Working on your car, truck, motorcycle, van, or boat is a romantic idea. Nothing sounds better than tinkering with the engine, replacing the brakes, updating the exhaust, or detailing the interior. However, doing so without the proper equipment can take away some of the enjoyment. That is why we’ve compiled the list of 10 essential items for any gearhead’s garage.
Note: One of these items is expensive, and it takes up considerable space.
No. 10 – Headlamps
It doesn’t matter what time of day you work on your vehicle; lighting is always an issue. It is often difficult to see the bolts you need to loosen or the wires you need to follow. Holding a flashlight is one option, but many jobs require the use of both hands. This is where headlamps become essential. They provide necessary light while freeing the hands.
No. 9 – Cordless ratchet/pneumatic ratchet
This can be a luxury item, but a necessary one for tighter areas. If you don’t have the space to move a traditional socket wrench back and forth, a cordless option can tighten or loosen bolts with ease. The 12V version has power for most jobs; you just hold down the button. A pneumatic ratchet hooked up to air can add some extra oomph for bolts stuck in place.
No. 8 – Air compressor
A key part of any dream garage is an air compressor. This provides the ability to hook up several useful tools, including ratchets and impact wrenches. Who wants to manually loosen lug nuts when you can just pull the trigger?
No. 7 – Tool storage cabinets
Gearheads love tools. They can never have too many. However, it’s crucial to keep these tools organized. This is where multi-drawer cabinets can become essential. All of the wrenches can go in one drawer while the sockets go in another. The pry bars, hammers, and specialty items can go in another drawer. This way, the person working on the car can grab the tool they need without digging around and getting oil or grease everywhere.
No. 6 – A creeper
While a considerable amount of automotive work takes place in the engine bay, some takes place underneath the car. This is why it’s important to get a creeper — a board with four wheels that the mechanic lies on. They can easily roll around underneath the car after lifting it into the air.
No. 5 – Extra 10 mm sockets
A frequently misplaced item, the 10 mm socket is crucial in the garage. This is one of the most common bolt sizes in the automotive world, regardless of manufacturer. Nothing is worse than finishing most of a job and then realizing that you don’t have the 10 mm socket you need.
No. 4 – Fire extinguisher
Safety is crucial in the garage. It doesn’t matter what project is your focus. Fires can break out at any time, so it’s important to have at least one fire extinguisher nearby for emergencies. You may not have time to run into the house for a fire extinguisher.
No. 3 – A 3-ton jack
Passenger cars come with jacks so that car owners can change a tire on the side of the road if needed. However, these stock items are fairly lacking. They are not as sturdy as floor jacks, and they can not lift as much weight. Gearheads with smaller cars can get by with a 1.5-ton floor jack, but the three-ton is a better option. It can lift cars and trucks alike while helping make projects easier.
No. 2 – Jack stands
Once you get the car into the air, it’s time to add some security. A sturdy pair of jack stands will help keep the car elevated throughout the project, even if the floor jack fails. No one wants to be stuck underneath a fallen car.
No. 1 – A car lift
This is for the dreamers and those who have extra space in their garage. Why use a jack and jack stands when you can just lift the entire car in the air with the push of a button? This device, which requires a special plug, can lift the car and make those underneath jobs a breeze. Changing oil filters and exhaust systems no longer require lying on your back.