Socket set help

woodlandfarms · Nov 23, 2012

I have been looking high and low for something for Xmas for my BIL. His eyesight is getting worse and he has a great snap on tool chest. The sockets are giving him fits. He can't see the markings. I know new sets have bigger markings but that is a substantial investment. Does anyone know of some sort of markings that could be attached to these sockets?

CBW1999 · Nov 23, 2012

Just an example although, they don't look all that big

New Snap-on 25 Socket Clips & 96 I.D. Stickers Included 3/8" YA38URCLIPS | eBay

Perhaps some type of magnifying glass in addition? I know there have been times I wished I had one just to be able to see something not quite big enough and not quite close enough.

MIKE R · Nov 23, 2012

CBW1999 said:
Just an example although, they don't look all that big

New Snap-on 25 Socket Clips & 96 I.D. Stickers Included 3/8" YA38URCLIPS | eBay

Perhaps some type of magnifying glass in addition? I know there have been times I wished I had one just to be able to see something not quite big enough and not quite close enough.

Those would work. Get a pile of glasses from the dollar store. Leave them laying around so when he need them, bang they're there.

DKCDKC · Nov 23, 2012

My uncle had the same problem... Bought a craft magnifying glass on an arm from Michaels and fastened it to the side of the tool box. It was always there when he needed to check a size, or for lots of other small tasks. I've mounted one near my workbench for those times I just don't want to squint.

Hooked_on_HP · Nov 24, 2012

You can buy sochet holders like this from Sears. The socket size is on the top of the post.

Buckgnarly · Nov 24, 2012

Hooked_on_HP said:
You can buy sochet holders like this from Sears. The socket size is on the top of the post.View attachment 290131

The Hansons are fantastic socket holders.....I like them VERY much as you can see!

woodlandfarms · Nov 24, 2012

Buck, that is some seriously nice organization. And a great idea.

I think in the end it is going to be a combination of the stickers and the stands. Once you take it off the stand you have no clue what size it is if you are working with multiple sizes (you got a pocket full of sockets like I often do).

DFB · Nov 24, 2012

Findit Socket Stickers

sox3 · Nov 25, 2012

I use a Label Maker and make my own stickers. You can change the font size, label color and replacement is easy. He can also label just about anything
to make it easier to see. I also use different color labels on the metric and american sockets. Purchased at staples.

EddieWalker · Nov 25, 2012

DFB said:
Findit Socket Stickers

Do you have these and how have they held up? My eye site is fine, but I really like the idea of bigger, easier to see labels on my sockets. Both to find them easily, and to know when my Dad has put them out of order. Maybe he will be able to put them where they belong if he can see what size they are?

Thanks,
Eddie

sandman2234 · Nov 25, 2012

I guess a permanent marker is out of the question, lol.
David from jax

CBW1999 · Nov 25, 2012

sox3 said:
I use a Label Maker and make my own stickers. You can change the font size, label color and replacement is easy. He can also label just about anything
to make it easier to see. I also use different color labels on the metric and american sockets. Purchased at staples.

That is an awesome soution! I have thought about getting one for other purposes but, this adds another use to thie list and I might actually be able to justify it.

Anyone remember the old "Dymo" label maker with the wheel on top?

RAYJAY · Nov 25, 2012

Hooked_on_HP said:
You can buy sochet holders like this from Sears. The socket size is on the top of the post.View attachment 290131

you can also get the harbor freight holders a lot cheaper and to me better they hold the socket the other way so you can see the open end of the socket the color lettering i did myself ,

harbor%20freight%20socket%20holders%20labeled%20005%20%28Medium%29.jpg

CBW1999 · Nov 25, 2012

RAYJAY said:
you can also get the harbor freight holders a lot cheaper and to me better they hold the socket the other way so you can see the open end of the socket the color lettering i did myself ,

What did you use to make the letter label?

CNC Dan · Nov 25, 2012

woodlandfarms said:
Does anyone know of some sort of markings that could be attached to these sockets?

I've used a color code.
Pick four colors of nail polish and mark the sockets, reusing the four colors over and over. The scockets that are of the same color will be too diferent in size to confuse them.

RAYJAY · Nov 25, 2012

CBW1999 said:
What did you use to make the letter label?

i do decal work on the side, do a lot of car club stuff and small runs that the sign guys don't really want to touch

Jeff

CBW1999 · Nov 25, 2012

RAYJAY said:
i do decal work on the side, do a lot of car club stuff and small runs that the sign guys don't really want to touch

Jeff

That's pretty cool- always nice to find something that needs to be fulfilled. Maybe think about doing tool labels/ custom work for memebers. You have to be careful about "advertising" but if you posted pics of your projects- might generate interest.

RAYJAY · Nov 25, 2012

CBW1999 said:
That's pretty cool- always nice to find something that needs to be fulfilled. Maybe think about doing tool labels/ custom work for memebers. You have to be careful about "advertising" but if you posted pics of your projects- might generate interest.

not advertising at all.

its just something i started doing because i was in a truck club, and was getting stuff made for meets /awards /ect.ect. and it took for ever getting the decals made most of the sign guys don't really want a small run of 10 to 15 decals or less, so started making them myself

jeff

CBW1999 · Nov 25, 2012

RAYJAY said:
not advertising at all.

its just something i started doing because i was in a truck club, and was getting stuff made for meets /awards /ect.ect. and it took for ever getting the decals made most of the sign guys don't really want a small run of 10 to 15 decals or less, so started making them myself

jeff

sorry- wasn't suggesting you were advertising, just mentioning because of site rules.

The kid · Nov 25, 2012

woodlandfarms said:
I have been looking high and low for something for Xmas for my BIL. His eyesight is getting worse and he has a great snap on tool chest. The sockets are giving him fits. He can't see the markings. I know new sets have bigger markings but that is a substantial investment. Does anyone know of some sort of markings that could be attached to these sockets?

An alternative to buying him a new set of tools is purchase some florescent orange hobby enamel paint and rub into the stamped numbers on the sockets and wrenches. Wipe off any excess. It make the sizes show up really well.