When it comes to automotive repair and maintenance, comfort and accessibility are key. Spending hours under a vehicle can take a toll on your body, especially your back and knees. A mechanic’s creeper is designed to alleviate this strain, allowing you to comfortably work underneath cars and trucks. But with so many options available, from basic wooden boards to modern, feature-rich designs, how do you choose the best mechanic’s creeper for your needs?
This guide dives into the world of mechanic’s creepers, drawing insights from real auto enthusiasts who have shared their experiences and opinions. We’ll explore different types of creepers, discuss their pros and cons, and help you determine the ideal creeper to enhance your garage setup.
The discussion starts with a simple question: “What’s the best mechanic’s creeper?” Like many tools in the automotive world, the answer isn’t straightforward. Personal preferences, garage environments, and specific needs all play a role in determining the “best” option.
One user, Woody, a forum member, starts by mentioning a common starting point for many DIYers: “a bigass piece of cardboard.” Cardboard is readily available and free, but it certainly has its limitations in terms of comfort and mobility. Woody is considering upgrading and is leaning towards a “plastic dogbone style” creeper.
Plastic dogbone style mechanic's creeper for comfortable undercar work
ShawnG humorously suggests “A lift,” acknowledging that a lift is the ultimate solution for comfortable under-vehicle work. However, lifts are expensive and not always practical for every home garage. ShawnG then mentions the “Bone Creeper” from Dale Adams Enterprises as a “pretty good” option, hinting at a higher-quality, potentially more ergonomic design.
WillG80 shares a positive experience with a Harbor Freight (HF) creeper, a “molded plastic type that goes over the wheels and has a tool storage tray.” This type of creeper is popular due to its affordability and practical features like built-in tool trays. WillG80 also points out a crucial factor for some: “Having long hair means any of the ladder frame types is a recipe for mass hair loss.” The enclosed wheels of the plastic creeper prevent hair from getting caught in the casters.
Adam525i also owns a “bones one” creeper, praising its low profile and larger wheels which “roll over stuff on the floor easier.” This highlights the importance of wheel size and quality for smooth movement around the garage. However, Adam525i notes space constraints in their home garage, suggesting that creeper size and maneuverability in tight spaces are considerations.
j_tso introduces a different type: the “stool creeper.” This hybrid design combines a stool with creeper wheels, offering a higher working position and potentially more versatility. The image shared shows a stool creeper, offering a different approach to undercar access.
Woody clarifies that while a lift is available, a creeper is sometimes “overkill/inconvenient,” indicating that creepers still have a place even in well-equipped garages for quick jobs or specific situations.
hunter47 seconds the recommendation for the HF creeper, emphasizing the “trays are super helpful for misc bolts and tools.” This reinforces the value of integrated tool storage for convenience and organization while working under a vehicle.
dj06482 has used HF creepers for “close to 20 years,” attesting to their durability and value. They appreciate the light weight, low profile, and side trays. Feature suggestions include “magnetic trays” and “larger wheels,” and acknowledges the benefit of an “adjustable neck support” as they get older, showing evolving needs over time.
wae echoes the desire for tool trays, stating it’s the “most annoying thing about being under the car” to lack convenient tool storage. This user had an old wooden creeper with “awful wheels,” highlighting the importance of wheel quality for a functional creeper.
The discussion touches on the “Bone Creeper” again, with Woody finding them “currently unavailable on Amazon.” ShawnG explains this is likely due to the passing of Dale Adams, the company’s founder, suggesting potential uncertainty around the product’s availability.
untchabl offers a used Bone creeper for free, expressing strong dislike for it and preferring the Harbor Freight creepers. This illustrates that even highly-regarded brands might not suit everyone, and personal preference plays a significant role. They also mention considering “one of the Icon ones next time,” possibly referring to a higher-tier offering from Harbor Freight.
AnthonyGS reinforces the positive feedback on the “same design” as the HF creeper WillG80 posted, again highlighting the usefulness of the tool trays.
Slippery describes a common issue with creepers: difficulty getting on and off, especially with back problems. They humorously contemplate the effort of standing up, a relatable experience for many users with physical discomfort.
TJL expresses outright frustration with creepers, finding them “incredibly annoying” and even admitting to throwing them in anger. This extreme reaction underscores that creepers are not universally loved and can be cumbersome for some.
Pete. finds “cardboard works better,” stating “I have not used a creeper that actually worked at rolling.” This highlights a fundamental requirement for a good creeper: smooth, effortless rolling.
Tom_Spangler points out that creepers raise the body, sometimes requiring the car to be lifted higher. They prefer “foam anti-fatigue mat” squares as a lower-profile alternative, demonstrating that simple solutions can sometimes be preferred.
bearmtnmartin provides a wishlist for “creeper heaven,” including “adjustable headrest,” “center drop” for lower profile, “polyurethane wheels” for better rolling over obstacles, and “castors are not exposed” to prevent injury. These are advanced features that enhance comfort, functionality, and safety.
procainestart also uses “interlocking squares” of foam mats from HF as an alternative, echoing Tom_Spangler’s preference for low-profile solutions.
Tyler H recounts a progression from cardboard to a “plastic tote lid” before trying a creeper, ultimately returning to the tote lid after finding creepers an “awkward compromise.” This user values the simplicity and low profile of non-creeper solutions.
bludroptop agrees with TJL’s annoyance, citing issues with getting in and out of the creeper, lost clearance, and the creeper rolling away when applying wrench force. They primarily use their creeper as a “rolling parts/tool caddy,” repurposed for a different function.
Woody mentions the storage inconvenience of creepers when not in use, a practical consideration for garage organization.
lotusseven7 suggests a “Human hoist power shop chair,” linking to a video of a more elaborate, chair-like rolling workstation, representing a higher-end, specialized solution.
Key Takeaways and Choosing the Best Mechanic’s Creeper for You:
The forum discussion reveals several key considerations when choosing the best mechanic’s creeper:
- Type: Plastic dogbone, wooden, bone, stool creepers, and even alternatives like foam mats and cardboard each have pros and cons. Plastic creepers are popular for affordability and features, while bone creepers are praised for quality but may be less available. Stool creepers offer a different ergonomic approach.
- Wheels: Larger diameter wheels and polyurethane material are preferred for smooth rolling over cracks, cords, and debris. Enclosed wheels are beneficial for preventing hair entanglement.
- Tool Trays: Integrated tool trays are a highly valued feature for convenience and organization. Magnetic trays could be an upgrade.
- Comfort and Ergonomics: Features like adjustable headrests and center drops enhance comfort. Low-profile designs minimize the need to raise the vehicle higher. Consider your physical condition, especially back and knee issues, when evaluating comfort.
- Durability and Longevity: Harbor Freight creepers are mentioned for lasting many years, demonstrating good value for the price.
- Garage Environment: Garage space, floor condition, and presence of obstacles influence creeper choice.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the “best” creeper is subjective. Some users dislike creepers altogether, preferring simpler alternatives.
When selecting a mechanic’s creeper, weigh these factors against your budget and needs. Consider starting with an affordable and popular option like a plastic creeper with tool trays to see if it suits your working style. If you experience issues with rolling or comfort, explore upgrades like larger wheels or ergonomic features. And remember, sometimes simple solutions like foam mats or even cardboard might be the best fit for certain tasks or preferences. The “best mechanic’s creeper” is the one that makes your undercar work easier and more comfortable for you.
