Rockler has come out with a new ceiling track system, for use in garages, workshops, and other settings. It’s designed for keeping vacuum hoses and power cords up and out of the way, while still allowing them to move as you work.
The Rockler ceiling track system is launching with one type of rail, 4′ PVC, and 2 types of hooks – a closed ring and a large hook.
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There are adjustable track stops, to prevent the trolleys (rollers) from coming out of the track, or for limiting the trolleys’ movement, and two types of trolleys – one that rolls freely, and one that locks in place.
The trolleys are threaded to 5/16″ -18. In theory, you might be able to make your own accessories using compatible hardware or threaded rod.
There are 2 sizes of J-hooks, medium for holding vacuum hoses up to 2-1/2″, and large for fitting hoses or other objects up to 4″ in diameter. They’re both made from steel, with a rubberized coating.
The ring hook has a 1-1/2″ inner diameter, and is sized for power cords, air hoses, and other such objects.
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Each attachment and trolley combo is rated to hold up to 20 lbs. Now’s a good time to mention that the rails are rated to hold up to 60 lbs each.
Here’s a closer look at the locking trolley, which has a large knob for finger tightening.
Here’s the non-locking trolley.
Attachments can be added or removed from the rails quite easily.
You could also use the system for supporting workpieces for painting or finishing. Also shown here is Rockler’s cup hinge hanging hook.
The starter set, including one rail, mounting hardware, two track stops, a rolling trolley, a locking trolley, a ring hook, and 2-1/2″ J-hook, is priced at $70. Accessory bundles and individual attachments are also available.
Buy Now(Starter Kit via Rockler)
Pricing
- 55845 4′ Ceiling Track for $29.99
- 52414 Locking Trolley for $14.99 (or 3 for $40)
- 54170 Non-Locking Trolley for $14.99 (or 3 for $40)
- 50644 Ring Hook for $9.99 (or 3 for $25)
- 57333 Medium J Hook for $9.99 (or 3 for $25)
- 52443 Large J Hook for $9.99 (or 3 for $25)
- 58879 Ceiling Track Stops (pair) for $9.99
- 57795 Accessory Kit for $39.99
- Accessory Kit and Track Stops Combo
First Thoughts
This seems like a useful system, and I can definitely see Rockler expanding upon it in the future, in the same way that they added to the versatility of their T-track woodworking jig and clamping accessory system over time.
What do you think Rockler should add to the lineup?
I think I’d like to see 1/4″ mounting brackets, which could be useful for temporarily mounting speakers, lights, or other such things. Maybe they’ll come out with aluminum rails that can support more weight?
Every now and then I toy with the idea of making a hose arm, similar to Festool’s very expensive dust extractor-mounted one. But this seems like it could even better, with a rail or two positioned where I use my vacs most.
If you have low ceilings, Rockler makes a slightly different wall-mounted Dust Right hook.
Greg B
It would be interesting to put together a unistrut based system for comparison (for both cost and smoothness of function). An aluminum extrusion setup would also work pretty well, though more expensive. Depending on what else you had in mind, extrusion opens up a ton of possibilities.
charles
hmmm… anyone see the part number of the bearing? 638z… would that fit in a unistrut? might be interesting to use that bearing hanger and unistrut if it’s a match…
Josh
Seems like you ought to be able to throw something together out of Unistrut and skateboard bearings pretty easily, and cheaply. The locking mechanism would be a pain to make if you don’t have a lathe, but if you do that would be pretty easy as well.
Steve
Unistrut is awesome, and can probably support a heck of a lot more weight if that’s important. A ten foot length was under $20 last time I was in the market. Not as pretty as the Rockler stuff, but probably more versatile.
KokoTheTalkingApe
Yeah, the Rockler track is PVC, and costs $30 for 4′. So, it is weak and expensive. I was playing with the idea of a small I-beam, like a miniature version of the big systems you see in some loading docks. But Unistrut is a better idea. And here’s a premade trolley with four bearings. A bit pricey, but two-bearing trolleys would be cheaper.
https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Unistrut-P2950-EG-Trolley-Assembly/dp/B00KN9UA0S/ref=asc_df_B00KN9UA0S/
Jim Felt
I’m always pleased to see commercially created alternatives to “our” makeshift solutions.
If I had any shop area with low enough ceilings I’d consider this.
Having had 8-10’ ceilings in the past I would have considered this trolley system. Or created a heavier duty one just for the change.
Again I’m glad to see innovation.
Jim P.
We have installed similar track systems in tv studios for curtains and walls. Usually all aluminium.
Jim Felt
They’re nearly universal in the staging/events/lighting industries.
But at a way higher price point. Like 10x and up.
But built for fairly continuous and fast movements. Mostly by union guys that do not actually own them.
fred
I like it. It needs added components to make it more flexible than some other overhead rail systems so that you could configure it into loops, ovals, s-curves etc. to fit your shop layout.
Zoro sells an overhead trolley system from Dayton that has other sorts of components – and can get into big money.
https://www.zoro.com/dayton-festoon-system-kit-c-track-20-ft-flat-7cz29/i/G2603568/
Unistrut trolley systems are also available from UninstrutOhio – and Amazon sells a variety of the components.
https://www.amazon.com/beam-trolleys/b?node=256402011
Whiskey and Wood
Those or really nice and reasonably priced for industrial applications, I think something like a farm box rail system might work better for this function, they are rated at 450 lbs for the ones you can get at Tractor Supply.
Whiskey and Wood
You can get an 8’ section of box rail for barn doors from Tractor Supply of $32.00 rather than $29.00 for PVC, but you’d have to come up with the hangers and such, the fixed ones would be easy, just have to get the right bearings/span for the moving ones, probably not too difficult, and depends on what you want to spend your time doing!
I like rockler and their willingness to make products that are certainly useful, unfortunately my local(ish) rockler is managed terribly and makes me never want to spend a dime there again!
Framer joe
Innovative, ….but there are many other diy options…. garage door tracks,pocket door tracks and hardware available..
Pete
Looks cool, similar to something we use in the tent industry.
Frank D
Could be useful, but 4ft is quite short and $70 is pricey for little to no benefit over a couple eye hooks in the ceiling and two adjustable bungee cords, which cost all of $5 tops ( or in many diy guy’s case are something they just have around the garage or shop )
Kevin B.
Frank has it correct. I used a threaded eyelet and a bungee cord wrapped around the dust collection hose for the Shopbot CNC. This keeps the cord up and out of the way and has very little that can fail. I’m sure most hardware drawers already have the eyelet or a bent nail option and an extra bungee cord laying around.
Julian
Nothing like sucking up all your vac’s cfm capacity by running a 25’ coiled up hose with 4 fittings instead of a direct 10’ hose routed to your tool. They should add a 100’ 18ga extension cord right next to it
fred
You’re right – but its nice to be charitable. Thinking nice thoughts – maybe the picture is just for comic relief.
I have a central dust collection system in my home wood shop – piped into the major debris and dust makers. But I still wheel my Fein dust extractor around to connect it to powered hand tools. Sometimes I loop the hose (power cords too) over my shoulder – but these pictures have me thinking that a loop of rope or strapping hanging from the ceiling near my benches might come in handy.
Julian Tracy
Bungy cord works good. A hospital IV cart works great too.
JT
ktash
I saw this in the current catalog and it seemed like a good idea. Thanks for explaining it, Stuart. Often Rockler sells some good things, but are lacking good directions/videos about how they work in use.
I just put together a bed using Rockler’s brackets, no instructions. Spent a lot of time doing research because things didn’t seem quite right and determined that the lettering on them was upside down (!). Good brackets, but wish they’d do more to help customers use them. They got lukewarm ratings because a lot of people put them in upside down and so they wobbled. They really are quite good. I like the company’s products in general.
Usually I’ll wait till Black Friday to invest in something like this and hope it goes down a significant percentage.
Alick
You can get plastic sliders for 8020 type track for a few dollars that would take the weight of a hose or power cord…
Norman
Much many cool, but…..it’s an expensive way to replace a length of taut plastic-covered 3/16″ steel cable, anchored to an eye bolt at each end, and some sliding round rings with S hooks. For the “pro version” use captive pulley systems (aka “clothesline pulleys”). For the “super pro” version, I suppose the cable could be anchored at on end with a fairly heavy tension spring to facilitate unhooking to add more sliding rings.
Not that the Rockler solution isn’t very nice, but it fails the “cheap enough to gain widespread use” test.
Stuart
I consider this a solution for users who have limited time, or maybe limited experience, who want the ease of a capable turnkey system.
DIY solutions might require trial and error and time searching for or researching components, and not everyone wants to so that.
It’s good to have options.
I post about these things for readers who might be interested in the product, and those who might be inspired by it to go the DIY route. It’s also interesting, and I wonder how Rockler might expand the system.
Bolt
Yeah a lot of people like ready made solutions. Some of the most productive and talented woodworkers I know buy a lot of stuff like this because they’d rather spend their time making furniture instead.
KokoTheTalkingApe
I don’t mind that it is ready-made. I mind that the track is weak and expensive. Unistrut and premade trolleys sounds like the way to do it. Plus, if you get tired of it, you can use the unistrut for something else!
Mr Mike
I’ll offer my 2-cents on a cheaper, stronger, DIY alternative. Commercial electrical systems use steel channel called Superstrut to fasten conduit runs. A 10 ft long 14 gauge galvanized metal framing channel, 1 5/8 in wide x 13/16 in high costs $20.50 at HD. System comes with lots of clips, spring nuts, etc. to make your own overhead monkey bars or meat hooks. I’ve used it for improvised scaffolding, large and small tool jigs, work stands, and various adjustable structures.
Tom Schneider
Do you have a trolley system that works with unistrut? I need to be able to lock it in place when needed. And needs to hold about 300#. Its to support heavy bags at a MMA gym .
Dan Andreescu
Do you have something like this with a 90 degree bend in it? I need an L shaped, 40″ by 40″ track like this.
Julian
What kind or brand of hose do you Recomend for your track ?
The hoses that I have are to stiff
They don’t work well with your track.
Thank you
Stuart
I’m not sure what to recommend. What problems are you encountering? Rockler might be able to point you in the right direction as to hose recommendations, or user reviews for this product on their site.