One of my main hobbies is working on my car without having to bring it to the mechanic.
Because of this I have a wide range of different tools available so that I’m able to work effectively and I’ll have to rely on someone else to fix the small things that go wrong with my vehicle.
When I first started I was just getting on my hands and knees and crawling around like a little baby to access those hard-to-reach spots underneath the car.
Eventually my knees and lower back would get sore and I was constantly banging my head on the garage floor while I was scrambling around searching for tools that had accidentally scattered when I bashed the toolbox with my arm.
That’s when I started looking for an alternative and it’s about that time when I discovered what a mechanics creeper was.
A mechanics creeper, also known as an automotive creeper, or car creeper, it’s basically a padded tray that comes equipped with wheels which makes it possible to move around on the ground using a lot less effort than if you were just laying on your back directly on the floor.
There’s even some models available I saw online that can be folded into chairs or take advantage of a unique folding design so that it’s possible to lay in different, more comfortable positions depending on what it is you’re working on with the car.
In this post I want to share with you some of the different options I came across during my search for the best mechanics creeper to use at the garage or at your own personal home for working on your car.
The Best Mechanics Creeper
Lisle 94102 Blue Plastic Creeper
The Lisle 94102 Blue Plastic Creeper was one of the top options I stumbled onto during my search for the best car creeper.
It boasts a very simple design and doesn’t come with any special fancy features so I’m not too worried about using it on the floor my garage, getting it dirty, and tossing it in storage when I don’t need it.
It comes with a comfortable headrest that makes it easy to lay your head on it in a manageable position while still having access to the underneath components of a vehicle and it offers a floor clearance of ⅞” which doesn’t hinder movement on a smooth garage floor.
It’s made from a hard plastic material and the surface itself is easy to clean while being suitably resistant to grease, fuel stains, and other automotive components that might leak onto it.
Weighing in at about 10 pounds it’s quite easy to manage and it’s not too difficult to roll around while on top.
Depending on your height this creeper comes with a length of 38 inches and a width of 17 1/2 inches so keep that in mind depending on your size to determine whether or not this is suitable sized creeper for you.
Pro-Lift C-2036D Z-Creeper Seat
I really like the Pro-Lift C-2036D Z-Creeper Seat because it can be used as both a garage creeper as well as a creeper seat depending on what you need to use it for.
It’s possible to easily convert it from the seat into a lay flat position and it offers a weight capacity of 300 pounds so even if you’re a big guy you’ll still be able to use it.
Changing the layout of it is done with a retractable pin and at 18 pounds it’s quite a reasonable weight for handling and moving around while it’s being used.
It also comes equipped with cushions that offer a thick padding so that it’s comfortable to use while sitting or laying down on without any serious pressure points.
Six different wheels are used for moving around and while it’s in the flat position the head area is slightly raised and this also helps with comfort during use.
Torin TRP6240 Plastic Creeper
The Torin TRP6240 Plastic Creeper is another fairly basic and practical garage creeper that takes advantage of a rugged and economic plastic design for more efficient use and suitable comfort.
It’s able to hold a weight capacity of up to 280 pounds and on its own it weighs just 7.5 pounds so it can be easily carried and handled around even in a small space.
It’s designed from a hard plastic material, comes equipped with a handle to make it easier to move around or remove from storage, and one interesting feature is that it comes with two side storage trays that allow for quick and easy access to any tools or small parts that are needed while working on a car.
For even more comfortability there is a foam headrest that’s covered in vinyl so there’s no need for the head to be resting directly on a hard material and it also offers 1 ¼” of ground clearance.
Mechanics will appreciate the ergonomic design as it seemingly folds surround the body rather than being a flat and hard piece of material and is also space for the arms to be able to move freely while the vehicle is being worked on.
Torin TR6300 Creeper Seat
When it comes to the best creeper seat it’s the Torin TR6300 Creeper Seat that I would recommend checking out.
It’s quite durable as it’s designed from a heavy duty tubular steel and thanks to the smooth-running casters it’s able to be used with a 360 degree range of motion around the garage floor or driveway.
On the bottom, underneath the seat, is a tool tray where any tools or small parts can be quickly accessed for convenience and the seat itself is covered with vinyl and features a foam padding for comfort during extended periods of use.
The seat weighs just 9 pounds and it’s quite portable so with its lightweight design it shouldn’t be a problem to store it or remove it from storage when it’s needed.
I would definitely recommend checking out this creeper seat if you’re doing a lot of work on the side body or wheels of the car and you don’t really need to access the underneath too much.
I find that this seat is great for using for cleaning and detailing the tires without having to bend down on my knees or crouch over.
Williams 42301 Creeper
The Williams 42301 Creeper is a heavy duty creeper that’s made from a 16 gauge steel for added durability and heavy duty support.
Another great feature is that it actually comes equipped with a drop-rail design along the side of the creeper that allows for greater range of movement with the shoulders and arms and this makes it easier to work on the car without the arms bumping up on the side of the creeper or feeling trapped.
Covering the bed is one inch of padding and there’s two inches of padding on the headrest which is also slightly elevated for more comfort and better head position while working on the car.
It also comes equipped with 6 hooded casters that allow for a suitable range of movement on a flat surface and thanks to their hooded design it prevents dirt and grease from getting kicked up off the ground and onto clothing.
At both ends of the creeper the steel frame takes on somewhat of a handle-like design and this makes it a lot easier to manage it and move it around into a preferred positioning.
Traxion 1-100 ProGear Wide Body Creeper
The Traxion 1-100 ProGear Wide Body Creeper is a suitable choice for larger individuals up to 401 pounds in weight and those that are looking to take advantage of a wider bed for more comfort.
This creeper features a low profile design while still being able to hold heavier individuals and thanks to the drop deck there aren’t any pinch points on the shoulders or arms while working on the bottom of a vehicle and moving the upper body around.
Along with come equipped with a wide bed there is also a lumbar support so that there was a reduced pressure on the lower back while laying down as well as a headrest support so that the head can remain in a much more comfortable position during use.
This is the model that I would recommend checking out for any heavier-set individuals or those that are looking to enjoy a little bit more comfort and support when it comes to working on the car and laying on your back for extended periods of time.
Omega 91452 Black Low Profile Z-Creeper
Not only is the Omega 91452 Black Low Profile Z-Creeper well suited for individuals up to 450 pounds in weight but it can also be used in a different positions depending on what it is you’re doing in the garage or to your vehicle.
When it’s fully opened it can be used as a lay flat creeper for working underneath a vehicle end it can be turned into a mechanic seat that offers comfort while working on the side of the car or on the tires without having to crouch down rest on the knees.
The bed comes equipped with a thick padding for comfort during extended periods of use and it also takes advantage of 6 swivel casters that help with mobility and movement along the garage floor or on the driveway.
One interesting feature I like is that while it’s in the lay flat position there is a small headrest that makes it even more comfortable and keeps the head in a much more suitable position for long-term use working underneath the vehicle in cramped conditions.
Shop Creeper Safety Tips
When working on a car or other vehicle safety should always be important and especially so while working underneath one on a creeper.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind the next time you’re working on your favorite car.
- While you’re underneath the vehicle make sure that there are additional safety stands in place just in case the jack falls or happens to tip over
- As always, make sure to wear eye protection while working on the vehicle
- Keep a tool tray nearby so that you always have quick access to any tools you need and avoid leaving them on your chest while you’re working
- Always make sure that your feet and legs are out of the way and can’t be run over by another car or truck while you’re underneath the vehicle
- When the creeper isn’t being used try to keep it in a reasonable position such as hung on the wall so that no one accidentally stepped on it and goes flying and so that children don’t play with it by mistake
Final Thoughts
Having an automotive creeper, whether you’re a mechanic or just putzing around in your garage on the weekends, will make the process of working on your vehicle much more comfortable and enjoyable as well as efficient.
Those that spend a lot of time working underneath cars might already be well acquainted with the neck pain and back strain that the end usual positions place on the body and with a shop creeper it’s possible to work in a much more ergonomic and comfortable position.
These devices also help to keep you off the damp and cold floor and make it much easier to move around without having to rely on an uncomfortable piece of cardboard or having to get your clothes extremely dirty from laying on the garage floor or driveway.
The main purpose of using one of these is to help reduce pressure and strain on the neck, shoulders, and back while making it much easier and more efficient to get underneath the vehicle.
Hopefully this guide has helped you find some great options when it comes to the best creeper and be sure to let me know down in the comments below if you have any more questions, concerns, or if you’re looking for more recommendations.
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