What Is The Rubbermaid FastTrack System?
So, you’ve been searching for the Rubbermaid FastTrack for garages, huh? You’ve landed in the right place. Most people find us right when their garage hits maximum chaos and they know something has to change.
Let’s walk through the most common questions and find out if this is the right move for your garage makeover. It’s a powerful tool for reclaiming your space from the clutter.
This system turns your unused wall space into highly efficient, flexible storage. Imagine getting tools, bikes, and bins off the floor with one simple solution.
UPDATE: Want to see the kits side-by-side? Check out our latest Rubbermaid FastTrack Kit comparison!
If you’re brand new to FastTrack, my resources can get you up to speed. For a great starting point, read The Best Way to Start Your Rubbermaid FastTrack Storage.
Ready to get your questions answered? Let’s dive in.
How Much Weight Can FastTrack Really Hold?
Let’s talk about the heavy stuff—literally. You need to know if this system will hold up or if you’ll find your prized possessions in a heap on the floor. It’s a valid concern.
When installed correctly—meaning screwed directly into wall studs, not just drywall—the FastTrack is incredibly tough. According to Rubbermaid’s official specifications, it’s designed for serious loads.
The entire FastTrack Rail System, when properly mounted, can support a total of 1,750 pounds across its length. That’s more than enough strength for even the most demanding garage setups.
The system’s heavy-duty shelving relies on vertical uprights. While Rubbermaid doesn’t give a specific pound rating per upright, these steel components are a core part of the system’s high-capacity design.
Weight capacity for shelving depends on the specific shelf you choose. Standard wire shelves usually hold around 50 pounds each, but always check the packaging for exact numbers.
Hooks and baskets are where you need to pay attention. The heavy-duty locking hooks can support up to 50 pounds each, making them perfect for bikes, ladders, and heavy power tools.
Smaller, non-locking hooks are rated for closer to 25 pounds. Baskets are generally best for lighter items, with a common-sense limit of about 25 pounds to avoid sagging.
What Are the Main Parts of the FastTrack System?
Before you drill a single hole, it’s helpful to understand the key components you’ll be working with. The FastTrack system is surprisingly simple and built around four main parts.
First are the metal rails. These are the backbone of the system that you mount horizontally onto your garage wall.
Second, if you’re adding shelves, you’ll use the vertical uprights and brackets. These attach to the rails and provide the framework for sturdy shelving.
Third are the accessories, which is where the system truly shines. This includes an enormous variety of hooks, baskets, and specialty holders for nearly any item.
Finally, there are the shelves themselves. These come in different materials and sizes, allowing you to create storage for bins, boxes, and supplies.
How Do I Install the FastTrack System?
Alright, time to roll up your sleeves. I promise the installation is more straightforward than it looks. Here’s a quick guide to getting those walls working for you.
Before you start, gather your tools. You’ll need a stud finder, a drill with bits, a level, and a tape measure. Having these ready will make the process smooth and quick.
Use your stud finder to locate the studs in your wall, which are typically 16 or 24 inches apart. This is the most critical step; you must screw the rails into studs for the system to hold its rated weight.
Use your level to mark your drill spots at the same height to ensure the rail is perfectly horizontal. Drill pilot holes on your marks, then screw the rails securely to the wall. Give them a firm tug to confirm they’re solid.
This is the fun and satisfying part: adding the hooks. Each accessory has a lip on the back that hangs over the top of the rail. Just push down firmly and it will snap right into place, ready to hold your gear.
Will I Need to Be a DIY Expert to Install This?
Let’s be honest about the skill level required. If you’ve never held a drill before, you might want to phone a friend for a little help. But for most people, this is a very manageable project.
At its core, the installation boils down to a few basic tasks. You need to find a stud, use a power drill to make a starting hole, and hold a level straight.
If you can successfully hang a heavy mirror or a large picture frame, you have the skills needed to install the FastTrack system. The most technical part is just mounting the rail to the wall.
After the rail is up, everything else just clicks into place. There are no more tools needed to add, remove, or rearrange your hooks and shelves.
For an extra confidence boost, you can watch the official Rubbermaid installation videos online before you start. Seeing it done can make all the difference.
How Should I Plan My FastTrack Layout?
Don’t just start drilling. Taking five minutes to plan your layout will save you a ton of headaches and guarantee you buy the right components the first time.
First, make a quick inventory list of everything you want to get off the floor and onto the wall. Be specific—count how many shovels, rakes, cords, and bikes you have.
Next, eyeball how much space each item needs. A rake is skinny, but a folded ladder or a wheelbarrow is wide. Add up the widths to get a rough idea of how much total rail length you’ll need.
Think about height and accessibility. Long tools like shovels need to hang high enough so they don’t drag on the floor. Items you use often should be within easy reach.
If you put the kids’ bike helmets on a hook seven feet up the wall, you’re going to be their personal helmet-fetcher forever. A quick sketch on a piece of paper can help visualize the final arrangement.
Real-World Scenarios: From Yard Tools to Bikes
Let’s apply that planning to a couple of common situations. Seeing how it works in practice can help you picture it in your own garage.
First, imagine the “Yard Tools Scenario.” You want to hang a broom, a rake, a shovel, and an edger. These are all long and relatively skinny items.
You could easily fit all four on a single 48-inch rail with room to spare. For this, you would just need that one rail and a few dual-handle hooks to be completely organized.
Now for the “We Have Everything” scenario. You have the yard tools, plus a ladder, two garden hoses, and two bicycles. This requires a bit more planning.
The yard tools, ladder, and hoses might fit on one 84-inch rail. However, the bikes are bulky and heavy. This is a perfect case for getting a separate Bike Kit with its own 32-inch rail, mounted in a different spot to give them enough space.
Should I Start with a FastTrack Kit?
If you prefer not to buy every single piece separately, Rubbermaid offers several starter kits. Think of them as convenient sampler packs for your garage organization project.
These kits bundle a rail with a few of the most popular hooks, giving you a great starting point. They are especially good if you have a clear project in mind, like hanging bikes or a few basic tools.
Keep in mind that kit contents can change over time. It’s always a good idea to check the latest details on retailer sites like Lowe’s or the official Rubbermaid site.
| Common Rubbermaid FastTrack Starter Kits | ||
|---|---|---|
| Kit Name | Rails Included | Accessories Included |
| FastTrack Rail Garage Hang Rail (48 in.) | One 48-inch rail | None (rail and hardware only) |
| FastTrack Rail Garage Hang Rail (84 in.) | One 84-inch rail | None (rail and hardware only) |
| FastTrack Rail Garage Bike Kit | One 32-inch rail | 2 vertical bike hooks |
| FastTrack Rail Garage Kit (5-Piece) | One 48-inch rail | Multi-Purpose Hook, 2x Scoop Hook, Cooler Hook |
Starting with a kit can be less intimidating than building a system from scratch, and you can always add more rails and accessories later as your needs grow.
How Can I Customize My System with Hooks and Shelves?
The rail is just the foundation. The real magic of the Rubbermaid FastTrack for garages lies in the incredible variety of hooks, baskets, and shelves you can snap onto it.
There are specialty hooks designed specifically for ladders, bicycles, and power tools. You can find hose hooks, cord wraps, and multi-purpose hooks for just about anything else.
The system’s modularity means you can create a perfectly customized storage wall. Place a shelf for your detailing supplies right above a hook for your pressure washer.
You can see the full accessory lineup on Rubbermaid’s site to get your imagination going. For a detailed breakdown of what each hook does, check out my guide: A Complete Guide to the Rubbermaid FastTrack Storage System.
This ability to tailor the system to your specific collection of “stuff” is what makes it so effective at eliminating clutter for good.
Is the FastTrack System Genuinely Easy to Use?
Yes, without a doubt. After the initial installation of the rail, using the system is incredibly simple and intuitive.
Do you need to add a new hook for a tool you just bought? Simply click it onto the rail. The whole process takes about three seconds.
Want to move a hook to make room for something else? Just lift it off or slide it over. There are no tools required for rearranging your setup.
This flexibility is one of the system’s biggest selling points. You can completely reorganize your entire wall in about five minutes flat.
It’s like Legos for your garage. You can constantly adapt and improve your storage as your needs change from season to season.
Beyond the Garage: Can FastTrack Organize Other Spaces?
Thinking outside the garage, are we? I like your style. And the answer is a resounding yes, you absolutely can use this system elsewhere.
The robust rails and hooks would be fantastic in a utility closet or mudroom. Use them to hang brooms, mops, coats, and backpacks, keeping your entryway tidy.
Baskets and shelves could also be implemented in a large pantry. They are perfect for storing bulk items, paper towels, or small appliances that don’t fit well in kitchen cabinets.
While it might be slight overkill for a small clothes closet, it’s a wonderfully durable solution for any space that needs to handle bulky, heavy, or awkwardly shaped items.
Think basements, sheds, or workshop areas. Anywhere you need strong, adaptable vertical storage, the FastTrack system can be a fantastic solution.
How Does FastTrack Compare to Other Systems?
Investing in a wall organization system is a smart move. You do the main installation once and then enjoy the freedom to customize it forever.
The Rubbermaid FastTrack is a leading contender in this space due to its strength, ease of use, and wide availability. But it’s always wise to know your options before you commit.
Other popular systems on the market, like Gladiator GearTrack and Proslat, offer similar benefits but with different aesthetics and accessory designs. Each has its own unique strengths.
To help you compare, I’ve put together detailed reviews of the competition. You can see how they stack up by reading my guides.
Check out my thoughts on Gladiator in The Best Garage Slatwall Storage System (Gladiator Review). For another great option, see my analysis of Proslat: What Can I Store On a Proslat Wall System?
