The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest mechanic's creeper seat

Do any of you use a low seat,some are adjustable, to work on axles on the floor or other items that need to be accessed at a low angle? My back has finally let me know that squatting down or leaning over is becomming less of an option. If you use one, what brand and model etc? Thank you.

Larry The Decrepit One

I've got a cheapie *ss creeper. Don't know who made it but it works like a champ. The shop also has some high end *ss creepers and kneelers. I'll get the name of them and post that info when I do. We also have a top end belly creeper. Great for working long periods of time over an engine compartment. We also have dash surfers..........

Here are a few styles. I have a really crummy 15 year old beat-up one from Harbor Freight. I also have some old rolling desk chairs that I took the arms and back off of.

Here is the style of my personal stool. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_19648_19648

Here are the high end welding stools we have:
http://www.synetik-di.com/en/design/products/ergonomic-chair/flex-welding.aspx
http://www.synetik-di.com/en/design/products/ergonomic-stool/stag4-welding.aspx

Thanks for the replies. There are sure a lot of ways to skin this particular cat. I think stability, a tool tray, and maybe adjustability are the traits that I'm after. That engine bay creeper would sure be nice for working on my lifted Jeep! And a dash surfer. Wow, I'll need a bigger shop just for the creepers.

Larry

I watch some of these hot rod shows where all them young mechanics are crawling over, under, inside, etc. And sometimes you have to. But, maybe I'm spoiled. Give me a lift, some creepers, an overhead crane, etc. I put my back / body through enough pain in my life. I don't need any more.

I have one of those too... Better cushion, the caster castle nuts don't come off all the time, but it doesn't have that handy catch tray on the bottom or the adjustable seat shock I really like that seat height adjustment.

I have a really cheap plastic one I got in an auction with some other stuff, it is handy. If it ever dies I'll keep an eye out for another one. Not handy enough to spend real money on though.

Grigg

Yes, the re-purposed roller desk-chair bottoms are very comfortable and stable and roll round nicely (in the driveway and in the garage). They are very easy on the butt.

I bought an el cheapo adjustable off of ebay several years ago. I was expecting it to crash right away but to my surprise it's still going strong even holding my well fed self. It stays in the garage year around and nothing's broken yet.

Sort of still on topic...did anyone see the inventor's show on TV last night? They featured the ultimate creeper...it converts from a chair to a creeper and everything in between through what looks like a hydraulic pump or electric motor powered by lithium cordless tool batteries. They think it will retail at around $1000. Too rich for me but for a pro it might be nice.

Larry

If I could get the company to buy off on a thousand dollar creeper, that would be something.

This is kinda nice: http://kreepster.com/

Nowadays, with my age and back. I jack it up high and buy those old 50's metal office chairs with arms and roll all over the place. They are Steelcase brand and came with those old steelcase desks. Find them on your local craigslist for cheap ($25). Comfortable, tilting backs and rugged. Jack up your vehicle, jack stands on high and sit up straight!! I made a "pillow" out of foam covered with a T shirt for when I go under the truck. Saves the neck. Here is another tip boys. When you start your project, take off those darn doors. They are always in your way. This way when you roll around you don't bump into them, when you come out from under you don't bump your head and working inside is sooooooo much easier. Full access. It is also much easier to restore the door stuff and window stuff with the doors laying on a table. I use my body dolly I made, covered it with a carpet top. Beautiful roll around, BIG, work top for restoring various parts.

My back also is stiff if I bend over the low height work area too long.
I have a home-made wooden seat with metal swivel casters that I kick around to the area I'm working on. It'll last longer than me I think.
Mine is ugly, but I love it. It sits lower than a chair so working on wheels is easier and more comfortable for me.
It just needs a new/improved cushion!
Jerry

Well I wound up with a Craftsmen adjustable seat that my wife got me for Christmas. It has five casters, removeable plastic tool trays with magnets, and an adjustable round seat. She got it for $45.00 or so with the Craftsmen Club discount and another coupon. It feels pretty solid so I think it will do the trick. Thanks for all of the responses.

Larry