Choose the best socket tray by considering the number of sockets and storage location. Magnetic and post-style trays are common choices, with tool and socket insert trays also available. Magnetic trays may pick up other metal, while post trays keep sockets secure but can be difficult to detach. Socket insert trays are budget-friendly but prone to breaking.
To start choosing the best outlet tray, think about how many outlets you need to store and where you’ll be storing them. Magnetic trays may work well for some people, but a post-style outlet tray may work better for others; the best way to determine which will be best for you is to sort your sockets and think about how you typically access them. The most common choices for socket storage are magnetic trays, post-style trays, tool trays, and socket insert trays. Each one works well for a different purpose.
Magnetic socket holder models are usually made of plastic molded to the specific dimensions of the sockets. A metal strip is inserted into the plastic or behind the plastic sheath to secure the metal sockets in place, preventing them from falling out or otherwise shifting during transport. This type of socket tray is a great choice for storing sockets on a pegboard in a shop, but the magnets can pick up other bits of metal, potentially leading to a mess in cluttered toolboxes. A generic magnetic tool tray is another great way to keep track of your sockets, although the tray won’t feature individual slots for each socket. They could then be confused in the tray.
Post trays feature a series of posts that the square end of the socket can be pressed into to secure it in place. This type of socket tray usually features a rubberized handle on one end for easy carrying. This tray will keep sockets securely in place, even when stored in a cluttered toolbox, making them a great choice for someone who regularly carries their tools. The downside to this type of socket tray is the difficulty of attaching or detaching a socket. It may take both hands to pull a socket out of the tray.
The socket insert trays are also usually made of plastic, and the sockets sit in the horizontally shaped slots, as if they were lying down. These trays are usually molded with slots for specific sizes of sockets, so only the socket of that size will fit in place. This is a great choice for the socket owner on a budget who needs their sockets to stay securely in the tray. The plastic of the tray is prone to breaking, however, especially when placed in cluttered toolboxes. There are some metal versions, although they will be more expensive.
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