One thing you couldn't live without...

ExplorerXLT95 · 05-09-05, 10:39

Real simple question people. I am in search of anything and everything cool and useful to put in my garage in terms of storage, organization, lighting and tools. This is my first garage, and I want to outfit it as well as I can. So basically, my question is very simple:

If there were one thing in your garage that you WOULD NOT EVER want to be without when it comes to getting things done in the garage, what would it be??

NOTE: The car itself and detailing products do not count.

I don't care if it's a lighting fixture, storage unit, tool chest, wall-mountable vacuum, air ventilation system, one of those park-it-right-everytime things or anything else. What would it be??

White95Max · 05-09-05, 10:45

Proper lighting. Without good lighting, you can't do anything well.

tom p. · 05-09-05, 10:45

access to water year round.

joeyto · 05-09-05, 10:49

A good set of tools (IMO, I always buy Craftsman) They're the best.

fryebaby · 05-09-05, 10:49

In my garage I struggle with trying to keep everything put away and keeping the garage neat. I would decide now how you are going to store stuff. I would decide on cabinets, shelves and storage. There are systems you can buy that makes it easier but they cost more than buying shelves and cabinets yourself and installing them. I have so much stuff its hard to find a place for it all. Good luck with your new garage, Wes

mdsmithers · 05-09-05, 11:34

I love my old office chair, set low so I can work on a panel for a while and still be comfortable, wheels to keep it mobile help too. I end up using it all the time.

MS22 · 05-09-05, 11:34

Aedquate space, too many people build garages that just barely fit their car(s). The single garage I use to detail is actually meant for two cars but extra space is crucial. When it comes to storage have enough boxes and racks so that clutter does not end up on the floor cause once one thing find its home on the floor other things tend to migrate there too, and too soon its out of hand. As for lighting go overboard, and when you think you have enough, go get more.

Gears · 05-09-05, 11:36

This may sound funny but I couldn't do without a garden shed. Without my garden shed I couldn't work in my garage. It would be filled with lawn mowers, shovels and bags of manure. Best for me to keep that stuff away from my car.

JellyBean · 05-09-05, 11:42

Air compressor large enough to for spray painting and air tools.

ExplorerXLT95 · 05-09-05, 11:42

Quote:

Originally posted by White95Max
Proper lighting. Without good lighting, you can't do anything well.

Quote:

Originally posted by tom p.
access to water year round.

Quote:

Originally posted by joeyto
A good set of tools (IMO, I always buy Craftsman) They're the best.

Quote:

Originally posted by mdsmithers
I love my old office chair, set low so I can work on a panel for a while and still be comfortable, wheels to keep it mobile help too. I end up using it all the time.

Quote:

Originally posted by MS22
Aedquate space, too many people build garages that just barely fit their car(s). The single garage I use to detail is actually meant for two cars but extra space is crucial. When it comes to storage have enough boxes and racks so that clutter does not end up on the floor cause once one thing find its home on the floor other things tend to migrate there too, and too soon its out of hand. As for lighting go overboard, and when you think you have enough, go get more.

Quote:

Originally posted by Gears
This may sound funny but I couldn't do without a garden shed. Without my garden shed I couldn't work in my garage. It would be filled with lawn mowers, shovels and bags of manure. Best for me to keep that stuff away from my car.

Quote:

Originally posted by JellyBean
Air compressor large enough to for spray painting and air tools.

All great suggestions ladies and gents.... Keep em comin

maecrispy · 05-09-05, 11:47

Bright, even lighting.... In my 2 car, I have 6 florescent fixtures, each with two tubes (12 total) arranged in 2 strips of 3 running the length of the garage. Also have two table work lamps and a halogen for detailing.

Drain! If there's one thing I regret, it's not having a drain installed in the garage.

And of course, to go along with drain is a water hook-up for a hose.

I'd say storage/organization too but most people don't go the route that I did with my garage so I can't recommend any one specific item.

57_300SL · 05-09-05, 12:16

workbench, tool storage, floor jack and jack stands. OK maybe that is more then one thing.