Are you expecting a refund from the IRS this year? The average tax refund is almost $3,000—but even one-third of that will go a long way to remaking your garage. The following items will help turn a meager space into a pleasant and efficient automotive workshop. (Photo above by mtneer_man via Creative Commons)
Flexzilla ZillaReel 50-foot retractable extension-cord reel
1. FlexZilla Wall-Mounted Air-Hose and Extension-Cord Reels
A chief culprit of garage clutter is a tangle of air hoses and electrical extension cords. Tripping over an uncompliant cord can hinder progress with your projects. On the other hand, retractable reels work like magic—to tame those serpents, safely storing them before they cause harm.
FlexZilla hoses and cords - opens in new window or tab. are bright Chartreuse green and therefore impossible to miss. The company offers both open and enclosed reels. Its high-end enclosed units are designed to automatically layer a hose across the reel for smooth coiling. A Flexzilla 3/8-inch x 50-foot retractable Levelwind air-hose reel starts at approximately $200, while a 50-foot retractable extension cord reel can be had for about half that price.
2. Tool Organizers
The results from an affordable DIY workbench kit
There are two kinds of shade-tree mechanics: those who put every tool away after use and the short-sighted ones who spend countless hours looking for the tools that they forgot to put away. Tool organizers - opens in new window or tab., which come in many forms, can help the wayward achieve enlightenment. Whether you like to display your treasures on a wall-mounted pegboard or prefer them tucked safely away in a tool chest, there’s a storage solution that can streamline your projects, protect your investment in great tools, and save your sanity.
3. Garage Workbench
No garage workshop is complete without a sturdy workbench. A DIY workbench table kit - opens in new window or tab.—available for approximately $80—lets you build a custom unit to your exact size requirements. You’ll need to pick up the two-by-fours and other lumber at your local lumberyard.
4. LED Lighting
LED shop lights - opens in new window or tab. are revolutionizing garage illumination. Whether you use LED bulbs in a portable work light, traditional light fixtures, or a “linkable” setup - opens in new window or tab., you’ll put more light where you need it with lower operating costs. The savings continue to accrue month after month.
By the way, you'll trip fewer circuit breakers in your garage if you have at least two dedicated 20-amp circuits. Three circuits are better than two. An air compressor - opens in new window or tab. can consume most of the power that's available on a standard sole 15-amp circuit that often powers a typical garage. You'll never regret adding 40 feet of extra cable and six more outlets in strategic locations. (The National Electric Code regulates the installation of electric cabling in homes and garages. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets are mandated for garages with floors that can get wet.)
Two-piece 67-inch lightweight service ramps
5. Race Ramps
While many gearheads dream of having a vehicle lift in the garage, it’s not in the cards for most folks—whether for space, budget, or spousal constraints. (Two-post lifts start at approximately $1,500.) If circumstances cramp your garage game, the best alternative is a quality set of Race Ramps - opens in new window or tab..
Race Ramps RR-XT-2 two-piece split ramps provide 10 inches of lift and 14 inches in width. The 67-inch long ramps have a list price of about $350, with a 10.8-degree approach angle and a maximum weight capacity of 1,500 pounds per ramp. The two-piece design allows for easy access behind the wheels when you remove the back ramp section. The slightly pricier RR-XT-2-HD version is intended for heavier vehicles, with a 2,500 pound per ramp capacity.
6. Floor Mats or Tiles
Nobody likes lying down on a cold cement floor. eBay Motors gives the do-it-yourselfer a wide range of protective mats and floor tiles - opens in new window or tab. to smarten up the place. The 7.5 x 16 foot Park Smart - opens in new window or tab., made of 20-mil vinyl, has raised edges and contains oil, mud, slush under the car—while keeping walkways clear.
If you’d rather install a whole new floor covering, Speedway makes interlocking diamond-pattern tiles that can be installed quickly without tools. They’re resistant to oil, grease, and anti-freeze. The tiles are $1.95 each so covering a 300-square-foot garage will cost approximately $600.
If you’re still feeling the winter chill while working in your garage, check out: “Top Tips for Working in a Garage During the Winter - opens in new window or tab..”
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.