Garage Shop: Tools

Any job where you’re using something constantly tends to create or at least support the need for different requirements or niceties in tool choice.

If you’re turning screws all day, that standard screwdriver is going to look a lot less appealing once you use a ratcheting handle screwdriver. That ratcheting handle is going to fail the same way compared to an electric screwdriver. Electric screwdriver to a corded electric driver, corded electric driver to a cordless, etc.

Some guys go straight out of the gate with the industry standard instead of using lesser stuff while they’re getting their feet wet.

Marketing plays a big role in things, but there’s no doubt in my mind that this same progression happens with all tools and toolboxes. When you’re intimately involved in something day in and day out, you quickly set your own preferences and notice subtleties or nuances that make you prefer one thing over another.

I was dead set on a Husky box before I took a step back and looked at the smaller things, which I found I didn’t like.

Lot of factors involved in big ticket stuff besides price and need, but anyway.. my own choices are definitely fluid and evolving each time I buy something new, get to use it and then notice the shortcomings.

 

OK, what im really interested in, HEAT! What does everyone do to not freeze their arses off? I get itchy being housed up in winter so i spend a lot of time in my garage or my second shop the basement.

For the garage, I have one of those forced air propane heaters which works great, but its loud. It does the trick for the inevitable winter breakage of something, but i hate not being able to hear the radio, or even myself. my garage is 24 x 24 with 10' ceilings, sealed ok, insulated fair to poor. Wood stove is out, against code. Any input on what works for you guys?

 

I use one of these: https://www.homedepot.com/p/DuraHeat-23-800-BTU-Indoor-Kerosene-Portable-Heater-DH2304/100045793

It takes a while to heat up the garage. But, if I fire it up when I get up in the morning, then go have my breakfast and lounge around a bit, it warms it up about 10 degrees (assume starting outside temp in mid-30s). After 3 or 4 hours I have to shut it off because it's too hot in the garage. No carbon monoxide, either.

 

Mr Hot Dog unit heaters work great for the shop. They take the temps up to a comfortable level very quick and you can shut them off completely when you are not able to spend time in the shop.

 

80% of the time I’m in my shop it’s because I’m running the forge and making stuff. Therefore, its at least 70 degrees in there even if it’s in the single digits. It’s a win/win.

 

I thought about one of these, but you cant buy them in Mass. just another great perk of this state

 

I got a little tired of using my Streamlight for dirty shit at work, so I picked up a super cheap Braun LED light. I think it was $6.XX

For a dual mode LED, with a metal body.. I don’t know how it can be beat at that price. Wouldn’t be a bad light at all for a home gamer to keep on hand. Has a magnetic base that’ll support the weight of the light itself, even at 90*.

 

Real Tool Reviews did a video on that light, real positive

I have a Milwaukee headlamp as well as a Black Diamond one I just won as a gift at FD banquet, both are great for hands free lighting option. I know some people don’t like them but I really prefer headlamps for most things since it frees up one of my hands and usually doesn’t cast shadows like a magnet light or under hood light can

Matt

 

Believe it or not, I found this vintage Craftsman toolbox discarded on trash day. I searched and they still make the replacement for the key cylinder, so I may purchase that.

 

I bought a headlamp for work for that same reason, but I’ve never used it.

I’ve used them backpacking and camping and they’re great, I have a few Petzl and Black Diamond headlamps.. something about strapping one on at work that just doesn’t ever come into play. Probably because I use a flashlight a lot more often and am used to it. There’s only a few times where a headlamp was great, comparatively. I try not to work in the dark unless I have to.

 

I used this box up to this Christmas, when I bought a new box.

 

My work area. A little messy day of this pic.

 

Looks very well organized

 

Nice find.

 

I think you won the aerosol rodeo.

 

Might could rival....

 

Here is a little wider angle..............

 

@AR15xAR10 you’re up.

 

Manaña.

Recuerdame.

 

I like the ceiling fan in there, been wanting to put a new one in my living room so now I know where the old one is going...