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Brooms and rakes can be stored in a garage in a variety of ways. Some common options include:
– Hanging them from wall hooks or a ceiling rack – This keeps them up and out of the way.
– Storing them in a tall bucket or trash can – Slide the handles down into the container to keep the bristles and tines organized.
– Mounting a tool rack or pegboard to the wall – Attach hooks to hold the handles in place.
– Using a leaning ladder rack – Lean handles against the rungs to keep tools upright.
– Placing in corner clips or holders – Secure these clips on the wall to hold broom and rake handles.
– Putting on a mounted shelf – Install shelving and place tools horizontally.
– Sliding through loops on the wall – Screw loops onto the wall to slide handles through.
– Hanging over workbenches – Use wall hooks above a work table to hang tools.
– Storing in a cabinet or closet – Stand tools upright inside a closet or cabinet.
Where to Store Brooms and Rakes
When deciding where to store brooms and rakes in the garage, consider accessibility, protection, and organization.
It’s ideal to store long-handled tools in a location that is easy to access and reach. Areas like right next to the main garage doorway or on a wall near your workbench are convenient options. This way, you don’t have to hunt around for the tools when you need them.
You’ll also want to store brooms and rakes in a spot where they will be protected from damage. Avoid places like right next to the garage door opening where they could get bumped and knocked over frequently. Excessive moisture, chemicals like gasoline, or sunlight can also damage wood and fiberglass handles and bristle/tine materials over time.
Finally, choose storage methods that will keep your brooms, rakes and other long-handled tools organized. Utilizing wall hooks, cabinets, or shelving units will help keep your garage tidy so you can easily find the right tool. Arrange tools from largest to smallest to maximize storage space efficiency.
Here are some of the best places to store brooms and rakes in a garage:
– On utility hooks near the garage entrance
– In a tall storage bin or trash can
– On a wall-mounted pegboard or slatwall panel
– Overhead on a ceiling rack or hooks
– On shelves of a storage rack, cabinet, or closet
– In corner broom holders mounted to the walls
– On loops, clips, or brackets on the wall
– Inside a closet or cabinet near the exterior garage door
Broom and Rake Storage Ideas
From freestanding racks to wall-mounted hooks, there are many creative ways to neatly organize brooms, rakes, shovels and similar long-handled yard tools in your garage workshop. Consider these storage ideas:
Wall Hooks
Install utility hooks, pegs, or rounded wall hooks to hang tools vertically. Utilize spaces like the wall next to the garage door opening. Mount hooks in a single line or a row to hang multiple tools.
Overhead Racks
Ceiling mounted racks with hooks allow you to hang long tools overhead and out of the way. Choose a height that is easy to reach but doesn’t interfere with garage door operation.
Ladder Racks
A leaning A-frame ladder rack provides a place to neatly store rakes, brooms, and other handles in an upright position. Simple DIY versions are easy to make.
Pegboards
Use pegboard panels mounted to garage walls or workbenches. Insert utility hooks into holes to create customized tool storage. Categorize tools on labeled outlines.
Corner Clips
Plastic corner holders screw onto garage walls to securely hold tool handles upright. Use them to take advantage of wasted space in corners.
Buckets and Trash Cans
Plastic buckets, metal tins, or trash cans can corral rakes, brooms, shovels, and garden tools. Let handles lean against or slide down into the container.
Closets and Cabinets
Install shelving units or storage cabinets to neatly organize brooms, rakes and other tools inside. Reserve floor space or mount overhead on walls.
Toolboxes
Portable toolboxes allow you to neatly store and carry tools. Mount larger chests to garage walls or workbenches.
Storage Method | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Wall Hooks | Inexpensive, easy installation | Tools can fall off if knocked |
Overhead Racks | Keeps tools up and out of the way | Harder to access tools on high racks |
Ladder Racks | Simple leaning rack keeps tools upright | Takes up floor space |
Pegboards | Customizable, handy tool organization | Pegboard and hooks must be purchased |
Corner Clips | Uses wasted space in corners | Limited capacity per clip |
Buckets/Cans | Inexpensive storage bins | Tools may fall over if container tips |
Closets/Cabinets | Protects tools, organizes other items | Takes up wall space, cost of installation |
Toolboxes | Portable, protects tools | Can take up floor space |
Choosing Storage Hooks, Holders and Racks
When selecting storage hooks, holders and racks for brooms, rakes and other long-handled tools, consider these factors:
Material
Metal utility hooks are the most durable. Go for steel, aluminum or wrought iron. Plastic is more prone to breaking.
Coating
Seeking a coated finish like epoxy, powder or plastic helps prevent rusting or corrosion over time.
Size
Measure tool handle diameters to select hooks and holders wide and deep enough to accommodate them. Oversized is better than undersized.
Style
Closed hooks hold tools more securely than open hooks. Corner clips grasp two sides. Loop style hooks allow handles to slide through easily.
Weight capacity
Heavier tools require hooks and racks with higher weight ratings. Be sure to follow recommended limits.
Spacing
Consider the length of tools and space hooks accordingly. Allow at least 12 inches between hooks to fit most standard broom and rake handles.
Layout
Arranging hooks in straight lines or a grid pattern maximizes storage. Place commonly used tools at accessible heights. Categorize by tool type.
Mounting
Seek hooks with nail, screw or adhesive mounting options for installing on various wall surfaces like drywall, masonry or wood.
Keep Tools Organized
Once you’ve installed good storage systems for your brooms, rakes and shovels, practice habits to keep the garage organized:
Return tools to designated spots
Don’t allow tools to accumulate on the floor or workbench. Make it a rule to immediately return them to proper wall hooks or holders after using them.
Separate by type
Group similar tools together – keep rakes with rakes and shovels with shovels. This makes locating a specific tool fast.
Utilize labels
Use painted outlines or labels on shelves and pegboards to clearly define where tools belong. This eliminates guessing and clutter.
Add toolboxes
Keep smaller hand tools in portable toolboxes to quickly access frequently used items without digging around.
Do routine checks
Periodically survey your garage tool storage and organization. Are often-used tools handy? Are seldom-used tools occupying prime real estate? Make tweaks as needed.
Clean regularly
Dust and dirt not only make a garage look messy, but can also damage tools. Do periodic wipe downs and sweeping.
Check for damage
Inspect tool handles and bristles/tines when cleaning. Repair or replace any that are splitting, cracking, bent or otherwise damaged.
Shop smart
When purchasing new tools, measure space in your existing storage setups. Make sure you have a good spot to accommodate more items before buying.
Conclusion
Installing specialized wall hooks, racks and holders designed for long tools is the ideal way to neatly store brooms, rakes, shovels and more in a garage or shed. Take advantage of vertical space via wall-mounted options, and choose durable storage materials to withstand years of use. Place tools conveniently near garage access doors and workshops. Establish a habit of returning equipment to proper storage locations after yardwork or cleaning is completed to maintain organization. Keeping brooms and rakes off garage floors protects the bristles and tines while also preventing trip hazards and clutter. Utilize labels, outlines and toolboxes to simplify locating the correct implement when needed.