If you need more space for taskbar icons, how about you disable the clock in Windows 7,8 and get a real clock?
how to disable Windows 8 clock

Tip: The fastest way to access the Notification Area (step 3) is to right-click on the Windows clock and select Customize notification icons

1. Step Right-click on your taskbar and click on Properties

Click here to join Ultra.io - Rare NFTs and Play-to-Earn Games or Read my review first!

2. Step Click on the customize… button as seen below:

customizing the taskbar in Windows 7 8

3. Step This will open the Notification Are Icons. At the bottom there are two links, click on Turn system icons on or off:

Turn system icons on or off

4. Step Now from the dropdown select Off for the Clock (1st item)

Disable windows clock

5. Step This works the same in Windows 8, simply follow step 1-4 and the clock will be gone from the Windows 8 taskbar

Now you can add more icons to the Windows 8 taskbar. The clock can be restored the same way.