The Core of the System: How the FastTrack Rail Unlocks Your Garage’s Potential
The Rubbermaid FastTrack system is a top choice for garage organization, standing strong against systems like Proslat and Gladiator with its own unique benefits. It’s tough, durable, and impressively cost-effective, making it a smart choice for any homeowner looking to reclaim their garage.
At the heart of the FastTrack is the proprietary FastTrack Rail. These steel rails, available in lengths from 32″ to 84″, are the foundation upon which you build your entire storage solution.
Installation is straightforward. You mount the rails horizontally onto your garage wall studs, which can be spaced at 16″ or 24″. The rails come with pre-drilled holes and all the necessary mounting hardware to get started.
The real genius is the black cover that snaps over the rail, providing a clean, finished look. Hooks and accessories then lock securely onto this channel but can be unlocked and moved in seconds without any tools. This flexibility is what makes the FastTrack system so special.
Once your rails are up, you gain access to Rubbermaid’s entire ecosystem of hooks, shelves, bins, and cabinets. It becomes clear this system was designed with the real-world clutter of a family garage in mind.
Your Easiest On-Ramp: The Rubbermaid FastTrack Starter Kit
Feeling overwhelmed by the options? The easiest way to begin your FastTrack journey is by grabbing a starter kit. These kits provide a perfect introduction to the system’s capabilities.
The tool hanging kit is an excellent starting point, giving you a rail and a versatile selection of hooks to immediately begin clearing floor space. You can instantly find a home for rakes, shovels, and other long-handled tools.
Starting with a kit removes the guesswork. You get a curated set of popular accessories that demonstrate the system’s value right out of the box. From there, you can identify what other specific hooks or shelves you need.
Ready to compare your options? Check out our complete Rubbermaid FastTrack Kit comparison!
These kits are not just for beginners; they also offer great value. Purchasing the components in a bundle is often more economical than buying each piece individually.
How Can You Reclaim Floor Space with Specialized Bike Hooks?
Bikes are notorious for cluttering a garage floor. FastTrack offers two brilliant solutions to hang any bike up to 50 lbs, getting them up and out of the way.
The Vertical Bike Hook lets you hang your bike by its front tire. It features a sturdy grip with a soft rubber coating to protect your wheel’s rim from scratches. This is a great space-saving option for narrower wall sections.
For a different orientation, the Horizontal Bike Hook cleverly supports a bike’s frame on a single, wide hook. This design spreads the load and keeps the bike stable. It also has a soft coating to protect your bike’s paint job.
A fantastic feature of the Horizontal Hook is its ability to fold up against the wall when not in use. This simple design touch prevents you from snagging a shoulder on an empty hook. Both hooks are a testament to the system’s thoughtful engineering.
What Are the Best Workhorse Hooks for Everyday Clutter?
Beyond bikes, a few key hooks form the backbone of a truly organized garage, tackling everything from tools to sports equipment. These versatile “workhorse” hooks are essential additions to any FastTrack rail.
The Compact Hook is a shorter double hook perfect for holding items close to the wall. Its scooped shape securely cradles power drills, bike helmets, and small camping chairs, holding up to 25 lbs.
For heavier or bulkier items, the Utility Hook is your go-to solution. Its generous “C” shape can easily manage a 100 ft. extension cord, a fat-tire bicycle, or tools with wide heads like pitchforks. It has a robust 50 lb. capacity.
The Multi-Purpose Hook is another 50 lb. champion. This extra-deep double hook is a true catch-all for toys, beach chairs, leaf blowers, and skateboards. A 3-inch gap between the prongs makes it perfect for hanging hammers, badminton rackets, and garden tools.
How to Store Hoses, Ladders, and Other Awkward Items
Some of the most frustrating garage items to store are long, bulky, or oddly shaped. FastTrack provides purpose-built hooks that make organizing hoses, ladders, and even coolers a simple task.
The Hose Hook features a deep cradle and a tall end lip, ensuring that even a heavy 50 lb. hose stays securely coiled and off the ground. No more tripping over tangled hoses!
Ladders are another common garage hazard. The Ladder Hook has a deep, 13-inch long resting area to safely hang ladders vertically or horizontally (using two hooks). It can also handle step stools and other bulky equipment up to 50 lbs.
Rubbermaid even thought of your outdoor entertaining gear with the Cooler Hook. While designed for cylindrical drink coolers, its shape is also perfect for hanging pails, small hoses, and hand tools like mallets. It shows the brand’s understanding of how people really use their garages.
Create a Dedicated Home for Every Garden and Power Tool
Give your yard tools the organized home they deserve. FastTrack offers specialized hooks designed to perfectly fit long-handled tools, string trimmers, and leaf blowers, keeping them secure and accessible.
The Power Tool Hook provides 15 inches of depth to hang large equipment like string trimmers and edgers. Its curved design grabs the tool securely, and you can mount several in a row near an outlet to create an efficient charging station. This hook holds up to 50 lbs.
For long-handled items, the 2-Handle S-Hook is a simple yet brilliant solution. It’s essentially two separate hooks that latch onto the rail, perfect for storing shovels, rakes, hoes, and even baseball bats. The combined weight capacity is a solid 50 lbs.
By using these dedicated hooks, you create a system where every tool has its place. This not only declutters your garage but also protects your equipment from damage and makes it easy to find exactly what you need, when you need it.
How to Go Vertical and Maximize Wall Space with Shelves
The FastTrack system expands beyond a single horizontal rail. By adding Vertical Rails, you can add shelves, bins, and even cabinets, opening up powerful new storage possibilities.
These vertical uprights hang directly from your horizontal rail, creating a framework for a fully customized wall unit. This sub-system is where you can start storing auto fluids, cleaning supplies, and other items best kept on a flat surface.
The FastTrack Rail Shelf is a fantastic addition to this vertical setup. Rubbermaid brilliantly designed these shelves with lipped edges to help prevent items from sliding or vibrating off the sides—a small detail that makes a huge difference.
The Large Shelf is nearly three feet wide and holds 50 lbs., perfect for more than four 1-gallon jugs. A smaller 25 lb. capacity shelf is also available. They are ideal for organizing motor oil, flashlights, and paper towels.
What Are the Best Bins for Small Parts and Grab-and-Go Items?
The vertical system offers some truly clever solutions for organizing both the smallest and most frequently used items in your garage. Two standouts are the Bench Blox Kit and the Rail Access Bin.
The Bench Blox Kit is the perfect answer to the chaos of loose screws, nuts, and bolts. This system provides small, lidded bins that hang at eye level, keeping hardware clean, organized, and visible through transparent lids.
For grab-and-go items, the Rail Access Bin is brilliantly simple. This open-topped box features a front door that opens like a mailbox, giving you two ways to access the contents. It’s perfect for gardening supplies, cleaning products, or kids’ outdoor toys.
On a note of caution, be wary of the Resin Bin. Customer reviews suggest it doesn’t hold its shape well under load. For a more reliable option, the Rail Access Bin is a far better choice.
Secure and Sturdy: The Truth About FastTrack Cabinets
Locking cabinets are a must for securing hazardous materials away from children and pets. While some FastTrack cabinets have had issues, there is one clear winner you can buy with confidence.
Due to persistent complaints about shipping damage, we cannot recommend the standard MDF Wall Cabinet. If you choose to buy it, consider purchasing from a local store to avoid the hassle of shipping returns.
However, the incredibly strong Tool Cabinet Bundle is an excellent cabinet I do recommend. This heavy-duty cabinet is tough, durable, and looks fantastic on the wall.
With an incredible 1,750 lb. weight capacity, this cabinet can handle anything you throw at it. The doors feature magnetic closures and can be secured with a padlock, providing the safe storage you need for pesticides, chemicals, and other dangerous items.
This premium bundle hooks directly onto your FastTrack rails, offering a level of convenience and integration that standalone cabinets can’t match. It even comes with free ladder and hose hooks, making it a competitive and compelling choice for serious garage organization.
Pro-Tips for a Flawless Installation & Your Questions Answered
Installing your FastTrack system is a simple, one-person job. With a drill and a level, you can have a rail mounted in minutes.
For optimal strength, mount the rails directly into wall studs. The system is designed for standard 16-inch stud spacing. If your studs are 24 inches apart, you must reduce the expected load capacity by about a third.
It is critical that you do not install a 32-inch rail on 24-inch studs. A 32-inch rail must be secured to three studs to be stable and safe. When adding vertical rails, always ensure they are anchored into a stud below where they attach to the horizontal rail.
How do I contact Rubbermaid for help? Their contact information is available here, and you can find guarantee information here.
Does Rubbermaid sell other garage storage tools? Yes, they offer a wide range of solutions including heavy-duty cargo boxes and outdoor deck boxes, all designed to help you reclaim your space.
