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Rolling Mechanic/Garage Chair?

Beerhippie

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Joined
Oct 13, 2023
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Location
Far NE Oregon
I was a new tech at the time and we had a $75k spectrum analyzer on an old tektronix cart with tiny casters on the front. That cart had the equipment out over those tiny casters. I was pushing that cart back to the "parking lot" and somebody had strung an extension cord across the walkway. That whole thing landed on its face. I was already having a bad day. Boss sent me home for the day. I thought I was fired. Fortunately I wasn't but man!

Just sayin': I'm not laughing with you....
 
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Jagmandave

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Nov 6, 2011
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Overland Park, Ks.

sparky 1971

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Oct 9, 2018
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Central Iowa
I've had a few different styles that were a POS. Some were a glorified POS, but a POS nonetheless. When leaning over to get something off of the floor, every one of them felt like they were about to tip over, and a couple of times actually did. About a year ago I gambled on the ICON stool and have to say it's the best I've ever used. I liked it so much that I bought another just to have one for each side of the vehicle. I have a hard time imagining a better stool in the price range.
 

dimichele

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Jan 21, 2008
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101
I have a round hf one. It's been fine for limited use the last couple of years.
 

MidMoBob

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Joined
Aug 19, 2025
Messages
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I have a round hf one. It's been fine for limited use the last couple of years.

I have the round one, too, but then I bought the better one when they were running a sale. It's a significant upgrade, IMO.
 

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Lassen Forge

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Apr 26, 2014
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The romantic hills of central Umbria, Italy,
The pedicure stool looks like a good idea, except I always had issues with stuff on casters rolling around. Had one of those old school square cube milk crates I turned upside down, with a piece of closed cell foam ziptied to the top (I may still have it, I think I used it to pack stuff for the move), and it was awesome.
 

MidMoBob

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Joined
Aug 19, 2025
Messages
58
While not really an answer to the OP's question since it's not on wheels, but here's a stool I made for sitting at the telescope. I got the idea from an astronomy forum. It's called a "LYBAR" chair (Lift Your **** and Rotate). It provides four different sitting heights depending on how you turn the box. In this case, I have 20", 16", 14" and 9". If I ever make another one I'd drop the board on one side to give me more like 12" rather than 14" but it works as is.
 

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elmer

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Joined
Apr 7, 2016
Messages
246
Location
Detroit
Here's one I put together sometime back. Works good for me.
 

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GTG

Member
Joined
Mar 30, 2019
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9
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house
I have a few. Mostly DIY for the cars. Sure, I'd like a Vyper or similar. Just takes more space in my situation.

My goto is a Craftsman 4 leg/wheeled. 15? years old. It's a rebranded Whiteside. Reasonable lightweight. Durable. The seat extremely durable. Very good stability. Has magnetic strip in the tray. I've added a few more. Due to the low tech wheels, brakes are not really required. Not entirely a smooth roller. Sitting and rolling is limited. Somewhat implicit in it's design. Maybe a rear handle upgrade for picking it up.

Folding plastic step stool. $10? The local PDR guy had to resolve some dents. He uses his for short work. I've assimilated for short work.
Don't knock it. It does have it's value. And can go just about anywhere. No rolling, and no storage.

Hydraulic Whiteside. It's more for work that requires some height adjustment or just some extra height. Primarily used for detailing. As others have noted, it is hydraulic. It will fail eventually. Mine is still working and I've got my value out of it.

The medical screw stool listed above is a great idea.

If you believe you are planning on sitting a lot, factor in comfort. Either by purchase or modification.

Rear seat back (depending on chair) has the advantage of using some **** movement to move it backwards as you stand.
 

Vinny

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Joined
Jul 14, 2011
Messages
632
Location
Simi Valley, CA
If you're looking for Made in the USA options, look at Whiteside Manufacturing. They make mechanic chairs of various types. They also have a chair that converts into a creeper. I have the basic mechanics chair from them and like it. I also didn't know how good life could be until I bought a creeper from them with an adjustable headrest.
 
OP
J

Jbear

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Joined
Aug 2, 2025
Messages
81
Okay...got it...built it (no instructions BTW...thanks Vevor), and used it. It's fine. I like that it has five wheels and so it's very stable...no tip...period. I like that it gets low and the mechanism is smooth. The seat is padded and comfortable for longer periods of time. I like the small back rest...it's just enough to support when you need a little but doesn't get in the way. The handle built into the back is surprisingly handy...didn't see that comin'. Tray is utilitarian and not obtrusive...I don't kick it and it spins decently. Seems build decently and wheels roll well so far. Really like that two of those wheels have brakes cuz there are just some times when you are planted and need to be, but you push to get purchase on something and the stoopid chair rolls just enough to F you up.
Overall...didn't break the bank and it'll work for me. I still don't understand those wire tray/shelf things on some of the stools...maybe it's me.
 

moemc

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Joined
Mar 12, 2025
Messages
356
Eastwood released 2 new options a couple months back. One of them is clearly an interpretation of the Viper. I think the legs might be cast aluminum instead of press brake sheet metal based on what I can see in the few pics.


Their new lower one is available, only $100: https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-low-rider-mechanics-stool.html

Their new higher one that looks Viper inspired, was $280. I said "was" because it is already unavailable and no longer even linked in their catalog. You have to go direct to the lingering product page URL: https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-high-roller-workbench-stool.html

I am not sure if that is how they typically handle it when something is sold out... part of me wondering if there is maybe a legal hold-up.
 

PoorUB

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Joined
Mar 29, 2021
Messages
11,652
Location
Fargo, ND
I have a couple old office chairs, the simple secretary's chairs. No arms, narrow seats and backs, gas cylinder for height. Best part? Free clean up week scrounge. Drive around and grab all the office chairs I can find, then mix and match parts, then toss the junk.
 
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