The garage is one of the few places in the house where you can relax and focus your mind on something else that separates you from the world for a while. It’s supposed to provide an ideal space for you to work on new projects like a vehicle or a piece of furniture.
And before starting any project, it’s important to make sure you have got all the items you will and may need. This post lists out the must-have garage items, check if you have got them all.
Air Compressor
An air compressor is one of the most important items to keep in your garage.
You can use the air compressor to inflate your car’s tires or clean under the vehicle as well as other small areas that are hard to reach. It can also be used to fill gas cylinders and supply moderate-pressure air for power pneumatic tools, among various other uses.
To choose the right air compressor, you need to consider several factors. The first one is the CFM measurement (cubic feet per minute), which indicates the airflow of the machine.
The second factor is the PSI rating (pounds per square inch) that refers to the pressure produced by the machine. Both these ratings will let you know how powerful an air compressor is.
Besides, it’s important to choose between an oil-free air compressor and an oil-lubricated compressor, which are suitable for different types of work.
You should also look at extra features such as thermal protection, air-cooling system, ASME certification, ball valve drain, roll cage, and cord wrap.
Air Tools
Air tools offer different uses that will help you a lot in the garage, powered by the air compressor.
For instance, a wrench can be used to grip, fasten, turn, tighten, and loosen objects like nuts, bolts, pipes, and pipes fitting.
An adjustable wrench can work with different sized items. Apart from adjustable wrenches, you can also find a combination of a short-body wrench, ratchet wrench, open-end wrench, and wrench, or pipe wrench, basin wrench, and crowfoot wrench, etc.
Another common air tool is the drill, which is often used for originating and enlarging holes in solid materials.
There are several types of drills to choose from and you should pick those that suit your needs, such as a power screwdriver, a drill driver, a combi drill, and more.
You also need to decide whether to get a corded or cordless drill, which determines the convenience when you work.
Last but not least, pay attention to the add-on features like depth stop, trigger-activated LED, and auxiliary handle.
Other air tools that you can consider adding to your garage include nailing and stapling guns, buffers, grinders, jackhammers, sanders, riveting guns, and chipping hammers.
Pressure Washer
A pressure washer is a device using high-pressure water spray for removing dirt, dust, mud, mold, grime, paint, and even chewing gum from surfaces or objects. A pressure washer is a must-have for cleaning jobs as it can help you get the work done easier and faster.
When it comes to pressure washers, like other items, you have to pick the right type.
You can opt for an electric or a gas pressure washer depending on your preference. Then, consider the level of your usual job to pick the suitable PSI and GPM (gallons per minute) ratings, which indicate the pressure output.
Normally, small projects around the house require a light-duty machine with 1300 to 1900 PSI at 2-GPM.
But you can otherwise go with a medium-duty machine with 2000 to 2800 PSI at 2 or 3-GPM.
Power Saws
There are at least 15 types of power saws that help you do different kinds of work in the garage.
In this section, we will list out some of the most common types and their uses so you have an idea of how to choose the right one for you.
Table saw is a must-have for both DIYers and professionals. It is designed for woodwork, helping you cut wood, medium-density fiberboard, plywood, plastic, and soft metals such as aluminum.
Circular saw is highly portable and common among DIYers and professionals as well. You can use it to cut wood and soft materials, with the right saw blade, you can even cut soft metals.
Miter saw is specifically created to make miter cuts, which are at any angle except for 90 degrees, along the width of the length of the wood. It can work on plywood, wood, plastic, and some soft materials.
Chop saw looks similar to the miter saw but does a different job. It can make crosscuts on hard materials such as brick, metal, masonry, and concrete.
A radial arm saw is the opposite of a table saw. This type of saw is to make every kind of cut, namely miter cuts, crosscuts, compound cuts, and so on.
Shelves
The reason why you need shelves in your garage is obvious: a place to keep and organize your tools and devices.
Before setting up a shelving system for the garage, you need to keep in mind the following things:
The shelves should be deep enough for safe storage but not too deep so that the items won’t get hidden behind each other. Hence, the ideal depth is 16 inches for large items and 12 inches for small ones.
Always ensure adjustability to make the best use of the space you have.
The shelves should be placed closer together so avoid stacking items.
More frequently used items should be stored on lower shelves for easy access.
The shelves should be installed 6 inches to 1 foot off the floor to keep the items dry and clean.
Freezer Or Refrigerator
Apart from work items, other items are necessary such as a minifridge or a freezer depending on your needs. It allows for easy access to snacks and drinks so that you can refresh with a break during your project.
As easy as it may seem, choosing a freezer or fridge can take some of your time.
Decide on the type you want, such as a chest freezer and upright freezer. Next, think about what size is suitable based on your own needs as well as the space available in the garage. You don’t want a fridge that you cannot put anywhere.
Energy consumption is also important considering that you will let it operate all the time. The good news is there are many energy-efficient models on the market that you can buy.
Storage Box
When you have too many tools, it’s challenging to keep them in order, especially if you’re not an organized person. In such cases, the tools may end up lying across the floor and posing risks of accidents in the garage.
A storage chest is basically a large toolbox to help you keep each item in a single spot that’s easy to access. It can greatly improve the organization system in your garage.
A storage chest is also known as a tool chest and its capacity should match your needs, including the number and the type of tools you will store inside.
You should also pay attention to the frame, which should be 15-gauge steel for a sturdy construction. Besides, the drawers must provide enough space so you can store and organize your tools.
Conclusion
As you have learned from this post, there are many things you must include in your garage.
These must-have garage items range from work equipment like an air compressor and air tools to other equipment like shelving and storage box. Each of them has its own application and importance, so you should not skip anything, especially safety equipment.
We hope that through this post, you will quickly figure out a checklist for the necessary items yourself and prepare the garage well for future projects.
