Every homeowner needs a socket set for home and auto repairs. However, because these sets come with numerous sockets of various sizes, it’s easy to lose track of them. A socket organizer is better than throwing them into a random drawer, and each model has its own pros and cons. To help you navigate this information and find the best socket storage option, the This Old House Team researched the best socket holders available. Read below to see our top picks, and be sure to also check out our tools buying guide for more tips and tricks.
Top 5 Socket Organizers
- Olsa Tools Socket Holders: Best Overall
- Ernst Manufacturing Multi-Drive Socket Organizer: Most User-Friendly
- Olsa Tools Magnetic Socket Organizers: Best Imperial
- ARES Magnetic Socket Organizer Set: Best Metric
- HORUSDY Socket Organizer: Most Portable
Compare Top Socket Organizers
| Product | Organization Method | Capacity | Securing Mechanism |
|---|---|---|---|
Olsa Tools Socket HoldersCheck Price | Three rails | 58 sockets | Clips with ball bearings |
Ernst Manufacturing Multi-Drive Socket OrganizerCheck Price | Three rails and a tray | 57 sockets | Twisting clips |
Olsa Tools Magnetic Socket OrganizersCheck Price | Three racks | 68 sockets | Magnets |
ARES Magnetic Socket Organizer SetCheck Price | Three racks | 75 sockets | Magnets |
HORUSDY Socket OrganizerCheck Price | Four rails and a tray | 80 sockets | Clips with ball bearings |
Best Overall
Olsa Tools Socket Holders
These three socket organizers are made with anodized aluminum rails, plastic clips, and steel ball bearings for long-lasting use. The set holds up to 58 sockets with clips that you can use on the front or back of the rails.
Pros and Cons of Olsa Tools Socket Holders
- Comes in multiple colors and sizes
- Is made from durable high-grade anodized aluminum
- Built with strong ABS clips that keeps sockets in place
- Some customers prefer tray organizers over rails
- Less durable than some other models
What People Are Saying About The Olsa Tools Socket Holders
Many customers were pleased with the durability of these socket organizers. Others liked how portable they were and how many total sockets they could hold. Displeased reviewers mentioned that there weren’t enough three-eighths- and half-inch clips.
Most User-Friendly
Ernst Manufacturing Multi-Drive Socket Organizer
Pros and Cons of Ernst Manufacturing Multi-Drive Socket Organizer
- Comes in various color options
- Has a twist-lock that keeps sockets secured
- Includes ID stickers for easy size labels
- Some customers felt it wasn’t made with strong materials
- Only comes in two sizes
What People Are Saying About The Ernst Manufacturing Multi-Drive Socket Organizer
Numerous customers mentioned this socket organizer’s secure mechanism and affordable price in their positive reviews. Critical customers felt like it was made from cheap plastic.
Best Imperial
Olsa Tools Magnetic Socket Organizers
These three magnetic racks allows for easy access to your sockets on a wall, tool chest, or other metal surfaces. The set holds up to 68 sockets with inch labels in front of each slot to tell you what size socket fits where.
Pros and Cons of Olsa Tools Magnetic Socket Organizers
- Available in over a dozen colors and several sizes
- Has a strong, durable magnetic base that keeps sockets locked in place
- Works with both deep and shallow sockets
- Has a high price point
- Some customers felt the labels rubbed off easily
What People Are Saying About The Olsa Tools Magnetic Socket Organizers
Customers who left positive reviews were impressed with the strength of the magnets that kept the sockets and racks in place. Others liked that this product was sturdy and could organize multiple socket sizes. Dissatisfied users complained that the slots couldn’t hold deep sockets and that the labels rubbed off easily.
Best Metric
ARES Magnetic Socket Organizer Set
Pros and Cons of ARES Magnetic Socket Organizer Set
- Has a large 75-socket capacity
- Comes in various sizes and colors
- Made from heavy-duty high-impact ABS plastic
- Spaces can be tight for larger sockets
- Not the best design for hanging vertically
What People Are Saying About The ARES Magnetic Socket Organizer Set
Many satisfied users highlighted this set’s durable construction. They liked how easy it was to load and remove sockets. However, some customers reported that the sockets fell out of their slots if they hung the racks vertically.
Most Portable
HORUSDY Socket Organizer
Pros and Cons of HORUSDY Socket Organizer
- Comes at an affordable price
- Allows for deep or shallow sockets
- Comes with four socket rails and can hold up to 80 sockets
- Not as sturdy as other models
- Some customers had issues with the sockets falling out while on the move
What People Are Saying About The HORUSDY Socket Organizer
Many customers said it was easy to remove the sockets from this organizer’s clips when they needed to use them. While users were happy with its affordable price, they didn’t like that it was made of thin plastic. They also struggled to keep the sockets secure during transport.
Buying Guide for Socket Organizers
To choose the right organizer for your socket set, there are numerous factors to take into consideration.
Capacity
The capacity of your socket organizer refers to how many sockets it can hold. Most sets hold between 60 and 80 sockets.
Consider how many sockets you have of various drive sizes and how many you use regularly. Ideally, your organizer should fit all of your sockets. However, if you have a large collection, you may need to purchase multiple socket organizers. Another option is to purchase an organizer for the select sockets you use frequently.
Socket Size
Another critical factor is the variation of sizes that your socket organizer can hold. Most models come with clips or slots to hold quarter-, three-eighths-, and half-inch sockets. Each unit or row—depending on whether the organizer comes in a set or by itself—is typically dedicated to one size.
Material
Most socket organizers are made from plastic or metal. Metal organizers are more durable, but their heavy build makes them less portable. Plastic is an affordable, lightweight, and fairly durable alternative.
Measurement System
Socket sets are either measured using the imperial or metric system. The imperial system, also known as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) system, is used in the United States. The metric system is used by the majority of the world. To match your set’s measurement system, organizers fit either inch- or millimeter-measured sockets.
Portability
If you need to transport your sockets and the rest of your tool set from the garage where you store them to another area of your home, portability will be a priority. Many organizers use magnets or ball bearings to keep the sockets secured to the slots or clips. Some feature a carrying handle.
Labeling
To help you find the right socket for your task, some socket organizers feature labels in front of, on top of, or next to the clips or slots. Depending on which measurement system you use, these labels are in inches or millimeters.
Types of Socket Organizers
You can categorize socket organizers as rails, trays, or racks. To learn about each type, read the summaries below.
Rail
Rail organizers use bars as their base. These bars usually measure 12–18 inches long. On each bar is a series of clips that secure your sockets in place with ball bearings. You can find rail organizers on their own or in sets.
Tray
Socket organizer trays include multiple rails inside of a tray. They function almost identically to rail organizers, except they keep all of the bars and sockets together.
Rack
Racks have multiple tiers with labeled, magnetized slots for your sockets. Manufacturers often sell them in sets.
Socket Organizer FAQs
Why would I want a socket organizer?
A socket organizer can reduce the amount of time you spend searching for individual sockets scattered around your garage or workshop. It keeps your workspace organized.
How do I clean my socket organizer?
Socket organizers don’t require much maintenance. You can use a duster, brush, cloth, or dust blower to clean your socket organizer and remove debris.
How do I prevent my socket from getting stuck to the organizer’s clip?
If your socket is getting stuck to its clip, it may be the wrong size, or the clip could be rusty or broken.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of products with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final shortlist, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.