Bit & Socket Storage

[max6166]

Does anyone know of any compact yet organized ways to store driver bits and sockets?

For sockets, I found a holder consisting of a long plastic strip, with clips to hold sockets running down it length.

It might not be too bad, but I couldn't tell whether the bits would stay on securely if it was carried around in a bag.

I haven't found anything for driver bits yet.

I am not necessarily looking for specially designed contraptions. Any practical solutions at all would be welcome.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Welcome to the forum mate

I don't really carry bit's and socket's around with me, but my Dad always to carry spare bit's around in the small plastic tub's that 35mm camera film came in

[Benner]

Not sure if you can get the bit holder separately or not, but this seems like the simplest idea...

http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=45200

[max6166]

Yes, something like that Gerber holder would work, though I would prefer something that held more bits.

My best initial thought was to store them in some type of small container, like a film container. It would be workable, especially if the bits were divided into different containers by type.

I was hoping there might be something more like the Gerber kit though, which I think makes it easier to find a specific bit.

[Viking]

I just store my driver bits in the extra compartment made for driver bits in the excellent Leatherman sheaths.

[DaveK]

Is it something like this you're after max?

This pouch has a hard plastic insert which divides the pouch into effectively 3 compartments, and comes with the red bit holder included. The idea was to carry your Leatherman, Tool Adapter and bits separately, which sounds like what you're after?

[max6166]

Is the Leatherman sheath you are referring to like the one below?

Yes, something like that would be great - just a pouch with a few removable bit holders.

I was looking to store regular bits though, and the LM bit holders look like they only work with LM double-sided bits?

I could still put probably assemble something similar. The hard part seems to be finding a bit holder which can hold 10-20 bits, especially without having to buy new bits.

[DaveK]

No - the one you have shown there is essentially flat. The one in my post is rigid, and about 4cm (1.5 inch) "deep". It's also quite a bit bigger!

[DaveK]

Sorry - forgot to add that the red rubber bit holder is for standard hex bits and holds 9 of them!

[Roadie]

I have something that fits the bill for you but i can't for the life of me find the darn thing! I'll keep looking and snap a pic when i find it

[max6166]

@DaveK: Yes, something like that would be great.

I am not familiar with the LM bit driver kit. Does it only work with LM bits, or will it work with regular bits as well?

I am really just looking to store a large quantity of bits, maybe along with an extension attachment. This is for my toolbag, so I don't need it to hold a multitool or anything else.

I think a similar case but with more bit holders might work very well.

[Roadie]

Something like this?

[max6166]

@DaveK: Sorry for the confusion. I posted that pic in reply to Viking. I hadn't seen your post yet.

I just saw your follow up post now. I didn't realize they were standard bits.

I am looking through the LM bit kits and accessories now. Everything I am finding so far seems to be in reference to double-sided bits though? I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually... 

[max6166]

@Roadie: That bit holder looks great too. Is it an LM accessory too?

[Roadie]

@Roadie: That bit holder looks great too. Is it an LM accessory too?

No, i got it with a 60piece JCB screwdriver set a couple of years ago for about £5, quite a bargin really!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/JCB-SDS60-Screwdriver-Set-60pc/dp/B0007P2D2G

[DaveK]

@ max - Yes, when referring to the Leatherman Bit Kit, people will generally be talking about the proprietary LM double sided bits (like in your earlier picture).

The sheath that I posted up though, is just a sheath and will hold 9 standard hex bits in that red thingummy. Although it was designed to hold a LM tool, tool adapter and bits, you can buy the sheath separately now (in fact I have a spare one) and I wondered if it might do the job you need doing.

I'll try and take a few better pictures later and see if that makes it easier to visualise.

[max6166]

@DaveK: Thanks, I think I understand now. Your earlier pictures showed the pouch well enough. I was more confused about the different LM bits. 

Do you know whether it is possible to buy the red bit holders separately as well? Also, can the plastic divider inside the pouch be removed?


Thanks everyone. Those are some great options for storing bits.

I wonder if a similar pouch exists for storing sockets?

If not, I think it might be possible to fake one using those long plastic socket storage strips with spring clips. The strips could simply be cut shorter and placed into a strong pouch.

[DaveK]

Here you go - these pictures show better how it all hangs together.

It was originally designed for the super tool, tool adapter and some hex bits.

In the first picture you can see the plastic divider at the top of the photo - its kind of "U" shaped and fits into the pouch pretty snugly to create the 3 compartments. In the second picture the divider is actually in, but you can't see it too well in that light. The third picture shows the pouch loaded.

Without the tool and the adapter in there, there'd be a fair amount of space, even more with the divider removed, but doesn't help you much with sockets I'm afraid.