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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.
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Having a loving wife who enjoys working on projects that require bending, twisting, contorting-things his bad back won’t tolerate for long-or reaching into small spots that his big hands won’t fit or help carry big parts that one person can’t or help clean up the shop, etc….
Not sure if anyone mentioned this, but having a TV mounted above the work bench is a huge bonus.
I put on my favorite music and movies on in the background while working, or for the post project hang out vibes. I also use it to play YouTube tutorials if there is something I’m having trouble with.
I would say more storage shelves or racks, you can’t work with everything stored on the workbench, I know, I try all the time.
Here’s one no one thinks about…Use an 11 litre water jug /empty of course ! for a pillow under your head when working under your vehicle. even any empty plastic jug/ oil, washer fluid etc. will help. big time neck relief, A guy who works on heavy equipment way up north in the field carries one with him all the time and gave me the tip. Try it …you’ll like it : )
Most important a minium of a tiolet and sink (1/4 bathroom)
Fire extinguishers. The proper type, mounted on the wall. If theyre dry chemical, turn em upside down and whack em a couple times with a rubber mallet yearly. Make sure theres one in the kitchen for the wife too and instruct her how to use it.
Stay away from those fire blankets, theyre fiberglass impregnated.
A lot of great suggestions both practical and luxurious.
Mine is on the practical side for lower back relief while even standing on a mat.
Put one foot up on a cinder block while standing for a prolonged period. That little pelvic tilt does wonders at relieving back strain.
Also those soft mats with holes/hexagons cut into them are great to help keep small parts from ricocheting around the shop when you drop them.
A good first aid kit. Avoid walking through the house with a bleeder ruining your rugs. When you pinch a finger, a kit close by will allow for a quick clean and disinfect. Add a good bandage and your back to the job at hand hand won’t have to have the pinky removed the net day to stop the infection.