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6 Essential DIY Shop Comfort Items
Working on your projects or just maintaining your daily driver does not require a lot: Some tools and a little space are all that is strictly necessary. As someone who has replaced a fuel pump in a hotel parking lot in the rain and understands exactly how much can be done with very little, I’ve discovered that there are some items that, while not strictly necessary to complete work, are the first steps into enjoying your time turning wrenches. Once you have a project, some space, and some tools, these six things are likely to make your working time more enjoyable and less wearing on your body.
Lighting
Even before I needed corrective lenses, I knew that seeing is believing. It seemed every project was filled with surprises when the only shop lighting I had was two halogen bulbs on a three-legged stand and a bare lightbulb 20 feet up on the ceiling of a storage unit.
Well-lit spaces just make working on projects less stressful and tiring. Fair warning, LED lights have gotten affordable and it might be tempting to start mounting every single light you can afford to the ceiling. More is not always better, though. We make jokes about the garage being similar to a surgery ward, but with enough light it will really feel like it. Bright white lights will change the feel of the space, so consider also installing a few softer lights on another switch to so as to not surprise-blind someone as they open the door late in the evening, or keep the whole neighborhood up while you’re working late with the garage door open.
Appropriate working-height bench
Workbenches are very personal. I like mine to be stiff, heavy, and roll to where I need them. More than anything, I love that my benches are adjustable height. I’m not a giant, but I’ve found that I prefer my benches higher than most of my friends who also have workspaces.
Having your work at an appropriate height makes things more enjoyable and allows the use of tools and leverage appropriately. It also prevents the need to lean over or work at odd angles. Whether you build your bench or buy one like I did, consider the working height and even experiment to find the best one for you.
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Anti-fatigue mats
Automotive projects seem to have three options for how we end up working on them: Standing, sitting, or laying. Sitting is a luxury few of us get to enjoy in the shop since chairs take up so much space and often we would need to get up and sit down multiple times to get tools or supplies mid-project.
For standing and laying down, some cushion goes a long way. This large anti-fatigue mat was left by the previous owners of this house when they moved out and I almost immediately found myself asking why I had never used one previously. These mats aren’t incredibly expensive and can last a very long time, making for a perfect investment for anyone who enjoys working in the garage.
Hearing protection
Damping the noise of my tools and projects has made working in the shop that much more enjoyable for me. Unfortunately for me, hearing the ringing of tinnitus for the rest of my life is already a reality, but it doesn’t have to be for everyone.
Having a nice set of earmuffs, noise-cancelling headphones, or earplugs within reach while working will ensure that things stay the appropriate volume. A shop can get chaotic when the radio’s cranked up to 11 so it can be heard over air tools and hammering. Rather than turning things up to match each other, it makes sense to dial everything back.
Music
Counter to the point above, I’m not trying to work in silence. Music sets the mood for projects too. The perfect song at imperfect times can literally save your project, or at least your sanity. Having a garage stereo is basically law, but do consider that the stereo can cause hearing damage just the same as big tools and loud bangs. Listen responsibly or you may never enjoy music the same again.
Workbench toe kick
It’s strange to think about, but some years ago I was renting a house that had a built-in workbench in the basement. Whenever I would use that bench my lower back would hurt. Turns out it was from the lack of a toe kick which forced me to stand that little bit further away from the bench, making me lean over to ever so slightly to work on the the surface. Everyone is different, so this might not affect you, but it highlights that there are many small items in a garage that may go unnoticed until you start working in there on a regular basis. There is a reason nearly all kitchen lower cabinets have this feature. Consider repurposing a set in your garage or shop to get this along with other nice features.
I agree with others that a good 2 post lift is one of the best things to have for working more comfortably on a vehicle. Unfortunately most people probably don’t have shop with a 12 foot ceiling to have one.
We raised our 24 x 40 shop from 8 foot to 12 foot to put in a lift only about three years after building it.
Fortunately we had a friend that was a master carpenter and lots of other good friends for free labor to get it raised and re-roofed in two days. In hind sight we could have done 12 foot for not much more to begin with.(maybe $1.500 extra if I recall correctly)
I’ll go with More Garage Space. For a variety of reasons, I’m hoping I just finished my last brake job on a snowy driveway.
Much like tennis shoes which eventually become garage shoes, my old amps migrate to the garage. My current garage also has AppleTV and, obviously, a TV, for YouTube videos.
Adequate ventilation would be on my list. And plenty of circuits/outlets.
And don’t forget the cheerleader pom-poms!
As for light, avoid the cheep big box store LED units. Invest in good 3500K lighting and lay it out correctly.
How about a welder and a plasma cutter for light automotive work?
Beer frig goes without saying. I also have ’70’s stereo equipment; 2 Minimus 7 speakers, 2 rebuilt Scott speakers, a Teac V-5X stereo cassette deck and to power it all; a Pioneer Stereo Receiver SX-780. I did have the stereo repaired recently and it works better as ever. Must have music!
I’d like to have a restoration expert and expert mechanic that works for free that isn’t me. Otherwise, a 4 post lift and a high enough ceiling to be able to use it. The old back and knees don’t like wrenching much these days.
Love that!
Yeah, something like “Mechanic in a can” , just add water! LOL
Shown in the pictures I like the whiteboard idea. Make it a magnetic one so you can easily clip papers on a magnetic holder. I’m looking to add one this year…next to that U-tube TV!
I love my whiteboard and I probably don’t even use it as much as I should!
A good quality rolling mechanics chair and rolling work carts are constantly used in my shop. Also, good quality rechargeable work lights.
Priority # 1- A safe comfy spot for the dog.
Years ago I was setting up my garage and building work benches. I built one of them extra high so that I could store my small table saw under it. At the time I thought it would be semi wasted space, but it’s turned out to be the bench I use the most. It’s the perfect height for working on carburetors or sharpening knives or working on almost anything that is smaller than a boot box.
Don’t forget the recliner. Everyone needs aplace to sit,think and plan the projects. I have mine on crazy whwwl so I can roll any where I wish.
I have a 60 ft long radiant tube heater down the center of my 4200 square foot shop. It doesn’t excellent job of keeping it nice and warm. It will get it up into the seventies if I so desire. I’d love to have a TV but my wife says I won’t come home if I have a TV!