Do you want to start your own car shop at home? Or maybe you want to start a new hobby related to automobiles. Whatever your reason, it is important to have the right tools and equipment for the job. Automotive can be quite complicated and dangerous without the right items. If you want to start tinkering under the hood or fixing up old cars, you have to make sure that you have these items in your garage.
Movable Car Lifts
When you are fixing up a car, it is important to see it from all angles, including the bottom part. While you can easily slide under it, you will get a better look if it is elevated. This will make it more convenient to look at the different parts because you can shine a light on them.
One of the most common injuries people get while doing car repairs is muscle strains and sprains. When you are doing the car’s undercarriage, there isn’t a lot of space for free movement. As a result, you end up in an awkward position for a relatively long time. Elevating a car makes these types of work easier.
Lastly, car lifts are great for those that don’t have a lot of space. It can be used to create additional parking in the garage. The second vehicle can sit below it when not in use. These also create more space in your garage, so it doesn’t feel crowded while you work.
Car Paint Booths
If you plan on repainting or adding a new coating to your vehicle, it is best to have a designated space for them. These paints and coatings have chemicals in them, and prolonged exposure in a confined space can be dangerous. This is why you need to do it in a well-ventilated location. However, not all neighbors would appreciate or tolerate the smell of it, so you have to get an automotive paint booth.
The primary reason for having spray booths is for safety. Some of these paints can be flammable when exposed out in the open. Inhaling car paint can also have lasting damages. It is recognized to be toxic, and studies even found that it can cause hearing loss. Even if you have a booth, the proper gear, such as goggles and masks, is essential when painting a car.
Another reason why you would want to get one is for cleanliness. Paint, whether it is cars or artworks, can get messy. You can make the process neater and avoid getting paint on other items if you have these booths.
Air Compressors
One of the most important pieces of equipment for car DIYers is an air compressor. It serves a multitude of functions that are needed when doing maintenance or fixes. These actually come in a variety of sizes, depending on the function. For instance, a small air compressor is used for simple paint jobs and powering air tools.
Air compressors are also used for cleaning. Cars have kinds of little corners and sides that are hard to reach through regular cleaning tools. The air compressor will act as a sort of reverse vacuum and blow out all the dust stuck in between. Aside from that, you can also use it for air-powered tools such as air wrenches, saws, and mufflers.
When shopping for these, there are several specifications that you will be looking at. One is the pound-force per square inch or PSI. It is basically the unit for air pressure. Most would require around 90 PSI, and some heavy-duty ones like tire machines need 130 PSI. Some look into horsepower. Most shops use around 30 HP maximum.
Impact Wrench
Cars have bolts that are screwed on by machines. Thus, some will be difficult to remove using regular wrenches. An impact wrench can quickly make work of these nuts and bolts in no time. Similarly, you would need to put those bolts securely back into place.
These carry a lot of power in them. Most are powered by air compressors, but electrical ones are also available. It loosens nuts and bolts through a hammering effect applied through high torque. The wrench would adjust its power output depending on how tight the bolts are secured. This may cause a bit of heating on the device, so take note if it becomes too hot.
All these tools make car maintenance and repair a lot safer and easier. If you start messing with your automotive without the proper equipment, you can cause lasting damage that can make it unusable.