My father's garage housed bicycles, tools, rags, stuff from his father's house, and more tools. Rubbermaid and Gladiator weren't making track storage systems in those days. Now they are.
A storage track system allows you to easily store cleaning supplies, garden equipment, tools, car accessories, and power equipment on the wall, clearing the garage floor for things like walking and storing cars. Hooks install in studs, while a track uses the entire width of the wall.
What Are You Storing in Your Garage?
You're looking to clean up the garage, and don't know which storage organization system to pick.
Do you hammer nails in the studs and call it “done”?
Or do you get bins to store stuff on a ceiling rack? I mean, at least it'd be out of the way.
You're looking at car wash soap, car wax, tire shine, leather conditioner, and a wheel brush in a milk crate on the floor. Next to that is a milk crate full of tools such as wrenches, socket sets, screwdrivers, and pliers. Then there's a shelf that has coolant, motor oil, spark plugs, and air filters.
How can a garage track storage system make your life better?
Garage organization feels hard when you don't have the right tools. But not organizing leads to frustration, lost items, and buying three of the same wrenches because you can't find the one you're looking for.
A garage track system is a popular solution that can help alleviate these issues while also maximizing storage space.
The ADJUSTABLE Garage Track System
The reason to get a garage track system is that it is adjustable. The only other organization system that offers this benefit is the “slatwall,” and that's just garage track on steroids.
By “adjustable,” I'm referring to the fact that you do not need to pull out a drill every time you want to store something.
A garage track comes with hooks that easily come off and snap back onto the track.
You can move the hooks anywhere you want along the width of the track.
This means you can change up what you store and how you store it in 3 seconds flat.
That's what I mean by “adjustable.”
Tracks Hold Bins, Hooks, Baskets, and Shelves
If you have ever installed adjustable shelves, you know that it takes a minimum of a half hour to measure, secure the brackets, and add your shelves. In the garage, you need to find the studs just as much as you do inside the home.
The track system is a real “measure once” and done system. After the track is installed you will use easy proprietary hooks to put your shelves up.
That's also true for the bins, hooks, and baskets you will use to store your garage stuff.
The only thing you're going to need a drill for is to install the track. Do that once, and all storage decisions after that are easy.
Need to store rags and cleaners? Add a wire bin. Need to store garden supplies over the winter? Add the wall bracket kit to your system and plop the cabinet right into that gear.
It's so much easier than finding studs, measuring, and installing, and there's no dust from all the drilling.
Why You Should Organize Automotive Accessories in the Garage
The purpose of a hobby like cleaning and fixing cars is to drive and enjoy, not to spend extra time cleaning the garage.
The organization allows you to quickly find the tool you need, which saves time and stress when you want to have fun.
The Benefits of Using a Garage Track System
Compare the advantage of a track system to using shelves. It goes beyond the organization.
Tracks Maximize and Save Space
A track system uses the wall to free up floor space, giving you more room to move and work. Admittedly, a shelf can do this too. But a shelf can't keep items separated horizontally so that you can easily access your supplies.
Tracks Make it Easy to Get Your Stuff
By “horizontally,” I'm talking about being able to put a hook right next to a bin which is right next to a hanger.
If you use the studs to install hooks, you're getting a hook every 16 or 24 inches. If you use a shelf, everything is next to each other or in front of the thing you need, rather than having one item per row.
This also makes it easier to put stuff away. You don't have to deal with rags, wrenches, and Windex to put away your drill.
Because your items are on the track, they're visible and within reach, eliminating the need to rummage through boxes or piles of equipment.
Tracks Make Your Garage Safer
When items are stored haphazardly on the ground or piled up against walls without proper support, they can easily fall over or get stepped on. That leads to breakage and loss. By having designated spots for each item using a garage track system, you reduce the risk of accidents occurring.
You're less likely to trip on stuff if it's on the wall rather than on the floor. When you have the equipment properly secured to wall tracks, they're less like to fall over, injuring you or a family member.
Advantages (and 2 Disadvantages) of Ceiling and Wall Track Systems
The “wall garage track” is the most popular, but you can also install a track on the ceiling.
Wall tracks usually hold 50-75 lb. per hook, and ceiling racks are pretty much the same. So, for instance, if you put a 20 lb. bicycle on the ceiling for winter, you're well within the track hook's weight limits.
The disadvantage of wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted tracks is the weight-per-hook. If a stud can handle 200 lb., but your hook only handles 50, then you have an effective limit of 50 lb. per item.
Wall and ceiling tracks install the same way. Install the wall track into the wall studs, and the ceiling track in the ceiling joists. Then you're done with the drill and use snapping hooks to hold your stuff.
One potential disadvantage of the ceiling track is that you have not had experience installing things on ceilings. It's awkward, and you need to be doubly careful standing on a ladder. If you get caught up in the installation, remember, you are on a ladder, pay attention, and don't let yourself fall.
Also, please use caution when installing a ceiling rack. Think about the worst-case scenario should something go wrong. Imagine standing under a track full of bicycles when an earthquake knocks the track out of the studs. If stuff falls off the wall, you get out of the way. When it comes off the ceiling, gravity is faster than human legs, and it could be a disaster. Think about the location of heavy stuff before proceeding.
How a Garage Track Organizer Works
With any garage track system, you will get at least one track and the hardware to install it. A track like Rubbermaid comes with a metal rail that you install first and then slide the front-facing track over that. A track like a Gladiator GearTrack is one piece with a channel on the back that accepts the installation screws.
Did you know that I describe Rubbermaid and Gladiator in infinite detail to answer every one of your questions? Check out my articles A Complete Guide to the Rubbermaid FastTrack Storage System, and The Best Garage Slatwall Storage System (Gladiator Review).
The Storage Track
The track is the front-facing part of the system where you attach the accessories and then store your stuff. Depending on the system, you can attach hooks, hangers, baskets, and shelves to your tracks.
The number of tracks you get and the width of each is different from system to system.
The most important question to ask yourself about the track is its weight capacity or load limit.
You want to know the answer to this both for the entire track and each attachment point (each hook or basket).
Storage Track Hooks and Hangers
The hook is the most popular track organizer accessory. Some systems come with 30 choices of hooks. Garage Gladiator has a hook specifically for storing either baseball bats or long-handled equipment such as brooms or rakes. It gets very specific.
Most systems cover the basics of garage storage needs and include hooks for tools (wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers) and larger items such as bicycles and ladders.
Storage Track Baskets
Some garage tracks accept small baskets (or bins) for storing screws, nuts, and bolts. You can use these bins for spray cans and cleaning supplies. You can usually find larger bins if your goal is to get a non-wire-basket storage container for cleaning supplies.
Storage Track Shelves
As I said above, the best part of garage storage track shelving is that you don't need to measure the brackets and level the shelves. Use shelves to store bulkier items such as car wax, oil cans, or motor oil.
As with any accessory purchase, you should ensure that the shelves you get are compatible with your track.
But with shelves, the opposite is not true. With most track shelving solutions, you can install them directly on the wall studs and not use your track at all. Why you want to do this is another question, but it's a feature.
How is a Storage Track Better than “Traditional” Garage Storage?
My favorite aspect of a track system is not having to screw anything in after the initial installation. But I also like that I am using the entire width of the garage wall and not just the parts that have studs.
Garage tracks maximize storage space, get the junk off the floor, and save time.
Garage Track Storage Saves Space and Maximizes Storage Capacity
Most people have more stuff than places to put it. If that's your garage, a garage track system might help you make the most of this space. You see, with a garage track, you can store horizontally and vertically. You can install a 4 ft. track at knee height, another at waist height, and a third at eye height. You're storing vertically to maximize the space.
Garage Track Storage Provides Easy Access to Tools and Accessories
Which would you rather do: access tools from a dedicated wall holder, or surf through doors of stuff to find what you need?
Sifting through piles of clutter just to find the right tool or accessory is not only frustrating but can also be dangerous if sharp objects are scattered everywhere.
A garage track system provides an easy solution by keeping everything neatly organized and within reach. You can hang your most frequently used tools and accessories on the hooks or hangers for quick access.
Baskets and shelves can be used to store less frequently used items, keeping them out of the way but still easily accessible when needed. With everything in its proper place, you won't have to waste time searching for what you need.
The Track Improves Safety by Reducing Clutter
A cluttered garage is not only unsightly but also dangerous. It's easy to trip over things left lying around or get injured by sharp objects that are not stored properly. A garage track system helps reduce clutter by keeping everything in its place.
No longer will you have to worry about accidentally stepping on a small tool or tripping over a pile of accessories. By improving safety, a garage track system not only makes your garage more functional but also helps prevent accidents and injuries that could otherwise result from disorganization.
Tips for Choosing the Right Garage Track System for Your Needs
The most important question to ask of a track system is “How much weight does it hold?”
The next question is “Which part of the garage wall will accept my storage items?”
Determine the Weight Capacity of Your Accessories
Consider the weight capacity of each hook as well as the track overall. Different systems have different weight capacities, so it is important to choose one that can support all of your tools and equipment without compromising safety.
Consider the heaviest item you plan on storing on the system and make sure to choose one with a weight capacity that exceeds this amount.
Consider the Layout of the Garage
Before purchasing a garage track system, it is important to consider the size and layout of your garage. The amount of available space will play a significant role in determining what type of track system will work best for your needs.
Will you be able to access your storage track when the cars are in the garage? If the bikes are still on the garage floor, will they also be in the way of your storage track brooms and rakes?
Wall-mounted systems are great for garages with limited floor space, while ceiling-mounted systems can take advantage of unused overhead space.
Pick a System with Tomorrow's Items
If you like a system with certain cabinets, but can't afford those today, you can start with the track storage and work your way up.
You want to choose a track that has accessories you like, even if you don't buy them upfront.
Once you choose a garage track, you will be locked into its accessories. That restriction is what gives you so much convenience.
Conclusion
Organizing automotive accessories in a garage can be challenging without the proper storage solutions in place. A garage track system offers many benefits including ease of installation, customization options, increased safety by reducing clutter and maximizing storage capacity.
When choosing a garage track system, it is important to consider factors such as the size track's weight load limit, and where you'll be standing when you access its storage items.
Any system you choose will require you to buy accessories from that vendor. If you buy Rubbermaid or Gladiator today, you'll be buying Rubbermaid or Gladiator hooks tomorrow.
Enjoy cleaning off that garage floor and finally using the walls for storage!
I think you'll want to read these next: A Complete Guide to the Rubbermaid FastTrack Storage System, and The Best Garage Slatwall Storage System (Gladiator Review).
