Essential Tools for Every Garage: Garage Must Haves

A good garage is a little haven; it’s an organized space full of easy-to-find essentials for maintaining and working on your car. Sure, it might house a vehicle or two, but it should also have ample storage for valuable tools. Whether you’ve got a home mechanic garage setup or just a simple residential space, there’s an overlapping list of must have automotive tools.

If you’re in the process of setting up a new space, this guide will ensure you’ve got all the essential garage must haves.

10 Essential Garage Must Haves

So many car owners struggle to know exactly what equipment they should have readily available at home. Nobody wants to waste money on accessories and contraptions they won’t even use. Often, it’s hard to get a thorough idea of essential garage tools until you actually need them.

Let’s get straight into it. These are the ten must have garage tools for working on cars.

1. A Socket and/or Wrench Set

These are some of the most popular mechanic tools. Socket and wrench sets help to tighten or loosen bolts. You never know when you might need that practical tool.

2. Jack Stands

A jack and jack stand are the sort of mechanic must haves you don’t want to realize you don't have at the last moment. This contraption lifts your vehicle to allow you to change tires or complete necessary work on its underside. If you pop a tire, a good jack will save the day.

3. Jump Leads

Jump leads are a non-negotiable automotive tool and one of the most important pieces of equipment for garages. With these, you can jumpstart your car from another vehicle should your battery die. Ideally, carry a pair in your car and leave a pair in your garage.

4. Mechanic Gloves

Nobody wants chemicals on their bare hands. Whether you’re dealing with an emergency or conducting planned maintenance, mechanic gloves are must haves for garage setups.

5. First Aid Kit

A first aid kit can get you out of many sticky situations. Need we say any more?

6. Screwdriver Sets

Sure, you might have socket and wrench sets. But screwdrivers can help with fiddly tasks like replacing headlights.

7. Tire Pressure Gauge

Eyeballing your tire pressure isn’t the best way to ensure it meets the exact manufacturer's specifications. That’s why a tire pressure gauge is one of the must have garage accessories.

8. Flashlights

One of the simplest yet best garage tools is a flashlight. If your mobile phone dies and your car is parked in the dark on your driveway, a battery-powered light is a godsend.

9. Car Battery Chargers

You never know when you might need this charger, but you’ll praise the heavens if you have one handy when your car battery dies. It’s easily one of the must have tools for garage setups.

10. A Secure Box

Lastly, a secure storage box is perfect for chemicals you don’t want children or pets getting their hands on. Don’t forget organizational garage tools.

How to Organize Your Garage

How can you make your garage look amazing? Every woman or man needs organization in their garage. There’s no point in having all the best garage tools and being unable to find them.

Here’s some food for thought when structuring residential garages:

• Invest in a workbench with storage drawers.

• Utilize wall space with pegboards and shelving.

• Keep the floor space free.

What about if your garage goes beyond residential demands? How do you organize your garage for ultimate efficiency if you work as a mechanic?

As a mechanic, you need the following for your tools:

• Clearly separated wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers to fit different cars and purposes.

• An inventory of equipment for good insurance — tools cost a lot!

• Ventilation and temperature control (you’ll be spending a lot of time here).

• A clear entrance and ample space for parking vehicles.
  

What To Keep in Your Car

It’s not just about garage must haves. Some essential equipment should stay with you and your vehicle, especially in case of breakdowns. First aid kits, jump leads, and jacks are all prime examples of tools to carry in your car. It might be worth doubling up on purchases so you can have duplicate equipment in your trunk and garage. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Invest in a car trunk organizer to keep everything easily accessible. It’s a smart way to ensure nothing gets lost and that you can efficiently reach essentials in emergencies.