Tool Review: SUNEX Tools Folding Magnetic Strip & Bowl, No. SXMAGPACK

Content brought to you by PTEN. To subscribe, click here.

Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time? 

A: When it comes to doing engine work, I have always been very passionate about the importance of being organized and neat. It is critical that no nuts or bolts are unaccounted for when the job is done; otherwise, that one missing small bolt could end up inside a cylinder. Having experienced this firsthand many years ago, I can tell you nothing makes you feel worse than starting an engine, hearing a knocking noise, and realizing something has found its way on top of a piston. To prevent this from happening, I started using nut and bolt trays for teardown. In the past, I’ve used metal, plastic, or silicone trays. This works well, but if the tray tips over or falls, all your hardware is going to go flying. This is where the SUNEX Tools magnetic tray, mat, and strip shine. 

Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop’s profitability?  

A: We’ve all been there where a vehicle gets pushed out for a few weeks while waiting on engine parts or machine work, only to find out when it gets pushed back in that someone dumped a tray or a tray fell when it was pushed out of the shop. Having everything stuck to a magnet makes it more likely that the hardware is going to be where you left it, which means less time and money spent replacing lost fasteners or small parts. 

Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product? How easy was it to use? 

A: Open the packaging and snap the corners together on the tray. The strip is ready to use out of the package. It's very easy to use.  

Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories? 

A: The packaging was good. No accessories needed/included.

Q: What features did you like? 

A: I like the fact that the mat and tray are made of a material that won’t scratch paint. This makes it easy to stick on a fender or store on the side of a toolbox when not in use. The tray can hold up to 25 lbs, and the strip can hold up to 15 lbs. I tested this by hanging a 16” pipe wrench from the mat while it was attached to my toolbox. I must admit, I was a little shocked when it held it up. This is more than enough to hold the hardware and hand tools you might be using when doing a teardown job. 

Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?

A: I would like an option of a larger one with dividers next. 

Q: What types of jobs did you use this tool for?

A: Holding small nuts/bolts when doing engine work. Any time I take spark plugs out of a vehicle, I use the magnetic tray to hold the plugs and various hold-down bolts so I don’t have to worry about them getting knocked over and spilling in the engine compartment. 

Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why? 

A: I would rate this tool a 10. It works for what it is designed for. The magnets are extremely strong, which makes them nice for shop use.