Fast Track or Gladiator

[Danellh]

Okay guys, I don't have a lot of options locally yet need to get garage organized; shovels, rakes, hoses, potting soil, compost, chemicals, hand tools, paint cans, plastic storage bins, bikes, and such. I've trolled this and the net reading pro & con on slatwall systems. I like the idea of versatility but not the limited weight capacity and what to do if a channel breaks.

Lowes has the Rubbermaid Fast Track and Gladiator Channels in stock. Home Depot has 4x8 slatwall that can be ordered on-line (I hate that store, no one is ever around to help out) and there is nothing locally on Craigslist. I thought of using wire shelving and peg board in combination with something like the slatwall. Which do you think is best Fast Track or Gladiator and why? Can you possibly suggest another option? Thanks.

 

[mtesh73]

i am in the midst of making the same purchase. i am opting for fasttrack. it looks a bit more finished when installed. the new locking hardware is a plus. i think the pricing is pretty close, it was negligible when i figured out my costs. i think the fastrack has a stronger rail. most of the accessories have the same use from one system to another, but i like rubbermaids accessories a bit more.

this has been covered very thoroughly here as well. i got much of my information here preliminarliy before even getting to lowes.

 

[ClearSpace]

HandiWall is made in America and a lot cheaper than StoreWall. I believe they will find you a local dealer as well.




http://www.handisolutions.com/

 

[jerseywild]

I use Gladiator and it has held up very well. I am not familiar with the other brands.

 

[usmc_noma]

I find that you can only find Gladiator locally at Sears or Lowes. I thought HD used to carry them, but I don't believe so anymore. Most Lowes seem like they're phasing them out too. Some local to me don't carry any Gladiator cabinets or accessories. I would base your purchase on ease of finding accessories or additional rails.

In my garage, I have both slatwall and Gladiator items. The Gladiator rails you can find B1G1 several times a year from Sears and Lowes. I've found the accessories I needed on clearance. I also have two cabinets I bought a few years ago for next to nothing in store. The slatwall accessories I find at Lowes or one of those used fixture stores. A lot of the hooks or bars I have came from the used place for less than $10 total. I got lucky with my slatwall when a local place was getting rid of 4x8 sheets for $5 a piece.

 

[matty d]

I have both systems....my thoughts

If you have a relatively organized space already and need a rail to hold your tools/equipment, then go for fast track. It is solid, looks great and the hooks stay on real tight. You also don't have to worry about where your studs are because it uses toggle anchors in your Sheetrock. You can also use toggle anchors with gladiator, but they recommend screwing into studs. I used fastrack in my laundry room and have no regrets.

If you want a total garage system with cabinets, toolboxes, workbenches and more, go for Gladiator. Moreover you can hunt for more deals through sears overstocks and price matching at sears, lowes and Home Depot. HD started selling Gladiator last year through its online website, and you can pick up at store. You can't beat Black Friday deals too, whereas Rubbermaid's system doesn't go on sale as much.

Plus, many a Sears/husky Versatrack/secure lock accessories work with Gladiator track and Gearwall.

I set up a blog chronicling my gladiator build as many know by now...I thought it would be totally different, but I kept on running into deals on this stuff...

Http://matthewsgarage.blogspot.com

 

[freakinout]

Looks great. I have been stockpiling Gladiator stuff i've been picking up on clearance as well for a house we are building. can't wait to start putting it all in

 

[Danellh]

All good information. Thanks Everyone!