Small Garage Tips for The Man on a Budget

[geordie]

I can only marvel at some of the garages on this site......you guys are very lucky.
Here are a few tips for the small garage owner, on a budget, who shares his man zone with the rest of the family. Things that have worked for me.

1. Keep it Clean
I've no room for trash.
If in doubt I throw it out (especially if it's not mine ) or sell it on Craigslist .
Get a trash bin and a shop vac.
Have a small clean area for paper towels and liquid soap or similar.

2. Storage
Get as much as you can off the floor.
Add cabinets or shelving to fit your budget.
Store the items you use least near the ceiling and keep the regularly used things close.
Use heavy duty hooks to attach portable small ladders, creepers and work benches to walls.
Add a few large pegboards, mount a frame to the wall and attach the board.
Use an old kids chest of drawers for storage, strengthen the drawers with battens.
Garden hedge trimmers and blowers can be hung from the ceiling with hooks attached to the rafters.
Don't forget the thin wall space or either side of the garage door which can be shelved for storing aerosol cans, cleaners etc.
Sort your hardware into plastic organization trays or trays so that you can find that, screw, washer etc when you need it.
Use plastic totes for larger items.

3. Lighting
Add strip lights above where you normally work, again to suit your budget.
A portable strip light with small extension cord works well also.
Halogen lights on a stand are also good but take up floor space.

4. Outlets
Add more as required, DIY or hire an electrician
A pull down extension attached to the ceiling or wall works well.

5. Ventilation
A free standing fan is a must here in AZ, or better still a ceiling mounted fan.

6. Garage Art
Add some economical garage art, tin signs, framed magazine pictures.
Get an old CD player, radio etc for some tunes.
Fly the flag.

I'd welcome any comments or additional unusual storage ideas .

 

[bluesman2a]

7) Caasters are your friends!!!
The more you have on rollers the easier it is to re-arrange your space for different projects/uses.

At this point, 90% of everything in my shop is on rollers unless there's a good reason it SHOULDN'T be.

 

[Wiggawam]

Casters is right. While I am doing my "frame off" restoration of my mustang I have the ******, rearend, and engine all on furniture dollies so i can move them about easily. This allows me to pack a large amount of things into the garage and wheel them out to get the space to work on the car again.

 

[geordie]

Fire extinguisher and a pencil and paper too.

 

[Kevin54]

Fire extinguisher and a pencil and paper too.

Dry erase board and dry erase markers come in real handy. Especially by the phone that is right by the TV, that is right next to the fridge. LOL!!!

 

[dropride]

Dry erase board and dry erase markers come in real handy. Especially by the phone that is right by the TV, that is right next to the fridge. LOL!!!

Don't forget the recliner

 

[geordie]

I'm going to have to reign you guys in a bit.
Dry erase board, ok.
TV, maybe I'll find room on the wall one day.
Fridge, no room, but we do have a freezer.
Recliner, definitely no room, does a stool on casters count .

 

[Danglerb]

Portable phone that is small enough to carry with you while you are working.

Two fire extinguishers, one big one of dry chemical, one "clean" halon or whatever that won't ruin your car while putting out the fire.

Plenty of shop towels and kitty litter, deal with the spills now, not later.

 

[1320stang]

I put a TV in my garage, a little 13" tube job on a wall mount bracket that I can rotate to the main part of the garage or towards my cubby up front. I use the bracket to put my squeeze clamps on and lay my hand drying towel over that as the TV is above my garage sink.

I don't find that I watch it that much, use it more like a radio, but will look up to replays while listening to football game. Sometimes my kids will get out the lawn chairs and watch TV while I'm working on something instead of watching the 32" LCD in the living room. Oh, I only have an antenna while we have DISH in the house!! (Been thinking of dropping a cable down from the attic and hooking it to the splitter, I'll have to watch/listen to what one of the other TV's is watching though.)

 

[timgr]

If you can't afford the Halon extinguisher, a fire blanket might be a useful addition to to the garage safety gear. Most of us would want the Halon extinguisher to put out an engine top fire, and a blanket probably could put that out. If the fire get out of hand, reach for the (large) dry chemical extinguisher rather than lose the building.

Fire blankets are intended for clothing fires, and are very good for that. You can buy a wool blanket treated with retardant for about $15; glass fiber blankets (that won't stick to burning flesh) are about $50.

 

[geordie]

Yeah............I've been thinking about a little 13" TV and DVD player suspended from one of those TV/DVD combo brackets. Kinda the same idea as 1320stang, use it as a radio and to entertain the kids. I've thought about dropping a cable but there ain't much to watch on the TV anyway, unless you like CSI. I'm thinking about a DVR to record Horsepower TV, Muscle Car, Trucks etc onto DVD and then play them in the garage.

 

[Uncle Buck]

In keeping with the man on a budget theme the thread started with I will list in short many of my on the cheap ideas I have shared in the past, or elsewhere on the board.
1) My bench tops are all discarded desk tops retrieved before they hit the dumpster from a used office furniture store.
2) All my wall cabinets are retired kitchen cabinets either bought at garage sales for a couple bucks, or literally alley finds next to the trash can!
3) My shop TV, stereo, tape deck (yup an 8 track too) CD player and speakers were all discards from various neighbors garage sales for either a buck or two, or as before dug out of the trash.
4) I have a way of finding expensive fire extinguishers that must have fallen from service trucks on the road, All of them were up to date and in good shape when I found them so I have about a half dozen in my shop.
5) I wash my own red shop rags when I get a dirty load equal to the size of a kitchen trash can. I take them to the local laundry mat and cycle them through hot for a couple times with soap, then dry them. (NEVER DO THIS AT HOME, AND FIND A DEAD TIME AT THE LOCAL LAUNDRY MAT!) I also wipe the machine down with bleach when I am done.
6) Most of my nut, bolts, screws etc. were bought in bulk as floor sweeping from the broken boxes at the local industrial hardware place.
7) Do not forget the local big box bargains no one but me ever thinks of! This may or may not work for you, It works great for me. I ask if I can buy the the leaked damaged cans of Rust-Oleum type brush enamel that I find in the hazmat disposal cabinet in the back of the store! I have bought a lot of grey, red, Forrest green, yellow and black enamels this way, I never pay more than a dollar a can; for the store this is great, think about how much money they save in hazardous waste disposal costs selling the new damaged product to me instead of paying ungodly amounts to dispose of this ****!
8) Some of my stuff is on casters and yes it helps, but more important is to always think vertically!
9) I always harp rebuild other peoples discarded hydraulic jacks and equipment. Occasionally I have met one I could not fix, but that is rare, I have never personally owned any hydraulic jack or other equip such as a porta power from new, I got all mine used, rebuilt every one. Yes I saved a lot of money doing so, I do not have $200.00 in all my name brand USA stuff combined!
10) Buy used American stationary machines such as lathes, mills, drills, metal shapers, surface grinders and the like. Learn as much as you can about this type of equipment and the good brands of hand tools so you can do the same thing with them! I buy used when I can, and when the price is right, this means sometimes buying tools at a time when you do not need them. (that never bothered me though)
11) I am no fan of buying used portable power tools, and not too keen on buying air tools used. I know how to rebuild air tools, I just avoid this equipment used (just me!)
12) The quality tools a guy on a budget like me will never again be able to afford I never ever lend. The list is short, name brand paint guns I bought new (never buy them used, assume all used guns are primer guns at best, at least I do!) And my precision measuring tools like my Starrett mics etc. I will not loan the name brands to anyone. I can afford to replace but also do not like loaning torque wrenches. Sure loan your HF stuff as much as you like!

That is all I have for now.

 

[jay50]

Dry erase board and dry erase markers come in real handy. Especially by the phone that is right by the TV, that is right next to the fridge. LOL!!!

Don't forget the beer in the frige....

 

[Bevis]

Portable phone that is small enough to carry with you while you are working.

I keep my craptel (nextel) close by...

 

[dreamingmuscle]

I'm going to have to reign you guys in a bit.
Recliner, definitely no room, does a stool on casters count .

Mine recliner is the creeper that raises at the head.

Glen
________
volcano review

 

[Red Green]

You can come up with some good deals at estate auctions the last one I went to I bought a box of 4' floresent light bulbs for $2 some were bad but I ended up with 48 good bulbs. The problem is I bought a bunch of stuff I didn't need also.

 

[Lloydthumper]

I keep my craptel (nextel) close by...

I had nextel for a few years I called it (next time) because that is when I was going to get the call or be able to call not when I needed it.

 

[oldgoat]

1. I went to the company surplus and got cabinets to put things in and a table.
2.When I built the garage I had conduit ran so that I could run cable and telephone in. I had a extra 17" TV that I mounted on the wall and a cordless phone so that I can call the parts house if needed.
3. My woodworking tools are mostly mounted on bases with casters. The bases were made so that the tops of the tools on them were about the same height so that they could be a support when cutting or drilling.
4. The bases have fixed casters at one end and on the other the swivel casters are on a hinged board so that I can pull up on a rope and pull the casters out from underneath and have it sitting on legs. That way when using it, it won't move around.
5. Thought I had enough outlets and lights when I built, but saw that it wasn't going to be enough so doubled them so that I would have enough. Wish now I had put some more in.
6. Have two fire extinguishers. One big one in the far end and a smaller one by the door. Also keep the area in front of the window cleared enough that if need be I could get out there.
7. Bought adjustable shelves to put plastic containers and extra wood on the walls out of the way. The containers have big name tags on them so that I can easily tell what is in them instead of searching.
8. I try to put similar tools together so that they are more easily found.
9. Plenty of pencils, note pads and tape measurers. Can't seem to have enough.
10. I keep plastic bags of saw dust to clean up accidental spills. And one trash can and one container for scrap wood. They get filled they get emptied. Have enough stuff in there without gathering more.

 

[gotta56forme]

Consider this thinking outloud...

My bro-in-law told me he occasionally buys something called 'sweeping compound'. He described it as sawdust treated with something. I have a neighbor who is a prolific wood worker and would probably give me all the sawdust I might want.

What could a guy add to the sawdust to make his own sweeping compound?

Or is that getting too frugal?

 

[Red Green]

What could a guy add to the sawdust to make his own sweeping compound?

Or is that getting too frugal?

You could add some store bought shop dry or kitty litter to the saw dust

Too frugal depends on how much time you have on your hands and if you would rather be doing something else.

 

[oldgoat]

Consider this thinking outloud...

My bro-in-law told me he occasionally buys something called 'sweeping compound'. He described it as sawdust treated with something. I have a neighbor who is a prolific wood worker and would probably give me all the sawdust I might want.

What could a guy add to the sawdust to make his own sweeping compound?

Or is that getting too frugal?

So far I haven't had a problem with using just plain sawdust. I do have a stiff bristle push broom that I use to help soak up the mess though.

 

[66 GMC Truckin]

Sweeping compound is for keeping the dust down. Not for soaking up the mess. Floor dry is used for soaking up the mess.

 

[black88coupe]

I'd like to offer a little tip on fire extinguishers if i may. If you purchase a "stored pressure" unit (guage on the front), try to find one with a metal "head" (top). The cheaper ones with plastic tops are not rechargeable as the heads will usually pop when they try to pressurize them after refilling them after usage. Most people will just buy a cheapo Kidda brand and think that they'll be fine, but they do tend to leakdown and lose pressure over time making them useless. Most inportantly, check it monthly to make sure it is holding pressure. It only takes a second to do and can save you thousands of dollars! An extinguisher sign is also available at your local supplier as well.

 

[WV Firefighter]

Most inportantly, check it monthly to make sure it is holding pressure. It only takes a second to do and can save you thousands of dollars!

While your checking the pressure, turn it upside down and shake a little. The powder tends to settle over time and may not discharge when you squeeze the handle.

Andy

 

[arkracing]

Fly the flag.

Nice!

5) I wash my own red shop rags when I get a dirty load equal to the size of a kitchen trash can. I take them to the local laundry mat and cycle them through hot for a couple times with soap, then dry them. (NEVER DO THIS AT HOME, AND FIND A DEAD TIME AT THE LOCAL LAUNDRY MAT!) I also wipe the machine down with bleach when I am done.

6) Most of my nut, bolts, screws etc. were bought in bulk as floor sweeping from the broken boxes at the local industrial hardware place.

I always wondered about washing your own shop rags. Anybody ever consider a 2cd washing machine? I've been offered several of them for cheap $50 or less in good working condition, but don't currently have a house - so I have to turn them down. Do you use any special type of soap? or just regular laundry detergent?
I don't know if I would wip the machine down with bleach - maybe run it though another cycle, only because the next person to use that machine may ruin thier clothes with some residual bleach (don't laugh, I had it happen to me in college)

on the nuts and bolts - how do you manage that one? just go into Fastenal and say "hey I'm interested in buying all the sweept up nuts and bolts that fall out of pacakages" or do you know someone that works there?

 

[black88coupe]

EXCELLENT POINT! Another thing about extinguisher signs, try to make it visible from most any angle. You can by L-shaped two- sided signs. Mount it high enough that it isn't obscured by a drill press, tool box, etc.

 

[ptschram]

While your checking the pressure, turn it upside down and shake a little. The powder tends to settle over time and may not discharge when you squeeze the handle.

Andy

At my last real job, the fire extinguisher contractors would bang on the extinguishers with dead blow hammers to break up the dry chemical material.

every month when I check my fire extinguishers, I turn them upside down and bang on them.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Nice!



I always wondered about washing your own shop rags. Anybody ever consider a 2cd washing machine? I've been offered several of them for cheap $50 or less in good working condition, but don't currently have a house - so I have to turn them down. Do you use any special type of soap? or just regular laundry detergent?
I don't know if I would wip the machine down with bleach - maybe run it though another cycle, only because the next person to use that machine may ruin thier clothes with some residual bleach (don't laugh, I had it happen to me in college)

on the nuts and bolts - how do you manage that one? just go into Fastenal and say "hey I'm interested in buying all the sweept up nuts and bolts that fall out of pacakages" or do you know someone that works there?

This is the second time I have washed several hundred shop rags at the local laundromat; I used regular old laundry detergent and it seemed to work fine. I am sure that they would have come out cleaner still if I had run them through a second time but I was too cheap to do so. As it was I think I spent most of $12-$15 bucks, there is no way I will be spending $20 or more to clean them up when one cycle seemed to do OK.

I have never known anyone or had a contact per say at a local nut & bolt supply house. I simply look for the companies like Fastenal in the yellow pages and start calling and asking questions, sooner or later you will usually run into a company happy to part with sometimes as much as several hundred pounds of mixed hardware for pennies on the dollar. I have done this several times and I doubt I will do it again as I have most of several hundred pounds of mixed hardware still squirreled away! Try it, all you have to lose is a phone call and the worst they can do is tell you no, Right?

 

[mulepackin]

1) Keep a list very near your tool box to list what you did lend out and to who, and when
and if it was returned (assuming you lend tools at all).
2) You can spray the sawdust with a dust mop spray. I got mine at a janitorial supply place
a little goes a long way.

 

[Uncle Buck]

1) Keep a list very near your tool box to list what you did lend out and to who, and when

I have done this for years, best practice if you are one to do a worst practice......loan tools!

 

[NOMAD]

I have three steel filing cabinets that I'm using in my garage. I've put one on casters and plan to do the same fro the other two. I have the two drawer type and am debating bolting the third onto the second to make a tower.
I have one for all the books and files I may want to keep out there. I'm in a Masters Degree program for teaching so I have a lot of paper and books.
One is filled with power tools and large objects like shrub shears, carpentry squares, levels etc.
The last will be added to a rolling worktable I made so I don't have to spend time building drawers out of wood.

I got one for free and two more I just picked up for $5 each on CL and they work fine.

 

[kidney]

I'm don't have much to add, but I will say small pieces of wood come in very handy...2X4,4x4..etc. Nothing really big, maybe a foot long or so.

My Garage is pretty small, but it's enough for what I do. Due to not having anywhere else to store yard tools, I try to keep them close to the front of the garage. At least that way I don't have to worry too much about leaving a project on the work bench and having it moved around or knocked over.

 

[PanelDeland]

On the shop rags,try using a little soda ash with the detergent.It will help remove the oil.I believe the tech name is Oxalic Acid.

 

[timgr]

On the shop rags,try using a little soda ash with the detergent.It will help remove the oil.I believe the tech name is Oxalic Acid.

No no no no no. Not even close.

Soda Ash is sodium carbonate aka washing soda. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_carbonate

Oxalic acid is old-school radiator flush. Dissolves rust. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxalic_acid

 

[e-tek]

Don't forget the recliner

You might laugh - but as soon as I installed the TV I put my fave recliner in the shop!!

 

[e-tek]

Yeah............I've been thinking about a little 13" TV and DVD player suspended from one of those TV/DVD combo brackets. Kinda the same idea as 1320stang, use it as a radio and to entertain the kids. I've thought about dropping a cable but there ain't much to watch on the TV anyway, unless you like CSI. I'm thinking about a DVR to record Horsepower TV, Muscle Car, Trucks etc onto DVD and then play them in the garage.

Right you are - I mounted a 14inch TV and satelite reciever on a corner shelf I made with 2x4's and ply. It certainly entertains my 4 year old so I can get him out there on Saturday mornings when it's my turn to babysit (Ok I mean my turn to 'parent')...he jumps in the recliner and I don't hear a peep as long as he has 'toons on!!

 

[Brad54]

Maximize your shelving space.
For instance, I know I will have one full shelf dedicated to holding cylinder heads, intake manifolds, valve covers, etc. These items will have nothing stacked on them at all. If you build a shelving unit, and space your shelves all 12-16 inches apart, then set a bunch of parts on them that are only 6 inches tall, you've wasted a whole lot of space.
I also have blue plastic tote boxes that I stash things in. I set the shelves to the height that the blue boxes just barely fit. It keeps me organized, because I can find what I'm looking for by reading the labels on the boxes, and it allows me to have more shelf space. Say you've got a unit with 5 shelves on it, and they're all spaced 18 inches apart. If you tighten up all those shelves just by two inches, you can add a 6 shelf that's 10 inches tall. Tighten them up farther by putting in a "short shelf" for small boxes, intakes, carbs, etc., and you can get another shelf in there.

The tip, summed up: Look for empty space, and utilize it.

-Brad

 

[Fxjnkmn]

soda ash is the main ingredient in most laundry soaps, softns the water to release dirt from clothes. you can try an old wringer washer.

 

[Patio_King]

Consider this thinking outloud...

My bro-in-law told me he occasionally buys something called 'sweeping compound'. He described it as sawdust treated with something. I have a neighbor who is a prolific wood worker and would probably give me all the sawdust I might want.

What could a guy add to the sawdust to make his own sweeping compound?

Or is that getting too frugal?

add some Automatic Transmission Fluid, New or used. just enough to turn the sawdust tacky, spread it out and sweep away

 

[Aparatchik]

Awesome thread... I love space-saving ideas, as I'm working with a grand total of perhaps 180-200 sq.ft., so little bits help!!