Short answer: a magnetic parts tray keeps screws, nuts, washers, pins and springs in one place while you work, so nothing rolls off the bench or disappears into the carpet. It's useful anywhere you take something apart: the garage, a bike stand, a desk full of electronics, a sewing table or a workbench.
Key facts
- Magnets only hold ferrous parts: steel screws, nuts, washers and springs. Aluminum, brass, stainless grades that aren't magnetic and plastic parts need a non-magnetic section.
- Order is half the value. Lay parts out in the order they came off and reassembly is fast.
- Keep magnets away from cards with magnetic stripes, mechanical watches and pacemakers, and be cautious near hard drives.
- A padded mat under the tray protects the table and stops dropped parts from bouncing.
- Classic steel magnetic bowls from tool brands work on a car; a mat with a built-in tray works for anything on a table.
Nine places a magnetic tray earns its keep
| Job | What it holds | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Car brakes and oil change | Caliper bolts, drain plug, clips | One section per wheel |
| Bike maintenance | Bolts, chain links, small washers | Photograph before you strip it |
| Laptop and console repair | Tiny case screws of different lengths | Map the screw layout on a sticky note |
| Furniture assembly | Cam bolts, dowels, hex keys | Sort by bag letter before you start |
| Drone and RC hobby | Prop nuts, motor screws | Non-magnetic section for aluminum parts |
| Watch bands and eyeglasses | Spring bars, hinge screws | Work over the mat, not the floor |
| Door hardware and locks | Strike plate screws, springs | Keep the order they came out |
| Lights and power tools | Battery covers, clip screws | Note which screw goes where |
| Sewing and crafts | Needles, pins, snaps | Pins sit on the magnet, not in the mat |
A mat and a tray in one
The ICONTACTIC Maintenance Mat with Magnetic Parts Tray is a padded mat with a resistant top that keeps oil and solvent off the table, a hinged parts tray along one edge divided into sections, and one magnetized section for pins, springs and screws. When you're done, the tray folds over the mat and the whole thing rolls up. That's the difference from a loose bowl: the work surface and the parts stay together.
How to work from a tray
- Lay the mat flat and open the tray on the side of your dominant hand.
- One section per step of the job, left to right in the order you take things apart.
- Steel parts on the magnet; everything else in the plain sections.
- Light the job. A flat flashlight stands on its tail or sticks to steel by its magnetic tail.
- Reverse the order to reassemble, emptying sections as you go.
Carrying small tools and parts
For a kit that travels between the garage, the car and a job site, keep bits, spare screws and a small driver in a zip organizer. For care of the gear around the bench, read cleaning and maintaining nylon gear; for a cleaning setup at home, see a home cleaning station with a mat and parts tray.
FAQ
What is a magnetic parts tray used for?
Holding steel screws, nuts, washers, pins and springs in one place while you take something apart and put it back together.
Will a magnetic tray hold aluminum or brass parts?
No. Magnets only hold ferrous metals; keep other parts in a non-magnetic section.
Is a magnetic tray safe for electronics?
For screws, yes. Keep strong magnets away from magnetic-stripe cards and mechanical watches, and be cautious near hard drives.
Magnetic bowl or mat with a tray?
A steel bowl is fine under a car. A mat with a tray protects the table, gives you sections for order, and rolls up with the parts.
How do I clean a magnetic parts tray?
Empty it, wipe it with a cloth and mild cleaner, and let it dry before rolling the mat.
Shop Everyday Utility.
General information. Follow the manufacturer's service instructions for vehicles, electronics and tools.