A few years ago I was looking for some simple hooks to mount some gear to the wall and my 2×4 workbench. I picked up some no-name hooks from the local hardware store, and they were terrible. The generic hooks were hard to install, and when loaded with gear they flexed a bit too much for comfort.
Racor recently sent over a sampling of their Tornado hooks for testing, and I have to say – I am very impressed.
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This actually isn’t my first experience with these products – I remember using a yellow-coated U-hook a few years ago, possibly under different branding.
Racor’s parent company is ITW – or Illinois Tool Works as my father prefers to call them – who produces Tornado hooks in the USA.
Why Tornado Hooks are the Best We’ve Seen
Wide selection of hook styles for common garage and workshop storage needs. (Full selection, via Racor)
Easy installation in drywall or wood studs. In the case of installation to wood studs, an optional 1/4″ pilot hole improves can be drilled for better results.
Larger hooks have steel pins that allow for more precise placement for installation without the need for additional hands.
High load ratings – up to ~50 lbs per hook.
Strong and secure – the hooks feel strong and robust, certainly much more so than simple generic wall screw hooks.
Made in USA – it’s not just that these hooks are made in the USA that give me a better sense of trust and security, but that ITW, Tornado, EZ-Anchor, and Racor all put their names behind these hooks.
For testing, I installed a few hooks in my parents’ shed. My father seemed pleased with the results, and surprised me towards the end. “Oh, I also have these,” he says, as he pulls out Tornado hooks in slightly different packaging.
Personally, I favor the U-hooks, shown above, as the best general purpose hook. It can hold tools across both arms, but the vertical stops also work well as small hooks for holding onto rings, loops, and straps without slippage.
My father’s favorite Tornado hook style is the basic double J-hook, which works best for keeping larger tools and folding lawn chairs off the ground.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
You can also find these hooks via brick and mortar retailers, such as Home Depot.
Now that you know about one of our favorite storage products, tell us about your favorites!
Thank you to Racor for providing the review sample unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or retained for benchmark and comparison purposes. In this case, we’re probably not going to tear installed hooks off the wall.
John S says
This is good to know about if I don’t feel like going all-in on a wall track setup of sorts
Stan says
Best of all these products are made in the United States of America. I’ve seen at Sears, but haven’t ever seen these at Amazon. Thanks for the information Stuart.
minh says
Check them out at Home Depot today. Made in China.
Stan says
Wait, the Tornado brand or was this the Husky and or the Gladiator brand?
I’ve seen this brand at Sears and this states made in USA. Maybe this is old stock though.
Too bad if this is the case, as I much rather have an American made wall hook, as I could use a couple.
Stan says
I would like to do an update on Racor Tornado products. I was at Home Depot yesterday and I looked through 20+ said Tornado products and they all were made in China.
Went to Sears and all products were American made. So if I had to guess Sears has really old stock and Home Depot has new stock.
I won’t be buying any Tornado prouducts if they aren’t American made. Not for those prices.
Stuart says
I checked two different Lowes, a Home Depot, and Sears. The Tornado hooks at all of these stores all had Made in USA labeling.
Sam Wilds says
I tried the Tornado Hooks for the first time. I bought them to put brooms and rakes and hedge clippers up in the garage, worked so well I went and bought some more for the ladders. What a great invention, so easy for a woman to use.
Bought mine at Lowes and they said made in the USA.
Thank you.