Garage Hangout

i haven't hit a pawn shop in long time. sk was never a top find for some reason. i would pick up decent old usa made stuff...... especially wrenches if i found some.

definitely having storage and organizing within arms reach of my workbench.

bright lighting was a general major improvement across the board for sure .

I was at HD today getting a new float assembly for the toilet and decided to look for this new little folding fan from Ryobi's 4v USB lineup but they said they'll start getting them in a few months.

well since I'll be entering this platform for a few little tools I decided to grab this area light.
it was supposed to be $30, but rang up at $15.
that's definitely a steal considering that the battery alone sells for $25 normally.

Found a Snap-On shorty DBE wrench at the local Christian thrift store this morning (They use any funds for drug rehab locally, so, I try to give them as much support as I can). 9/16" x 5/8".

The wrench cost me 50 cents, and an old Powrcraft 3/8" drill was $3. All metal casing, forward only, just needs a new power cord. Great day!

Honestly the amount of SK I find out in the wild dropped off steeply after the last time they sold to Ideal. Most of the industrial suppliers switched to Proto or Wright and thats most of what I find now.

I have alot of SK but Im not buying anymore...As I find good deals on other brands, I have been replacing it. Most of what I have bought new is CAT hand tools available at your local Caterpillar dealers. Smoking deals on tools can be found a couple times a year (last year on black friday was 40% off). Awesome tools with lifetime warranty, Snap-On is the OEM on most of them.   

I've been spending some time reorganizing my garage workbench recently, and I realized that a few small changes can make a big difference when working on cars or other DIY projects.

The first thing that helped was separating tools by how often I use them. Screwdrivers, sockets, pliers, and measuring tools stay within easy reach, while specialty tools are stored in labeled drawers. I also started using small trays for bolts, clips, washers, and other hardware so they don't disappear during a project.

Another useful idea is making custom holders or trays for the workbench. I've seen some interesting DIY organizers made from wood, metal, and epoxy resin, especially for small parts, drill bits, or frequently used tools. It's a nice way to customize the workspace if you enjoy making your own shop accessories.

Lighting also made a bigger difference than I expected. Adding a bright task light directly above the workbench makes it much easier to see small parts and inspect surfaces properly.

A few things that have worked well for me:

Keep frequently used tools within arm's reach
Use magnetic trays for nuts, bolts, and screws
Label drawers and storage bins
Keep cleaning supplies in a separate area
Add good lighting above the main work surface
Leave some empty bench space instead of filling every inch with tools

I'm still improving my setup, so I'd be interested to see what everyone else does.

What is one garage organization upgrade that made the biggest difference for you?

Came across an interesting new control that could prove helpful. You hook it into the A/C compressor, and it drops the in-rush current during start-up by up to 71%. Means a whole lot less stress on the compressor windings and bearings. Not cheap - and only has a 90 day warranty - but to those with older comps, marginal unit wiring, or fluctuating power supplies it could beneficial.

https://www.microair.net/products/easystart-flex-home-ac-soft-starter

Romeo Y Julieta Reserva Real Nicaragua Profundo

The past two days Miss Muddy and I rode through the smokey mountains on a rental. Per usual we got rained on a bit lol

I don't want to give it back!