For anyone who’s spent time working on cars, especially on a hard concrete floor, the quest for comfortable and efficient ways to slide underneath vehicles is ongoing. While makeshift solutions like cardboard or insulation boards might come to mind, they often fall short in terms of convenience and comfort. Many seasoned mechanics understand the value of a proper tool for this job: the car creeper.
The beauty of a creeper lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. If you’ve got the car raised to a reasonable height, just a few pumps of the jack can provide ample clearance for comfortable access. For those situations where you need just a bit more room, incorporating a 4×4 on the jack saddle can easily add those crucial extra inches. Simple ramp setups using timber like 6x6s and 2x6s can further elevate the vehicle, providing generous space to slide under with a creeper. Even for someone of average build, like myself at 5 foot 11 inches and 240 lbs, this setup offers plenty of room to maneuver and work comfortably.
After decades of experience working under all sorts of vehicles, from cars and trucks to heavy construction equipment, I’ve developed a strong preference. When I’m on solid ground, a creeper is undoubtedly my tool of choice for sliding under cars. Looking ahead, while a lift in a future home garage is certainly on the wishlist – and grease pits have their own appeal, reminiscent of simpler garage setups – for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike, the creeper remains an indispensable and practical tool for everyday under-vehicle access. It’s a testament to how sometimes the simplest tools are truly the best for the job.
