Unlock Your Garage’s Potential with Rubbermaid FastTrack
Is your garage a cluttered mess of tools, bikes, and boxes? You’re not alone. Many homeowners find their garage space quickly swallowed by disorganization, making it impossible to park a car, let alone find a screwdriver.
Imagine a clean, functional space where every item has its place, hanging neatly on the wall. This is the promise of an effective wall organization system.
The Rubbermaid FastTrack storage system stands out as one of the best garage wall organization products you can buy. It’s designed to bring order to the chaos with remarkable simplicity.
This guide will show you the best way to start with Rubbermaid FastTrack storage. We’ll help you understand the big picture before you even purchase your first piece, ensuring a successful and satisfying garage project.
UPDATE: Compare the latest options in our new Rubbermaid FastTrak Kit comparison!
Why Should You Start with a System? The FastTrack Advantage
Tackling garage clutter with random hooks and shelves often leads to more disarray. A cohesive system provides a unified, expandable solution that grows with your needs.
The FastTrack system is built around a single, brilliant concept: a heavy-duty steel rail that serves as the backbone for all your storage. This rail is the key to its strength and versatility.
Unlike screwing individual hooks into the wall, the FastTrack rail distributes weight across multiple wall studs. This allows it to support significantly more weight—up to 1,750 lbs across the system.
This systematic approach means you get a professional-looking, incredibly durable, and flexible organization wall. You can change your layout in minutes without drilling new holes.
What Is the Foundation of the FastTrack System?
The core of every FastTrack installation is the steel rail. This isn’t just a piece of metal; it’s the engineered foundation for your entire organization project.
These rails come in various lengths, typically 32, 48, and 84 inches, allowing you to customize the fit to your specific wall space. You can even mount them end-to-end for a full-wall solution.
Their strength comes from being screwed directly into your garage wall studs. Proper installation is the most critical step for ensuring stability and safety for your valuable gear.
Once the rail is on the wall, it’s covered with a sleek plastic faceplate. This not only provides a clean, finished look but also creates the “track” that the hooks and accessories lock into.
How Simple Is It to Install Your First Rail?
Mounting the steel rail is the only step that requires tools, but it’s straightforward. The most important tool you’ll need is a stud finder to locate the structural supports in your wall.
Always aim to screw the rail directly into the wall studs for maximum holding power. If you must mount a section between studs, be sure to use appropriate heavy-duty wall anchors designed for your wall type.
For a perfect installation, use a level to ensure your rail is straight before you drill. A crooked rail can affect how the accessories hang and look.
Need a visual guide? We recommend watching a step-by-step installation video which walks you through the entire process. You can also consult the official Rubbermaid instructions (PDF) for detailed diagrams.
Pro Tip: While kits include mounting hardware, it’s wise to purchase an extra hardware pack. Having extra screws and anchors on hand will save you a trip to the store and ensure a secure fit, especially if you plan to expand later.
How Do the Snap-On Hooks and Accessories Work?
Once the rail is securely mounted, the hard work is done. The true genius of the FastTrack system is its effortless flexibility. You won’t need your drill or screws anymore.
Rubbermaid offers a huge range of hooks, shelves, baskets, and specialty holders. Each accessory features a patented locking mechanism on the back.
Simply place an accessory onto the rail and push it down. It snaps securely into place with a satisfying click, ready to hold your gear.
Need to rearrange? Just lift the front of the hook to disengage the lock and slide it to a new position. This flexibility means your storage can easily adapt as you acquire new tools or the seasons change.
Should You Buy Individual Pieces or a Starter Kit?
You have two paths when starting with FastTrack: buying pieces individually or starting with a kit. For most people, a kit is the superior choice.
Starter kits are curated by Rubbermaid to provide a great value and a versatile mix of hooks for common garage items. This removes the guesswork from your first purchase.
However, if you have a very specific plan, such as hanging a collection of shovels and rakes, buying a rail and the exact hooks you need might be more economical. Be sure to plan it out first.
For a comprehensive look at every hook and accessory available, check out our deep dive: A Complete Guide to the Rubbermaid FastTrack Storage System (opens in a new window).
What Comes in the 5-Piece Starter Kit?
The name “5-Piece Kit” can be a little misleading. It actually includes one rail and four hooks, making a total of five items in the box.
This is the 5-Piece Kit, and it’s an excellent, low-cost way to test the system. It typically includes a 48-inch rail, which spans three standard wall studs (16 inches apart).
The four included hooks are usually a mix of multipurpose hooks and scoop hooks. These are perfect for getting common items like brooms, shovels, and extension cords off the floor immediately.
Consider this kit your gateway to garage organization. It’s ideal for a small section of wall or for targeting a specific problem area in your garage.
Which 6-Piece Kit Is Right for Me?
This is where things can get confusing, as Rubbermaid offers two distinct kits both labeled as “6-Piece.” The key difference lies in the rail length and the hook assortment.
The first 6-Piece Kit comes with a shorter 32-inch rail and five hooks. This is designed for smaller spaces or to fit between obstructions like a window and a door frame.
The second, more popular 6-Piece Kit features a 48-inch rail and five hooks. This version gives you more hanging space and a better variety of hooks, often including a specialty hook like a ladder hook or cooler hook.
Always double-check the rail length and included hooks before purchasing. The 48-inch version generally offers better value and more immediate utility for organizing your garage.
Ready for a Major Overhaul? Check Out the 8-Piece Kit
For those ready to make a significant impact on their garage clutter, the 8-Piece Kit is the ultimate starting point. This kit is designed for maximum storage right out of the box.
It features an impressive 84-inch rail, which is long enough to span six wall studs. This length provides a massive amount of horizontal storage space.
Paired with the long rail are seven of Rubbermaid’s most useful hooks. You’ll typically find a mix of multi-purpose hooks, scoop hooks, and valuable specialty hooks for items like bikes, power tools, and sports equipment.
Choosing this kit is the fastest way to reclaim a large portion of your garage wall. It provides the foundation and versatility to hang almost anything, clearing up a huge amount of space in a single afternoon.
What Are the Must-Have Hooks to Add to a Kit?
While kits are a fantastic start, your specific needs might require a few extra hooks. Certain accessories are so useful they are worth adding to your initial purchase.
The Utility Hook is a must-have. Its simple, robust design is perfect for holding shovels, rakes, sledgehammers, and other long-handled tools securely.
If you have bicycles, the Vertical Bike Hook makes a huge difference. It gets your bikes up off the floor, freeing up an incredible amount of space while keeping them easily accessible.
The Ladder Hook is another essential. Ladders are notoriously awkward to store, and this hook provides a safe, stable, and out-of-the-way solution.
Finally, don’t overlook the simple Power Tool Holder. It’s the perfect perch for your cordless drill, keeping it charged and ready to go for your next project.
How Should I Plan My Garage Wall Layout?
Before you drill the first hole, take a few minutes to plan your layout. Lay the rail on the floor beneath the intended wall space.
Gather the items you plan to hang and place them on the floor near the rail. This helps you visualize how much space each item will need.
Group similar items together. For instance, create a zone for long-handled garden tools, a zone for sports equipment, and another for power tools and cords.
Use painter’s tape on the wall to mark where the rail will go and where the largest items (like bikes or ladders) will hang. This simple step prevents mistakes and ensures you love the final result.
Remember to consider clearance. Make sure you can still open your car doors or walk past bulky items without issue once they are on the wall.
How Do I Maintain and Expand My FastTrack System?
One of the best features of the Rubbermaid FastTrack is its durability and expandability. A little care ensures it will serve you well for years to come.
Occasionally, wipe down the rails and hooks with a damp cloth to remove dust and grime. This keeps the system looking sharp and operating smoothly.
As your needs change, don’t hesitate to rearrange your hooks. The ability to adapt your storage on the fly is what makes the system so powerful.
Expanding your system is as easy as adding a new rail. You can mount another rail above, below, or next to your existing one to create a full wall of custom storage.
By starting with a solid plan and a quality kit, you are setting yourself up for long-term organization success. Your garage will thank you for it.
