Time to Put the Tools and Toys Up and Away by Maggie Reed on Creators.com

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Time to Put the Tools and Toys Up and Away

It's that time of year when the outdoors will be moving indoors, including tools and toys. Racor, Inc. is here to help you stay organized.

"Today's homeowners have redefined the garage as a year-round activity room for family projects and functions, as well as a place to keep gear organized," said Kevin Shaha, president of Racor, Inc. "An efficient and attractive garage transformation requires versatile and space-saving bike and ladder storage solutions."

Making all items (not only bikes and ladders) easily reachable for homeowners, these storage products help keep garage space more orderly and usable.

Check out some of Racor's offerings:

— RacorPro(plus) Rail Mount Bike and Ladder Lift: What better way to free up floor space than to hang items from the ceiling and still have access with this bike and ladder lift. Installation is quick, and the unit is easy to operate from the floor.

The heavy-duty aluminum rail can be mounted along a ceiling joist or perpendicular to one. Adjustable pulley brackets are then attached to the rail. This assembly operates in combination with the hook pulleys that grip the bike's handlebars and seat, or a ladder. Rope is threaded through the pulleys for lifting.

A cam lock mechanism holds the rope secure after each pull to prevent accidental release. The rope is also mounted to a cleat on the wall for added safety. The items are lowered in the same fashion as a Venetian blind. The rope is pulled toward the rear pulley to keep the locking mechanism open while lowering.

The unit accepts most bikes and is designed for use on ceilings up to 12 feet high. With a capacity of 70 pounds, the Rail Mount Bike and Ladder Lift retails for $70.

— RacorPro(plus) Bike Pole: This bike pole allows you to get two bikes up and off the floor easily. Constructed of anodized aluminum, the pole is positioned on the floor and extended until it fits snugly against the ceiling (up to 12 feet).

Four adjustable ABS plastic arms are attached into slots on opposite sides of the pole. The arms adjust up and down, then lock for a custom fit for each bike. The Bike Pole fits most bikes, including female-style bikes, and retails for $120.

— RacorPro Double Bike Shelf: This unit allows you to store your bikes and pick up some storage along the way.

Constructed of tubular steel, it stores two bikes vertically. Two adjustable outreach steel arms extend through the front wheel rim, while a channel at the base secures the rear wheel.

The frame is slotted to hold three storage shelves with plenty of room for helmets, bike locks, fanny or daypacks, gloves, shoes and coolers. Measuring 80 inches high, 55 inches wide and 16 inches deep, the unit retails for $150.

— RacorPro(plus) Folding Workstation: You can have both space to work and store with this workstation, which features three shelves, combined with a 24-by-16 inch work tray and a towel rack that holds two paper towel rolls. The shelves are great for storing spray cans, cleaning supplies, motor oil and more.

The work tray holds up to 100 pounds and folds up and locks into place for easy storage. The Workstation retails for $170.

— The RacorPro Tool and Container Shelf: This combination unit has built-in tool slots for storing screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrenches and other tools. It is also great for storing items such as motor oil, spray lubricants, cleaning products, work gloves, nail aprons and backup battery packs. The shelf retails for $40.

— RacorPro(plus) Container Shelf: Bulky items are perfect for this product. Windshield washer fluid, antifreeze, cleaning and gardening supplies are easily organized on this shelf that holds three, 1-gallon containers and retails for $45.

— RacorPro(plus) Garbage Bag Rings: Eliminate the need for large trash receptacles in your garage with the Bag Ring. The ring mounts directly into a stud at your desired height for easy access. Bags are held in place by a bungee cord and can hold up to 30 pounds. The large ring retails for $20 and the small for $16.

For more information on these and other Racor, Inc. products, call 800-783-7725 or visit www.racorinc.com.

Maggie Reed may be reached at trocar2000@hotmail.com. To find out more about Maggie Reed and other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com.