How to Hang Garden Tools for Easy Storage and Organization

Having the right tools makes gardening easier and more efficient. But dealing with the clutter of shovels, rakes, hoses, and more scattered around the yard can quickly get annoying. Proper storage is key to keeping your garden tools organized, protected, and easy to access when needed.

Hanging your tools is one of the best solutions for tidy storage. Wall-mounted racks and holders keep tools up off the ground so they don’t get muddy or damaged. Hanging tools also saves floor and shelf space in the garage or shed. With the right DIY hanging solutions, you can organize your garden gear and make yard work a breeze.

Why Hang Garden Tools?

Storing long-handled and hand tools vertically on a wall has some great benefits:

• Keeps tools clean and dry instead of sitting on the dirty floor
• Saves floor space in the shed or garage for other storage
• Prevents tripping hazards
• Provides visibility so you can see what’s available at a glance
• Keeps tools within easy reach for quick access
• Maximizes storage capacity in small spaces

Hanging tools also helps prolong their life by protecting them from moisture. And it looks neater than leaning tools in a pile in the corner.

Best Practices for Hanging Garden Tools

When planning your garden tool hanging storage keep these tips in mind

• Group tools by type – rakes together, shovels together, etc. This makes it easier to grab the right tool.
• Hang heavy tools at chest height so they’re easy to lift on and off the hooks.
• Keep frequently used tools closest for convenient access.
• Use strong hooks and anchors rated for the tool weight. Wall anchors for drywall provide more support.
• Allow enough space between tools for easy removal without bumping other handles.
• Arrange tools to maximize use of wall space but avoid crowding.

Some wall-mounted tool racks have pre-set tool layouts. But with DIY options like pegboard and slatwall, you can customize the arrangement as needed.

12 Easy DIY Ideas for Hanging Garden Tools

With a few basic supplies and some creativity, you can build a custom hanging system to organize your unique collection of garden tools. Here are some of the most popular DIY solutions

1. Use Pegboard

Pegboard is the ultimate customizable tool hanging solution. The perforated hardboard lets you position peg hooks anywhere to hold tools large and small. Use it to hang pruners, trowels, spray bottles and more. Large galvanized utility hooks hold bigger tools like rakes shovels, and brooms.

2. Attach a Slatwall Panel

Slatwall is similar to pegboard, with horizontal slots that accept specialized hooks. Use it to hang lightweight hand tools, gloves, sprayers, and other accessories. Look for slatwall panels made for garages that can handle heavier yard tools too.

3. Use PVC Pipe Holders

DIY tool holders made from PVC pipe and fittings provide a handy way to hang long-handled tools upright. Drill holes in the PVC to insert tool handles, then screw the tubes to the wall. Size the holes for a tight fit. Cap the ends for a finished look.

4. Hang Tools from Fence Boards

Nail or screw galvanized fence boards horizontally to the wall studs. Space boards to allow handles to slip between. Pound nails into the vertical gaps to hang smaller tools. Use large hooks in the wider horizontal spaces for bigger tools.

5. Recycle Wooden Pallets

Old wooden pallets make great instant tool organizers. Mount the pallet on the wall, then use leftover planks to make holders sized for your tools. Insert handles into the slots to keep tools up off the floor.

6. Use a Ladder

A wood or metal ladder hung horizontally provides built-in slots for slipping in tool handles. Position it low for large tools or higher up for smaller hand tools. Screw or bolt the open-back ladder securely to wall studs.

7. Mount a Wire Closet Shelving Unit

Sturdy wire shelving has lots of handy uses beyond the closet. Install it to hold yard tools handle-up. Lower shelves can corral smaller accessories. Look for heavy-duty garage storage systems with higher weight capacities.

8. Hang Tools from Rakes

Hook an old rake or shovel horizontally on sturdy wall anchors. Use the tines or scoop as built-in holders to neatly organize and contain other small tools.

9. Use Buckets or Bins

Plastic buckets hung on the wall create handy vertical storage for hand tools. Stack bins work too. Drop tools handles-down into the container to keep them together but accessible. Use carabiners or hooks to hang lightweight containers.

10. Repurpose Dish Drainers

The slots in dish drainers are perfectly sized for garden tool handles. Screw them to the wall using rust-resistant hardware. The draining trays can hold small supplies. Some drainers have holders for scrub brushes – ideal for mini rakes!

11. Mount a Toolbox

A plastic or metal tool box doubles as a wall-mounted rack. Remove the handle and secure it to the wall through back mounting holes. Add hooks inside for hanging smaller tools. Use the lidded compartments for parts storage too.

12. Use Garden Hose Hooks

Basic garden hose hangers provide a handy way to hang long-handled shovel, hoes, and rakes upside down. Choose large, sturdy hooks rated for tool weight. Space them to keep handles separated.

6 Key Materials for Hanging Yard Tools

With the right hardware, you can create a custom hanging solution to suit any space or collection. Here are some of the best DIY-friendly materials for tool storage:

• Pegboard – The ultimate versatile tool hanging panel. Find these in large sheets at home improvement stores.

• PVC Pipe – Use connectors to join into custom holders. Smooth surface won’t snag handles.

• Ladder – Provides built-in handle slots when mounted horizontally.

• Wire Shelving – Look for heavy-duty storage systems made for garages.

• Fence Boards – Nail horizontally to make slots for handles. Add hooks for smaller tools.

• Buckets – Hang plastic buckets or stack bins to contain tools.

5 Ideal Spaces for Hanging Garden Tools

When deciding where to install your DIY garden tool hanging storage, consider these prime locations:

• Garage wall – Use pegboard to hang tools within easy reach.

• Shed interior – Makes tools accessible, protected from weather.

• Exterior shed wall – Keeps tools handy when working in yard.

• Fence or railing – Mount small racks to hang tools alongside beds.

• Near hose spigot – Keeps tools where you need them.

Maximize Your Hanging Tool Storage

Get the most use out of your wall-mounted tool storage with these space-saving tips:

• Hang lightweight hand tools above head height to maximize space below.

• Use wall-mounted cabinets or shelves above the tools for extra storage.

• Utilize vertical space with a slatwall-type system that lets you customize.

• Consider ceiling-mounted racks or hangers to add a second level out of the way.

• Add smaller secondary racks on fence posts near garden beds.

Maintain Your Hanging Tool Storage

A few seasonal maintenance tasks will keep your hanging tool storage working smoothly:

• Check anchors and supports to be sure they are secure. Tighten any loose hardware.

• Wipe down tools to remove dirt and grit before hanging up for the winter.

• Oil or lubricate tool surfaces to prevent rusting in storage.

• Re-arrange tools as needed to accommodate any new additions.

• Touch up any scratches or damaged paint to prevent future rust.

• Replace any degraded or insecure hooks, holders, or hardware.

With the right organizational system, hanging tools makes gardening and yardwork more efficient and enjoyable. Follow the tips in this guide to create wall-mounted storage that keeps essential gear at your fingertips. Soon you’ll have a clutter-free, functionally arranged collection of your most-used tools right where you need them.

The best way to store garden tools depends on the space available and the type of tools. For long-handled tools, wall-mounted racks or pegboards are excellent for vertical space utilization and easy access. Smaller hand tools can be stored in buckets, boxes, or tool organizers with pockets.