Tools & Supplies To Create The Ultimate Home Workshop
Many homeowners would love to make a workshop out of their garage. Having a home workshop would allow you to build and repair anything you want without struggling for the proper space and tools to do so. If you plan to create a workshop, here are some must-have tools and supplies.
Safety
In your home workshop you ought to reliably have work gloves, security glasses, and a large first-aid kit. If you wear glasses, you should have prescription safety glasses. They will allow you to see clearly while you keep your eyes from harm.
Proper Lighting
As per safety, you'll need to have the ability to see what you are making. You must have strong lighting over the work area. There are different options that you can choose from that will give you the lighting you need. These include:
- Portable floodlights
- Undercabinet lighting
- Fluorescent overhead fixtures
- Track lighting
Workbench
You need to invest in a good workbench so you have a safe and proper place to do your work. A workbench should be heavy and sturdy so it doesn't wobble or move while you work. A good workbench will not only give you a place to work, but a place to store some of your tools and other important items as well. Having storage inside of your workbench and a pegboard behind it will give you an optimal workplace. The pegboard behind your workbench will give you plenty of space to hang your tools and you can grab them quickly while you work.
Having a bench or stool at your workbench will allow you to sit and work when you are working long hours. A vice on one end of your workbench will hold items steady as you work.
Storage Options
An organized workshop is a happy (and functional) workshop. You need proper storage for all of your tools, accessories, and anything else you may need to keep inside of it. You can have custom cabinets built around your garage. Cabinets are not just for the kitchen. If you can't afford cabinetry, there are many other things you can use as well. Plastic drawers, bookshelves, and other pieces of metal and wooden furniture can be used as workshop storage.
Fundamental Hand Tools
Basic tools are essential for any garage, especially if you are trying to create a functional workshop. Ensure that you have the following:
- Measuring tape
- Screwdrivers- at least 1 Philips and one flathead
- Hammers of various sizes
- Utility knife
- Allen keys
- Crescent and socket wrenches
- Saw(s)
- Needle nose and vice grip pliers
- Level
Power Tools
While you can have a hand tool that does the same thing as a power tool, power tools reduce time and increase functionality when working on projects. You can cut hours, days, and even weeks off of a project by having a few key power tools at your disposal. Important power tools to own include:
- Cordless drill and bit set
- Electric sander
- Planer
- Circular saw
- Jigsaw
- Stud sensor
- Rotary tool
Large Tools
There are some large tools that a workshop just shouldn't do without. These may not be used every day, but they are very handy when you need them. These include an air compressor and a table saw.
Creating a workshop out of your garage won't happen overnight. However, as you buy storage items and the tools you need, you will eventually create the workshop of your dreams. All you need is the proper tools, storage, and safety equipment. You can buy used furniture at thrift stores for storage and tools from yard sales. You can also find specialty tools online at a site like http://www.bourgetbros.com. Eventually, your collection will build and you will be able to build or fix anything.