How do you deal with broken latches on your socket set kits?

[dw1]

Originally Posted by Baz

This is an issue I've noticed I too will have to resolve. Your small aluminum wedge idea is a good one!

I wonder if this how it's done as NASA?

Having worked on aerospace guidance systems early in my career, I can say that yes, this is how NASA (or DoD) would have done it, but with a 50 page document specifying the exact aluminum alloy, the dimensional tolerances (which would be absurdly tight), the mechanical and thermal requirements, the inspection and test procedures, periodic audit requirements, the production report forms, etc., etc.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by dw1

Having worked on aerospace guidance systems early in my career, I can say that yes, this is how NASA (or DoD) would have done it, but with a 50 page document specifying the exact aluminum alloy, the dimensional tolerances (which would be absurdly tight), the mechanical and thermal requirements, the inspection and test procedures, periodic audit requirements, the production report forms, etc., etc.

LOL! Yep, when a strap or a rubber band made from a length of surgical tubing would work just fine...

[dw1]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

LOL! Yep, when a strap or a rubber band made from a length of surgical tubing would work just fine...

Remember that NASA (and one of their contractors - Morton Thiokol) have a very problematic history with large circular rubber objects, i.e. o-rings, that may make them shy away from using large rubber bands...

[creaturecat]

anything more than a suitable rubber band is overthink.

[dw1]

Originally Posted by creaturecat

anything more than a suitable rubber band is overthink.

Yeah, and when the rubber band dried out and broke, resulting in my sockets all over the floor, is when I started thinking about other options.

Oh, and more than once I misplaced the special rubber band in the middle of a big job.

IMHO, something attached to the box, and something that is more durable long-term than a rubber band, is a better option.

One other simple option to consider is a pair of screws (one on the top and one on the bottom) with a string attached to one of them, the result being a closure like that used on reusable "interoffice" envelopes.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by creaturecat

anything more than a suitable rubber band is overthink.

I have one of these with a cracked top. How do I fix it?

[911 Rod]

I just put a bungie on it and then curse the gods when they get spilled on the floor.
Then I buy a socket organizer and put them in my tool box.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Crowbob

I would examine the box to see if there’s some place to put adhesive Velcro strips.

Ended up following Bob's suggestion for now.

Not sure if this is the "ultimate" solution but for this small box it seems to be the easiest for now.

Bought a roll of 1" wide velcro tape, cut a small piece off, and then glued half on top and bottom. I used Gorilla glue.

Thanks, Crowbob!

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Baz

I used Gorilla glue.

Yep, a little dab'll do ya!

Keep it away from your hair and probably your junk.

[look 171]

flat velcro straps