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Do I Need a Shop Stool?
If you spend any amount of time in your garage working on your vehicle or other projects, the answer is absolutely yes. A good shop stool relieves fatigue on your legs and back. Properly adjustable stools can help you reach what you’re working on without additional muscle strain.
Why Not Just Grab a Bar Stool From the House?
Purpose-built shop stools tend to have better padding (making them more comfortable), more stable bases (making them safer) and some feature a range of adjustments (making them more useful).
Should a Shop Stool’s Weight Capacity Be Significantly More Than I Weigh?
Weight capacity is a case where overbuying is a good thing. Ten pounds of margin between your weight and the capacity of the stool won’t cut it when you grab a 30-pound object. It also allows a heavier friend who’s helping or visiting to sit on it without worry. Shop stools with higher weight capacities are generally more sturdy and rugged, which might mean a longer lifespan for the stool.
What Are the Most Important Features of a Shop Stool?
Safety is absolutely number one, and that means stability. Tipping over in the garage lands you on hard concrete or maybe even sharp or hot surfaces. Comfort also ranks high on the list. Look for a comfortable seat cushion. Also consider seat sizes, as some run too small.
What Are the Best Options Beyond a Basic Stool?
Depending on the size and layout of your garage, height adjustment, a swiveling seat pad and the ability to attach wheels to the frame of the shop stool can all be major time- and labor-savers. Also, some stools have a tray or basket just below the seat. That helps keep the tools and parts you’ll need most often in easy reach.