Best Magnetic Parts Trays for Appliance Techs (2026)
- Jul 20
- 4 min read
Every appliance repair technician knows how easy it is to lose small screws, nuts, and other hardware during a service call. Whether you're repairing a refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, dryer, or range, keeping track of every fastener is essential for an efficient repair.
A magnetic parts tray is a simple but invaluable tool that keeps hardware organized, prevents lost parts, and helps you complete jobs faster. In this guide, we'll review the best magnetic parts trays for appliance technicians in 2026, highlighting the features, pros, and cons of each to help you choose the right option for your toolbox.
Whether you're servicing refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, ovens, or HVAC equipment, magnetic trays keep fasteners organized and exactly where you left them.
They're inexpensive, durable, and can save countless hours over the course of a year.
If you're building your appliance repair toolkit, these are the best magnetic parts trays worth adding in 2026.
Why Every Appliance Technician Needs a Magnetic Parts Tray
A magnetic parts tray isn't just for mechanics.
For appliance repair professionals, they're perfect for holding:
Sheet metal screws
Torx screws
Hex-head fasteners
Control board mounting hardware
Door hinge screws
Wire clips
Hose clamps
Small brackets
Washers and spacers
Drill bits and nut drivers
Since most trays feature powerful rubber-coated magnets, they stick securely to washers, dryers, refrigerators, tool carts, ladders, or metal shelving without scratching painted surfaces.
What to Look for in a Magnetic Parts Tray
Before buying one, consider these features:
Strong Magnets
The tray should stay firmly attached even when full of hardware.
Rubber-Coated Base
Protects appliance finishes from scratches.
Stainless Steel Construction
Resists rust, chemicals, and years of daily service.
Raised Lip
Keeps screws from bouncing out while moving around the jobsite.
Multiple Sizes
Many technicians carry one small tray and one large tray depending on the repair.
Best Magnetic Parts Trays for Appliance Techs
Best Overall
The OEMTOOLS tray has become one of the most popular magnetic trays among professional mechanics and appliance repair technicians.
Pros
Strong magnetic base
Large capacity
Rubber-coated magnet
Durable stainless steel
Excellent value
Cons
Slightly larger than needed for quick service calls
Best for:
Technicians who want one tray that handles nearly every appliance repair.
Best Professional Choice
The polished stainless finish cleans easily, while the magnet provides excellent holding power.
Pros
Extremely durable
High-quality construction
Strong magnet
Easy to clean
Cons
Slightly higher price
Best for:
Full-time appliance repair businesses.
Best Value Set
Instead of purchasing one tray, this kit includes multiple sizes.
That's useful when separating screws from different appliance panels.
For example:
Dryer cabinet screws
Control board hardware
Door hinge bolts
Rear panel screws
Everything stays organized throughout the repair.
Pros
Multiple tray sizes
Great value
Strong magnets
Excellent organization
Cons
Takes slightly more room in the service van
Best for:
Technicians performing complex repairs.
Best Compact Option
It's ideal for:
Ice maker repairs
Microwave repairs
Garbage disposals
Control board replacements
Pros
Lightweight
Compact
Powerful magnet
Easy to store
Cons
Smaller capacity
Best for:
Service technicians with compact tool bags.
Round vs. Rectangular Magnetic Trays
Both styles have advantages.
Round Trays
Ideal for:
General service calls
Keeping screws together
Smaller repairs
Rectangular Trays
Better for:
Separating hardware
Organizing multiple fastener sizes
Larger appliance tear-downs
Many experienced technicians carry both.
How Magnetic Parts Trays Improve Productivity
The average appliance repair involves removing anywhere from 10 to 60 screws.
Without a tray:
Hardware gets misplaced.
Screws roll under appliances.
Fasteners become mixed together.
Reassembly takes longer.
A magnetic tray keeps every component exactly where it belongs, helping technicians complete repairs faster and reduce the chance of missing hardware.
Tips for Using Magnetic Parts Trays
To get the most from your tray:
Use separate trays for different appliance panels.
Place the tray directly on the appliance whenever possible.
Wipe the tray clean after greasy repairs.
Store magnets away from sensitive electronics when practical.
Keep one tray permanently inside your service vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are magnetic parts trays safe for appliance repairs?
Yes. They're commonly used by professional appliance technicians and mechanics. Just avoid placing strong magnets directly against sensitive electronic storage devices or magnetic media.
Will the magnet scratch appliance finishes?
Most quality trays use rubber-coated magnets that help prevent scratching painted or stainless surfaces.
What size magnetic tray is best?
A 6- to 10-inch tray is ideal for most appliance repairs. Larger trays are helpful for major tear-downs.
Can I use multiple trays during one repair?
Absolutely. Many technicians use separate trays to organize screws from different sections of the appliance, making reassembly much easier.
Protect Your Tools and Your Appliance Repair Business
Your tools help you complete every repair, but your business needs protection too.
Whether you're an independent appliance repair contractor or managing a growing team of service technicians, having the right commercial insurance can help protect your business from liability claims, property damage, vehicle accidents, and other unexpected risks.
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping contractors and service professionals find insurance solutions tailored to the way they work. From general liability and commercial auto to workers' compensation and business owner policies, our experienced team can help you explore coverage options that fit your operation.
Request a quote from Wexford Insurance today and gain peace of mind while you focus on serving your customers.
Final Thoughts
A magnetic parts tray may not be the flashiest tool in your van, but it's one of the most practical.
For less than the cost of a replacement control board, you can eliminate lost screws, stay organized, and finish repairs more efficiently.
Whether you choose OEMTOOLS, Lisle, ARES, Capri Tools, or Performance Tool, adding a quality magnetic parts tray to your kit is a small investment that delivers value on every service call.
