Shop Basics - The Over Looked Items

[Bad Mojo]

I have been recently been thinking about the basics of a shop or a space to build stuff. It is the stuff that makes having a shop enjoyable, usable long term, and safe. Often I find these items unexciting and unsexy to say the least, but important in the moment you need them. I know I have been guilty of getting caught up in thinking about a new table saw or waiting to see what my preferred tool brands might release next, or jumping into the next project without making sure the basics are covered. I have learned that I have to make certain tasks kinda special for me to want to do them. For example, my dust brush came from my favorite local hardware store, so it is a little more special than one I could have shipped to the house. I am more likely to clean my bench because I get to use the tool I am attached to.

Below is the running list of items that have been floating around in my head in no particular order. This is not meant to be a commentary on what basic tools should be on hand, but more infrastructure in place to be successful over the life of a shop. I think of these items as I am glad I had that or I wish I had purchased that ahead of time. These are the items that make projects go smoothly and lead to a more productive space.

1. First aid kit that is accessible and not buried in a cabinet.
2. A place to charge my phone.
3. A mop and mop bucket
4. A good shop vacuum with spare bags and filters
5. A wall mounted butcher paper dispenser, so it is easy to cover surfaces before doing a glue up or painting something.
6. A charging cabinet for cordless batteries. I have read of people tying the outlet that the chargers are on into the same as the lights, so their charger turns off when the lights are off.
7. Flammables cabinet
8. Container for rags with oil or stain on them.
9. Fire extinguisher
10. Smoke alarm
11. Auto drain on air compressor
12. Air compressor on switch next to light switch.
13. Glove dispenser
14. Paper towel dispenser
15. Broom and dust pan with dedicated home
16. Spare batteries for welding hood
17. Open valve indicator for welding tanks
18. Standard safety gear. (Safety glasses, face shield, dust mask, ear muffs, etc.)

What would you add or subtract?

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

You helped me with this list. Two things I’m missing is a first aid kit. The closest one is upstairs. Also paper towel dispenser. I normally dry my hands on a hand towel. But paper towels do come in handy I usually just have a loose roll nearby. One thing I feel is important is a dedicated bag or tub or something that you put the old greasy oily shop rags in until they are washed. I have that I just take it over to the washer and dump them in once all of them are dirty.

 

[larry_g]

waterless hand cleaner.
floor dri
waste can
carpet piece to lay on
note/doodle pad
gloves, not the disposable ones.
fridge with cold drinks and snacks of your choosing
A good chair. Sometimes I sits and thinks, sometimes I just sits.


lg
no neat sig line

 

[Lassen Forge]

Didn't think of the butcher paper dispenser, damned good call!

I would include a good power vent at the roof line area... just me, but man, when I'm out weding or dealing with smoky, greasy hot metal, it helps keep the air a little more clear and breathable.

I also now have a custom built dispenser box (fashioned around a kleenex box) for rubber gloves in my toolbox, and a side annex for the Degreaser hand wipe towletttes I use. All my hand stuff right there rocks.

 

[mikegt4]

Depending on what you do in your shop you might consider an alternative to a smoke alarm. Welding can certainly set them off. There was a thread within the last year or so about smoke alarms in the shop. IIRC, an alarm triggered by a quick temperature rise was the consensus. A CO2 alarm would be good as well.

 

[Pontiac787]

An overhead retractable trouble light and extension cord are very handy. I also have a plastic flower window box that my drip tray and pans sit in to collect any drippings.

 

[Shootinok]

great list OP ! I’m going to be watching this thread.
Let’s see.... I like a fatigue mat (piece of a stall mat) where I spend the most time standing at the bench.

 

[didit]

Good lists.
- a small portable fan for directing welding smoke or any dangerous fumes away from me.
- ditto on a hand held LED light on a ceiling mount swivel that reaches where I may need more light.
- an assortment of scrap dimensional lumber on hand for use as needs predict.
- I have 4 fire extinguishers in a small garage but need to make them more visible by painting wide red stripes from floor to ceiling to make finding one easier for others. This is important in an organized confusion area that only I am familiar with.
- a welding blanket.
- strategically placed flashlights for power outages or breaker trips.
- roll of drywall tape mounted with a piece of hacksaw blade used for note paper.

 

[didit]

Try this. Make a mental note of all the jobs/activities done while standing at your workbench over a period of time. Make a list of all the most commonly used hand tools used during this period. Arrange your bench, backboard and any overhead areas within a one step either direction with these most used tools with your main tool chests as close as possible. Over the years you will waste a lot less time by being organized with most needed tools at hand and always in the same place. I have taken this concept further by having several commonly used power tools within reach just overhead.
Rules to live by: A place for everything and everything in its place.

 

[Bad Mojo]

All good suggestions! I thought of a couple more.

-Labeling boxes and drawers. I have had a couple labeled with vinyl at work and it makes a huge difference because you are never guessing which drawer.
-Decent internet connection
-Garbage can on wheels
-Spare ratchet straps
-Tarp(s)
-Drop cloth(s)
-Lock out/tag out system. I realize some people work in their shop by themselves, but I have seen this keep people in shared shops out of trouble.

Keep it coming!

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Oil dry. You would not believe how many peoples garages I’ve been in and nearly killed my self falling or seen someone else almost do it because they didn’t clean up a spill or have something there especially if it’s on a dark floor. Even my non slip boots didn’t work. Coffee works really well for that too and smells good. Neither one is expensive either.

 

[jrsavoie]

I have a battery / corded LED trouble light with hooks to hang under a hood. Very bright. We haven't even used it under a hood yet

 

[23ford]

How about a label maker to label power charging cords as to what they go to and boxes so you know what is in it

 

[Wood Rat]

OK I was having an issue tracking all the suggestions so I did a little editing and added a subject heading for clarification and thought I would share the security suggestions are mine and I added to the Air compressor list as well

• 5S - Chair. Sometimes I sits and thinks, sometimes I just sits.
• 5S - Charging cabinet for cordless batteries. I have read of people tying the outlet that the chargers are on into the same as the lights, so their charger turns off when the lights are off.
• 5S - Decent internet connection
• 5S - Fridge with cold drinks and snacks of your choosing
• 5S - Garbage (Trash) can on wheels that has a standard opening for trash bags.
• 5S - Note/Doodle Pad clipboard and pen pencil holder on it
• 5S - Phone charger in a dedicated space /dedicated outlet
• 5S- Stencil cutter or a stencil set for marking items (sets/storage/ ownership) Cardboard spray paint / black spray paint.
• Air Compressor - Air hose reel -ceiling mounted.
• Air compressor - Auto drain
• Air Compressor - hour meter to track for oil changes.
• Air Compressor after cooler with drain tank prior to main tank
• Alarm system - Smoke alarm /heat alarm
• Clean - Broom and dustpan with dedicated home
• Clean - Carpet Piece to Lay On and a place to keep it out of the way and cleanish hang?
• Clean - Drop cloth(s)
• Clean - Mop & Wringer Bucket
• Clean - Paper Roll dispenser, A wall/bench mounted butcher paper dispenser, so it is easy to cover surfaces before doing a glue up or painting something.
• Clean - Paper Roll dispenser, paper hand towels (get that wet end off the sink)
• Clean - Paper towel dispenser in shop
• Clean - Rag dispenser
• Clean - Shop vacuum heavy duty with spare bags and filters
• Clean - Tarp(s)
• Clean - Trash can on wheels for metal drops, cutoffs to the recycler
• Clean - Waterless Hand Cleaner.
• Electrical - Lock out/tag out system. I realize some people work in their shop by themselves, but I have seen this keep people in shared shops out of trouble.
• Electrical - retractable extension cord -ceiling mounted.
• Electrical - retractable trouble light (LED bar type) -ceiling mounted.
• Electrical / Air compressor - on switch next to light switch.
• Life Safety - Container for used rags with oil or stain on them. Airtight
• Life Safety - Fire extinguishers (near each door, work bay, vehicle)
• Life Safety - First aid kit that is accessible and not buried in a cabinet.
• Life Safety - Flammables cabinet
• Life Safety - Floor-Dri
• Life Safety – Rubber Glove dispenser
• Life Safety - Spare ratchet straps
• Life Safety - Standard safety gear. (Glasses, face shield, dust mask, earmuffs, etc.)
• Life Safety /Welding / Painting - power exhaust vent
• Life Safety Gloves, Not the Disposable Ones.
• Marking - Label cartridges alternate colors
• Marking - Label maker for marking power cords, accessories & drawer’s contents.
• Marking - Labeling boxes and drawers. I have had a couple labeled with vinyl at work and it makes a huge difference because you are never guessing which drawer.
• Security - Alarm system hardwired PIR, window & door alarms, CCTV tied to central monitoring viewable online.
• Security - Garage door bracing to resist door prying ramming and or pulling. Brace top, bottom and x brace each panel change door opener to accommodate the weight. Add garage door electric locks. Always change garage door lock codes. Remove emergency door release handle if alternate means of egress is available (may be a life safety issue / depends on AHJ).
• Security - Phone line for 911 calls alarm line can use a Line seizure module to call out alarm status. Or ride internet to report issue.
• Security - Reinforce all man doors, frames to resist spreader attack include 6 locking points if door lock is engaged, use sheet steel for exterior cladding to resist to axe or sledgehammer attack
• Security - Shatter resistant windows / cover with shatter film locked to or tied to frame. (Hurricane rating is good)
• Security – Spare Locks and chain or cables to secure a trailer or other equipment. Medium and heavy duty depending on the application.
• Welding - Open valve indicator for welding tanks
• Welding - Spare batteries for welding hood

 

[Bad Mojo]

@Wood Rat Thank you for putting that all together! I think that covers a ton of the basics really well. The security items make a lot of sense.

 

[nadogail]

I have been recently been thinking about the basics of a shop or a space to build stuff. It is the stuff that makes having a shop enjoyable, usable long term, and safe. Often I find these items unexciting and unsexy to say the least, but important in the moment you need them. I know I have been guilty of getting caught up in thinking about a new table saw or waiting to see what my preferred tool brands might release next, or jumping into the next project without making sure the basics are covered. I have learned that I have to make certain tasks kinda special for me to want to do them. For example, my dust brush came from my favorite local hardware store, so it is a little more special than one I could have shipped to the house. I am more likely to clean my bench because I get to use the tool I am attached to.

Below is the running list of items that have been floating around in my head in no particular order. This is not meant to be a commentary on what basic tools should be on hand, but more infrastructure in place to be successful over the life of a shop. I think of these items as I am glad I had that or I wish I had purchased that ahead of time. These are the items that make projects go smoothly and lead to a more productive space.

1. First aid kit that is accessible and not buried in a cabinet.
2. A place to charge my phone.
3. A mop and mop bucket
4. A good shop vacuum with spare bags and filters
5. A wall mounted butcher paper dispenser, so it is easy to cover surfaces before doing a glue up or painting something.
6. A charging cabinet for cordless batteries. I have read of people tying the outlet that the chargers are on into the same as the lights, so their charger turns off when the lights are off.
7. Flammables cabinet
8. Container for rags with oil or stain on them.
9. Fire extinguisher
10. Smoke alarm
11. Auto drain on air compressor
12. Air compressor on switch next to light switch.
13. Glove dispenser
14. Paper towel dispenser
15. Broom and dust pan with dedicated home
16. Spare batteries for welding hood
17. Open valve indicator for welding tanks
18. Standard safety gear. (Safety glasses, face shield, dust mask, ear muffs, etc.)

What would you add or subtract?

Many of my neighbors have spoken enviously about the toilet in an enclosed c

 

[nadogail]

Many of my neighbors have spoken enviously about the private toilet in an enclosed corner of my garage.

 

[Donzi camino]

bench vise

 

[like2wheel]

Oil dry. You would not believe how many peoples garages I’ve been in and nearly killed my self falling or seen someone else almost do it because they didn’t clean up a spill or have something there especially if it’s on a dark floor. Even my non slip boots didn’t work. Coffee works really well for that too and smells good. Neither one is expensive either.

I would agree with this but add or substitute a roll of Pig Mat.
This also makes a great workbench mat sometimes preferable to the butcher paper.

 

[ddawg16]

Unless I missed it..............Shop Vac. I consider it one of the most important tools.

 

[like2wheel]

Yeah you missed it.
#4 in the first post!

 

[Glemon]

Maybe this is beyond basic, but I have a sink in the shop for the first time, great addition always wanted, finally got it.

I have a small metal plate by the man door, put an LED flashlight on it. Mostly nice for taking out the garbage or checking on the dog, but also to have a light handy for using on projects, under car or hood or whatever.

 

[ddawg16]

Yeah you missed it.
#4 in the first post!

Ok, I missed it.....

But, it should have been #1 and said 2.5" hose

 

[Sevillian]

Lots of good ideas, and very timely for me, as I am in the process of setting up the garage in a new to me house, following some renovations to accommodate my old Cadillacs. I had a sink in my last garage, and can't imagine how anyone can function long term without one. I'm always washing something, whether its a part, a tool or my hands. And I know it keeps The Boss happy when I'm not washing my greasy hands in the kitchen or bathroom sinks. One thing I'm adding is a small white board to scribble specs, tool and parts shopping needs, and those brilliant ideas that only come into my head when I'm out there massaging the the metal mistresses. And another critical item is a good sound system. I need my music and baseball.

 

[littlebean]

great thread, quite a few things i hadn't thought of

 

[Yankeefarmer]

Masking tape.

 

[MushCreek]

Maybe I missed it, but I plan to add an emergency light that comes on in a power outage. I don't have any windows in my shop, and when the power goes out, it's DARK. Out here in the boonies, we often get power outages, ranging from a few seconds to a few days. I also keep a bottle of nitroglycerin pills for my heart should there ever be a problem. My doctor said I should carry them the rest of my life. I asked him how I'll know if I need to take them. His reply? "You'll know."

 

[f121]

There’s a bunch of really good stuff on this thread.

i would add a tub of contractors wet wipes (the sort that remove oil/foam/silicon/blood/dirt/anything from anything) in a mount above the bench.

The key thing is everything having it’s place, not an ocd-neatness thing, a hack to deal with my ability to loose the thing I’m holding. Welding mask, grinding visor, ear defenders, dust pan/brush all live on hooks by the door, so I’m not tempted to not use ppe because I can’t find it.

wiring chargers to the lighting circuit forces you to only charge while you are in the garage or leave the lights on. I have a extension cord in the top of my box with a physical switch, so I can stack up a bunch of batteries in the Milwaukee multi-charger, makita slow charger and coast charger, then come back a day later and have them all fully charged.

 

[matt_i]

I like to keep a supply of #2 pencils at the ready, with envelopes I scavenge from the mail for making notes sketches and drawings. The tangent to that are sharpie and paint markers. I keep those next to a lineup of 7 or 8 tape measures, usually 2 are available for use and "not out on other jobs"

 

[nadogail]

I have several “Loaner Tools” that I am willing to part with without grief. If someone wants to “borrow” a tape measure they will be handed a Harbor Freight free tape, not a Stanly Fat Max.

 

[nadogail]

Never run out of toilet paper

 

[Alchase]

Tape measures, lots of them.
I have the same type of tape measure, at every logical location in my shop/garage.
One next to the Radial Arm saw, next to the table saw, on my layup table, one on my air tools holding rack, one in my Work belt pouch. I even bought my wife a 1/2" width Stanley 12' tape measure for the junk drawer in the kitchen.

And after a day of working in the shop on a project, all of them seem to congregate at the furthest point from where I am at that moment.

 

[Cypherian]

I have 3 things to add even though first aid supplies are mentioned 1) Emergency Eye Wash station / Bottle 2) Burn Gel yes both are in first aid kits but most of the time it is one or two small packets or small bottle of saline 3) Celox bandage / Powder ( Especially if your older like I am and on blood thinners) .

Having had to have metal bits washed out of my eye more than once along with getting burned cut pretty good a few times I keep a larger supply of these items handy. JMHO

 

[rburke65]

I also have measuring tapes scattered throughout the shop. I like it!

 

[Schurkey]

Oil dry. You would not believe how many peoples garages I’ve been in and nearly killed my self falling or seen someone else almost do it because they didn’t clean up a spill or have something there especially if it’s on a dark floor. Even my non slip boots didn’t work. Coffee works really well for that too and smells good. Neither one is expensive either.

I use boxes of kitty litter...for my cat's boxes.

I won't allow the stuff in my shop. The last thing I need is clay dust in my finished projects. Spills get cleaned-up when they happen (not "someday soon") using industrial-strength detergents as required. Simple Green, Purple Power, Castrol Super Clean...that sort of thing.

But I am considering coffee grounds. No dust. Never tried it, but I will. Thanks for that.

 

[Meursault74]

Duct Tape, Zip Ties

 

[bwringer]

2a) A Bluetooth receiver hooked up to some decent speakers. Pair your phone to the receiver and stream music of your taste via Pandora, Spotify, etc. Makes life far more pleasant.

A friend of mine noticed I was using Pandora and gifted me a year's subscription.... I gotta say getting rid of the ads and getting the other features is well worth it, and I'll continue the subscription next year.

I listen to podcasts while doing mindless stuff like exercising, but for work requiring brain matter I need music.


If you have one available, an old laptop or tablet in the garage can do the same, and it's quite handy for looking up parts or instructions.


I do like the idea of wiring the battery chargers to shut off with the lights. I don't quite trust those damn things either. I never leave batteries in the chargers for more than the hour or two it takes to charge them. Better for the batteries than just storing them in the chargers, and less chance of burnination.

I'd like to tie the air compressor to the lights as well; not sure how to do that, exactly... some sort of relay or sensor arrangement?

 

[KpFlyz]

I am going to connect my compressor, lift, and other 240v items on separate contactors that will de-energize when lights are turned off in my new shop. I have left these items on too many times in my previous shop.

I keep tool batteries & chargers plugged in at the top of my metal tool box to minimize fire risk.

A lot of great ideas in this thread

 

[MushCreek]

I should probably put my rotary phase converter on a light-connected relay, too. So far, the sound of it reminds me, but once I get used to it, I could easily forget.

 

[jives]

NONE of this is any good unless there is a place to place / store / hang. The earlier suggestions about a place for everything and everything in its place is spot on. Otherwise, it will simply be in the way, a tripping hazard, lost, and unused.

With that in mind, perhaps two things not mentioned. 1) Clean storage for manuals, receipts, and so forth. 2) Trays for small parts during disassembly. I use old cooking tinware -- cookie sheets, bread tins, pie tins -- or old Tupperware with lids.