Parts Tray Magnetic: Sizes and Uses
A magnetic parts tray holds the nuts, bolts and screws from a job in place, stuck to the tray until you need them again.
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A bolt that rolls off the bench during a brake job can eat the rest of the afternoon. A parts tray magnetic holds the nuts, bolts and screws from the job in place, stuck to the tray until you need them again. This guide covers what the tray does, which sizes fit the bench, and the trays for a home garage.
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| # | Product | Shop Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  HORUSDY Magnetic Tray | 3-Piece | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  HORUSDY 4-Piece Large Magnetic Parts Tray Set | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  GRIP 6" Stainless Steel Magnetic Parts Tray | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
HORUSDY Magnetic Tray | 3-Piece
A 3-piece set of round stainless steel magnetic parts trays in 3, 4 and 6 inch sizes, with a rubber-coated magnet base and a nesting design.
Pros
- 3 round trays: 3, 4 and 6 inches
- Rubber-coated magnet base protects surfaces
- Nesting design saves storage space
- Stainless steel, rust-resistant
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Round trays only, no square tray
- No magnet pull figure is stated
- 6 inches is the largest tray in this set
HORUSDY 4-Piece Large Magnetic Parts Tray Set
A 4-piece set of large stainless steel magnetic parts trays with a round 4.5 inch tray and a square 9.5 x 5.5 inch tray, with a rubber magnet cover.
Pros
- 4 pieces, the largest set here
- Square 9.5 x 5.5 inch tray for longer parts
- Round 4.5 inch tray included
- Rubber magnet cover prevents scratches
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No magnet pull figure is stated
- Tray split between round and square is not stated
- No nesting design is stated
GRIP 6" Stainless Steel Magnetic Parts Tray
A 6 inch stainless steel magnetic parts tray for screws, nails and bolts, with a 0.86 pound weight.
Pros
- 6 inch tray, a handy bench size
- Stainless steel, rust resistant
- Wipes clean with a dry cloth
- 0.86 pounds for a single tray
Cons
- Size contradiction: bullets say 6 by 4 inches, spec table says 6.0 x 6.0 x 1.5 inches
- 1 tray only, no set
- No warranty term is stated
- No rubber magnet cover is stated
What a Parts Tray Magnetic Does
A parts tray magnetic is a steel tray with a magnet in its base. The magnet holds small steel hardware in the tray and lets the tray stick to a metal surface, so the parts stay put while you work. The trays in this guide are stainless steel, and the HORUSDY sets add a rubber-coated magnet base that keeps the tray from scratching painted or polished surfaces.
Use it on the bench beside the job, or stick it to the side of a toolbox, a metal cabinet or a lift, where the parts stay within reach. The HORUSDY listings state the trays can be used upside down, vertically or sideways without falling.
How to Pick the Right Size
Match the tray to the hardware the job produces. The round trays here run from 3 inches to 6 inches across, and the HORUSDY 4-piece set adds a square tray of 9.5 x 5.5 inches for longer parts. A small tray suits a small pile of fasteners, while a large tray holds a bigger pile.
Round trays suit piles of nuts, bolts and screws. The square tray in the HORUSDY 4-piece set suits longer parts that do not fit a round tray. Check the listing for the tray size before ordering, and keep the tray on the bench or stuck to metal where it stays within reach.
Parts Tray Magnetic Picks for the Garage
Each tray below holds the hardware for its job, so match the tray to the parts you pull off the car.
Use rated jack stands on solid ground, wear eye protection with power and air tools, keep fuel-burning equipment out of a closed garage, and follow the manual for every tool. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
The HORUSDY trays carry a rubber-coated magnet base, so the tray will not scratch painted or polished surfaces. The GRIP tray states no rubber cover, so keep it off paint you care about.
Before You Start: What to Check
- Confirm the size. Check the listing for the tray size and shape before ordering.
- Pick the shape. Round trays suit piles of fasteners; the square tray suits longer parts.
- Stick it to metal. The HORUSDY trays hold to a toolbox, a metal cabinet or a lift, upside down or sideways.
- Mind painted surfaces. The HORUSDY trays have a rubber-coated base; the GRIP tray states no rubber cover.
- Wipe it clean. The GRIP listing states the tray wipes clean with a dry cloth.
FAQ: garage tools
What is a magnetic parts tray used for?
It holds small hardware during a repair: screws, nails, bolts, nuts, sockets and fasteners. The magnet keeps the parts in the tray and lets the tray stick to a metal surface, so the parts stay organized and within reach instead of rolling off the bench.
What size magnetic parts tray do I need?
Match the tray to the hardware. The round trays here are 3, 4 and 6 inches, plus a 4.5 inch round tray in the HORUSDY 4-piece set, which also has a square tray of 9.5 x 5.5 inches for longer parts. A small tray suits a small pile of fasteners; a large tray suits a bigger pile.
Can a magnetic parts tray be used upside down?
The HORUSDY listings state the trays can be used upside down, vertically or sideways without falling, stuck to a toolbox, a metal cabinet or a lift. The GRIP listing does not state upside-down use, so keep that tray flat on the bench.
Will a magnetic tray scratch paint?
The HORUSDY trays have a rubber-coated magnet base, and the listing states the cover prevents scratches on painted or polished surfaces. The GRIP tray states no rubber cover, so keep it off paint you care about.
Related: tool storage ideas for a small garage, small parts organizer picks, best garage workbench and our tool storage hub.
