The Best Rake Holder

Buying Guide

Gardening tools are an important part of maintaining a home’s appearance, whether you own or rent. But finding a place to keep those tools can be a challenge, especially considering only an estimated 63% of American homes have a garage or carport. If you have a storage shed or barn, there’s already a handy spot for storing your items, and some choose to keep their rakes and shovels in a mudroom.

Even if you have a place to keep your outdoor tools, you’ll likely want to make the most of the space. That’s where a good rake holder can make a big difference. These handy storage items are designed with slots for holding long-handled items like rakes and shovels. Many have built-in hooks, as well, designed for keeping small-handled items like garden trowels and transplanters. All of this will keep everything in one, compact place.

Most garden tool holders mount to the wall. If you have a garage or mudroom, this is the option for you. Those who store outdoor items in a shed, though, might not have drywall for mounting the holder. If your storage shed is made of metal or plastic, you’ll want a holder you can set up on the floor.

For a floor-based toolholder, look for one that packs in plenty of stability. You’ll need something that can capably contain your rakes and shovels without tipping over. This means the base needs to be extra stable. Some make mounting an option, with built-in holes that you can use if you want to attach your holder to the wall.

Many garden tool organizers are actually multipurpose. There are plenty of organizers designed to hold mops and brooms, for instance, but they can also be used for outdoor tools. Keep in mind that shovels and rakes can weigh more than mops and brooms and check the weight capacity of any rake holder you’re considering.

• Each tool holder has a specific number of slots. Some also have hooks for hanging smaller items like dustpans or trowels. Check the number of slots and hooks and make sure you’ll have enough for your set of tools.
• Most hanging storage options have slots that are spring-loaded to hold your handles in place. Some can be extra strong, which means if someone accidentally bumps it, your items will stay in place. If you plan to keep your outdoor tools in high-traffic areas of your home, this sturdy grip will come in handy.
• As great as a strong grip can be, though, you might not want a rake holder that requires you to use two hands to remove each item. Look for one that lets you easily remove your tool by lifting on your rake or shovel handle.
• Some rake holders have adjustable slots. This allows you to store a wider variety of tools.
• With wall-mounted storage racks, there will be some assembly required. Make sure your purchase includes the hardware necessary for installation. Also, check to ensure you’ll have the instructions you need. Some rake holders come with step-by-step directions, but in other cases, you may be able to find them online.
• When looking at capacity, don’t just focus on the overall weight your organizer can hold. Consider the capacity of each slot. Rakes and shovels weigh more than mops and brooms, and some organizers are designed with the weight of lighter household cleaning tools in mind.
• When choosing a tool organizer, also consider how it will blend with your décor if you plan to have it in your garage or mudroom. Those likely won’t be as important if you plan to store them in your outdoor shed. You can find organizers in a variety of colors, including black and white.