Recommendations on a mechanics stool, please.

[evintho]

I'm 66 and tired of sitting on a milk crate. I figure after a half century of working on cars it's high time I get myself a comfortable stool to sit on! However, I don't want to spend over $100. I'd prefer a soft, cushiony seat with a small backrest. It needs to have a tray on the bottom and 5 casters would be better than 4. I want something that'll last for a little while. Jegs and Summit are too pricey. I like HF pricing but how long will the stool last. I'm not a big guy....5'8" and 170lbs. I'm kinda leaning towards this Northern Tool offering............

Northern Tool + Equipment 15 1/2in. XL Series Roller Seat with Tool Tray Steel, 400-Lb. Capacity, 19 11/16 to 24 13/32in. Seat Height | Northern Tool

This Northern Tool + Equipment 15 1/2in. XL Series Roller Seat with Tool Tray has an oversized 15 1/2in. dia., extra-thick padded vinyl sea...

www.northerntool.com

Anyone have any other recommendations?

 

[RickyPetite]

That should work well for you. I have a very similar one with a round seat (no back) and a round storage tray underneath

(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08259ZK4V/?tag=atomicindus08-20)

For light use (I'm a busy DIY'er) it works well. For professional use, I think that the seat and casters would wear out pretty quickly. My main complaint is that the stool rotates when I stand and then sit down. The tools that I put on the tray always seem to rotate behind me!

 

[Lucid Moments]

I have a couple of the Harbor Freight round top stools and honestly they work just fine. Have had them for a number of years and no problems with them.

 

[RoninB4]

I've had 2 from HF and the casters self destruct. Give some attention to them when new and they should work fine, mine did until the balls fell out of the bearings (didn't notice) and was thrown backwards off the stool.

 

[brownbagg]

i have never sat down in my shop, never. i do have a 12 inch i beam i usualyt stand on

 

[bigsteve2011]

May want to make sure it isn't one of these guys.

Harbor Freight Tools Recalls Seats Due to Fall Hazard

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled seats and return them to the nearest Harbor Freight Tools store for a free replacement or full refund in the form of a gift card. If you are unable to return the seat to one of Harbor Freight Tools’ locations, contact Harbor Freight Tools...

www.cpsc.gov

 

[jacked_72]

Every hydraulic cylinder chair I have had fails. I've seen that style with bad cylinders in the store on display. This is the one I would get. I have a 20 year old HF version that has never failed.

Product: Ironton Shop Stool with Casters and Tool Tray Steel, 250-Lb. Capacity, 14 1/2in. Seat Height

The Ironton® Shop Stool with Casters and Tool Tray is the perfect height to match most jobs. This 14 1/2in.H fixed height seat features a ...

www.northerntool.com

 

[evintho]

Every hydraulic cylinder chair I have had fails. I've seen that style with bad cylinders in the store on display. This is the one I would get. I have a 20 year old HF version that has never failed.

Product: Ironton Shop Stool with Casters and Tool Tray Steel, 250-Lb. Capacity, 14 1/2in. Seat Height

The Ironton® Shop Stool with Casters and Tool Tray is the perfect height to match most jobs. This 14 1/2in.H fixed height seat features a ...

www.northerntool.com

Wow! At $15, even with the $13 shipping charge, it's the same price as the obviously flimsy HF model! It's funny, HF compares their model to the same Ironton model. It doesn't have all the amenities I wanted but, at that price I may just go for it. Thanks jacked 72 for the hook up!

HF model.............

Mechanics Roller Seat

Amazing deals on this Mechanic'S Roller Seat at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[captain14]

A GJ member modified one similiar to the one jacked72 posted by extending the vertical risers and made a small mobile tool base the height of his engine compartment. If I remember correctly, it was sold by Pep Boys and one of their Xmas specials for about $10.

 

[bcschief]

This is what I have. I have found single post one's break

Amazon.com

 

[brownbagg]

if i had one of those chairs and had to keep reaching under me for a tool, i would end up on my face

 

[JimH74]

I have had the Sunex tractor seat chair for several years. It's a little over $100 on Amazon. I'm a big guy and the original wheels failed and I replaced with larger wheels from Zoro. The lift function still works great; that's the part that usually fails for us big guys. If I lean too far over, I can tip the chair. I think that's an inherent fault in this type of chair. Overall, I've been pleased. Much better than the cheaper chairs I've had prior. I would buy this chair again.

 

[sparky 1971]

I have this one that's sold under numerous brands and paint jobs. It holds my 300+ pounds just fine

https://www.menards.com/main/tools/automotive/automotive-tools-shop-equipment/performax-reg-250-lbs-mechanics-roller-seat/84600/p-1558679410289-c-9113.htm?tid=-9087601000513283713&ipos=31

Don't bother getting the cheap round stool with the round tray. I think mine tipped over every third time I used it. There were no regrets when I pitched it in the dumpster.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Some cheap ones really ****... some are not so bad. Lock-tite or lock nuts for the casters seems to have been a good upgrade.

-Ryan

 

[Rkcubed]

Being the DIY type, I built my own style seat. Getting way old is not good on the knees. Picked the seat at place in town that sells seconds and overstocked goods.
I did have to put a wheelie bar on the back to stabilize it.

 

[nadogail]

I bought a Medical Exam Stool from Office Depot several years ago; I am very happy with it.

 

[bigredcornhead]

If you use it alot do yourself a favor and avoid hydralic and get a screw type!

 

[visionguru]

I have MyMechanic Side Kick, 500lb capacity, was $40 from Costco:

 

[Schurkey]

I bought a Craftsman tool chest about forty years ago. Later on, I put it on a piece of plywood that I'd screwed casters to, and put a piece of foam on the lid. Instant, cheap, useful "mechanic's stool". Held all the tools I commonly needed at that job, and gave me a place to park my ****.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

This style whiteside seat is US made, hella stout and will outlast 2 or 3 of the budget seats, (so far it's 2 and counting for me and I'm 250 lbs) it is a bit more than your stated budget though.

Amazon.com

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

May want to make sure it isn't one of these guys.

Harbor Freight Tools Recalls Seats Due to Fall Hazard

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled seats and return them to the nearest Harbor Freight Tools store for a free replacement or full refund in the form of a gift card. If you are unable to return the seat to one of Harbor Freight Tools’ locations, contact Harbor Freight Tools...

www.cpsc.gov

I picked up one of these from Big Lots twenty years ago. The hydraulics went out on it years ago as well. Still use it occasionally for stuff I need to sit low for.

 

[Wyoming09]

I've had one of these for the last several years. I don't use it all that much but I'm pretty happy with it. Wanted something heavy duty for my 300lb ****. Do have to keep after the wife as she wants to take it out and use it in the dirt.

Northern Tool XL Series Extra-Wide Shop Stool with Casters and Tool Tray Steel, 400-Lb. Capacity, 18in. Seat Height | Northern Tool

With a cushion that measures 21in.W x 11 1/2in.D, this Northern Tool XL Series Extra-Wide Shop Stool with Casters and Tool Tray is substant...

www.northerntool.com

 

[Badger 13]

I have a Snap-on one that is similar to the one linked on Amazon. I have had it for over 20 years, and has served me very well.

 

[Blueshound_GJ]

I have one of these on my Amazon wishlist, if anyone wants to buy it for me:

Amazon.com

 

[seber]

I've had one of these for the last several years. I don't use it all that much but I'm pretty happy with it. Wanted something heavy duty for my 300lb ****. Do have to keep after the wife as she wants to take it out and use it in the dirt.

Northern Tool XL Series Extra-Wide Shop Stool with Casters and Tool Tray Steel, 400-Lb. Capacity, 18in. Seat Height | Northern Tool

With a cushion that measures 21in.W x 11 1/2in.D, this Northern Tool XL Series Extra-Wide Shop Stool with Casters and Tool Tray is substant...

www.northerntool.com

Gardener's stools are cheap and reversible for sitting or kneeling.

 

[driftpin]

I have two of the HFT stools, one isn't the recall, the other is at a shop where I'm working on a car project. Both are holding up fine. I like the small footprint.

 

[toyotadriver]

This is what I have. I have found single post one's break

Amazon.com

I have the same one. I got mine at least 12 years ago, maybe longer, from Northern Tool. Doesn't look like they sell them any more. When I was a mechanic an even much longer time ago, we had one of these stools around the shop we all fought over (figuratively speaking). When I finally had my own garage, I got one of those cheap single post stools from Harbor Freight. I hated it. It was better than nothing...but not a lot better. Eventually my wife gave me a gift certificate to Northern Tool. I decided to spend it on a nice roll around stool. Been using it for many years now and still looks (basically) and performs like brand new. OP...do yourself a favor and save a little more for one of these. You'll wonder how you got along without it once you use it.

 

[Coach James]

I have one of these on my Amazon wishlist, if anyone wants to buy it for me:

Amazon.com

That's what was used for the book shelves at the Library at Ft. Bragg NC for years.
Coach

 

[Bad Eye Bill]

For many years I've used a homemade milk crate stool. 1/2" plywood with 4 swivel casters screwed to the open end of the crate and a rear jump seat from a club cab Dodge truck screwed to the bottom of the crate.

Stable, cheap, works great.

 

[65ranchero]

This what I use although I am looking for a roller
This one folds when not in use and is stabile and light enough to move one handed
Holds up well and supports the big boned body sitting or standing.
I have 2 of them one in the basement and the other one in the shop/garage
( disregard the coupon only ad I found searching quickly)

Buy an 18-Inch Step Stool for Only $19.99

Now through 8/25, get our top-rated Haul-Master step stool for a fraction of others’ prices. Buy this sturdy 18-inch step stool for only $19.99 with coupon code 40106893, valid now through 8…

go.harborfreight.com