Thoughts On Shop Stools?
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 90
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From: Alaska
Bikes: Novara Randonee, Specialized Rockhopper
Thoughts On Shop Stools?
I'm thinking of getting a shop stool, nothing I would have contemplated when I was younger. I've looked at and rode the Park adjustable shop stool and it seems fine. I've looked at Northern Tool and I see other options that are much cheaper. It appears as though all shop stools have an adjustable range of about 4 inches, the main variation is the maximum height. I'm thinking once you find the height you like it will be set at that height and rarely if ever changed. Any input & insight you guys may have on the topic of shop stools would be appreciated. Thanks
#2
I'm thinking of getting a shop stool, nothing I would have contemplated when I was younger. I've looked at and rode the Park adjustable shop stool and it seems fine. I've looked at Northern Tool and I see other options that are much cheaper. It appears as though all shop stools have an adjustable range of about 4 inches, the main variation is the maximum height. I'm thinking once you find the height you like it will be set at that height and rarely if ever changed. Any input & insight you guys may have on the topic of shop stools would be appreciated. Thanks
last year, I worked 2 days a week for a LBS during the peak season, and although the owner didn't like the idea of mechanics sitting down on the job, I had to make it a condition of continued service.
Just having the chance to get off my feet even for short periods of time made the job doable for me.
#3
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,727
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From: Medway, MA
Bikes: 2011 Lynskey Sportive, 1988 Cannondale SM400
I have a z-creeper- works as a regular creeper when working on cars, and folds into a z shape for use as a stool- perfect height for working on bike drivetrains.
#5
Still learning

Joined: May 2012
Posts: 11,529
Likes: 88
From: North of Canada, Adirondacks
Bikes: Still a garage full
Northern has so many to pick from and Park is IMHO, expensive.
I use this, a bit slick, but at under $50, I'm not complaining. Wheels are indispensable.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TMM5DO/..._M3T1_ST1_dp_1
I use this, a bit slick, but at under $50, I'm not complaining. Wheels are indispensable.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TMM5DO/..._M3T1_ST1_dp_1
#6
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,135
Likes: 108
From: Middle of the road, NJ
Make your own.
Get an old steel frame, has to be steel.
Make sure it has a seat post, and seat.
Take every thig of the frame, wheel, brakes, crank, etc.
Cut the frame, cut the top tube where it meets the seat tube, cut the down tube where it meets the bottom bracket.
Spread the rear section so the drop outs are about 18 inches apart. Toss the rest of the frame.
reinstall the seat post and seat, adjust the height and angle. And there you go, custom bike themed shop seat.
Get an old steel frame, has to be steel.
Make sure it has a seat post, and seat.
Take every thig of the frame, wheel, brakes, crank, etc.
Cut the frame, cut the top tube where it meets the seat tube, cut the down tube where it meets the bottom bracket.
Spread the rear section so the drop outs are about 18 inches apart. Toss the rest of the frame.
reinstall the seat post and seat, adjust the height and angle. And there you go, custom bike themed shop seat.
#8
SE Wis

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,549
Likes: 4,329
From: Milwaukee, WI
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970
My "rolly" stool. I think I paid $2 for the boat cushion at a rummage sale. Rest was re-purposed stuff. Milk crate, scrap plywood wheels, 1x2 scrap a few drywall screws. I have the base cut to use a small crate also. Crate is removable to use as a step stool without rolling.
#9
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Bikes: S Works Aethos/Spec Roubaix/S Works Tarmac
I found an old office chair with rollers at a Goodwill for $5 and took the back off---perfect after 5 years so far. That Harbor Freight one for $26 looks good and it has the tray at the bottom which will come in handy.
#10
I have an office chair/stool as well- the seat was trashed, & I used the back cushion as the seat. Compact, but it lives in the office now.
The Harbor Freight stool rolls better, and plays well with grease. I do use the height adjustment depending on the task.
The Harbor Freight stool rolls better, and plays well with grease. I do use the height adjustment depending on the task.






