Looking for a good mechanics stool.

[Jeff T]

I had a couple from the bargain store, HF, but they turned out to be a bigger PITA than their worth. IMHO there is a design flaw with how the casters are attached to the frame using a blind nut that's aluminum. It doesn't take long before the aluminum nut strips and the stool dumps you. Even upgrading the casters didn't help...





I'm just a garage DIY guy so it's used occasionally. I'm looking at a Traxion 2-700 or a Powerbuilt 240036.

Anyone else have a suggestion??

 

[bcschief]

Avoid the single post stools they **** I have an older craftsman one they don't sell any more like this www.grainger.com/product/4WM21?cm_m...09&ef_id=f3a4968362481d4a47ddc9fea8f50523:G:s

 

[Cryptic1911]

have you considered building one? I'm kind of in the same boat. I checked out the powerbuilt and was initially interested, but after looking at and reading reviews, it sounds like the metal is a bit thin and the rest is plastic

 

[seber]

Avoid the single post stools they **** I have an older craftsman one they don't sell any more like this www.grainger.com/product/4WM21?cm_m...09&ef_id=f3a4968362481d4a47ddc9fea8f50523:G:s

I started with one like that and hated it. Always in the way and always pointed the wrong direction when I wanted to sit. I've been using a quality single post unit for twenty years and never had a complaint. It really amounts to what you like.

 

[Jeff T]

have you considered building one? I'm kind of in the same boat. I checked out the powerbuilt and was initially interested, but after looking at and reading reviews, it sounds like the metal is a bit thin and the rest is plastic

Building one... Haven't thought about that. Sad it's so hard to find a quality stool.

 

[trashmanssd]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M2QMHK6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have 2 of these and I love it. Comfortable and rolls over the cuts in the concrete with ease.

if you prefer 4 legs like the one above from cheif. see link below.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P6WMO6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[4xdog]

Kinda pricey (like all their stuff) at 80 bucks but I've been using this one for about a year and like it. Big wheels, and two of them lockable. Sturdy seat, with storage space on the sides and underneath.

https://www.griotsgarage.com/product/compact+sit+on+creeper.do

 

[Cryptic1911]

Kinda pricey (like all their stuff) at 80 bucks but I've been using this one for about a year and like it. Big wheels, and two of them lockable. Sturdy seat, with storage space on the sides and underneath.

https://www.griotsgarage.com/product/compact+sit+on+creeper.do

That's the same as the powerbuilt, but with a cushion. How's it holding up? any complaints about the thickness of the steel frame? they seem to all have real thin tubing that bends easily

 

[Jeff T]

That's the same as the powerbuilt, but with a cushion. How's it holding up? any complaints about the thickness of the steel frame? they seem to all have real thin tubing that bends easily

My understanding is the seat is solid plastic. Guy on YT added foam and wrapped his in leather.

 

[bushmechanic]

I don't know why the hell I don't see stools set up like those mobile warehousing stairs; sit down, and it rests on the floor. Stand up, and it rolls.

Seems like peas and carrots, to me. Just put a pedal lock on it if you don't want it lowering.

 

[Cryptic1911]

My understanding is the seat is solid plastic. Guy on YT added foam and wrapped his in leather.

looks like griots offers it with a foam seat cap option. Do you have that on yours?

 

[4xdog]

That's the same as the powerbuilt, but with a cushion. How's it holding up? any complaints about the thickness of the steel frame? they seem to all have real thin tubing that bends easily

My understanding is the seat is solid plastic. Guy on YT added foam and wrapped his in leather.

looks like griots offers it with a foam seat cap option. Do you have that on yours?

Well, Griot's is a lot cheaper than Powerbuilt -- $80 v $130. COO on mine was Taiwan, if my memory's not wrong. I'm sure there are others getting it from the same source.

I'm a big and tall guy, and I've seen no flex at all in mine. The tubing seems fine. Haven't used it to stand on, though...

Yes, Griot's offers a padded seat optional add-on (as well as additional cupholders). I didn't seen the point in those. Mine has the standard rotomolded polyethylene seat, and it's sturdy, comfortable, and easy to clean.

 

[Ralf11]

Kinda pricey (like all their stuff) at 80 bucks but I've been using this one for about a year and like it. Big wheels, and two of them lockable. Sturdy seat, with storage space on the sides and underneath.

https://www.griotsgarage.com/product/compact+sit+on+creeper.do

Find out who actually makes that and let's griot's put their name on it and you can save 50%

 

[Ralf11]

Has anybody tried the step stool / seat combo?

Pro-LifT C-2800 Grey Creeper Seat and Stool Combo - 300 lb. Capacity

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F74IP74/?tag=atomicindus08-20

seems like a good idea - but not all good ideas work out

for $58 I might try it...

 

[Jeff T]

Find out who actually makes that and let's griot's put their name on it and you can save 50%

Sounds like you know more than you're letting on!!!

 

[Bogie1632]

I've had a single post Craftsman for maybe 10 years. The casters were horrible but I put 4" ones on and have been happy ever since. It's been holding up well and is used often. Its lasted longer than more expensive models I've used at work (and you know the gov likes to waste $).

I think what ever model you go with you'll find issues. Those are really opportunities to upgrade or modify to your liking and you'll end up with a stool that works best for you.

V/R
Bogie

 

[Ralf11]

Sounds like you know more than you're letting on!!!

not about this particular item - but griot's doesn't make anything themselves AFAIK; it's all rebranded stuff - tho they do stand behind the warranty

 

[Jeff T]

not about this particular item - but griot's doesn't make anything themselves AFAIK; it's all rebranded stuff - tho they do stand behind the warranty

AutoGeek, Adam's Polishes, Griot's, AgiiMan all use the same rebranded unit.

 

[InjectorService]

https://www.vyperchair.com/product/robust-steel-max

 

[Cryptic1911]

oh damn that's nice

 

[Wyoming09]

I have this one from Northern Tool for the last couple of years so far so good. Wanted something heavy duty to handle my fat ***. Very happy thus far.



https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200712281_200712281

 

[Htscheg]

Ive had a Whiteside hydraulic seat for about 8 years and use it almost daily wrenching on motorcycles... my son picked up on amazon for fathers day, very comfortable and sturdy!!!

 

[FigureItOut]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M2QMHK6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have 2 of these and I love it. Comfortable and rolls over the cuts in the concrete with ease.

if you prefer 4 legs like the one above from cheif. see link below.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P6WMO6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I'll cast a second vote for that Traxion. I've had mine for five years, professional daily use. When I was shopping, it had the lowest minimum height that I could find. It also has a very broad seat and broad stance, so if your work is causing you to lean out over the center of gravity often, it'll dump you less readily than others.

Sent from my SM-G975U1 using Tapatalk

 

[Jeff T]

I ended up with the Powerbuilt. It was between it and the Traxion. Arrived this morning and very pleased with the purchase. 4" casters, easy assembly. Time will tell!

Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[visionguru]

Last year, I got this from Costco for $40.

 

[Lucid Moments]

https://www.vyperchair.com/product/robust-steel-max

I am sure it is a very nice stool, but I don't think I am going to pay $600 for a stool.

 

[Zrexxer]

Yeah, I had one of the HF POS's like the OP, and it dumped my *** right on the ground, same way.


Since then I've been using the "Tailbone" creeper seat. It has its own shortcomings. It has no tool storage tray, and it's not exactly compact, but it's made in the USA and by far the most comfortable seat I've ever used.

 

[O RLY]

I found myself in the same situation and decided to buy once and cry once. I am extremely happy with this rolling seat and would highly recommend it.

 

[Buckaroo5]

I have been using the Racatac Kneeling Creeper....very comfortable for my old back and knees.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TROIGQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[orangeblood]

... if you prefer 4 legs like the ...mazon.com/dp/B000P6WMO6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Craftsman used to sell a model just like this one from whiteside. I have had one for over 18 years and really like it. the wide base and big padded seat make a difference. dont overlook the value of a back support, most of the time you dont need it, but when you do - you really appreciate it. the big open tray is also useful for tools and odd size parts.

 

[mv213]

I bought the HF one about 15 years ago because it was on sale super cheap. Immediately had to replace the seat (I could hear that Chinese plywood cracking when I sat down) and upgrade the padding. A few months later I removed the casters and upgraded them. I still have it and use it, but it’s just OK. I might treat myself to the Griot’s one of these days.

 

[Ralf11]

I currently use a leftover plastic sprinkler box - lightwt. so I just kick it to where I want it to be...

 

[ducksface]

Last year, I got this from Costco for $40.

I hate mine, similar to the one pictured.
It's tippy and you have to reach between your WIDE *********** and lean far forward if you want to use that drawer. Lean forward and the seat becomes unstable and wants to shoot out behind you.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06X...284371830601&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_scm_asin_0

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V3F3N7S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

One of these in the link above, on casters(the small hf pallet works perfectly), and a tractor seat if you want one, is the best I've made.
Many complain their seat doesn't go low enough. This one does.
A quick turn or two and the height is right where you want it.

The linked items pop up at yard sales fairly often.

And
It's not a singular use item.
Seat lifts 1100lbs as a jack
Pallet is still a pallet.
Seat is optional. I usually don't want it in my way.

No pics as proof. Phone camera broken. I'll add pics nexft week with the new phone.

 

[SeisMec]

I found myself in the same situation and decided to buy once and cry once. I am extremely happy with this rolling seat and would highly recommend it.

More reasonably priced than most Snap-on.
https://shop.snapon.com/search?q=creaper%20seat

 

[Wrench97]

I did actually build on once, had to modify the wheels to larger and used 2x2 tube. an old truck seat by the time it was usable it was comfortable but was more like a desk chair then then a creeper seat........................

 

[1cargarage]

PEDIGO is a high quality brand. They mainly make medical stuff (doctor's exam stools etc), so yes they are expensive and their casters aren't intended for rough cement use. The casters are threaded on the ones I've seen (5/16x18/in) and can be swapped out to larger PU casters very easily. These old medical stools are great b/c they're heavy, the threads for the casters are deep and steel, the screw height-adjustment doesn't wear out like a pneumatic stool, and the chrome is top notch.

Buying new will be painful, but the PEDIGO stools can easily be found on Craigslist, used office furniture outlet stores, eBay, and decommissioned medical equipment sellers.

I think most of their stuff is still made in USA, although I could be wrong.

 

[Fedwrench]

I was going to recommend Whiteside Manufacturing as they've made creeper seats and creepers for almost all of the tool trucks but, I quick visit to their web site made me think their pricing left reality at some point.
https://www.whitesidemfg.com/product-category/creeper-seats/