Hooks for Hanging Garden Tools – A Guide to Organizing Your Outdoor Space

Having a place to store your garden tools is important for keeping your garage shed or outdoor storage area neat and organized. Hanging your tools on hooks is one of the most popular storage solutions. Hooks keep tools off the floor, save space, and make the tools easily accessible when you need them. This article will provide tips on the best hooks for hanging various garden tools.

Why Use Hooks for Garden Tool Storage?

There are several benefits to using hooks to hang your garden tools:

• Keeps tools off the ground and out of the way. Shovels, rakes, and other long-handled tools can take up a lot of floor space if they are just leaning against a wall. Hooks get them up and out of the way.

• More space efficient than floor storage. Hanging tools makes the most of vertical wall space.

• Keeps tools within easy reach. Hooks make tools accessible instead of buried behind or under other items.

• Prevents damage to tools Laying tools on the ground can lead to dents, chips, and rusting Hanging keeps them protected.

• Looks neat and organized. An orderly arrangement of tools on hooks has a tidy, “place for everything” look.

Hook Considerations

When selecting hooks, keep these factors in mind:

Hook type: There are many types of hooks, including screw-in hooks, magnetic hooks, hanging strips, pegboard hooks, and more. Consider which will work best for your needs and installation location.

Hook material: Most hooks are made from metal or plastic. Go for rust-resistant metals like aluminum, stainless steel, or coated steel for durability.

Weight capacity: Check the hook’s weight rating to make sure it can handle the load of your garden tools. Some heavy axes and mauls may require extra sturdy hooks.

Hook design: Look for hooks designed to cradle and protect long handles. Padded hooks prevent abrasion damage to handles.

Best Hooks for Hanging Specific Garden Tools

Here are some recommended hook types for common garden tools:

Long-handled digging tools – shovels, spades, rakes

• Double-prong hooks: The two arms cradle and support round tool handles. Look for at least 5-inch prongs.

• J-hooks: These hooks have a curled end to hang tools by the neck or D-grip handle.

• Wheelbarrow hanger: Brackets specially designed to hang wheelbarrows by one wheel. Takes the strain off the wheel and handles.

Short-handled tools – trowels, hand pruners, cultivators

• Small wall mount hooks: Simple single hooks mounted in rows work for lightweight short-handled tools. Group same types together.

• Magnetic strip: Line up an array of short-handled tools on a magnetic knife bar.

• Pegboard system: Take advantage of pegboard’s reconfigurability. Use special gardening tool grips and baskets.

Hoses, cords, and cables

• Hose hangers: Clips, loops, or hooks to neatly store coiled hoses. Mount to wall or side of storage cabinet.

• Retractable hose reels: Neatly store hose and protect it from damage. Models range from small wall mounts to large free-standing units.

• Cord wraps: Wrap up and contain extension cords and cables on hooks or specially designed holders. Keeps them untangled and protected.

Lawnmowers, trimmers, blowers

• D-ring hangers: Use steel D-rings with foam or rubberized coating to prevent abrasion and handle damage.

• Shelf with lip: Rest power tools on a sturdy shelf or workbench with a retaining lip to prevent sliding.

• Wall-mounted brackets: Hold trimmers, blowers, and power tools on specially made metal brackets. Allow easy lift-off.

Best Places to Put Tool Hooks

Garden tool hooks can be installed in these convenient spots:

• Garage walls and ceilings – Use open wall studs, rafters, or drywall with screw anchors. Keep away from vehicle paths.

• Shed walls – Most sheds have plywood or OSB walls ideal for installing hooks. Place hooks strategically based on tool sizes and shapes.

• Workshop or mudroom walls – Make use of blank wall space to store small tools.

• Inside cabinet doors – Use hooks to hang often-used tools on the backs of doors and maximize cabinet space.

• Freestanding racks and boards – For garages or sheds with no suitable hanging spots, set up a large tool rack on the floor. Lean tools against it or use built-in hooks.

• Back of workbenches – Add hooks along the back edge or sides of a sturdy workbench to keep tools at the ready but out of the way.

Installing Garden Tool Hooks

Follow basic installation guidelines based on hook type:

• Plastic and adhesive hooks – Clean surfaces thoroughly before applying adhesive hooks. Press firmly for 30 seconds to set adhesive. Wait 1 hour before using hooks.

• Screw-in hooks – Use a stud finder to locate studs. Use appropriate drill bit size for pilot holes. If no studs available, use screw anchors.

• Magnetic hooks – Only suitable for steel garage and shed walls. Clean surface completely to maximize magnetic grip. Avoid placing on drywall.

• Hanging strips – Wipe surface with alcohol first. Press entire length of strip firmly for 30 seconds. Wait 1 hour before using.

• Pegboard system – Securely attach pegboard to wall studs with long screws. Use manufacturer’s layout guidance.

Hanging Garden Tools on a Budget

There are inexpensive ways to hang tools if you’re on a tight budget:

• Use scrap wood like plywood or 2x4s to make DIY tool racks you mount on walls. Add hooks as needed.

• Nails or sturdy shelving brackets can substitute for hooks in a pinch. Position carefully to cradle tool handles.

• Use a plastic storage bin with the lid removed and tools dropped in vertically. Or hang a 5-gallon bucket on a hook.

• Paint stirring sticks or dowels placed horizontally make instant tool racks. Drive hooks above them to hang tools from.

• Cut notches into a small log or firewood round to hold tools. Mount it on the wall or set on the floor.

Maintaining Your Hanging Garden Tools

A few tool care tips will keep your hanging tools looking their best:

• Wipe tools clean after each use. Don’t let dirt dry and cake on metal surfaces.

• Dry tools thoroughly if they get wet before hanging up again.

• Oil metal tool surfaces periodically to prevent rust. Avoid wood handles.

• Sharpen hoes, pruners, loppers, and other bladed tools regularly.

• Repair splintered or cracked wooden handles to prevent further damage.

• Periodically check hooks for damage or loosened screws/adhesive. Tighten or replace as needed.

Keeping your garden tools neatly organized on hooks makes them easy to access while saving floor space. Use the recommendations in this article to choose durable, purpose-specific hooks tailored to your storage needs. Maintain your storage system properly so your tools last for years of gardening enjoyment.