A rail system is the quickest way to get long-handled tools, cords, and bulky gear off the garage floor. You mount a horizontal rail into the framing, then hang hooks wherever you need them and slide them as the wall changes. The main decision is which accessory family you commit to, because FastTrack and GearTrack hooks are not interchangeable.
Garage rail kits at a glance
| Kit | What you start with | Accessory family | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubbermaid FastTrack Garage Kit | Rail plus hooks | Rubbermaid FastTrack | Most garages |
| Rubbermaid FastTrack 8-Piece Small Kit | Rails plus a small hook set | Rubbermaid FastTrack | Shorter walls |
| Rubbermaid FastTrack 5-Piece Utility Hook Kit | Short rail plus utility hooks | Rubbermaid FastTrack | One compact zone |
| Gladiator GearTrack GAWC042P | Two 4-foot channels | Gladiator GearTrack and GearWall | A larger expanding wall |
Rubbermaid FastTrack Garage Kit: best overall
This kit is the straightforward starting point for a garage where tools lean against every wall. It combines a rail with hooks, so you can hang rakes, shovels, brooms, and cords on day one and add FastTrack accessories later. Confirm the current package contents before ordering.
FastTrack 8-Piece Small Kit: best for shorter walls
The small kit packages rails and a modest hook assortment together. It suits a narrow wall beside the door or a first rail you plan to expand once you see how the garage gets used.
FastTrack 5-Piece Utility Hook Kit: best compact zone
For one cluster of long-handled tools, the five-piece kit keeps the project small: a short rail and utility hooks. It is a good fit for a corner or side wall that needs a single tidy zone.
Gladiator GearTrack: best for a larger expanding wall
The GearTrack two-pack starts with two four-foot channels and no hooks, so budget for accessories. Choose it when you want room to grow, since GearTrack accepts the same Gladiator accessories as GearWall panels.
Rail, pegboard, or panels?
Rails are best for long and bulky items. Pegboard suits many small hand tools you want visible, and slatwall or panel systems suit a full wall you plan to rearrange. Many garages combine a rail for yard tools with pegboard at the bench.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Rubbermaid FastTrack and Gladiator GearTrack hooks interchangeable?
No, the two rails use different profiles, so buy hooks made for the rail you install.
Can a garage rail be mounted into drywall alone?
No, fasten the rail into framing as the manufacturer instructions specify, because drywall alone is not a safe anchor for loaded hooks.
What is the best rail system for long-handled tools?
A FastTrack kit with utility hooks is the simplest fit for rakes, shovels, and brooms because the hooks come in the box.
Can I add more rail later?
Yes, both FastTrack and GearTrack are designed to extend with more rail and accessories from the same family.