Closet Installation Tip - FastTrack

FastTrack Closet System is an alternate installation to our Direct Mount system, which uses back clips, support braces, and other hardware.  It is much easier to level the shelving and allows you to move shelving as needed. 

Below are some tips on FastTrack Closet Installation that should make assembly easier.  It is important to know that the 12" and 16" FreeSlide and Wardrobe shelving both use a 12" bracket.

1. Install the FastTrack mounting rail into the wall. Be sure to ensure that the rail is level. It is our recommendation to install into as many studs as possible and to use drywall anchors where studs are not available. * Install the hang rail at least 2" above the desired height of the top shelf.

2. Hang the FastTrack uprights on the mounting rail.  As long as the mounting rail is level, the uprights will be level. The uprights can be installed at a maximum of 36" apart, but we usually recommend 24" apart.  The uprights can be installed into studs, or into the drywall using a drywall anchor.

3. Attach the FastTrack brackets into the uprights. Hold the bracket at a 45 degree angle and align the bracket slots with the holes in the uprights. Insert the bracket into the upright and slowly angle it down until the bracket is level. You may need to tap it down using a rubber mallet to lock the bracket into place.

4. Install the shelf onto the brackets. Set the shelf on the brackets, aligning the wires from front to back in the bracket slots. Placing your hands on top of the shelf, push down and in so that the line wires (which run left to right) will insert into the notches on the brackets. If one of the line wires is not completely lined up, you will need to pull the whole shelf out and reinstall.

Below is a photo layout of how to install your shelf into the bracket:

Configurations & Homefree Closets

Configurations and Homefree closets are the perfect answer to a cluttered closet.  With no cutting involved, installation is a breeze.  For the most part.

 

In working with consumers, a common question regarding these systems is bracket installation.  The closet kits offer 2 different depths of shelves,which allows for the two shelves to be overlapped to achieve the desired length without having to cut a longer shelf to size.  The bracket, once installed into the vertical upright, will have two "notches" at the back of the bracket that will hold the different shelves. 

 

The deepest shelf (Shelf B) will sit in the back notch closest to the upright and the smaller shelf (Shelf A) will set in the front notch.  When both shelves overlap on the bracket, be sure to have Shelf A under Shelf B.  See the photo below for a close-up of the bracket installed into an upright, showing the 2 different "notches".

 

For further assistance, please contact Rubbermaid Consumer Services at 1-888-895-2110 Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm ET.

 

Closet Installation Tip - Wall End Brackets

Working in Consumer Services for Rubbermaid I get to hear about all the different types of questions you have regarding our products. So I put together a tip on installing the Wall End Brackets on closet systems. I hope you find it helpful.

For installation of the wall end brackets, below are tips on how to measure the holes for insertion.  These instructions are for ½” drywall only.
 
Wall End Brackets (for Linen, Tight Mesh, and Wardrobe)

1. On side wall, mark a hole location where the lip of the shelf is (ie. 12”, 16”, or 20” – this is the same height level as the back clips).  Mark another hole 2 ¾” below first mark.
2. Drill (2) 1/4 “ diameter holes, insert stems of bracket all the way into the wall and drive pin by tapping with hammer until seated (do not hammer harder than necessary). 
3. Secure shelf to back wall with back clips.
4. Drop shelf down and nest front wires into bracket.

FreeSlide Wall End Bracket

1. On side wall, mark a hole location where the lip of the shelf is (ie. 12”, 16”, or 20” – this is the same height level as the back clips).  Mark another hole 3 ¾” below first mark.
2. Drill (2) 1/4 “ diameter holes, insert stems of bracket all the way into the wall and drive pin by tapping with hammer until seated (do not hammer harder than necessary). 
3. Secure shelf to back wall with back clips.
4. Drop shelf down and nest front wires into bracket.

FreeSlide Wall End Bracket

Attack of the Animals - Why do they chew on plastic?

It seems that no matter the time of year, Rubbermaid Consumer Services receives a number of phone calls regarding animals chewing our refuse containers, sheds, or other outdoor storage items.  While this is not a manufacturing issue, it is an irritating one to those who fight the battle.

 

Animals are not attracted to the plastic; they are attracted to the odors emitted from items stored inside.  Here are some suggestions on how to deter animal chewing (and to overpower the odors that attract animals):

1.  Using a sock or cheesecloth, place mothballs inside and tape to the underside of the refuse container lid.  Caution: mothballs are toxic when ingested and may kill birds.

2.  Rub Capsaicin (an arthritis cream) on the outside of the container.

3.  Make your own repellent

    - 1 small bottle of hot pepper sauce

    - 1 gallon of water

    - 1 tsp. of mild liquid detergent such as dishwashing detergent.

    - Combine all ingredients and spray on containers or shed.

4.  Place rags soaked with ammonia inside the item.

5.  Rub cayenne pepper onto the unit.

 

There are many companies that offer deer and squirrel repellent sprays that can be found in home improvement and gardening stores.  Follow manufacturer's instructions when using.

 

In the instance that a piece of your shed is damaged or the lid to your refuse container needs to be replaced, please call Rubbermaid Consumer Services for pricing and availability.  We can be reached by calling 1-888-895-2110 Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm ET.

 

Note: The Animal Stopper Refuse Container does offer a defense mechanism for keeping animals out by locking the lid in place.  While it does keep animals from removing the lid, it does not prevent animal chewing.

Hope that helps answer some of the common questions about why animals chew on plastic.

Deck Box Assembly Insights

With working in Consumer Services for a few years, summertime is peak season for technical questions with our outdoor product line.  There is one scenario that plays over and over throughout the department on the average work day:  "My deck box falls apart every time I open it".  From a consumer perspective, it can be very aggravating that such a simple assembly can result in such a frustrating situation.  The answer to the problem, in most cases, is that the floor is upside down. 

I understand that this does not seem possible as the deck box looks exactly like the photo on the carton.  No worries, let me explain.

To verify correct assembly, you will need to open the deck box and look down at the floor.  If you can see a part number molded into the plastic or there are deep dents and "valleys" visible, your floor is upside down.  Disassemble the unit and flip the floor over so that the "smooth" side is facing up and the sloped lip of the floor is in the front; reassemble.

The deck box should now function as intended and open without falling apart. Mission accomplished!

If you need further assistance, our Consumer Service Department can be reached by calling 1-888-895-2110 Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm ET.