In partnership with FLEX Power Tools
Many garage and shop storage systems are designed to have the same interfaces as your modular stack, so you can shift your tools and gear from your toolboxes to the wall. Add in organizational accessories with the same interface, and it’s a nice upgrade over traditional shelves.
But those systems are often a pain to install, look clunky, and are made with plastic components that can be easily damaged and will likely wear out over time.
What if there were a better design? And what if it worked with your modular toolbox stack to improve your workflow?
The team behind the FLEX TRACK-LOCK system took on the challenge. I had the opportunity to speak with Andrew Pompei and Katie White from the FLEX team about the design. I’ll walk you through what I learned, including the pain points TRACK-LOCK solves and how much more versatile a system it is.
FLEX TRACK-LOCK Foundations
TRACK-LOCK mount rails make up the foundation of the system and offer several advantages over other mounting options.
First, there’s the construction. The rails are made from steel, not plastic, and each one can hold 75 pounds. 32 inches long and 3 inches tall, they make for a clean look once you have them installed.
Speaking of installation, it’s about as easy as you could hope for. Anchor points run the length of the top and bottom every few inches. With standard 16-inch stud spacing, you should be able to hit at least two of them on interior walls. For block or brick walls, Tapcons are the fastener of choice.
While you could use any quality level or even a cross line laser to help ensure you have an even install, a magnetic torpedo level fits nicely between anchor points. Plus, if you need less than 32 inches to finish your rail run, you can cut them to fit the space and add a plastic end cap.
One of the things I love the most about the interface design is that you can clamp your accessories anywhere you want along the rail. Want that shelf 1/2 an inch to the left? No problem—you’re not tied down to segmented install points. Once you find a spot you like and lock the accessory in place, rubber contact points keep it from sliding around.
STACK PACK Integration
FLEX makes the TRACK-LOCK system even more attractive thanks to its integration with the STACK PACK modular toolbox system. By adding STACK PACK rails to the front, back, and/or sides, your stack gets a TRACK-LOCK upgrade.
STACK PACK already has plenty of helpful accessories, like tool hangers and extension cord wraps. But with the rail enhancement, any of your TRACK-LOCK accessories can easily transfer onto your stack. So, grab that tool holder off the wall and clip it on. Toss a hook or two on the side for your extension cords. Add a shelf to the front.
Another way to think about it is to consider STACK PACK as your go-to mobile platform. In shops, add the dolly for easy rolling on concrete floors. For jobsites, use the large rolling box as your base for covering all types of terrain.
Then, grab whatever you need from your TRACK-LOCK wall and add it to your stack. Or, get creative and keep the most helpful TRACK-LOCK accessories on your stack full-time while adding whatever others you need from the wall based on whatever the day has in store for you.
Unleashing TRACK-LOCK’s Potential
TRACK-LOCK currently has more than two dozen accessories available. Each one has a name based on what the design team envisioned it being used for. But here’s a little life hack—use your imagination and let them act as customization for the unique way you work.
If you work in automotive, the power tool holder not only has the bonus of sliding batteries onto the side, but each bay conveniently happens to perfectly fit a box of nitrile gloves. Open the pack, stick it in a slot upside down, and you have an easy distribution system. Another excellent one is for body work and detailers to use the pliers holder for your spray bottles.
Consider carpentry and woodworking. Those angle grinder holders? They’re also great for holding random orbit sanders. Plus, you can repurpose several hook styles to hold your saw blades by the arbor hole. Set them up by size and tooth count, and you can easily grab the blade you need instead of rooting through drawers.
Don’t miss the bonus opportunity with the shelves. They don’t block your access to the part of the rail underneath them. You can add extra accessories to maximize the space. One setup I really like is having workbench-height shelves with hooks underneath to get 5-gallon buckets off the floor.
And speaking of workbenches, if you have one with a wood top, you can screw TRACK-LOCK rails onto the sides of that as well. Just like with STACK PACK builds, it amplifies your workbench’s usefulness by making it a more versatile workspace.
Even in your own home garage, why settle for a DIY organization solution? Let your professional demands for quality and durability crossover to your off-the-clock lifestyle as well.
It’s all about taking advantage of TRACK-LOCK’s unique ability to integrate with STACK PACK and the space you work or live in.
Ready to Buy?
Are you ready for a storage and organization system that improves your workflow and has the durability you demand?
If you answered yes, TRACK-LOCK is the system you’ve been waiting for. Head over to FLEX’s website to see all the available components. Once you’ve designed your custom buildout, check out your favorite FLEX retailer to purchase what you need. In less than a day, you could transform your space into a time and space-saving haven of organization.
