# Best Parts Trays and Sorting Boxes for Modelers Source: https://modelbuildlab.com/best/best-parts-trays Updated: 2026-10-02 Publisher: Model Build Lab. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://modelbuildlab.com/how-we-research#our-score Every modeler knows the carpet monster: the invisible force that swallows any part smaller than a fingernail the moment it leaves the sprue. Parts trays are the cheapest insurance in the hobby. A shallow dish with a soft base keeps clipped parts from bouncing, compartment boxes separate subassembly pieces across a build that spans weeks, and lidded designs let you shelve a project mid-stage without losing anything. Magnetic trays hold steel items like photo-etch and blades exactly where you put them. The details worth comparing are compartment layout, whether lids seal each cell individually, and how the tray behaves when nudged. This guide sorts through the options so your smallest parts survive from sprue to glue. ## Picks ### 1. iFixit Anti-Static Project Tray - Small Parts and Screws Organizer Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) iFixit Anti-Static Project Tray, a small parts and screws organizer built for electronics repair and hobby work. Pros: - Multiple compartments separate parts by build step - Anti-static material is safe for model lighting electronics - Stackable design keeps projects organized overnight Cons: - Compartments may be small for large aircraft parts - Electronics-first design has no lids for dust Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B00KRPFX00 ### 2. FUNSUEI 10 Packs 3 Inches Magnetic Tray, Stainless Steel Magnetic Bowl for Pins, Screws, Small Parts Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) FUNSUEI 10 Packs 3 Inches Magnetic Tray, stainless steel magnetic bowls for pins, screws and small parts. Pros: - 10 small bowls let you sort parts step by step - 3 Inches size fits neatly around a work mat - Great for keeping pins and metal detail sets apart Cons: - Small bowls tip over easily if bumped - Plastic sprue parts will not stay put magnetically Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B0995YQ6MR ### 3. GRIP 6" Stainless Steel Magnetic Parts Tray - Secure Nuts, Bolts, Screws, Sockets, Fasteners Our score: 7.4/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) GRIP 6" Stainless Steel Magnetic Parts Tray, a magnetic bowl that holds metal fasteners and photo-etch sheets. Pros: - Magnetic base holds metal parts and steel tools firmly - Stainless steel resists rust and wipes clean - Handy for photo-etch frets and RC metal hardware Cons: - Magnet does nothing for plastic kit parts - Magnetic field can pull tiny tools off nearby surfaces Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B00061SL0Y ### 4. VASTOOLS Magnetic Tray Holder 3pc, for Socket Screw Nuts Bolts Metal Parts, Stainless Steel Our score: 7.4/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) VASTOOLS Magnetic Tray Holder 3pc, stainless steel trays for sockets, screws, nuts, bolts and metal parts. Pros: - 3pc set provides different sizes for varied tasks - Stainless steel build is durable and easy to clean - Keeps brass rods and photo-etch pieces together Cons: - Automotive tool trays are oversized for small kits - Magnets offer no benefit for plastic components Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B07MSH6K86 ### 5. ZNDAW 2 PCS Magnetic Parts Tray Set, Stainless Steel 5.6"x2.5" Square Magnetic Tool Tray Our score: 7.2/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) ZNDAW 2 PCS Magnetic Parts Tray Set, stainless steel 5.6"x2.5" square trays for small metal tools and parts. Pros: - 2 trays let you separate metal parts by project - 5.6"x2.5" size fits beside a cutting mat - Square shape stacks and stores neatly Cons: - Plastic parts are not held by the magnetic base - Small trays fill quickly on bigger builds Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B0G639ZBS2 ### 6. CRAFTSMAN CMMT98286 CRFT RECTANGLE MAGNETIC TRAY Our score: 7.2/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10) CRAFTSMAN's 5-1/2 x 9-1/2 inch rectangular magnetic tray with a rubber base and flat bottom. It suits a bench where screws, hobby blades, pins and small steel tools need to stay put. Pros: - 5-1/2 x 9-1/2 inch tray is large enough for tweezers, files and blades as well as loose screws and pins - Rubber base prevents the tray from scratching a cutting mat, desk or painted surface - Flat bottom removes the risk of tipping when you drop parts in or pull a tool out Cons: - The magnet only holds steel: plastic, resin, brass photo-etch and white metal parts just sit loose in the tray - One open compartment with no dividers, so mixed small parts are not sorted for you Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B09KNYGV7Y ### 7. Multi-Purpose Small Parts Sorting Tray - Easy Sorter Funnel Trays for Screws, Nuts, Bolts with Pour Spout Our score: 6.8/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10) Multi-Purpose Small Parts Sorting Tray with funnel shape and pour spout for screws, nuts, bolts and small parts. Pros: - Funnel design pours small parts back into bags easily - Helps keep cut plastic parts from rolling away - Useful for RC screws as well as model pieces Cons: - Check the tray size and material before ordering for your workspace - Open tray does not protect parts from dust Details: https://modelbuildlab.com/product/B0FLDM35WJ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.