Start here
Gorilla Grip 12 Inch Stainless
- Best for
- metal shop wall with no wood screws allowed
- Skip if
- a full set of wrenches that needs more than twelve inches
Herbie's Picks
Tools Updated Sep 14, 2026
Best knife-and-bit bars for a workbench backsplash
Mount first, then length. A stainless strip screws or sticks to a metal backsplash without fuss. Wood-base bars need a flat surface and screws that reach studs. Five-pack bars suit a long run of bits but crowd a short wall.
1
Start here
Gorilla Grip 12 Inch Stainless Steel Strip
metal shop wall with no wood screws allowed
2
DGSL 12 Inch Heavy Duty Bars Five Pack
long workbench wall that needs several short sections
3
Mercer Culinary 18 Inch Acacia Magnetic Bar
wood shop wall that needs a nicer face than bare steel
4
TableCraft 18 Inch Wood Base Magnetic Bar
painted backsplash that still needs screw mounting
Gorilla Grip 12 Inch Stainless Steel Strip
metal shop wall with no wood screws allowed
2
DGSL 12 Inch Heavy Duty Bars Five Pack
long workbench wall that needs several short sections
3
Mercer Culinary 18 Inch Acacia Magnetic Bar
wood shop wall that needs a nicer face than bare steel
4
TableCraft 18 Inch Wood Base Magnetic Bar
painted backsplash that still needs screw mounting
Mount type sets the job
Stainless steel strips work on metal or with screws into wood. Wood-base bars want a flat wall and longer screws. Five-pack short bars cover more wall but leave gaps between tools.
Length and weight
Twelve-inch bars fit a small station. Eighteen-inch bars hold a full set of knives or bits. Heavier bars sag if the screws miss the studs.
Pick by job
| Pick | Best for | Skip if |
|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Grip 12 Inch Stainless | metal shop wall with no wood screws allowed | a full set of wrenches that needs more than twelve inches |
| DGSL 12 Inch Heavy Duty Five Pack | long workbench wall that needs several short sections | a single clean run without gaps between bars |
| Mercer Culinary 18 Inch Acacia | wood shop wall that needs a nicer face than bare steel | a painted wall where screw holes will show |
| TableCraft 18 Inch Wood Base | painted backsplash that still needs screw mounting | you plan to move the bar often and hate holes |
DGSL 12 Inch Heavy Duty Five Pack
- Best for
- long workbench wall that needs several short sections
- Skip if
- a single clean run without gaps between bars
Mercer Culinary 18 Inch Acacia
- Best for
- wood shop wall that needs a nicer face than bare steel
- Skip if
- a painted wall where screw holes will show
TableCraft 18 Inch Wood Base
- Best for
- painted backsplash that still needs screw mounting
- Skip if
- you plan to move the bar often and hate holes
Product reviews
4 picks with live Amazon ratings
1
Start here metal shop wall with no wood screws allowed
Gorilla Grip 12 Inch Stainless Steel Strip
The 12-inch stainless bar screws or sticks in place. It keeps bits or knives off the bench without a wood frame in the way.
Adhesive works on clean metal. Screws give a firmer hold on wood. Either way the bar stays flat once the fasteners seat.
It is still only twelve inches. A full set of wrenches will need two bars or a longer model.
Good for
- Mounts on metal without screws
- Simple strip leaves no wood to warp
- Short length fits tight wall space
Skip if
- Twelve inches holds fewer tools than an eighteen-inch bar
- Adhesive can peel on dusty metal
2
long workbench wall that needs several short sections
DGSL 12 Inch Heavy Duty Bars Five Pack
Five twelve-inch bars give you coverage across a wide wall. Place them end to end or space them for different tool groups.
Heavy-duty build means thicker steel and stronger magnets than a single light strip. The pack price beats buying five separate bars.
You still need to mark and drill five sets of holes. Gaps between bars leave some wall showing.
Good for
- Five bars cover more wall than one long piece
- Heavy steel holds larger bits
- Pack price for multiple stations
Skip if
- Short bars leave gaps between tools
- Five mounting jobs instead of one
3
wood shop wall that needs a nicer face than bare steel
Mercer Culinary 18 Inch Acacia Magnetic Bar
The eighteen-inch acacia bar mounts with screws through the wood base. The magnetic strip sits on top and holds knives or bits.
Wood hides the hardware and matches a wood bench. The longer length carries a full knife set without crowding.
Screws must hit studs or the bar will pull away under weight. Acacia can darken with oil and fingerprints over time.
Good for
- Wood face looks finished on a wood wall
- Eighteen inches holds a full set
- Base hides mounting screws
Skip if
- Needs solid wood backing for screws
- Wood can stain or darken
4
painted backsplash that still needs screw mounting
TableCraft 18 Inch Wood Base Magnetic Bar
The TableCraft bar uses an eighteen-inch wood base and a magnetic strip. Screws go through the base into the wall.
The wood strip covers the fasteners and gives a straight edge for tools. Length suits a standard knife or bit set.
Painted walls show every screw hole if you ever move the bar. The wood base adds thickness that can push tools farther from the wall.
Good for
- Wood base covers screw heads
- Eighteen-inch length fits most sets
- Works on painted or wood walls
Skip if
- Leaves holes if removed later
- Thicker base pushes tools outward
FAQ
Can these bars go on drywall without studs?
Short answer is no for any loaded bar. Use toggle anchors or move the bar until screws hit wood.
Do the wood-base bars need special screws?
Standard wood screws work if they reach the studs. The wood base is just a cover.
