If you are looking for the best socket organizer for your socket sets, you are in for a treat! We are reviewing some of the top-rated products in this article.
We know exactly how it feels to scour through a toolbox or a drawer trying to find the right socket among 100 other sockets drivers.
Why torture yourself like this? Just get yourself a proper socket organizer.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 socket organizers and help you find the best one for your needs.
If you’re in rush and don’t have enough time to read all reviews, here’s our top 4 picks in short!
| Image | Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
  | Hansen Socket Storage Trays | |
  | MLTOOLS Socket Rail Set | |
  | Olsa 3 Pcs Socket Holder | |
  | Ernst 3 Rail Socket Organizer |
- 1. Hansen Global 92000
- 2. MLTOOLS Twist Lock Socket Rails
- 3. Olsa Tools Socket Holder
- 4. Ernst Socket Organizer
- 5. TEKTON 91805
- 6. Hansen Global 9302 Socket Tray
- 7. Lisle 40200 Socket Holder
- 8. Mechanic’s Lock-A-Socket Tray
- 9. ARES 70177 Socket Organizer
- 10. TEKTON 1885 Socket Holder
- 11. Things to Consider Before Buying
- 12. FAQs
Best Socket Organizers in 2019
This review covers some of the most popular socket organizers on the market today. Let’s get started!
1. Hansen Global 92000 Socket Storage Tray Review – 166 Sockets, 6 Tray Set
Our first pick for the best socket organizer is from the very popular Hansen Global company. It is the 92000 SAE and Metric Socket Storage 6-trayset, and it’s a great choice for people who have lots of sockets. It holds 172!
The 6 storage trays accommodate sockets of various sizes, and you get 2 of each size tray. So you can store 2 sockets that are1/4″, and so on. The posts are marked in metric and SAE sizes, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the exact socket you need. You get 3 grey trays and 3 red trays to help you organize your sockets and find them easily.
The largest tray is 18″ x 4 “x 3.5″, the medium is 13″ x 3″ x 3″, and the small tray is 9″ x 2″ x 2.5”.
The 92000 socket organizer trays are made of durable ABS plastic which more or less makes them immune from damage by oil, grease and gas.
Each post base is made strong to hold its socket securely in place.
- Hansen Global 92000 is the best socket set organizer if you have a lot of sockets as it holds 172..
- Each tray has deep and ordinary compartments, allowing them to hold sockets securely.
- The trays are made of tough ABS plastic.
- The posts are labeled with the socket size, which facilitates finding the right one.
- Some posts for the smallest sockets are too small, so these sockets can fall out.
2. MLTOOLS Twist Lock Socket Rails T8252 with 2 Trays (Blue & Red)
Next up, we have the Multi-Drive Universal Socket Boss Rail Set model T8252 from MLTools. This set is perfect for people who love and look forward to adding to and customizing their socket organizer.
This socket rail set is a set of 2 rails, and each has 3 rows in it. It holds 90 sockets.
You can stock up on the more basic and widely-used sizes because the 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch drive sockets which includes 15 clips for each.
That’s some smart thinking. However, the most important feature of the multi-drive rail set has to be it’s twist-lock posts. Insert and spin the socket 1/8 of an inch to fix it tightly on it the post. It holds the sockets so tightly in place in fact that you can turn the entire set upside down without having to fear for your sockets dropping out.
This set offers amazing versatility. You can remove individual rails, switch them with rails of a different color, add or remove socket clips, swap out drive sizes, and add ratchet and extension holders.
Instead of labeling the posts, it comes with socket size ID stickers.
As for construction, each set measures 20 “x 5″ x 12”.It also includes a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. That’s as good as it gets!
- The MLTOOLS Twist Lock Socket Rails set accommodates 90 sockets.
- I thought these were the best socket rail organizer.
- I found the clamps very sturdy as they prevents the tools from falling out.
- The frame with rails has no mounting holes and this makes installation difficult.
- Not durable or small enough for tool boxes; for drawer use mostly
3. Olsa Tools Aluminum Socket Organizer – Best socket Holder
Our next pick for the best tool organizer is the 3-piece Aluminum Socket Organizer from Olsa Tools, and we think it’s one of the most efficient choices for people who need to carry around their socket most of the time.
This Aluminum Socket Organizer comes with 3 rails, or strips. Each rail has 16 posts, so it holds a total of 49 sockets. It stores ¼”, 3/8″ and 1/2″ sockets, which are the most widely used sizes.
The rails are made entirely out of aluminum, which is stronger than plastic. These should last a long time.
Each rail measures 17″ x 1″ x 1″. Each clips is spring-loaded, and hold each socket so tightly you can hold the rails upside without the sockets falling out.
However, the feature we really admire is its keyhole slots on either end .This allows you to hang the rails on your wall, making it easy to find and convenient to grab while you’re working. Small detail, big difference!
- I want to note the high strength of both the aluminum housing, as well as the spring-loaded clips, which shows excellent quality.
- I like the 58-holder capacity of this organizer.
- Each spring-loaded ball bearing hold the sockets firmly, even if I turn the organizer upside down.
- The keyhole slot at the end of each tray is a good idea that was useful to me when I hung the trays on the wall.
- There are no labels or identifiers that would make it easier for me to search for what’s needed.
- Very narrow rail; susceptible to snapping
4. Ernst Socket Organizer Review – 45 Sockets, 3 Rails
And next up, we have the Socket Boss Multi Rail Socket Organizer from Ernst Manufacturing. This would be perfect for people who are looking for something along the lines of the Olsa Tools Aluminum Socket Organizer. This is one of the most popular 3 piece socket organizers.
The Ernst Socket organizer consists of 3 rails. Each rail has 15 clips for 45 clips in total. As for size, you get 15 clips each for ¼”, 3/8″ and ½”sockets. So if you have a small set of sockets, this organizer is all you need.
The nice thing is that each clip is twist-lock which, as you know already, locks in your socket in place tightly and so they won’t fall out.
The Ernst socket boss organizer comes in two sizes, 13″ and 19″ depending on whether you want to take it with you or store it in a drawer. What we really like about the multi rail socket organizer is that like to the ML Tools Multi-Drive Universal Socket Boss Rail Set, this Ernst Organizer is highly versatile and customizable.
You can easily add and remove socket clips, mark socket sizes with I.D. stickers, and the trays come in 3 colors. You can also swap out drive sizes and add ratchet/ extension holders in a second. And to add to that, you get a lifetime warranty!
- The Ernst Socket Organizer holds 45 sockets, which is great for people who only have a small number of sockets
- Compact and easy to store.
- ID. stickers are included to identify the sockets.
- Fast and easy to use.
- The clips do not hold well I’m concerned the sockets will get lost.
5. Tekton Socket Organizer Review – 44 Sockets, 3 Rails
Our fifth pick is the socket holder set from TEKTON. We highly recommend this trio for our minimalist socket hoarders.
The Tekton 91805 socket organizer is a set of 3 rails. You can store socket drives of ¼”, 3/8″ and ½”. The ¼” rail and the½” can hold up to 15 sockets each, while the 3/8″ can hold up to 14 sockets. So, you can store 44 sockets. Like we said, it’s perfect for our minimalist buyers!
These rails all have clips which allow you fit your sockets snuggly onto the rail. You just insert the socket and twist it to lock it in place.
This set is made from durable plastics. The ½” rail is 18″ long while the ¼” and 3/8″rails are 15″ long.
This set also has keyhole slots at the end of the rails, which we think is absolutely fantastic. This socket holder set comes with manufacturer’s guarantee as well!
- Even though this organizer is made of plastic,– it’s strong.
- The twist-lock posts are ideal. They hold the sockets very securely.
- I easily pulled the socket off the rail; it just took a quarter of a turn.
- The Tekton Socket Organizer is also very versatile since you can use it double-sided. This literally expanded the usage possibilities.
- One set of clips was not installed on one rail so I had to install them myself.
6. Hansen Global 9302 Socket Tray Set Review – 92 Sockets, 3 Tray
We previously introduced you to a massive socket organizer from Hansen Global. However this time, we review their 9302 Socket Tray Set, which holds 92 sockets.
You get 3 trays of socket holders for¼”, 3/8″ and ½” sizes. The smallest tray holds 28 sockets, the medium one holds 30 sockets and the largest one holds 34. The SAE sizes are marked on each post.
These trays and posts are made from hard ASB plastic. The largest tray is 22″ long. These trays are great for storage inside tool drawers or out on the work bench.
- The rails hold the sockets very tightly and therefore provides reliable storage.
- It is made of Abs plastic which is not affected by contact with gas or oils.
- It’s easy to find the right sockets because the identification marks are placed at the top of the posts.
- Flimsy plastic trays
- The posts are not suitable for all connectors, especially the3/8″ ones. They’re either too thick or too small.
7. Lisle Magnetic Socket Holder Set – 28 Sockets
The seventh pick on our list is a little bit different from our other choices. The 40200 Magnetic Socket Holder from Lisle is perfect for readers who are looking for a single size socket holder. This is also the best portable socket organizer.
The 40200 magnetic socket holder is a single strip of socket holder. It has no posts or clips. Instead, it has horizontal slot which lets you slide in your 3/8″ sockets. It has 14 individual and separate compartments on each side, giving you a total holding capacity of 28 sockets.
The nice thing about the Lisle magnetic socket holder set is that it can hold both standard and deep set socket drives with ease.
The 40200 socket organizer measures 6″ x 16″ x 2″and is made out of durable ABS plastic.
But what makes the 40200 Magnetic Socket Holder truly unique is that it contains a magnet. This means that the socket holder can stick itself to any metal object, including your toolbox. It also has a large opening at one end to let you hang this socket holder on a wall.
- I am satisfied with the capacity as this organizer can store standard and deep sockets.
- It is durable as it is made of ABS plastic, which resists damage from oil and gas.
- Since it only holds one size of sockets, it’s easy to tell which size they are.
- The magnets inside the strip are very sturdy and tightly hold the tray onto steel
- The posts are easy to remove or replace.
- The low profile of Lisle Magnetic Socket Holder Set allows me to put it in almost any toolbox and take it with me.
- Even though the strip holds 28 sockets, the organizer has a lot of unnecessary space.
- In the vertical position of the organizer, some sockets fell out.
8. Mechanic’s Time Saver MTSLA STRAY 5 Row Lock-A-Socket Tray
The Mechanic’s Time Saver MTSLASTRAY 5 Row Lock-a-Socket tray is a dream socket organizer for people who like their trays right beside them.
It is large, spacious and probably the best choice for you if you like all your sockets spread out and close at hand. This nice socket tray has 5 rows of posts on a wide, magnetic steel tray.
You can insert a total of 76 sockets of the 5 rows, in ½”, 3/8″ and ¼” sizes. It has 14 posts for ½” sockets, 14 posts for 3/8″ sockets, and 20 posts for your ¼ inch sockets.
Each post is 2 inches tall, and they use a twist and lock mechanism where you insert the socket into the post, twist it, and it locks tightly in its place.
This socket tray itself is made from powder-coated steel, and is therefore very durable. This makes it heavier than a plastic tray would be. It measures 25″ x 10″ x 2″, and it is all in one piece. It’s clearly best for use inside drawers or on benches.
However, what we really like about this giant tray is that it comes with rubber feet, holding it steady as you insert and remove sockets. The tray also has swiveling handles to help you carry it.
- It is durable since it has a dense metal base.
- Its90 socket capacity is plenty for most users.
- Mechanic’s socket posts are replaceable; just unscrew the old one and screw in a new one as needed.
- The magnet helps to hold sockets very tightly, so your sockets won’t fall out and get lost.
- You’ll never have to look for a tray of sockets because they’re together.
- The 90-socket capacity makes this a large and heavy organizer.
9. Ares Socket Organizer Review – 80 Sockets, 4 Rails
The Ares Socket Organizer is a tray-size socket organizer, much like the MTSLASTRAY Lock-a-Socket Tray, and has 4 strips of rails on it. It holds the standard sockets sizes of ¼”, 3/8″ and ½”.
As for capacity, it has 20 posts for ¼”, 30 posts for 3/8″ and 30 posts of ½” sockets for, a total of 80 sockets. This is the best socket tray for a medium-size number of sockets.
What’s nice is that the posts have spring-loaded ball bearings which hold the sockets in firmly. They do not come off easily once they are locked in places, and that’s always good in our book.
In terms of construction, each strip is 17″ in length, and the whole organizer measures 17″ x 8″ x 0.05″. It’s perfect for in-drawer use.
One thing, which is totally unrelated to the performance of this products yet is important to us is that Ares is a proud ambassador of the ASPCA. Okay, yes, we know it has nothing to do with the product, but we love our furry friends and we think it’s a nice touch. Just saying.
Anyway, back to business. The Ares Socket Organizer has interchangeable clips. This means you can insert a½” clip on the ¼” inch rail to customize your organizer.
- The ball bearings slide along the rail, and the clips can be placed on any of the rails.
- The Ares Socket Organizer holds 80 sockets, which offers most users a good variety.
- The organizer can be customized by adding/removing clips.
- It was difficult for me to pull out the right sockets since it has such a strong grip.
10. TEKTON 1885 Socket Holder Set – 48 Socket, 3 Rails
We want to dedicate our final choice for the top rated socket organizer by reviewing one that would be absolutely fantastic for people who are looking for a cheaper unit without comprising much on quality.
Our final pick is the 1885 Socket Holder from TEKTON, and it is as budget-friendly as it gets for socket organizers!
The 1885 Socket Holder is a 3-piece set, and each piece holds up to 16 sockets. Do the math and you about 48 socket holding capacity from this set.
What makes the 1885 Socket Holder so different, and so affordable, is that it is made out of nickel-plated steel.
Each clip uses a spring-steel mechanism, which locks in the socket in place tightly enough that the socket’s don’t fall out even when the rail is held upside down.
This best socket holder will accommodate clips of size ¼”, 3/8″, and ½”. Overall, it measures 5″ x 1″ x 19.2″. You can use the rails as is, store them in drawers, or even attach them to the wall since they come with keyhole slots.
- Each holder can store 16 sockets, and since you can transport 1, 2 or all 3, this means you don’t have to bring more sockets with you than you need.
- All parts are made of nickel-plated steel, a very durable material.
- It’s lightweight and easy to transport although it’s all made of solid steel.
- I found weak clips on the large posts, so your largest sockets may fall out.
The Best Socket Organizer Buying Guide
Read our complete buying guide before buying a socket holder.
Type of organizer
Socket organizers come in many form, shapes and sizes. So, before all and everything, decide on the perfect socket organizer for your needs. Do you need something portable and easy to carry? Do you need one that holds a large number of sockets? Do you want a magnet in the organizer to help hold your sockets in place? Or would you a large, one-piece storage organizer that you’ll keep in a drawer?
Capacity
Consider the size of your socket collection, and the kind of jobs you’ll be doing. If you are planning to do jobs that will require you to buy new sockets, make sure the organizer you choose is big enough for the sockets you own now and the sockets you plan to buy.
On the other hand, if you don’t use a lot of socket drivers, a smaller organizers should work just fine for you.
Socket size
What sizes of socket drivers do you own? The most common sizes are ¼” 3/8″ and ½”. If you only tend to use one size, buy a specialized organizer that stores just that size. If you have just started buying tools, get a set that allows you to mix and match the socket sizes so you can store them wherever there’s room in your organizer.
Post tension
Some of the top quality socket organizers have posts which do not assert any grip or holding tension on your sockets. Tray and drawer insert organizers are perfect examples of these since they always sit flat, horizontally, on a surface like your workbench.
However, there wall-mount and magnetic organizers that give you the option to store your sockets vertically. It’s especially important for these organizers to hold your sockets tightly so none will fall out. For vertical-mount socket organizers, look for press-fit or lock-twist posts or clips.
Durability
Good quality socket organizers are made from various different types of materials, and they each come with their own set of pros and cons. We recommend using organizers made of ABS plastic since they resist gas and oil as well as rusting or corroding. However, if you have a huge number of sockets you might need a metal organizer to support their weight.
Versatility
And last, but not least, look for socket organizers that offer you some sort of user comfort. It could be in the form of being able to detach, attach and add new socket clips, adding new rails or strips, color-coordination, labeling, or detaching strips so you don’t have to carry all your sockets all the time.
Type of socket organizers
In the market, there are various type of socket organizers. Below are the most running types.
Tray organizers
One of the oldest and most common type of socket organizers come in a tray-style.
You basically have clips, or posts whatever you like you call it, which stand perpendicularly on a tray. The posts are usually non-press and non-locking, and they tend to be longer than the posts on most other organizers.
Sometimes, they’ll even have swiveling handles on each side. Tray organizers are best used inside drawers or left on top of a workbench.
Rail system
Rail system socket organizers are very popular now. These types of organizers use strips of clips or posts. They are sometimes sold individually but you can easily find sets of 3 to as many as 10 rail organizers in a set.
These rails system strips are usually detachable and allow you to mix and match the size of the sockets stored on each rail. The rails often have keyhole slots on each side, making them easier to store on walls.
Magnetic Organizers
And then there are socket organizers which have magnets inside them. Why?
Well, this allows you to hang your socket organizer on most metal surfaces without having to drill a hole and install screws or fasteners. This also makes it quick and easy to relocate your socket organizer, should you move or rearrange your workshop. The magnet also helps to hold the socket drivers in place.
Pouch Organizers
These organizers are just what they say there are–tiny and portable. You can carry them inside most toolkits. They don’t hold very many socket, and they take up very little room.
Drawer Inserts
These organizers are very similar to tray socket organizers.
They tend to be long and wide, and they will store more sockets. This type of organizers will usually have foam or rubber feet to grip the drawer and reduce the chance of the organizer sliding out of reach as you open or close the drawer.
The Top 5 Socket Organizer Brands
Hansen Global
Hansen Global is no stranger in the tool industry. This company has produced a wide array of storage solutions for hand tools, power tools, and accessories, and of its most popular accessories are their socket organizers. The Hansen Global 92000 SAE & Metric Socket Storage is one of the most prominent organizers from the company.
Ernst Maufacturing
Ernset Manufacturing produces some of the most popular and high quality tray and rail system socket organizers on the market. They also tend to be very affordable and budget-friendly.
TEKTON Tools
If you know your tools, chances are that you heard of TEKTON.
This company has created a brand through manufacturing a wide variety of hand tools and accessories. TEKTON, unlike most brands, likes to experiment with materials and therefore produces organizers made from a variety of materials. Tekton is also very well-known for their top quality tap & die sets.
Olsa Tools
Next is Olsa Tools, which only makes tool storage systems. This brand is especially popular and renowned for its aluminum rail-system socket organizers. They’re easy to use and super versatile!
Lisle
Lisle is a specialty tool company that produces some of the most affordable yet high quality socket organizers out there. One of its most popular socket organizers is the 40200 Magnetic Socket Holder. This magnetic socket holder will hold on to your tools and last for a long, long time.
Benefits of Using Socket Organizers
Organizes
The foremost benefit of using a good socket organizer is that you won’t have to hunt through your workbench, toolbox or drawers looking for the socket driver you need to use. This saves you time, stops your sockets from getting lost or damaged, and helps you to get the job done faster.
Sizes
Socket organizers may store all three common sizes, or they may store only one size of socket drivers. You can buy exactly the organizer you need you need, saving you money and saving space in your workshop or toolbox.
Most of the times, you’ll have the size engraved on the body of the socket itself, but you have to pick them up to read them. Most socket organizers come with size indicators. It could be labeled, marked, engraved, or sometimes you’ll get stickers to identify your sockets.
Gives Easier, Faster Access
One other very neat thing about socket organizers is that they come in various forms. You can get stick them on metals (magnetic organizers), you can hang them on walls, or keep them in drawers or toolboxes.
Organizers often come in trays or detachable strips, which makes them more portable. You can carry them as you work or even throw them inside your toolbox for a little road trip.
Care and Maintenance of Socket Organizer
- Try to clean your socket holder every year. This is especially important if you happen to use tray or drawer insert organizers, which tend to accumulate more gunk and debris.
- If your organizer wobbles or slides around, try sticking on some adhesive rubber or foam pads on the bottom underneath the corners.
- Do not let water or any other liquid accumulate in your organizer. There are a lot of crevices which can make it an organizer difficult to clean.
- If you can, power wash your organizer once in a while or at least wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
- Use a tooth brush or a small paintbrush to clean out dirt from inside your organizer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The rail organizers I bought are flimsy and thin. What now?
Answer: Chuck them out and get a better one.
What is the difference between twist-lock and press-lock posts?
Answer: Good question!. We already know that twist lock and press lock mechanisms help to hold the socket on their posts. Although both mechanisms serve the same purpose of gripping sockets, there is a difference is the way each works. With a twist-lock clip or post you insert and then twist the socket clockwise to lock it in place, or twist counterclockwise to remove it.
You usually have to twist either 1/8″ or 90° to lock a socket in place. With a press fit mechanism you simply insert the socket into the post, and that’s it.
The sharp edges of my socket organizer are tearing through my tool bag. What can I do?
Answer: Use sandpaper to round off the edges of your organizer.
My tray socket organizer has side handles, which are preventing me from placing them inside my drawer comfortably. How can I take them off?
Answer: You don’t have to remove the handles as they usually swivel. Try to fold them inside and underneath the tray, or fold the handles upwards.
Summary
Socket organizers are great accessories and a must-have for every craftsman. Our article has everything to need to know to pick the best socket organizers for yourself! Take a look at our buying guide and then read reviews about the organizers we mentioned. We covered everything you may need; low capacity to high capacity, fixed or portable, even single size organizers.
This concludes our review of socket organizers. We hope you find it useful the next time you’re are shopping for this amazing accessory. You don’t need to have a mess in your tool drawer. Good luck!
Jim says
I’m planning to buy a socket organizer for my garage. Thanks for the recommendations. Will definitely check those products out.