Hansen Global makes the iconic socket trays that you’ve probably seen before. If you’ve never heard of them before and keep your sockets all jumbled together in a drawer, you owe it to yourself to check them out (price check).
Hansen also makes a couple of other plastic tool organizers, but I think their socket rails are the brand’s most recognizable product.
Well, this might change in a few years, as Hansen has come out with a new tool organizer system that might just take off.
The Hansen ToolHanger system is like an evolved pegboard system. It consists of a gridded backer board and “twist and lock” hooks. Once a hook is engaged in the tool board, it should stay engaged, which addresses the major complaint many users have about pegboard systems.
Each panel measures 11.5″ x 18″ and can be mounted to the wall (or another stable vertical surface) horizontally or vertically. There are pre-drilled mounting holes, and tabs on the side that allow you to interlock multiple panels together neatly and securely.
The tool panels are made from plastic, polypropylene specifically, making them suitable for indoors or outdoors use. So are the tool hooks and hangers.
As of now, there are 6 different types of tool hooks and hangers:
- 4″ hangers (packs of 6)
- 3″ hangers (packs of 7)
- 2″ hangers (packs of 7)
- Hooks (packs of 3)
- Rectangular hooks (packs of 4)
- Oval hooks (packs of 5)
Tool panels are sold individually, and there will also be an 11-piece kit that comes with 2 boards and 9 hangers.
Like Hansen’s excellent socket rails, the ToolHanger components are all made in the USA.
First Thoughts
The Hansen ToolHanger tool storage system looks like a very neat idea. Pricing information is not yet available, but unless the ToolHanger components are outrageously priced, the system has the potential to become popular.
What I like about the Hansen ToolHanger hooks is how they can be oriented horizontally or vertically. Because they “twist and lock” into place, there’s no limit as to how they’re used. Like pegboard, the ToolHanger board can be installed in a horizontal or vertical orientation.
Unlike pegboard, you can install the hooks and looped hangers horizontally. When using pegboard, there is often just one proper way to install most types of hooks and accessories.
Hansen’s website doesn’t have much info, and I couldn’t find any stocking dealers yet. Hopefully the system components will be available soon and from popular online retailers.