Mat vs creeper

[ThePostman]

If you're not buying a new TV, I second this https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...eepers-seats/folding-mechanics-pad-93896.html

 

[finn]

Scrap pieces of carpet work pretty well too.

Tried then, but found you can’t slide on them very well.

They do keep the little rocks out of your skin.

 

[HenryAZ]

I use cardboard for quick stuff. Otherwise, a Pro-lift folding work pad. It opens to 47" and is thick foam with a vinyl cover. It also folds in half for storage, with a velcro piece to keep it folded. I actually use it much more often in the folded position, as a really large and thick kneeling pad for lots of tasks around the place.

 

[gfd_703]

If you're not buying a new TV, I second this https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...eepers-seats/folding-mechanics-pad-93896.html

Is this HF one a foam pad with a smooth slick exterior like kneeling pads? If it is I think this is what I am looking for.

 

[turner66]

Is this HF one a foam pad with a smooth slick exterior like kneeling pads? If it is I think this is what I am looking for.

yeah, here's the details off their site:

• Heavy duty PVC construction
• Portable padded work mat comes equipped with two handles
• Durable vinyl cover resists stains & fluids
• Hook and loop closure
• 1.43 in. thick foam padding for comfort
• Folds to 23-1/2 in. H x 17-1/2 in. W

It is slick enough that i can move around on it easily. It's worked well for me for the last 6 months with no signs of wear yet...

 

[welder4956]

I have problems kneeling on concrete as well. I recently ordered an anti-fatigue mat that is 7/8" thick for working under the car and it works great for me - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rhino-A...tigue-Commercial-Floor-Mat-IS36DSX5/314015092

 

[Kurt4440]

I posted this in a similar thread a couple of months ago.
I have used: a creeper, cardboard, carpet, interlocking foam pads, and recently a free Everlast exercise mat.
My top picks are the Everlast mat and big flat sheets of cardboard.
The Everlast mat is 1 5/8"x 24"x 72"

 

[71goldss]

I’m very happy just using a Harbor Freight moving blanket. I owned a creeper years ago and hated it for numerous reasons.

1. Clearance! A creeper raises you higher off the floor, thus needing the car to be that much higher. I know, just adjust the jack stands higher, but I don’t like the car to be topped out on jack stands, like on stilts. I use the taller 6 ton stands, but I still don’t like it. Even the times when the tires are off the car, I’ll throw them under the car along with the stands for added safety. Call it a phobia! Haha!
Race Ramps make those foam blocks that position under the tires. Those things are SWEET, but way out of my budget.

2. A creeper pretty much keeps you confined to being flat on your back. I’m more comfortable working on my side, and also free to move around in different positions for better comfort and leverage.

3. The few times I tried using mine, it seemed to have a mind of it’s own. I wanted to go left, it wanted to go right. Not to mention the wheels hanging up on every crack and micro piece of debris on the garage floor.

4. Then there’s storing the damn thing. Mine was always needing to be moved out of my way, even when just leaning up against the wall. I probably could have hung it on the wall like a garden tool, but never did. I eventually unloaded it for next to nothing at a garage sale just to be done with it and get it out of my way.

I know creepers have greatly improved from the Craftsman one given to me by my (Secret Santa) co-worker way back in the 80’s, but I can’t bring myself to invest money in another, only to find I still hate it for any of the reasons above.

 

[rd65]

I dont like a creeper for several reasons. It's hard enough to get up off the floor, no need to add to that with having to get up off a mobile floor/creeper. I like to have the freedom to lay on my side if needed or move around to get my progressive bifocals to a focus point (I sure do miss my contacts). I dont want my vehicle any higher on the jackstands than absolutely needed. With a creeper you have no traction when trying to move/torque/break free heavy loads.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Somebody needs to sell a creeper with locking wheels. That would make it easier to get up, and it would stay in position when you are trying to turn a stubborn fastener.

edit: There is one...

Amazon.com

2nd edit: It doesn't seem to be that great.

 

[txvwnut]

i have the same one. i can't use a wheeled creeper, i have long hair and it always gets caught in the wheels

I remember those days, got pretty good at rolling off the side of the creeper without losing any hair.

 

[Agentwho]

Tried then, but found you can’t slide on them very well.

They do keep the little rocks out of your skin.

The office was throwing away an old chair mat ( large plastic mat that makes it easy for the little wheels to roll on ). I saved it for working under stuff in the gravel side yard. Not much cushion but the thick heavy plastic keeps gravel out of your knees. easy to clean up too.

Side note a stack of dry all mats will make a suitable pillow until while working under something.

 

[finn]

The office was throwing away an old chair mat ( large plastic mat that makes it easy for the little wheels to roll on ). I saved it for working under stuff in the gravel side yard. Not much cushion but the thick heavy plastic keeps gravel out of your knees. easy to clean up too.

Side note a stack of dry all mats will make a suitable pillow until while working under something.

Just make sure you use fresh pig mats, not the mats you used last week to clean up the mess from the spilled oil drain pan!

 

[gfd_703]

Here is what I finally found. I got from Northern Tool on sake for under $18. It seems rugged, folds to a small package but can be used folded in half for extra padding when kneeling. I also bought one of the Harbor Freight ones to compare.