Hello and welcome back to our short series on auto mechanics tools for the new auto mechanic weekend warrior. In previous articles we have covered the basic tools you should consider buying if you are getting into automotive work and what to look for when buying them. In today's article we are going to talk about creepers. The reason for a discussion on creepers is that often I see guys spend a lot of money on a creeper and get very little benefit out of it. If you don't know what a creeper is, it's just basically a board with casters under it that will allow you to lie on your back and move around easily.
If you are one of those fortunate enough to already have some carpentry skills and tools, you can build one of these yourself for less than what they cost in a store. I've seen them done with plywood and roller skate wheels although I would suggest something a bit sturdier than that. Building a 2x2 or 2x4 frame with plywood on top is a good start. Putting some industrial carpeting on the top of it, an old blanket, or vinyl covered padding is also to good options to improve the comfort of your home made creeper.
Twin Wheel Casters
Now, if you have your heart set on buying one, here is what you want to look for. You will want to find one that has ball bearing casters that can rotate in 360 degrees. Locking casters are the supreme choice, but aren't required. If made out of steel, examine the welds to ensure that they are even and complete. If there is padding on it, look at the covering very well. If it appears to be very thin, avoid it. Thin vinyl covering becomes torn or ripped very quickly and that can be uncomfortable to lay on. Also, because of the fluids in the car, if they soak into the foam padding, you may never get it out meaning that you may have to buy a new creeper. So trust me, examine the covering that's over the padding very well. The last thing would be to actually lay on it if you can. Make sure it's comfortable for you to lie on and move around on.
There you have it. Now you have a better idea of what to look for in a creeper, or maybe a start on making one your own. I'll tell you that the one I use almost daily is homemade, but only because I wanted memory foam padding. That's completely a choice issue, but no matter which direction you go having a comfortable creeper is easy and can be pretty inexpensive.
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Oct 17, 2011 23:12:37
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