The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Workshops and Garages fire extinguisers in your shop, garage, or work area

I would suggest a 20 lb. ABC dry chemical extinguisher. Maybe 2, depending on how big your shop is. The place I've been at for the last 20 years is a 100' x 120' shop, with another 20' x 80' attached wash area. Spread about the shop is an even dozen, 20 lb ABC extinguishers with one or two Purple K's. Although the Purple K's might be gone by now as they have become obsolete. All CO2 and Halon's are gone as we would rather breathe oxygen in a room fire situation than not. Outside, both sides of the shop have hydrants where I keep bins of fire hose. Within the last three years, all buildings have been retrofitted with sprinkler systems.

At my house, I have a 10 lb ABC in the kitchen, a 20 lb ABC in the garage and I added another 20 lb ABC at the side of the house where I paint. The fifth wheel has a 10 lb ABC on it. Oh, I also have a 2 lb ABC in the Suburban, although I'm probably just fooling myself.


If I was to be asked about any other recommendation, I would suggest one become familiar with the instructions written on the side of the extinguisher. The time to learn how to operate one is not the moment you need one. Most have an instruction about being 10-20 feet away from the fire. If you get too excited and run up to the fire, blowing the extinguisher through the fire is just as ineffective as being too far away from the fire. Also, check them regularly. Make sure they are in good shape. Don't let things like mud daubers make homes in the hoses. In my shop, they are on a documented monthly inspection schedule, as required by the state. They are also recertified or replaced once a year.