Magnetic Collectors & Trays

About Magnetic Collectors & Trays

Magnetic collectors and trays are essential workshop organisers designed to keep small metal components, fasteners, and tools secure and within easy reach during any project. These ingenious accessories use powerful magnets to hold screws, nuts, bolts, washers, drill bits, and other ferrous metal parts, preventing them from rolling away or getting lost on the workshop floor or under machinery. Whether you're working on automotive repairs, machinery maintenance, or general fabrication work, magnetic parts trays help maintain an organised workspace and significantly reduce time wasted searching for dropped components.

Available in various configurations including circular bowls, rectangular trays, collapsible designs, and mesh strainers, these magnetic organisers come in different sizes to suit any application. Premium stainless steel construction offers durability and corrosion resistance for professional workshop environments, whilst the magnetic base can often be placed on metallic surfaces like toolboxes, workbenches, or vehicle panels for convenient positioning. Leading manufacturers such as Sealey, Bahco, and Draper have developed specialised magnetic collection systems that combine practicality with robust construction to withstand the demands of daily trade use.

Modern magnetic trays feature improved magnet strength and thoughtful design elements such as raised edges to contain parts securely, mesh bases for drainage when working with oily components, and collapsible options for space-saving storage. These tools have become indispensable for mechanics, engineers, and DIY enthusiasts who value efficiency and organisation in their workspace, helping to prevent costly lost fasteners and reducing the frustration of searching for small parts during critical repair or assembly work.

Jargon Buster

• Ferrous Metal: Metals containing iron that are attracted to magnets. This includes steel screws, bolts, washers, and most common workshop fasteners. Non-ferrous metals like aluminium, brass, and copper will not be held by magnetic trays.
• Magnetic Flux Density: The strength of the magnetic field, which determines how securely parts are held and the weight capacity of the tray. Stronger magnets can hold heavier components and maintain grip even when inverted or mounted vertically.
• Stainless Steel Construction: Premium tray material offering superior corrosion resistance and durability compared to standard steel. Particularly beneficial in automotive workshops where exposure to oils, fluids, and moisture is common.
• Mesh Base Design: A perforated or mesh bottom that allows oils, fluids, and cleaning solutions to drain through whilst retaining parts. Ideal for holding components during parts washing or when working with greasy automotive assemblies.
• Collapsible Design: Magnetic trays with flexible silicone or rubber sides that can be folded down for compact storage and transportation, then expanded to create a parts containment area when needed.
• Magnetic Base: The underside magnetic surface that allows the tray to be mounted on ferrous metal surfaces such as toolboxes, workbenches, machinery, or vehicle bodywork, keeping it secure and positioned exactly where needed.

Who Uses Magnetic Collectors & Trays?

• Motor Mechanics and Auto Technicians: For organising fasteners during engine work, brake repairs, and general vehicle maintenance where small components can easily be misplaced
• Plant and Machinery Engineers: When servicing industrial equipment and machinery where keeping track of numerous bolts and fittings is essential for proper reassembly
• Fabricators and Welders: For holding welding tips, clamps, and metal fixings during workshop fabrication projects
• Bicycle Mechanics: Ideal for containing the numerous small bolts, washers, and components involved in bicycle assembly and repair work
• Electricians: For organising terminal screws, cable clips, and other small metal fixings during electrical installation work
• HVAC Engineers: When working on heating and ventilation systems that require dismantling and reassembly of multiple fasteners
• Maintenance Technicians: Across all industries for general repair and maintenance tasks involving multiple small components
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home workshop users who value organisation and efficiency during projects involving disassembly and reassembly
• Model Makers and Hobbyists: For precision work requiring organisation of tiny screws, pins, and metal components

How to Choose the Right Magnetic Collectors & Trays

Size and Capacity: Consider the typical scale of your projects and the number of parts you need to organise. Small circular bowls (100-150mm diameter) suit light assembly work and small fasteners, whilst larger rectangular trays (200mm+) accommodate bigger projects with numerous components. Multi-piece sets like the Sealey 3 Piece Collapsible Magnetic Parts Tray Set offer versatility for different applications.

Material Construction: Stainless steel trays from brands like Bahco and Draper provide superior corrosion resistance and longevity, particularly important in automotive workshops where exposure to oils and fluids is constant. Standard steel options offer good value for dry workshop environments, whilst some designs incorporate rubber or silicone elements for flexibility and cushioning.

Magnet Strength: Assess the weight and type of components you'll be storing. Heavy-duty magnets are essential if you're holding larger bolts, sockets, or tools, whilst lighter magnetic force suffices for small screws and washers. Check manufacturer specifications for holding capacity, particularly if you plan to mount trays vertically or inverted.

Design Features: Mesh or perforated bases are invaluable when working with oily parts or during cleaning operations, allowing drainage whilst retaining components. Collapsible designs offer space-saving storage between jobs. Raised edges prevent parts from sliding off, whilst magnetic bases enable mounting on toolboxes, vehicle panels, or machinery for positioning exactly where needed.

Shape and Configuration: Circular bowls provide easy access from all angles, ideal for bench-top use. Rectangular trays maximise surface area and fit efficiently in drawers or on shelves. Consider whether you need shallow dishes for quick part selection or deeper vessels for containing larger quantities of fasteners.

Application Environment: For mobile mechanics or site work, robust construction and secure magnetic bases are essential. Workshop-based users might prioritise capacity and drainage features. Consider whether you need multiple smaller trays for organising different fastener types or one larger collector for general use.

Popular Accessories

• Magnetic Pick-Up Tools: Extending magnetic wands and flexible retrieval tools for collecting dropped fasteners from difficult-to-reach areas, engine bays, or machinery gaps
• Parts Washing Trays: Complementary cleaning trays and parts washers for preparing components before placement in magnetic organisers
• Tool Storage Systems: Stanley FatMax, DeWalt TSTAK, and Milwaukee PACKOUT modular storage that accommodates magnetic trays alongside other workshop organisers
• Workshop Mats: Anti-slip bench mats and parts organisation mats that work alongside magnetic trays for comprehensive workspace organisation
• Fastener Organisers: Storage boxes and compartment systems for long-term organisation of sorted fasteners and components
• Magnetic Tool Holders: Wall-mounted magnetic strips and tool racks for broader workshop organisation
• Parts Bins and Containers: Stackable storage solutions for organising non-ferrous components that cannot be held magnetically

Frequently Asked Questions

Will magnetic trays hold stainless steel fasteners?

Most stainless steel fasteners are made from austenitic grades (like 304 or 316) which are only weakly magnetic or non-magnetic. However, some stainless steel fasteners use ferritic or martensitic grades that are magnetic. The tray will hold ferrous (iron-containing) metals strongly, but may have weak or no attraction to certain stainless steel components. For mixed fastener types, the raised edges of quality trays provide secondary containment.

Can I mount magnetic trays on aluminium toolboxes or workbenches?

No, magnetic trays require a ferrous metal surface to adhere. Aluminium, being non-ferrous, will not attract magnets. However, magnetic trays work perfectly as free-standing organisers on any bench surface. If you need mounting capability on aluminium surfaces, consider trays with alternative attachment methods or simply use them as tabletop organisers where their magnetic parts-holding capability remains fully effective.

How do I clean magnetic parts trays after working with oily components?

Mesh-based designs like the Sealey Magnetic Stainless Steel Parts Strainer or Draper Magnetic Stainless Steel Mesh Parts Bowl can be rinsed with degreaser or parts cleaner, allowing fluid to drain through whilst any remaining parts are magnetically retained. For solid trays, remove all parts first, then clean with appropriate workshop degreasers. Stainless steel construction resists corrosion and tolerates most cleaning chemicals, though avoid prolonged exposure to harsh acids.

What's the benefit of collapsible magnetic trays versus rigid designs?

Collapsible trays like the Sealey 3 Piece Collapsible set offer significant space-saving advantages for mobile mechanics or workshops with limited storage. The flexible sides fold flat for transportation or drawer storage, then expand to create a containment area when needed. Rigid trays generally offer more robust construction and higher weight capacity, making them better suited for permanent workshop locations with heavier components. Consider collapsible designs for versatility and rigid trays for maximum durability.

Can magnetic trays damage electronic components or watches?

While the magnetic fields from parts trays are relatively weak compared to industrial magnets, it's sensible to keep them away from sensitive electronics, data storage devices, mechanical watches, and pacemakers. For general workshop fasteners, tools, and mechanical components, magnetic trays pose no issues. If you're working with electronic assemblies, use non-magnetic parts organisers instead, or maintain adequate separation between magnetic trays and sensitive equipment.