Cool Auto Shop Tools You Need

Most creepers are hard, flat, unpadded boards with tiny wheels that get stuck in cracks in your garage floor. Not this one! Here's a creeper that's not only comfortable but also convertible. Pull the release pin and lift up on one end and you've got a roll-around seat that's the perfect height for working around wheels.

The padding is extra thick and the wheels are extra-large 3-in. soft polyurethane, so the creeper rolls smoothly, even over debris and cracks. It's a bit higher off the ground than other creepers, so you'll have to raise the vehicle an extra few inches. But it's worth it for the comfort. The heavy-duty frame is rated for up to 450 lbs. for heavy-duty mechanics. The Omega 91000 Z Creeper is available online.

Set this magnetic tool organizer (Torin No. MPH10RT) onto a rolling cart and keep up to 10 tools at your fingertips. For easy access, mount the shop towel holder on your toolbox, cart or under the hood.

This tool and a can of rust penetrant are the secret to removing stubborn rusty seized bolts. Load the driver tool into your air hammer and slide on a socket and wrench. When you hit the trigger, the driver applies the impacts to the center of the bolt head, demolishing the rusty buildup. Turn the wrench and socket during the impacts and you'll loosen the bolt or nut in no time.

Sometimes you just can't fit an ordinary air impact wrench into tight spaces. That's where this ultra-compact stubby impact wrench comes in handy. It's only 4.4 in. long and weighs only 2.86 lbs., yet it puts out 450 ft.-lbs. of torque.

Drop this nifty rack in a deep tool chest drawer and fit more pliers and wrenches in less space by storing them on their side. The Lisle No. 404090 storage rack holds up to 13 tools and has two different size slots.

Sometimes it's just not worth the time and effort to save a rusted fastener or clamp. When I run into those situations, I break out my cutoff tool, slice through the rusted part and install new parts. You can buy an air-powered cutoff tool at any home center for about $30, but it consumes a lot of air (10 cfm). If you don't have a huge two-stage compressor, an electric version may be a better option (one example is the Chicago Electric No. 68523, which is $35 at harborfreight.com.

Cutoff tools aren't just for cutting rusted parts. They're great for cutting angle, shelf brackets and threaded rod.

Lighting up a jam-packed engine compartment that has deep, hidden components can be a real challenge. One solution is to use two lights: one to flood the entire area and a smaller one to fit in the tight places.

Incandescent trouble lights pose a safety hazard when used around gasoline, and it's easy to burn yourself on the hot reflector. There are several alternatives. The long-tube fluorescents and LED 'stick' lights don't cut it. They're either too dim or too long, or they cast too narrow of a beam pattern. Instead, try a short-tube 26-watt fluorescent floodlight (Bayco SL-8908). The floodlight's twin 13-watt bulbs match a 125-watt incandescent in output, so it really lights up the entire engine. You'll still need a small light to illuminate the tight spots.

A wimpy $30 vise may satisfy your wallet, but you'll regret buying one the first time you have to crank the bolts off a really big part. So skip the cheapies and invest in a heavy-duty vise. You want a vise with at least 5-1/2-in. jaws, a pipe clamping area, dual swivel locks and a large anvil area. I found this Masterforce model at a home center for $100. But you can find great deals on good used vises on Craigslist or at neighborhood garage sales.

In less time than it takes your air compressor to pump up to full pressure, you could remove the lug nuts from two wheels using an electric impact wrench. Sure, the electric models don't pack the same torque as an air-powered wrench, but you don't need that much torque just to remove lug nuts. If all you're doing is tire rotation and an occasional heavy-duty repair, an electric impact wrench is just the ticket (one choice is the DEWALT DW292 1/2-Inch 345-ft.-lb. Impact Wrench, available at home centers or amazon.com). Just make sure you use a hand-held torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts.

Got a knocking, ticking or humming sound and don't know where it's coming from? Pinpoint the problem with an automotive stethoscope (one example is the Lisle 52500 Mechanic's Stethoscope). Just touch the probe to the most likely suspects and the culprit will stand out like a sore thumb. Pick up a stethoscope at any auto parts store.

If you're going to do repair work, you simply have to keep some basic lubricants and special chemicals on hand. Here's what every shop should have.

• Lithium grease for latches and hinges
• Brake cleaner for removing oil and grease from metal parts
• Rust penetrant for removing rusted fasteners
• Dry lubricant for lubricating metal to metal, and metal to plastic or rubber
• Electronic parts cleaner for dissolving corrosion on electrical connectors
• Anti-seize lubricant to prevent nuts and bolts from seizing in place
• Dielectric grease to repel water in electrical connections and prevent corrosion
• Silicone spray to lubricate windows and weather stripping.

I don't know why glove manufacturers can't design a pop-up glove dispenser along the lines of a facial tissue box. But until they do, add this inexpensive magnetic nitrile glove box holder (less than $10 at any auto parts store) to your shop. It's magnetic, so slap it to your toolbox or rolling cart and yank out new gloves whenever you need them.

I hate reassembling dirty, greasy, gritty engine and brake components. The dirty bolts cross-thread easily; gasket adhesive doesn't stick well; it's no fun to work on dirty stuff; and you can't see what's really going on underneath all the grime. That's why I got a parts washer. This 3-1/2-gallon tabletop unit (the Torin T10035 Part Washer ) is available at home centers and amazon.com. Add a parts washing brush and 2 gallons of concentrated degreaser and you'll get out of the store for less than $65. Set it up and add water and you're ready to clean all those greasy, grimy parts and bolts. And don't forget to dunk your tools in the cleaner too. Just give them a quick wipe to dry them off before you put them back in your toolbox.