For the DIY car enthusiast or for those folks who simply love to do a bit of tinkering on their vehicles, a small, well set-up garage workshop may be all that they need to indulge their mechanical side.
One of the common problems with a home garage set-up is space limitations; however, a neat, functional workspace can be easily established with a bit of prior thought and planning.
Plan out the storage space
One of the biggest hogs of available space is going to be the storage area. A cluttered work area is perhaps the most common failure when it comes to home workshops, so ensure the most efficient use of available space. An untidy workshop also makes for an unpleasant working environment, which defeats the entire purpose of the project.
Consider using all available workspace to optimum effect. Many tooling and equipment items are typically not in regular use, and these can be stored in elevated cupboards or racks.
A set of wall-mounted cupboards will give the workshop a clean, functional look, but modular racking is another inexpensive option that can be customized to fit any space.
Use a wall-mounted ‘shadow board’ over the workbench area to permanently mount commonly used tooling items.
A range of small consumable boxes can either be installed in cabinets or wall-mounted for a range of hardware items such as screws, nuts, bolts, and washers.
Sourcing equipment and consumables
A good automotive retailer makes a convenient ‘one stop’ shop for lubricants, general automotive spares, and replacement items such as fan belts, spark plugs, and filters.
Dependent upon the main type of automotive work you plan to carry out, consider writing up a stock list of required items, and remember to plan out storage space for those items.
For general tooling and hardware, consider sourcing from someone like the Tradefix Direct website once the inventory list has been prepared.
Consider lighting
Standard garage lighting may not be sufficient for the home workshop. For engine bay, under hood, and interior work, a moveable overhead light is a must. These are inexpensive and can be easily acquired at car accessories stores.
Permanent lighting will likely be needed over the main workbench area. This could be achieved simply with desk-mounted lights or enlist an electrician if a more permanent installation is warranted.
A further tip – in darker garages, white painted walls and cupboards further assist in reflecting light and can make a big difference.
Floor jacks and jack stands
The car jack that came with the car is really not enough for the home workshop. Leave it in the boot, and invest in a good set of heavy-duty jack stands. Space permitting, a hydraulic jack stand or portable car hoist is perfect for underbody work.
Include a good padded under-car roller, especially if the plan is to spend a fair amount of time working underneath the chassis.
Summary
With a little forward planning and clever use of available space, a neat, functional garage workshop is an affordable possibility and offers hours of enjoyment. As a final thought, ensure ample space for a small beer fridge to finish the project!
