Suggestions for garage tools
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 7,831
Likes: 5
From: Austin TX
Suggestions for garage tools
I'm shopping for a house - hopefully with a BIG garage.
I'm been in an apartment for over a year so I'm ready
to work on the Vettes.
I gave away my compressor, floor jack, engine stand and
hoist when I moved. They were pretty basic and I want to
get some nicer stuff.
Anybody have suggestions on any higher-end stuff?
I know I've seen engine stands with crank handles and ball
bearings. Another nice item would be a hoist with a boom
long enough to drop an engine from the front of the car.
An 80 or 120 gallon 230V compressor is a must.
I've got a little MIG but a mid-priced TIG would be nice too...
Any experience/thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
I'm been in an apartment for over a year so I'm ready
to work on the Vettes.
I gave away my compressor, floor jack, engine stand and
hoist when I moved. They were pretty basic and I want to
get some nicer stuff.
Anybody have suggestions on any higher-end stuff?
I know I've seen engine stands with crank handles and ball
bearings. Another nice item would be a hoist with a boom
long enough to drop an engine from the front of the car.
An 80 or 120 gallon 230V compressor is a must.
I've got a little MIG but a mid-priced TIG would be nice too...
Any experience/thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 13
From: Holly MI
Re: Suggestions for garage tools (Steve439)
Get a press. A press is basically a big chunk of steel, and I feel comfortable buying these type tools at Harbor Freight. It's one of those tools you won't use very much, but when you do it will save a bunch of time. Also a drill press. It's amazing how much easier it is to drill large holes with the press.
Not necessarily tools, but get plenty of portable lights. There are plenty of good fluorescent lights available now. I really like the ones with retractable cords, the reel type. These make the garage less cluttered and provided much needed light.
When you buy your compressor, also buy a good regulator/filter and an air dryer. I don't use an inline filter; I just lube all the tools before using them. This keeps the hose a little cleaner in case you use it for other things.
Good luck.
Ken
Not necessarily tools, but get plenty of portable lights. There are plenty of good fluorescent lights available now. I really like the ones with retractable cords, the reel type. These make the garage less cluttered and provided much needed light.
When you buy your compressor, also buy a good regulator/filter and an air dryer. I don't use an inline filter; I just lube all the tools before using them. This keeps the hose a little cleaner in case you use it for other things.
Good luck.
Ken
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,160
Likes: 3,965
From: Connecticut, USA
Re: Suggestions for garage tools (Steve439)
Get as big a garage as you can,then build on it!
Tools are dependent on cash. If you have cash, setup a machine shop in your garage and learn how to use it. You can use a press,MIG welder, strong workbench,parts cleaner,grinder,etc.
Tools are dependent on cash. If you have cash, setup a machine shop in your garage and learn how to use it. You can use a press,MIG welder, strong workbench,parts cleaner,grinder,etc.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Re: Suggestions for garage tools (Steve439)
:iagree: Get a press. It is amazing how useful it can be when you need it. You may only use it a few times a year but it is worth it. U-joints, bushings, bearings, and so on. Don't waste time on a Harbor Freight creeper, get a good one. Get one that is sturdy and has good wheels. Get good jack stands with wide bases. You can get good brands with plenty capacity and narrow bases, but stability is worth the extra and the small loss of floor space.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,884
Likes: 260
From: Jamison Pa
St. Jude Donor '11-'25
Re: Suggestions for garage tools (Steve439)
I got a great deal on a Mohawk A-7 lift. It was used in a Saab show and was in great condition. Check with your local lift distributors to see if they have any trade in units. It really does make life easier.
I also had the electrician install Metal Hailte(sp?) lights in the ceiling. They warm up slow but light up the garage like a football field. I picked up a sandplast cabinet, compresser (7hp/60gal), 12 ton press, and a parts washer (on a 30 gal drum).
Now if I could only find one of those little elves that do the work while you sleep!!
Bob K.
I also had the electrician install Metal Hailte(sp?) lights in the ceiling. They warm up slow but light up the garage like a football field. I picked up a sandplast cabinet, compresser (7hp/60gal), 12 ton press, and a parts washer (on a 30 gal drum).
Now if I could only find one of those little elves that do the work while you sleep!!
Bob K.
