In my garage, I've got a generator, snow blower, push mower, pressure washer, stick welder, MIG welder, compound miter saw, etc. I'd like to have some covers to put over them. At present, I just throw old towels over them, which works, but looks schlocky. I'd like to have a better solution. I've googled covers for some of these, and find 'manufactured' covers that are $35-75 each. (For that price, I can live with schlocky at present). But I'm wondering what the rest of you do...what kind of tool covers have you come up with?
Large Tool Covers: DIY? What to Use?
- Thread starter lawfarm
- Start date
jake00
Well-known member
sew some up?
sauceonside
Member
The end of last summer I picked up several outdoor grill covers on clearance at Walmart. Paid less then $8 each. They have drawstrings at the bottom. Use them to cover 2 generators and my portable air compressor.
rwhite692
Well-known member
I would bet that if you check with your local senior's center, you will find some gals who would love a project like this. Supply the materials and the measurements, and prepare to be impressed.
Torque1st
MEMBER EMERITUS
Outdoor AC unit covers, $20-40.
I use shower curtains....cheap at walmart, I swap in agood one in the house every month or so, wash the old one and viola. I don't use anything cloth to cover anything in a garage anymore. It lets dust through and the catch on fire too easily from grinding sparks. I also use a couple of grey/black tarps that were super el chepos to cover larger items. A couple I used self stick velcro on the chower curtains to make them fit better and stay on better. The only real drawback is they get stiff in the cold unless you buy the expensive ones...I know way too much about shower curtains don't I....
bigdav160
Well-known member
I use those furniture blankets from HF
Lots of different sizes and they are cheap!
Lots of different sizes and they are cheap!
azotto
Well-known member
I personally don't cover equipment. Tried it and didn't work out for me.
Home Depot drop clothes. The white cloth ones are about $12 for 2 of them.
BBQ grill covers. It's the wrong time of year to find them but watch Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart etc... clearance sections late summer/fall for BBQ covers. I've seen them as cheap as $7.00 before. May be able to find them even now as this is the time of year they change brands.
Home Depot drop clothes. The white cloth ones are about $12 for 2 of them.
BBQ grill covers. It's the wrong time of year to find them but watch Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart etc... clearance sections late summer/fall for BBQ covers. I've seen them as cheap as $7.00 before. May be able to find them even now as this is the time of year they change brands.
Toolhorder
Well-known member
I had a co-worker who made his own toolbox cover for his Snappy box. He used a material for boat covers I believe. Came out pretty nice for what it was. I would do one for my box if I could sew. I don't think snappy sells a cover for mine since I have a locker on the side of my bottom and top combo.
sctattooer
Well-known member
Sounds like a great idea for Griot's to get into. Definately a market for something like this.
Jaguar Fan
Well-known member
Tyvek outdoor furniture covers.
timewarp
Well-known member
I use the old table cloths from the house, the ones that are like cloth/cotton on the back and a vinyl on the top. They don't allow dust or anything that gets spilled on them through and the cloth on the back keeps them from scratching.
bmxr4life87
Well-known member
i just use moving blankets from Uhaul they are pretty heavy duty and will absorb alot before it gets through and i get em for free but they will sell em pretty cheap too they are really thick also
AMCguy
Well-known member
I use large clear plastic trash bags.
Brookesy
Well-known member
Decorators dust covers
akdiesel
Well-known member
I have made my own grill covers, welder covers, patio covers, and even made some snowmachine gear bags all out of material called Herculiner/pitliner. This is the same stuff that is used for ponds, water features, or heavy duty tent & tarp makers.
This stuff comes various mil sizes and will outlast any of those store brand grill or patio covers.
I know you are looking for somthing simple and inexpensive but you cant beat this stuff.
This stuff comes various mil sizes and will outlast any of those store brand grill or patio covers.
I know you are looking for somthing simple and inexpensive but you cant beat this stuff.
Projeff
Member
Old sleeping bags.
mikeyr
Well-known member
Wow, I was going to reply that no one would cover tools up, I sure don't. But I have been reading the threads and you guys actually cover them up ! only thing covered in my garage is my motorcycle and Dino and that is only because I was doing the drywall, normally they are not covered either.
MadMechMaster
Well-known member
I use the grill covers also.
This is just to keep the mill-drill and lathe from seeing a blast of moist air when the doors are opened. Working with an unheated or insulated garage takes some consideration.
This is just to keep the mill-drill and lathe from seeing a blast of moist air when the doors are opened. Working with an unheated or insulated garage takes some consideration.
I don't have any at present, but I DO plan on having some in the future. Probably made out of breathable and durable denim. It keeps the dust and grime off that always seems to accumulate in shops.
Along those lines, my nut and bolt bin is an old industrial cabinet with a door on it, and I made clear plexiglass doors for my reference book shelf. I've got a dedicated "real" nut and bolt bin, and I plan on making doors for it as well.
My welding cart is a vintage Craftsman tool box, and everything goes in there, especially my welding helmet, to keep it dust-free.
-Brad
russlaferrera
Well-known member
I use cheap blue tarps.
Scout Driver
Well-known member
Saddle blanket! Not the best idea....but I have done it before.
Scott
Scott
ckucia
Well-known member
Hadn't thought of this before, but it's a great idea.
My shop has to perform a lot of tasks, and the ones which seem to be the most incompatible are woodworking and auto repair.
Sawdust gets everywhere - and sticks to anything with grease on it.
Plus, as mentioned above, the occassional bodywork throws bondo dust and paint overspray everywhere, and some of that won't come off without solvent.
My shop has to perform a lot of tasks, and the ones which seem to be the most incompatible are woodworking and auto repair.
Sawdust gets everywhere - and sticks to anything with grease on it.
Plus, as mentioned above, the occassional bodywork throws bondo dust and paint overspray everywhere, and some of that won't come off without solvent.
benjamming
Well-known member
Mel's Covers can be custom ordered & are made in USA.
Torque1st
MEMBER EMERITUS
Grinding grit from metal working, welding spatter, and hot chips from machine tools are bad also.
I have an old towel over my Mig welder. That's the only thing covered up.
64HemiSavoy
Member
I use Harbor Freight moving blankets. The wife cut and sewed them so they are a custom fit.
mcgyverit
Well-known member
+3 for outdoor grill covers
Moldy Oldy
Active member
I use the kids old bed comforters..everytime the bride comes out to the garage she makes a comment about missing the little kids and activities
jeepnut24
Well-known member
Ill be using drop cloths cut and sewn to fit. I am seriously tired of having to clean the grinding/sanding dust off of everything every few weeks. The should be cheap enough and easy enough to work with to get the custom fit. First up is the welder, then the rolling box.
Found some outdoor grill covers on clearance at Home Depot last weekend. I picked up two extra-large models (to cover grills up to 72"), cut them in half, and then had 4 perfect covers! They're not spark resistant, but they look and function nice.