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Top 10 Best Socket Organizers For Your Consideration In 2022 Review

With all the tools you have in your garage or workshop, organizing them properly is vitally important. No one likes the frustration of searching through a toolbox and trying to find a specific socket among your ratchets, extensions, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.

A quick and inexpensive way to get your sockets in order is to buy a socket organizer. There is a variety of them available, but which is the best socket organizer?

In the following roundup, we review our top 10 favorites. So let’s go through them and find the perfect socket organizer for you…

Top 10 Best Socket Organizer On The Market In 2022 Reviews

ProductsComponentsSocket SizesDrive HeadsSocket CapacityPriceRating

Components
3 Metric and 3 SAE Plastic Trays
Socket Sizes
Metric - 4mm to 27mm

SAE – 1/8” to 1-1/4”
Drive Heads
1/4”, 1/2”, and 3/8”
Socket Capacity
172 Pieces
Price Point
$$$
4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)

Components
3 Removable Rails and Holding Tray
Socket Sizes
Metric – 2mm to 36mm

SAE – 5/32” to 1-1/2”
Drive Heads
1/4”, 1/2”, and 3/8”
Socket Capacity
57 Pieces
Price Point
$$
4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Components
Metal-Backed Tray with Railing System
Socket Sizes
Drive Head Based Universal Fit
Drive Heads
1/4”, 1/2”, and 3/8”
Socket Capacity
80 Pieces
Price Point
$$$
4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)

Components
6 Interlocking Plastic Trays
Socket Sizes
Metric – 2mm to 36mm

SAE – 5/32” to 1-1/2”
Drive Heads
1/4”, 1/2”, and 3/8”
Socket Capacity
195 Pieces
Price Point
$$$
3.8 out of 5 stars (3.8 / 5)

Components
3 Anodized Aluminum Metal Rails
Socket Sizes
Drive Head Based Universal Fit
Drive Heads
1/4”, 1/2”, and 3/8”
Socket Capacity
46 Pieces
Price Point
$$
4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Components
3 Magnetic Trays with Rubber Bases
Socket Sizes
Metric – 4mm to 27mm
Drive Heads
1/4”, 1/2”, and 3/8”
Socket Capacity
75 Pieces
Price Point
$$$$
4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Components
3 Metric and 3 SAE Plastic Trays
Socket Sizes
Metric - 4mm to 27mm

SAE – 1/8” to 1-1/4”
Drive Heads
1/4”, 1/2”, and 3/8”
Socket Capacity
172 Pieces
Price Point
$$$$
4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Components
1 Magnetic Tray with Rubber Base
Socket Sizes
Metric – 4mm to 14mm

SAE – 1/4” to 9/16”
Drive Heads
1/4”
Socket Capacity
26 Pieces
Price Point
$
4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)

Components
1 Magnetic Tray with Rubber Base
Socket Sizes
Metric – 6mm to 20mm
Drive Heads
3/8”
Socket Capacity
30 Pieces
Price Point
$
4.9 out of 5 stars (4.9 / 5)

Components
3 Metric and 3 SAE Plastic Trays
Socket Sizes
Metric - 4mm to 27mm

SAE – 1/8” to 1-1/4”
Drive Heads
1/4”, 1/2”, and 3/8”
Socket Capacity
166 Pieces
Price Point
$$
4.1 out of 5 stars (4.1 / 5)

1 Socket Organizer Trays – 6 Piece SAE & Metric Socket Holder – Most Versatile Socket Organizer

The first socket organizer we are looking at is from B&C Home Goods. This is a 6-piece set of trays that can hold both metric and SAE type sockets.

Once you unpackage this product, you will notice that both the black and red trays are crafted out of hard plastic. The red trays are for your SAE sockets, and the black trays are for metric sockets, each with easy to read socket size labels.

Many drive sizes can be harnessed…

The trays are split up based on the socket’s drive size. You will have both a black and a red tray for 1/2”, 1/4”, and 3/8” socket drive heads.

The 1/2” metric tray can hold sockets ranging from 10mm to 27mm, while the 1/2” SAE tray can hold 3/8” to 1-1/4” sockets. Moving on to the 3/8” drive tray, you will find SAE-sized holders ranging from 1/4” to 1” and 6mm to 20mm receptacles on the metric tray.

Lastly, you have your 1/4” drive trays. You will have access to 4mm to 15mm metric-sized holders as well as 1/8” to 5/8” on the SAE tray.

Lots of secure organization…

On both the metric and SAE trays, you will have a slot for both your deep-well and regular sockets. We found that they fit very tightly, especially when you have a full set organized.

However, you will want to take care when removing and inserting your sockets. We didn’t find the organizational holding tips to be that strong. If not careful, you might find yourself accidentally breaking one.



Our rating:4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)

Pros

  • Comes with labeled tips, making it easy to organize your different sockets.
  • You can store regular or deep-well sockets.
  • Each socket holder is labeled and easy to read.

Cons

  • The plastic holding tips could be more robust.

2 Ernst Manufacturing Socket Boss 3-Rail Multi-Drive Socket Organizer – Best Customizable Socket Organizer

This organizer from Ernst manufacturing is their 3-Rail Socket Boss. It features a 19” tray with handles and integrated rails to accommodate 1/2”, 1/4”, and 3/8” socket drive heads. You will have access to 57 socket holding clips that feature a twist-lock to hold each socket securely in place along these rails.

The rails can be removed from the tray, allowing you to carry a specific number of sockets without needing to carry all 57 at a time.

Adjustable and nicely labeled…

Ernst has designed this socket organizer to be very adjustable. You will surely take notice of this set’s many socket identification labels. There are 96 identification tags covering SAE, metric, and Torx sizes.

For metric sizes, labels are ranging from 2mm to 36mm. SAE labels vary from 5/32” to 1-1/2”.

Ernst has included multiple same-sized tags so you can mark more than just one 3/8” socket, for example. On the 1/4” rail, there are a total of 22 socket holding clips. The 1/2” rail features 17 clips, and the 3/8” rail has 18 clips. Each of these clips can be removed or slid along the rail it is attached to.

Total customization…

You can set this organizer up however you like. However, we would recommend a bit of caution when removing the individual clips from the rails. They tend to flex and could potentially lose grip if removed and replaced frequently.

When you reattach the clips, you should hear a small click informing you that they are secured in place. Ernst Manufacturing also sells additional clips that are compatible with this socket organizer to attach your ratchets and extensions to the rails.



Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Can be used for SAE, metric, or Torx sockets.
  • Comes with 96 identification labels.
  • The twist and lock clips hold your sockets securely.

Cons

  • The retaining clips could be more rigid.

3 Olsa Tools Portable Socket Organizer Tray – Best Portable Socket Organizer

Next, in our reviews of the Best Organizer for Sockets, is a portable one from Olsa Tools that can hold up to 80 sockets.

It incorporates a 4-rail system that is attached to a metal-backed tray for increased durability. You will also have a metal handle allowing you to carry this organizer with ease from place to place. However, when you go to store this in your toolbox, you can flip the handle up and out of the way. You can then fit this socket organizer into any 18” deep or wide toolbox.

Safe and secure…

Like the previous organizer we looked at, this Olsa product uses clips to secure your sockets into place. The clips are divided between 1/4”, 1/2”, and 3/8” sized driver heads. You have 30 clips each your 1/2” and 3/8” socket heads split between three of the four rails. For your 1/4” heads, you will have one full rail that accommodates 20 clips.

On each of the green clips, you will notice a spring-loaded ball bearing. These add an extra level of protection and decrease the likelihood that a socket may fall out when carrying this organizer around.

Flexibility…

You will not notice any labels for your socket sizes on these clips. This will allow you to arrange your sockets however you want.

Another thing to take into consideration is the metal backing. While this makes this organizer more rigid, you may notice it bend slightly under the weight of deep-well sockets. But as long as you spread out the weight evenly, you shouldn’t have a problem.



Our rating:4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)

Pros

  • The 4-rail system can hold up to 80 sockets.
  • Each clip is made from ABS plastic.
  • Comes with a ball bearing retaining system for your sockets.

Cons

  • It does not include any type of socket identification labeling.

4 Craftsman Socket Organizer Set, 9-65172 – Best Adjustable Socket Organizer

When it comes to tools, Craftsman is a well-known name, and this Craftsman Socket Organizer Set features six organizational trays. In total, this socket organizer can hold up to 195 sockets! Not only can it hold sockets, but it can also hold numerous ratchets and extensions.

A place for everything…

As far as organizing your sockets, you will notice the trays are split by 1/2”, 1/4” and 3/8” socket driver head sizes. You will have metric holders ranging from 2mm to 36mm in size.

There are also SAE holders varying from 1-1/2” down to 5/32”. On each tray, there are embossed labels allowing you to identify where every socket goes.

Interlocking trays…

All six trays also allow for both 6-point and 12-point sockets to be held. These trays are also interlocking, enabling you to arrange them in whichever way is most convenient for you.

With the enormous number of sockets, ratchets, and extensions these organizing trays can hold, you may end up wanting to house deep-well sockets as well. Thankfully, Craftsman has also thought of this. You will find 36 riser pins included with this set, allowing you to adjust each trays’ height to easily accommodate your deep-well sockets.

But there’s a catch…

You will need to have a toolbox on the ready for you to be able to use this socket organizing set. While this set will hold your sockets neatly in a toolbox, it will not be able to secure your sockets in place unless they have a hard surface to sit on.

If you were to lift any of the trays while sockets are placed in it, they would simply fall out the bottom. We would also like to mention that the embossed labels on the trays are ridiculously small and difficult to read, in our opinion.



Our rating:3.8 out of 5 stars (3.8 / 5)

Pros

  • You can hold up to 195 sockets throughout the six different trays.
  • Includes places to store your ratchets and extensions.

Cons

  • Not very portable.
  • The embossed sizing labels are difficult to read.

5 Precision Defined Aluminum Tool Socket Holder – Most Durable Socket Organizer

The Precision Defined Aluminum Tool Socket Holder is another organizer that allows you to customize it any way you like. However, you will not find any specific size labels included in this set.

It features a 3-piece railing set with interchangeable driver head adapters. You will have 16 adapters for both 1/4” and 3/8” driver heads and 14 adapters for 1/2” heads as well.

Rust-resistant, and with secure seatings…

Each of the included rails is made from industrial grade aluminum and anodized blue. This helps prevent them from rusting over time.

All of the socket drive head adapters use ball-bearings to hold your sockets in place. You will hear your sockets snap into place, letting you know when they are securely attached. Thanks to the way the adapters slide into the railing’s groves, you also won’t need to worry about them accidentally coming loose.

Some nice added features, with one concern…

Located on the end of each rail, there are holes allowing you to hang them up in your garage.

After a multitude of testing, we did notice that the spring-loaded ball bearings seemed to weaken, unfortunately. This was most prevalent when they were under the strain of larger deep-well sockets. You will notice that your sockets will fit more loosely over time as well, especially if you are hanging the railings up on the wall.



Our rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Pros

  • The adaptors are interchangeable between the different rails.
  • Each rail is anodized to prevent rust over time.
  • Very lightweight, allowing you to hang it on the wall.

Cons

  • You will notice your sockets don’t attach as securely over time.

6 Olsa Tools Magnetic Socket Organizer – Best Socket Organizer for Metric Sockets

Olsa Tools is back again with another worthy contender, but is it the Best Socket Set Organizer you can buy?

This 3-piece socket organizer can hold up to 75 sockets. It can organize your usual 1/4”, 1/2”, and 3/8” drive head sockets; however, this particular model is made specifically for metric-sized sockets.

Located on the trays, you will notice white numbers letting you know where each socket is meant to go.

The magnets are nice…

Olsa has incorporated ferrite magnets into each of the organizing trays. Simply place a socket into its designated slot, and the magnets will secure it in place. On the bottom of each tray, you will notice a rubber base. This has also been magnetized, allowing you to secure the entire tray to the side of your toolbox, for example.

You might be worried that your sockets will fall out of the tray or that it might slide off whatever magnetic surface you have it attached to. We tested this on multiple toolboxes, steel walls, and even turned it upside down! It never once faltered. The magnets it uses to hold the sockets in place are even strong enough to hold deep-well sockets just as securely as your shallow-well ones.



Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Magnetic rubber base will not scratch the surface you attach it to.
  • Can hold both shallow and deep-well sockets.
  • Extremely durable.

Cons

  • Expensive.

7 Hansen Global 92001 SAE & Metric, 2-Row Socket Tray Set – Best High Capacity Socket Organizer

Hansen Global has made this SAE and Metric socket holder, which is capable of holding shallow and deep-well sockets simultaneously.

High capacity…

Like the first product we looked at, each tray has two rows of plastic pegs to hold your sockets in place. You will find six green trays included that can hold up to 172 sockets.

It comes with three metric and three SAE trays for 1/4”,1/2”, and 3/8” driver heads. Between the different metric trays, you can store sockets ranging from 27mm to 4mm in size. The SAE trays can hold 1/8” up to 1-1/2” sockets.

Wall mountable…

While you could place all six of these trays in your toolbox, they will take up quite a lot of room. Fortunately, Hansen Global has included small openings allowing you to easily mount them on your workshop’s wall with a few nails.

All the trays are made from exceptionally durable ABS plastic. This plastic is made to last and is resistant to damage caused by contact with gas or oil.

A bit tight…

Unfortunately, just like an earlier socket organizer we reviewed, the plastic pegs don’t leave much room between your sockets. So, you may find yourself accidentally grabbing for one socket and having another one come off with it.



Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Can accommodate up to 172 sockets.
  • Can organize both your deep-well and shallow sockets at the same time.
  • Durable ABS plastic trays.

Cons

  • There could be more space between the socket pegs.

8 BIG RED MTO721T Torin Tool Storage Organizer – Best Budget Socket Organizer

BIG RED Stores Torin Tool Organizer is a rather inexpensive choice if you are looking for a magnetic socket organizer. This organizer is only able to hold sockets with 1/4” drive heads, though. You can store up to 26 sockets in total with this organizer, and it can hold sockets ranging from 1/4” to 9/16” or 4mm to 14mm in size.

This red socket organizer is made from hard plastic. And along the bottom is a hard rubber base that is magnetic.

How about grip and durability…

When you place a socket into the holder, you will notice the magnetic base it uses. This is resistant to rust and is very rigid.

The overall durability of this product is surprisingly good and will not chip or deform if dropped. However, unfortunately, you may find yourself dropping it depending on where you place it. But, if you place it on to a flat surface, the magnets supply enough grip to prevent it from sliding around in your toolbox.

Just enough for both deep-well and shallow-well sockets…

While the organizer can grip on to a steel wall, we wouldn’t recommend doing it. We tested this product out with a mixture of deep-well and shallow-well sockets. When we attached it to the wall in our workshop, we immediately noticed that it start to slip. One of the larger deep-well sockets also fell out of the organizer.

Therefore, in our opinion, the magnets in this socket organizer aren’t strong enough for you to carry this organizer around with you.



Our rating:4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)

Pros

  • Very well priced.
  • Durable construction materials.

Cons

  • The magnets could provide more grip.
  • Limited to sockets with a 1/4” drive head.

9 Vetco 30-Piece METRIC 3/8th-Inch Magnetic Socket Holder – Best 3/8” Head Socket Organizer

This Vetco magnetic socket organizer is compatible with sockets that have a 3/8” drive head only. It is made to hold 15 deep-well sockets and 15 shallow-well sockets simultaneously with sizes varying from 6mm to 20mm.

The magnets used to secure the sockets in place are top-notch. And like the other magnetic socket organizers we’ve reviewed, this comes with a magnetic rubber base.

Awesome craftsmanship…

However, while the magnets used in this organizer are superb, the blue plastic housing could be more robust and detailed. It may just have been the unit we’d received, but the base wasn’t perfectly level. But this didn’t seem to affect its ability to grip onto surfaces.

Another thing we noticed is that the plastic case had a few jagged edges around the socket receptacles, but these are easily sanded down if need be.



Our rating:4.9 out of 5 stars (4.9 / 5)

Pros

  • Powerful magnets.
  • Can hold 3/8” deep and shallow-well sockets.
  • White metric size labels are easy to read.

Cons

  • Only holds 3/8” sockets.
  • You may notice some deformity issues.

10 Grip 6 pc Socket Organizer Tray Set – Best Socket Organizer with Dividers

The last product we are looking at in our Best Quality Socket Organizer roundup is from Grip. This socket organizer comes with three red trays for your SAE sockets and three blue trays for your metric sockets.

In the SAE trays, you can hold 45 sockets ranging from 4mm to 27mm in size, while the blue trays will accommodate up to 38 metric sockets from 1/8” to 1-1/4” in size.

It’s all about the dividers…

What makes these trays different from the others we’ve reviewed is the superb way they divide your shallow and deep-well sockets. Running down the middle of each tray is a divider. This has rounded off indicators that mark the correct socket size for that slot and incorporate pegs for your sockets to be placed in.

However…

The plastic pegs used to organize your sockets are not that large. Once you place a socket into its appropriate spot, you will notice that it goes in place with almost no resistance at all. With these organizing trays fully loaded, you may even notice some of your 1/4” drive head sockets fall out of place if you move the tray.

Plus, even though you can hang these trays on a wall, we don’t advise it. The sockets are just not secured well enough, and you will likely end up with most if not all of them falling onto the floor.



Our rating:4.1 out of 5 stars (4.1 / 5)

Pros

  • Can hold up to 166 sockets.
  • White numbered indicators make organizing easy.
  • Socket pegs are exceptionally durable.

Cons

  • You can not hang these trays up on a wall.

Best Socket Organizer Buying Guide

Best Socket Organizer Review

When it comes to organizing your sockets, you have a few options. And the most common types of socket organizers feature clips, pegs, magnets, or slots to place your sockets in or onto.

Each type of organizer will separate your sockets by their drive head size. The most common drive head sizes are 1/4”, 1/2”, and 3/8”. They can then organize them further based on the diameter. And depending on the organizer you choose, you will be able to hold SAE or metric sockets, or even both at the same time.

Peg Organizers

Socket organizers that use pegs or plastic tips often come with one or more plastic trays. And each peg will typically be labeled with a corresponding socket size. They may also feature a separate row of pegs to separate your deep-well sockets from your shallow-well ones.

You may notice that they feature two different colored trays. The tray color will distinguish your metric tray from your SAE tray.

Clip Organizers

Organizers that use clips for socket retention are commonly placed on a tray that contains rails that are often removable. On each clip, you will notice a socket drive head adapter. These will usually come with a spring-loaded ball bearing to hold your socket securely into place. And will vary in size depending on your sockets’ drive head.

The clips can usually slide up and down the rail, as well as being removable and interchangeable between the different rails. This allows you a lot of flexibility when it comes to organizing your sockets. However, not all socket organizers use a clip retention system appointed to a specifically sized socket.

Magnetic Organizers

Top Best Socket Organizers

With a magnetic organizer, you are relying on a magnet to hold your sockets securely in place. These often come with a plastic housing with cut-outs labeled for specific socket sizes and a magnetic base. And will be designed for either SAE or metric-sized sockets.

When you insert a socket into the housing, you will be able to see the magnetic base. Underneath that base, you will usually find a magnetic rubber pad that allows you to secure the organizer onto a steel wall, for example. The rubber pad also aids in preventing the organizer or wall from getting scratched when the organizer is attached.

Depending on the strength of magnets integrated into the organizer, you may be able to carry it without your sockets falling out.

Slot Organizers

The last type of organizer you will typically find are ones that utilize slotted trays, which vary in size based on the socket they are meant to hold.

They will usually be made from plastic, making them very lightweight. However, with these types of organizing trays, you need to place them on a flat hard surface because they do not have an integrated support base.

These trays are best suited for sitting in a drawer inside in your toolbox. They also normally come with clips that allow you to connect one tray to another. You may also find that these trays also have space for your ratchets and extensions.

Metal risers are also often supplied with slotted trays. These can be used to raise the height of your trays to accommodate deep-well sockets.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of the type of organizer you choose, they will keep your sockets neatly in one place. While some organizers are more portable than others, they will often rely on magnets or ball bearings to hold your sockets in place. Magnets and ball bearings have their limitations, though.

You need to be careful when hanging or moving your socket organizer; otherwise, your sockets might fall out. And even though a socket doesn’t weigh as much as a bowling ball, it will still hurt if you drop it on your foot.

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So, what is the Best Socket Organizer?

This wasn’t an easy choice to make, but if we have to choose our favorite socket organizer, we would go for the…

Olsa Tools Magnetic Socket Organizer

It can hold up to 75 sockets on the 1/2”, 3/8”, and 1/4” drive head trays, which easily accommodate both deep and shallow-well sockets.

The magnets Olsa uses to secure the sockets in place are extraordinarily strong. So, you can carry these organizing trays anywhere without worrying about your sockets falling out. And thanks to the soft magnetized rubber base on each tray, you don’t have to worry about them scratching any surfaces.

With a set of Olsa’s, you can be sure that your sockets will be organized and secured whenever you need them.

Happy organization.

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