Looking for specific aluminum track

[multmin]

When searching for broom/mop hangers, I found several that all used an aluminum track system.

I cannot find the raw aluminum track product. I've searched channel, track, rail, guide rail, etc.

I'm looking for just the raw aluminum product - no hooks, attachments, etc. Just the rail itself.

It is 1.5in wide, but I don't have the exact dimensions of the channel.

It also looks like some kind of triple T-track in reverse - maybe even a door threshold meant for a vinyl/rubber insert.

Here is a picture to help, so hopefully someone knows what this product is and where to find it:

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1854/9701/products/0785123851516.P03.WM_2048x2048.jpg?v=1549024852

Here is a side view of the channel itself:

https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/Hf87d722dd7004addb9d3a151b1ffc238p.jpg

 

[The Cobbler]

It's probably a custom extrusion, not available to anyone other than who it's made for

 

[Stuey]

I'm sorry, I haven't seen any track like that and my Googling skills were unsuccessful.

I'd agree with The Cobbler that it's likely a custom extrusion. That, or it's a specialty profile with a very specific name.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Try googling "T-slot aluminum". You should find some that function similarly.

Here is one example.
https://www.alufabinc.com/product/1-5-x-75-single-slot-t-slotted-aluminum-framing-extrusion/

 

[multmin]

Thank you for the replies. Cobbler, I'm honored! Stuey, I'm not worthy. I've been reading Toolguyd for many years!

I thought of a custom extrusion, but there are so many sellers offering it. It's all over Aliexpress and Amazon from different sellers AND in different lengths, for instance.

It looks so familiar, too. I've made custom LED under-cabinet light systems that use aluminum channel, and I've seen so many shapes that come really close.

Did you see the second picture? The center part is just like an LED channel, except with two lipped quarter-rounds.

I guess I'm confused as to how so many different copycats would have access to different lengths of the same shape if it was a custom extrusion.

It also looks like gear track wall systems. I checked out wall track systems for flat screen mounts but they were too wide (3in track, 5in wide aluminum bar).

 

[multmin]

Try googling "T-slot aluminum". You should find some that function similarly.

Hi Leafless! I did see that, but the T-slot seemed to fit 1/4" bolt heads. Possibly there are some wider T-slots?

EDIT: Miter T-track comes closer in dimensions. Perhaps we'll figure it out eventually here.

 

[Stuey]

Thank you for the replies. Cobbler, I'm honored! Stuey, I'm not worthy. I've been reading Toolguyd for many years!

I thought of a custom extrusion, but there are so many sellers offering it. It's all over Aliexpress and Amazon from different sellers AND in different lengths, for instance.

It looks so familiar, too. I've made custom LED under-cabinet light systems that use aluminum channel, and I've seen so many shapes that come really close.

Did you see the second picture? The center part is just like an LED channel, except with two lipped quarter-rounds.

I guess I'm confused as to how so many different copycats would have access to different lengths of the same shape if it was a custom extrusion.

It also looks like gear track wall systems. I checked out wall track systems for flat screen mounts but they were too wide (3in track, 5in wide aluminum bar).

Thanks!

Please don't think less of me for not being able to help with this!

LED channels I've seen tend to be narrower (e.g. https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/sho...iffusers/71702-led-channels-for-tape-lighting), and also not capable of much load-bearing.

T-slot extrusions - for both jig creation and structural framing, are simply not wide enough.

We probably should have asked - what will you be using with the aluminum channel if you could find it?

If you're thinking of implementing it into a project of some kind with DIY hooks or similar, or something to that effect, it might be worth it to look at slatwall-style extrusions.

https://www.orangealuminum.com/slatwall-inserts-and-systems/ez-slatwall-system.html

I suppose that if you're up to using different hooks then standard smaller t-slot products could be used too.

Orange's "EZ Slatwall System" seemed to come close to what you're looking for, but not quite the same. The width looks like it could similar, but that's as far as similarities seem to go.

For the product you linked to, the central channel is recessed, but it's hard to say what the reason could be. I'd guess it's so hooks can still slide over panhead fasteners (as opposed to flathead). The size of the upper slot is wider than slatwall, which is why the Orange system won't work with the same accessories, but it could perhaps work with an improvised system.

Uline's product (https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/H-6090/Mops-and-Squeegees/Mop-Broom-Holder-Quick-Adjust-36) has a similar profile shape but slightly different design.

It is becoming increasingly convincing that these are specialty extrusions.

It might be possible to contact a company like Orange to see if they've made rails like this in the past. They wouldn't be willing to create new tooling or restart production for a small order, but there's a small chance they might have some on-hand or even know where you could order a couple of feet of similar extrusions from.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Ideally you'll be able to find it at a construction recycle store...

Aluminum Extrusion Story: we had a commercial awning on the side of the "Transbay Train Terminal" building in SF (belonged to the state, built in the mid 30's along with the bay bridge as part of the Key System) that MUNI and the other county mass transit companies now used for a bus terminal as well... One of the bus drivers whacked an extruded aluminum awning. We searched (literally) everywhere for the extrustions they used to build this, to no avail. We found THE successors of the company in Oakland (CA) that made the original, they still did extrusions, but had to tool up to make this stuff... Fortunately they had drawings going back that far, but even with that, it was a couple MONTHS to make dies to match the extrusions that would work in their modern machinery, another 4 weeks to squeeze it into their production run, anodizing, etc... they even had one of their people on scene when we built it to make sure the pieces went together right.

Bottom line - the insurance company could have paid for a few new busses for what they paid the extrusion company for their time and effort.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

Perhaps if you let everybody in on your proposed idea, there maybe an alternative that someone knows about.

The extrusion you related to is a proprietary product made by a Chinese company- sold to thousands of wholesalers/retailers for the consumer market.

 

[infinkc]

like these

https://www.ecolocityled.com/product/klus-stos-alu-extrusion/led_aluminum_extrusions

https://www.dhgate.com/product/led-aluminium-profile-2m-per-set-led-aluminum/402880744.html#seo=WAP

 

[swgray]

It would help to know what you intend to use it for, as the strength of the extrusion can vary quite a bit.

Take a look at 80/20 for stronger shapes. Check out places like Rockler Woodworking or Woodpeckers.

Google curtain track.

A place called Sailrite has these

I bought from them in past. If you have a boat or a desire to do upholstery, you could spend hour looking at what they have.

 

[multmin]

Hello All! Great ideas around this topic.

It took awhile before I found slatwalls - I'm just now returning to this post and seeing that I missed everyone's great suggestions! In the interim, I found slatwall, Geartrack, Versatrack, Toolflex, DIY with channel, French cleat, etc.

Should've just come back - would've saved all this time searching....

Yes, I was looking for a way to hang things on a wall: brooms, mops, shovels, rakes, etc. All different weights, but I need them all lined up on one wall due to space. And they need to stay put.

I have a board with removable wooden pegs to hang everything in the garage. Came with the house, but I'm wanting to update it. Some of the pegs have broken and some are not entirely stable.

U-Line: You read my mind! That was one of the first things I found back when I made the post, but I didn't like the price. I noticed a brand name in their pictures, so I went searching for the source of U-Line's product even before you sent your message.

They are Toolflex, a Swedish company. I believe all the China companies have roughly copied their original design. It may have been proprietary before but they copied it. However, here is their updated version selling on U-Line:

https://www.uline.com/Product/ProductDetailRootItem?modelnumber=H-7866

I like the push-handle-into-clip system, and Toolflex sells the individual clips and hooks. This is likely what I'll go with even if I cannot find one long (like 8' or more) channel. Concerning weight, I just don't know if I like the new design or the old one. Again, the old one is what you find on Aliexpress.

Chinese copies: this type also has individual hangers for purchase,

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FCLM599/?tag=atomicindus08-20

...but the channels from China are pre-cut to certain short lengths (some around 15" and some around 19"). Only the 19" is stud friendly. This was why I asked if the channel itself was available, as I wanted a much longer channel to insert more hangers and reach more studs.

Of course, I'll entertain more thoughts from you all. I see slatwall with aluminum channel inserts - that might also be the ticket. I just have to make sure every attachment will fit with whatever I get.