"must have" in the garage?

[Johnny Blaze]

While the garage pics thread is impressive, I would like to here some your thoughts on things you consider "must have" in the garage.

Just got a 24x24 garage and trying to get it set up.

[absintheisfun]

A workbench...static, anchored and with a hellofa tough vice in one corner. Put one of these (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/OWE-39204/?rtype=10) above some pegboard and you've got a good workstation.

A Cheaper alternative is a Steel stud (http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xgg/R-100321173/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053)from home depot...$3.50 and it can be cut to length.

[zbugger]

A car.....

[MrQuick]

A car..... and a roof....LOL

[67 ls1 vert]

a hoist would be a nice piece to add.
Air compressor in a separate room for sound with air lines mounted on the wall every 12 feet or so. Lots of good lighting is a must. If you ever decide to paint or buff you'll need good lighting. 220 for a welder.

[mc84_zz4]

-Shelfing and plastic crates for containing all the little things.
-At least 1 good floor jack, 2 is better.
-4 jackstands or more, secure ones at that.
-Wheel chucks.
-assorted power tools, drills, grinder, air tools, Dremel, etc
-ear & eye protecction
-a good welding coat if you get a welder
-gloves, welding, and regular mechanical
-surgical gloves too
-creeper
-stool or 2
-radio
-extension cords, better yet, retractable, roof mounted ones.
-drop lights
-light stand(s) (tripod style)
-pair of ramps, wide enough for fat tires
-catch tubs/cans/etc for oils, cleanup, etc
-rags galore
-trash can with good lid
-steel locker for paint stuff/solvents
-of course, tool chest(s) fully loaded
-assorted nuts/bolts metric & SAE
-a good tap/die set, drill bits, cutting disks, etc
-steel and aluminum stock for fabricating things

[Chevrolaine]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/ucla_medical_center_farrah_fawcett-1.jpg

[67 ls1 vert]

now that is a must have right there... both of them. :)

[rob07002]

A beer fridge
A radio
A tv

in that order

[Rod]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/07/ucla_medical_center_farrah_fawcett-1.jpg

AWESOME I was looking for a Farrah poster!! for the shop!!! a total must have

[jy211]

air conditioning or a heater for the cold weather folks..

[John Wright]

a lift

[sebtarta]

A good smooth floor!

[edog1]

Have you already run all of your utilities? Air, gas, water, Electrical with 220, cable tv , phone, DSL If you can heat and cool your shop you spend more time out there if your comfortable. As far as "must have" it would depends on your skill level, abilites and budget. What kind of work are you expecting to do in your garage?

[BonzoHansen]

I have a 22x25 attached and I think the best things I have done are:
*epoxy floor, brightens everything up, easy to clean, cuts down on dust
*painted the rocked walls and ceiling gloss white – more light. I need to insulate & rock the rest.
*lots of lights. I like to see.
*ceiling fan is great in the winter.
*I added a 60 amp sub panel. I ran 220 out of it for my compressor, and all the electrical outlets.
*storage, storage, storage. I added a storage lofts and tons of shelves.
*If you have a good air compressor a blast cabinet is gold. Not a crappy oil-less one.
*bench grinder
*a fridge for water & beer, a stereo, wi-fi access or an old computer to get online.

What not to get: A pole. That still has to go.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/th_IMG_4284Small-1.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v359/SIBLY/House/IMG_4284Small.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/th_IMG_4282Small-1.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v359/SIBLY/House/IMG_4282Small.jpg)

Even hanging off the ceiling over the garage doors. This is one for hoods & stuff.
There is one on the other side holds large pieces of cardboard.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/th_IMG_3770Small-1.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v359/SIBLY/House/IMG_3770Small.jpg)

I love my epoxy floor. Brightens everything up, easy to keep clean (u coat it). See the hood over the car?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/th_IMG_3764Small-1.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v359/SIBLY/House/IMG_3764Small.jpg) https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/th_IMG_3772Small-1.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v359/SIBLY/House/IMG_3772Small.jpg)

[Johnny Blaze]

Lots of good info here!
So far I have my work bench, some shelves(building more) Going to build a outhouse for my 60 gallon compressor.

Have a fridge!

No cable or dsl out in the sticks where I live.

I have 13 4 ft shop lights hanging now.

Coolecting tools, have a drill press.

Thinking I need a parts washer.

[1badchevelle]

What not to get: A pole. That still has to go.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/th_IMG_4284Small-1.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v359/SIBLY/House/IMG_4284Small.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/07/th_IMG_4282Small-1.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v359/SIBLY/House/IMG_4282Small.jpg)


Unless you make it into a stripper pole:thankyou::smoke:

[wmhjr]

a lift

+1!!!!!

I'm sorry about one thing in my garage. That I didn't get a lift sooner. If you have the height, you can get a used one pretty cheap. If not, the MaxJax is a bit pricey, but....

Especially for cars like ours. You can't get a floor jack under my suspension in the front. It's a PITA working on areas that you need access from above, then below, then above.... I LOVE having the lift. Even for cleaning, brakes, etc - it's a whole new world.

[cornfed]

fire extinguishers

[edog1]

X2
I have a few ABC's and its nice to have at least one H2O extinguisher (free to refill) for use while welding and flame cutting etc. First aid kit and a eye was station is must have also



fire extinguishers

[novaderrik]

a concrete floor, good hand tools (Craftsman or better), a good jack, a couple sets of jackstands, a sturdy bench with a vice, and a radio.
up next would be a decent air compressor and decent tools (1/2" impact, 3/8" ratchet) for it to run.
then you just add stuff as you need it, and before long you'll have a pretty decent little shop going.
i'm kind of old school- i personally have no need for all the "man cave" crap that everyone seems to like putting in their garages these days. a tv would just be a distraction, and i have a fridge in the kitchen.

[ProjectSideOiler]

Bathroom & Shower, Hoist, good air system, Air Conditioning & Heat.
The rest can come later...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Yelcamino]

Build your work bench out of steel. I used 1/4" plate for the top with 3x3x1/4" square tubing for legs, etc.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

I also made "receiver" hitches for my bench top tools so I could switch them out as needed since my work space isn't very big.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[sunkistcamaro]

That kicks ass!!! :cool:

[Mingus]

Love the "Scary Guy" brand bench. :)

[Bryce]

awesome bench

[CHRIS67]

Don't forget a wash sink and an alarm system.

[BonzoHansen]

yellamino, is your bench anchored to the floor?

[79PonchoUK]

I second having the internet in the garage.

It's massively useful when you come across some tolerence that's in the book...you can't find the wiring diagram or need to see if parts are available before you go and make your own.

Alot of the equipment you'd want depends on your skills though.

[GM Muscle]

Build your work bench out of steel. I used 1/4" plate for the top with 3x3x1/4" square tubing for legs, etc.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

I also made "receiver" hitches for my bench top tools so I could switch them out as needed since my work space isn't very big.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

thats what im talkin bout..

[MonzaRacer]

OK so a few things to stock with:
Nuts and bolts assortment, grade 5 and grade 8. Look for locla company that will show up at specific times each year, set your stock right and hand you a bill. WORTH EVERY DOLLAR.
also STD/METRIC.crimp terminals,shrink tubing,self tap bolts, other bs needs.Shelf for chemicals and dedicate it organized, atleast 2 to 4 of any one chemical, brake clean,carb spray, lock tite red and blue,antiseize, brake lube,brake fluid,etc.
Now several oddball tools that I have come to feel I will never do with out:
Marson Poly nut inserts in metric and standard and at least one bit of every size to drill hole for them, also unibits.
Good tap and die set, preferably warrantied like snap on, mac, matco.
Master cool hydraulic flaring tool if you use AN fittings get the addon 37 degree tool kit. good tubing cutters and many different files.
multiple compartment trays with lids,stackable. found a double sided one at work (Pep Boys)$10 before discount!
Thermal Arc 92s scratch tig/stick welder and argon tank, runs 110/220. Good at least 110 mig or 110/220. Plasma cutter, gas torch.
button start propane torch, at least 2 extra cylinders.
Air tank and small carry around compressor.
A big jump box like the DSR units like rhis one: http://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-PSJ2212-Amp-Jump-Starter/dp/B000N4UQL6
ask around at tire stores who fixes their changers/balancers, sometimes you can get a used upright changer for cheap, and older balancers that are not as fancy for cheap.
small or medium glass beading machine.
honestly old dish washer for washing parts is cool too.
An old oven for heating part and baking paint.
gumball/candy machine for friends who swing by!
old pop machines make great ways to keep sodas cool and look cool too.
look around for old shops closing , old shop tools are good buy, arbor presses, old mechanical ratchet press my biddy has in his shop is super useful all the time.
Small lathe/milling machine.
Check for usefull tools at reasonable price at local parts places loaner programs, I have a ball joint/ujoint press that was loaned at $100 a pop lady brought it back and no one ever came to get cash so boss asked me if I wanted it.
Cordless impacts are super useful, check pawn shops for floor light with halogen bulbs I have like 20 bucks in 2, a single 500watt and a dual 250/125 in a plastic case.
cutoff wheels, hacksaw blades, 4 in or 4 1/2 in grinding wheels, snading flap discs, and the grinder to use it on.
Good heavy bench grinder, shop vacuum.
Just ideas.

[BonzoHansen]

he said 24x24 not 24x240 lol

[brans72]

haha you said that right man!

[Johnny Blaze]

No doubt!

I do have a lot of hand tools, air tools. 60 gallon compressor.

Was thinking about odd stuff, that you didn't know you needed it till you got it kind of thing!

[DartorDemon]

One of my must haves when it comes to tools:

Ratcheting wrenches.

They are IMO the best hand tool to come out in the last 10-15 years.

[Yelcamino]

yellamino, is your bench anchored to the floor?

No. It doesn't really need to be since it weighs a little over 700lbs. :twothumbs

[ArtosDracon]

If you don't all ready have a big toolbox, consider using a shallow cabinet instead, you can hand tools on the back, sides and the inside of the doors, I think it stays more organized. I have a couple big wheeled toolboxes and they're always a disaster, my buddy went the cabinet route and you have no choice but to keep it clean, cause there's no where to just throw stuff. He does use a cart, but there's only so much space to clutter up and make a disaster there.

[claytonisbob]

One of my must haves when it comes to tools:

Ratcheting wrenches.

They are IMO the best hand tool to come out in the last 10-15 years.

I agree, I have a good set of them now and it really seems to make things easier/quicker.

garage essentials:
fire extinguisher (and a good water sprayer or something for when little stuff catches fire, I just use a good water bottle full of the wet stuff. I use it all the time and it saves me from ever having to use a 30 extinguisher.)
several florescent lights
workbench
vice
air compressor (as big as you can afford)
air tools (cutoff wheel, die grinder, da sander, air chisel ect)
a good floor jack (don't do like I did for years and use a walmart special, get one with enough lift so you don't have to use blocks with the jack)
good jack-stands
shelves (unless you have a separate storage room)
good set of tools
good, heavy grade extension cords (think 12ga or better, depending on what you're using them for)
a stereo with an aux in (plug your phone into that sucker and you will always hear it... unless you're actually listening to the radio. I always play music off of my phone, so calls just interrupt the music) ***

optional, but might as well be essentials:
mig welder (obviously this can cost anything from $100+, try not to get a harbor freight gasless one... crap)
heater (especially if it gets very cold, or if you plan on working on things in the winter)
a big ass shop fan
paint gun and paint supplies (even if you're not going to paint your car, you may want to shoot primer)
floor coating (you can never sweep enough of the dust, slag and debris off a rough concrete floor... though some people have pretty smooth concrete in the garage)

***BTW, actually now that I think about it not hearing your phone is one of the best things about being in the garage.

[Ishmael]

Car dollies come in handy.

[jake8092]

ya know...It took 9 posts for some one to say beer fridge! This is a staple in Kansas, lol

[ModernMuseum]

Does anyone have a good recommendation for garage shelves? I have a two-car detached and desperately need a lot of shelving space. It's not lined, so they would just be mounted to the 2x4's on the walls. I prefer something that I can order and just put together and hang.

[garner67]

I bought some pretty good sturdy industrial shelving from Costco, but they were not closed cabinets.

[PT Sportwagon]

I just wish I had a garage to equip. do all my work outside. right know.

Tim

[prostreet69camaro]

I have my grinder on a base mounted to a old tire rim. I can move it anywhere I want it. I also have a buffing grinder setup the same way.