If you think about the longest amount of time it’s taken you to find the socket you need and your answer comes out as more than a few seconds, there’s a good chance you could use some organization in your life. We’re not saying there’s anything wrong with being unorganized, but, if the idea of turning those wasted minutes into seconds and clearing clutter in the process, it’s time to invest in a socket organizer.
As the name suggests, these handy contraptions organize your DIY sockets. This generally involves arranging the tools in rows or a logical progression to make finding the size you’re searching for easy. These clutter-fighting holders come in a range of orientations, meaning there are plenty of options for storing sockets. You’ll find in-drawer, countertop and wall-mounted organizers on our list.
Take a look through the top five socket organizers and find the one that will turn your socket pile nightmare into a professional-looking arrangement.
1. Olsa Tools Aluminum Socket Organizer
With space for 58 individual sockets, this Olsa Tools Aluminum Socket Organizer makes keeping your workshop neat and tidy a breeze. Each rail in the three-piece kit includes a number of spring-loaded ball bearing clips for holding your sockets firmly and securely in place until you need them. To release the sockets, simply pull, and they will pop away. Each high-quality rail is made from anodized aluminum and can be mounted on your workshop wall with ease. Furthermore, there are five different colors to choose from, so it’s easy to make your organizer match your interiors.
PROS: The compact size, smart storage system and tough build quality of this socket organizer make it hard to beat.
CONS: The lack of size markings on the clips may make it easier to muddle up your organizer.
2. Hansen Global 2-Row Socket Tray Set
The Hansen Global 2-Row Socket Tray Set is an easy way to eliminate toolbox clutter. The double-rowed organizers feature upright posts for storing your sockets in an orderly fashion. Each post is thicker at the base for secure storage and marked with its corresponding piece size, allowing instant identification of the socket you’re looking for. These USA-made trays use a tough ABS plastic which is capable of standing up to the rigors of tool boxes and drawers. In addition, this six-piece set includes trays for 1/4″ metric, 1/4″ fractional, 3/8″ metric, 3/8″ fractional, 1/2″ metric and 1/2″ fractional socket pieces.
PROS: The marked posts make identifying the stored sockets especially easy.
CONS: The Tough ABS plastic will certainly do the job. However, a more durable material may better suit frequent users.
3. MLTOOLS Socket Organizer
With the ability to hold up to 85 sockets, this MLTOOLS Socket Organizer provides plenty of space for getting things in order. Each row is lined with spring-loaded ball-bearing clips to hold your sockets firmly in place until you need them. When you require one, simply grab it and go. The compact design makes it easy to house this organizer in a workbench, in toolbox drawers or even in a bag when you’re out and about. You’ll also find a built-in handle for more convenient carrying.
PROS: The compact design makes this organizer great for storing on worktops, in drawers or in tool chests.
CONS: If you’re looking to hang your organizer up on your workshop wall, this isn’t the right choice.
4. ARES Magnetic Socket Holder
Sporting a heavy-duty, high-impact plastic construction, the ARES Magnetic Socket Holder offers a durable and functional choice for storing your sockets. It features a magnetic base which can sit horizontally or vertically for easy mounting. Plus, there are three different models to choose from, depending on the range of socket sizes you’re looking to store, and each one is available in four different colors, allowing you to match your holder with your workshop interior. You’ll also find a rubberized covering on the underside of the organizer to protect your surfaces as well as high-visibility socket markings to make identification quick and easy.
PROS: The soft, rubberized covering on the base ensures you don’t do damage to your work surfaces.
CONS: There are fewer spaces for sockets in this organizer when compared to most competing options.
5. Organizer Genie Tool Organizer Starter Kit
The Organizer Genie Tool Organizer Starter Kit lets you create the tool organizer of your dreams. You begin with four blank yet flexible pegboards which can be joined together in a number of different configurations. Then, you can use the included pegs and fittings to tailor make a workshop organizer. In addition to sockets, this multi-functional organizer has the capability to store screwdrivers, pliers and more. The kit is available in red, blue and black and can easily attach to walls or lie in drawers, depending on your preference.
PROS: With its range of fittings, you can create the exact organizer you need for all your sockets, screwdrivers, pliers and other tools.
CONS: While the ability to tailor make your organizer is awesome, it does take more configuration than the average socket organizer.