Curio Magnetic Bit Storage Tray Review: A Small Tool That Solves a Real Shop Problem

Introduction

Bit storage is one of those unglamorous workshop problems that never quite goes away. Loose bits end up scattered across the bench or, worse, dumped into a general parts tray where finding the right one means digging. The Curio magnetic bit storage tray is a small, inexpensive take on solving that, and after giving it a spin, it turns out to be surprisingly impressive for what it is. It sells for about 15 to 16 dollars depending on the color choice.

Who This Product Is For

This tray makes sense for anyone who regularly swaps quarter-inch bits and wants them visible, organized, and within reach. The design is simple: a magnetic tray about 4 inches in diameter, surrounded by a plastic bit-holding section, with each hole connected to a magnet inside. You can arrange 36 quarter-inch bits of any length however you like, and the central dish doubles as a small parts tray.

It also suits people who have tried pricier versions of the same idea. Comparable small trays from brands like Aries or PB Swiss do the job well but can cost around 10 dollars for a much smaller capacity. The Curio offers more storage for similar money, which makes it a much better deal on paper, and in practice it holds up too.

Main Strengths

The magnetic retention is the highlight. Bits hold in place firmly enough that they will not fall out on their own, yet they pop out easily when you need one. You can pull bits out sideways or straight up through the top. Most bits are not gripped extremely tight, but the hold is good enough for bench use, and longer items such as extensions or bit holders sit securely even if they protrude a bit.

Organization is the other big win. Classic magnetic trays, like the common Husky-style parts trays many people have all over the shop, tend to become the recipient of everything, bits included. Then finding a specific bit means rummaging. With the Curio, you get 36 visible, sorted bits plus a separate parts tray in the middle, so you can see everything at a glance.

Inside, it uses a neodymium magnet rather than the large ceramic magnets found on some competing tray bases. That makes sense for the design: the magnet only has to hold a bit, so it can be very small, and it seems effective enough. The bit-holding section snaps into the base and spins, and while it has not popped out under normal handling, it is a point worth knowing about.

Things to Consider Before Buying

There are a few honest caveats. The tray is made in China, which some buyers will weigh against the price. It is also plastic, so if you drop it, it will probably break. Worst case, you are left with just the parts tray, though the broken sections could be repurposed as smaller bit holders.

One quirk: if you drop a small screw or washer into the central parts dish, retrieving it could be awkward. There is no easy access, so you would likely have to wedge it out with tweezers. That is a minor annoyance, but worth keeping in mind depending on what you typically toss in there. The original owner of this unit had not figured out a workaround either.

Buying Advice

At roughly 15 to 16 dollars depending on color, this is an oddball little tool that earns its spot on the bench. It is not premium hardware, and it is not built to survive abuse, but it does exactly what it promises: keeps bits visible, held securely, and separate from the parts tray. If you already own several generic magnetic trays that double as bit graveyards, this is a practical upgrade, and it is the kind of purchase the owner here said they would happily make again.

Conclusion

The Curio magnetic bit storage tray is a low-cost, genuinely useful solution to a common workshop nuisance. Strong magnetic retention, 36 visible bit slots, and an integrated parts tray make it easy to recommend for anyone tired of digging for bits, as long as you treat it gently and accept its plastic build.