam mats made for floors, such as for excercise areas. Then stand the sockets that are short up so they take up less room.

Great idea for organizing and keeping the weight low in the draws

3m spray adhesive for foam might work pretty well for that. It can be a little messy though.

I wish my tool chest was that tidy! Nice idea

Looks like that silver marker would make a great label maker too.

Scalpels are more accurate and you can get a long nose marker too I highly recommend both

That's cool guess what I'm doing this weekend.... Thanks for the awesome idea.

it's nice looking but sure looks like it takes a lot of time. why do you use hot glue instead of spray adhesive? it is neat looking but man there's got to be an easier way.....

That's really cool and a great idea!

Great video and an awesome idea, only point I'd make would be contact adhesive is better for joining your sheets ;-)

I've got a couple of boxes full of tools and ranches I keep them all really clean and everything and my stuff is organized but I just throw my sockets in a socket drawer my wrenches in my wrench drawer by screwdrivers and screwdriver Jorts you know what I mean so on I'm just so used to looking at socks sizes that I don't even need organizing I could just look at the bolt or nut and know exactly what I need I mean it's great to have stuff organized I guess when you're in a workplace yeah that's a really good idea at home heck with it

Sockets so shiny and clean.

Very Cool. Looks great!

I work as a motorcycle mechanic in a shop. Snapon Marco Mac and Cornwell comes into the shop once a week. I have all different kinds of sockets and am constantly changing up my set up Might not be beneficial for me but hell of a job bud.

awesome thank you for responding !

Great Idea!! Really simple and very handy! Thanks for sharing. I subbed your channel - Great Videos!!

Great idea it looks very nice. I have 21 more years before I retire. Maybe then I will have time to do something like this.

Very nice, I like organization. Thanks for your advice.

Good idea if you have lots of space in your box, and it looks good too. I prefer socket rails that let you stand your sockets up vertically in the drawer, takes up less real estate.

I’ve just bought a tool chest like yours and your video popped up. Thank you from Love 500 in the UK.

Harbor Freight magnetic tool holders. $2.50 with coupon right now. Drop a few in the drawer and holds the sockets perfect and wont move when you pick up a socket because of the weight of the other sockets. I'd do the foam for portable boxes that go in truck or trailer.

Again - thank you for another great tool hack!

Very nice and easy to do! Thanks!

nice video but given the amount if sockets, wrenches, other tools, adapters and limited real estate as others have noted as well I tend to wonder if anyone has did a thicker foam and with the sockets maybe heated the open end of the socket and melt a hole for the socket. the thicker foam coupled with a thinner one at the bottom would be great as the bottom of the drawer would be protected. This would allow me to do the whole drawer as one saving space from multiple socket organizers which I actually do have along with multiple socket cases. What's your thoughts on the idea I have put forth given I need my sockets vertical? I haven't worked on heavy trucks for years but still have my tools and still do all my personal vehicle repairs on our 4 owned vehicles along with our boat and other friends stuff so I'm always adding tools, especially sockets and in recent years especially this past summer alot of carpentry tools for multiple trades, plumbing, electric, carpentry, fine woodworking, table saws and many other power tools corded and cordless. Have new swivel sockets in 3/8 metric arriving this weekend as a matter of fact and I don't know where I'll put them and the other stuff arriving and I certainly don't have room for them or the $$ for a bigger box. Maybe the thicker foam solution is the better way to go or at least try. Hopefully I won't burn myself alot melting the holes in the foam to have a insert for each socket. is there a reason why you put the sockets so far apart in your video? Just want to make sure I don't run into any unforeseen issues, problems when I try this.

Thanks, very cool hack for your toolbox.

Great one. I'l test out my Hobby Lobby to see if they got these foam boards.

Very well done!!

Always shadow my tool boxes. I use blue 1/2 inch sleeping mat from Walmart and 1/4 inch black mat for contrast. That way if something is multi leveled I can use a black marker to maintain a shadow. If your an aircraft mechanic, lost tools could mean losing your job. I have seen it. The thicker foam is resistant from tools getting loose when rolling to the next aircraft.

I just stumbled on this video and I thought it was a great idea.

Wowww man , u are very well organized. I will do one for myself, thanks a lot

I had been flirting with the idea of buying specialty foam for my tool chest for months. Even started saving so I could buy all the foam from places like fastcap. This just saved me a boat load of money. Thank you for the video.

good job good idea thanks bud i will do it

Very cool Idea, thank you.

Very interesting, thanks for sharing.