Milwaukee 106pc. 1/4-in. & 3/8-in. Drive Ratchet and Socket Trays

Organizing sockets has always been a bit of a challenge in my workshop, so I was eager to try out the Milwaukee 106pc. 1/4-in. & 3/8-in. Drive Ratchet and Socket Trays (model 48-22-9486T). This tool storage solution promised a tidy, efficient way to keep my sockets and ratchets at hand, neatly arranged, and ready for any project. After using it extensively, I have a comprehensive view of its strengths and areas for improvement.

First off, the build quality of these trays is impressive. Made from chrome vanadium steel, they feel robust and well-engineered. The trays are designed to fit perfectly into Milwaukee’s PACKOUT™ Low-Profile Organizer, which is a fantastic feature if you’re already invested in the PACKOUT system. The trays are color-coded for easy part identification, a thoughtful touch that adds to the overall user experience.

One of the standout features of these trays is the clear lids. These make it incredibly easy to identify the contents at a glance without needing to open each tray. This feature is particularly useful when you’re in the middle of a project and need to quickly grab a specific socket size.

The trays come with 52 compartments for metric sockets and 46 compartments for SAE sockets. Additionally, there are six accessory compartments for extensions and universal joints, which is a nice touch. These compartments are designed to fit Milwaukee sockets snugly, ensuring they stay in place even if the trays are jostled around. However, this design choice has its downsides, which became apparent during my use.

While the snug fit is excellent for keeping Milwaukee sockets secure, it means that these trays are not very versatile when it comes to other socket brands. I tried fitting Snap-On, Craftsman, and Husky sockets into the trays, only to find that many of them didn’t fit properly. This lack of universality is a significant drawback for anyone who doesn’t exclusively use Milwaukee tools. It would have been beneficial if the trays were designed with a more universal fit or used magnets to hold sockets in place, accommodating a wider variety of brands.

Another area where the trays could improve is the labeling. The embossed labels are a nice touch, but they can be hard to read, especially in low-light conditions. I found myself painting the labels to make them more visible, which is an additional step I would have preferred to avoid. Having the labels pre-painted or using a more contrasting color would greatly enhance usability.

Despite these issues, the trays excel in keeping tools organized within the PACKOUT system. They fit perfectly into the low-profile organizer, making it easy to transport and store my socket sets. The trays also have convenient tabs for lifting them out, which is handy when you need to transfer them to a toolbox drawer or another workspace.

One feature I particularly appreciated was the inclusion of compartments for the 1/4” and 3/8” drive ratchets. Having a designated spot for these tools ensures that everything is kept together and tidy, reducing the chances of misplacing critical components.

On the downside, the vertical sockets fit loosely, which may not be ideal for everyone. While this allows for easy removal and replacement, it can make the trays look a bit untidy if the sockets are not perfectly aligned. Additionally, some users might find the organization by metric and SAE rather than by drive size (1/4” and 3/8”) slightly inconvenient, especially when working with smaller sockets.

In terms of weight and dimensions, the trays are relatively compact, measuring 19.46 inches in length, 32.76 inches in height, and 5 inches in width, with a weight of 15 lbs. They are easy to handle and fit neatly into the PACKOUT system, making them a practical addition to any organized workspace.

The Milwaukee trays come with a lifetime guarantee, which is a testament to their durability and the manufacturer's confidence in their product. This warranty adds significant value, ensuring that your investment is protected over the long term.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee 106pc. 1/4-in. & 3/8-in. Drive Ratchet and Socket Trays are a solid choice for anyone who already uses Milwaukee socket sets and the PACKOUT system. They offer excellent organization, a robust build, and thoughtful features like color-coding and clear lids. However, the lack of versatility with non-Milwaukee sockets and the hard-to-read labels are notable drawbacks.

Would I recommend these trays? If you are a Milwaukee tool user and have invested in the PACKOUT system, then absolutely. They are designed to work seamlessly within this ecosystem and provide a high level of organization and convenience. However, if you use a variety of socket brands, you might want to consider other options that offer a more universal fit. While the Milwaukee trays excel in their intended use, their lack of compatibility with other brands limits their appeal for a broader audience.