garage equipment/tools

[super66]

I'm going to be moving into a garage soon so i'm trying to think of things i don't have at the moment that we all need in a garage.

So say
a large vice
angle grinder
mig welder
shelving units
work surfaces
axle stands (can never have too many)
inspection lamps
pillar drill

Would love for people to add to this list as i know it's very basic. by the way i already have obvious stuff, cockets screwdrivers etc, hand tools, need power tools
I know this can all be bought from new but if anybody has anything that they think a newbee garage owner would need.

If anybody has some of these things and don't want/need them let me know as i will be on the lookout (leeds area)

[jrevillug]

I think you've covered most bases there.

I'd add:
Bench grinder. Invaluable for shaping small things, sharpening drill bits, etc. etc. etc. I wouldn't be without one.
Decent trolley jack
Power drill - whether corded or cordless - for drilling holes in bits of car that you can't get in the pillar drill. I generally prefer corded drills - more powerful, not going to run out of battery, and frequently cheaper - but you do have to run a lead to your work area.
On that note - extention leads. More than you think you need...

Ramps - just the normal drive-up ones - are useful for a quick repair that doesn't need the wheel to come off. Getting up them on your own can be fun though.

Compressor and air tools are very nice to have - especially a windy gun for undoing tight and rusty bolts - but they aren't cheap and there's normally another way.

Oh, and if your hand tools don't include a 4lb lump hammer, a selection of drifts and a 3' long 1/2" drive breaker bar - get them. With a garage you'll probably be doing more abitious stuff, so you need more abitious tooling for undoing big suspension bolts etc.

[jabba273]

I've got this racking available

cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=221039389757

And hundreds of 600 x 400 mm plastic trays at £3 each. Stacking and nesting. Also smaller ones available.

If your interested PM me and i can meet you up J28 M1.

[93fxdl]

before splashing out on tools i would advise getting your space ready first
step one, a good clean out, you will fill it with your own stuff and don't need other peoples leftovers
step two, get a bucket of white paint and cover the entire inside as this will make it a much better place to work
step three, sort out the electrics with plenty of lights and power sockets
step four, security, maximise the security as tools are a prime target for lowlife scum

next, the boring bit, elf n safety
fire extingusher, safety glases, gloves,both work and disposable types.mobile phone (if it all goes pear shaped you can call for help)

comfort, kettle, sound system, chair (i have an old office chair with the arms and back removed which adjusts for height and is great for doing brakes), pieces of carpet (lot better to lay on than concrete)

now your space is all ready to go you can start filling it with toys but unless you are carefull curse word will expand to fill every available space

possible sources of tools are cash generator/convertor, gumtree, car boot sales

a blowlamp is handy for siezed bolts
work lamp (lots of cordless led ones available)

a tip with corded power tools is to fit a longer lead so you don't keep tripping over the extension lead reel
once you have your welder you will need lots of clamps, just get cheapys as welding tends to wreck them
a pillar drill is something i would put low on the list as the cheapys are rubbish and most of the time you can get by with just an ordinary hand drill but get good drill bits, bench grinder and learn how to sharpen them yourself
ttfn glenn

[super66]

Cheers Guys, some really good advice here, especially Glenn.

I get the keys in next few days, so shall be sorting it all out then!

[Ratdat]

Keep an eye on Aldi or Lidl for fire extinguishers. They sometimes do pretty large powder ones for about £25.

[leedslad0113]

Glad to hear you found a garage I know you have been looking for a while where did you end up getting one. I woul reccomend a decent compressor with some air tools they make life so much easier

[super66]

Cheers mate, it's out otley way, good secure place with room to share if people are in need of space. Air tools would be nice, the landlord says i might be able to have access to the large compressor, just need to get the tools.

[leedslad0113]

Where about in Otley I live in Farsley which is only 15 min drive from Otley so would be interested as have a MG midget in dire need of extensive body work and have no power in my garage. I have air tools and a small compressor as well as a MIG welder

[93fxdl]

couple of cheapy suggestions
12v light with long wires attached for electrical fault finding and or a 12v buzzer
a set of cheapy spanners to be cut,bent, modified, to fit that impossible to reach bolt without wrecking your good tools
back to your original list
bench vice, must be solidly mounted to a solid bench to allow serious beating and heaving, you do not want it all landing on you as you try and separate those siezed parts.
angle grinder, at least 2 otherwise you will get peed off kep changing between cutting/grinding discs and wire brush
plus get plenty of accessories as in plenty of thin cutting blades a few grinding blades and couple of twist knot wire brushes, flat and cup types
also if you have 2 when one dies you will not be stopped in full flight
a couple of things to help your grinder to last are
open the gearbox and slap some grease in as often they are dry also every now and then blow out the motor to stop the build up of curse word in the windings/brushes
shelving, handy if they are on wheels so as your space needs change they are easy to move about
work bench, a big bench is nice but tends to accumulate curse word also must be solid so you efforts go into the job not steadying the bench

tool box, the cabinet type is nice for bench work but for working around a car/cars something on wheels is much better as you can get your tools right where you are working
shadow boards on the wall are handy for keeping stuff up out of the way
brush and rubbish bin to keep your space clean as kneeling/laying on curse word (which is always sharp and painfull) ruins your fun
for air tools get a filter/water trap to keep the air good do not fit an inline oiler as this will coat your airlines with oil and pollute any painting you do
if you have 3 phase electric consider looking for a 2 post ramp, single phase are available but tend to be pricey
start scrounging/collecting any steel offcuts for use as anvils, jigs etc
Bench grinder, take off the coarse wheel and fit a wire wheel for cleaning small parts
ttfn glenn