Read the original post 8 Best Automotive Creepers to Use for Car Undercarriage Work on Full Gleam.
If you’re a mechanic who constantly needs to reach the undercarriage of a car, you’ll understand the nuisance of not having a creeper. A mechanics creeper allows you to effortlessly slide in and out underneath your car to do work. Also, the best creepers are sturdy, easy to move around, padded for comfort, and low-profile enough to get you under low vehicles if needed.
So, in this article, we’ve researched and compiled a list of the best mechanic creepers on the market right now. We’ve also put together a buying guide and FAQ to help you understand which factors to consider when getting a mechanics creeper.
Here’s a quick glance at the topics we’ll cover in this article:
- Discover the Best Mechanics Creeper
- What Is A Mechanic’s Creeper?
- How to Select a Mechanic’s Creeper?
- Safety Tips When Using a Mechanic’s Creeper
Also, we’ve written another great article about all the top tools used by mechanics to help them do their work efficiently in the garage. To learn more, head over to this article: 21 Best Mechanic Tools Must Have in Your Toolbox.
Discover the Best Mechanics Creeper
Not every shop creeper is the same. For example, a low profile creeper allows quick access to undercarriage. While other has an adjustable headrest and padded cushion to reduce back pain. Whatever you get, make sure to buy a heavy-duty creeper that can last you a long time.
Now, if you’re not the type who likes to read through reviews but want to know which is the best mechanics creeper quickly, then we’d like to recommend the above three best picks.
But, if you want to consider all the purchasing options carefully, there are many types you can choose. In the list below we’ve round up the best mechanics creeper in the market right now for you to check out.
Best Low Profile Creeper
Pro-Lift C-9100 Black Foldable Z Creeper 450-Pounds
- Transforms with no tools in seconds
- 40" Steel frame construction, Seat Size: 14"...
- Padded seat and headers
- 450 pounds rated capacity
If you’re looking for a low profile creeper with high weight capacity, you need not look further than this one from Pro-Lift. It can support up to 450 pounds.
This creeper is thickly padded to provide additional comfort while you’re working. Furthermore, it has 6 swivel casters that allow for full mobility.
Its wheels also permit better ease of use and can even get under tight areas. This creeper is made from a sturdy steel frame, so you don’t need to worry about durability.
It can also be used in different ways, as a low profile creeper, and as a creeper seat, due to its foldable feature. Unfortunately, it does not have a backrest when in seat form.
When the time comes, you can also get replacement wheels quickly from Grainger or NAPA Auto parts.
If you’re interested in a small size model from this brand, check out the Pro-Lift C-2036D Grey 36” Z-Creeper
Lisle 99102 Low Profile Plastic Creeper
- COMFORTABLE – Ergonomic, body-fitting shape...
- POP-IN ROLLERS – Six 2 inch ball bearing...
- LOW PROFILE – Unique design provides 7/8...
- 300 LBS. CAPACITY – Our plastic creepers...
Another contender for the best automotive creeper is this blow-molded plastic creeper from Lisle. For those of you who are curious, blow-molded means its hollow inside (but still durable!).
While hollow, urethane rollers inserted into steel bushings are added to make the creeper stronger and more durable. It has a 7/8” floor clearance and is considered low profile.
Absolutely love my creeper! Rolls so smooth across my shop floor compared to my harbor freight one. And the BEST thing is my hair doesn’t get caught in it because the wheels are covered. – Kait_Manukainiu, Amazon
What’s more, the creeper’s plastic surface is created with a body-fitting design for better comfort. It can also support about 200 pounds.
It is also easy to clean as it is resistant to most solvents and fuels. You can also enjoy a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty.
Dale Adams Enterprise the Bone 6031 Mechanics Creeper
- 100% American!
- Huge 5" wheels go where other creepers can't!
- Lowest creeper on the market! Will not tip...
- 300 lb capacity
There are tons of mechanics creepers that can be deemed a ‘low profile creeper.’ But if you’re looking for something with a unique and distinct design, then you’d probably love The Bone.
It boasts of having the lowest ground clearance in the market at 1 and ¾ inches. This creeper has 5 custom-designed, wide wheels that can roll over drop light cords, cracks, and grates.
However, it might not be the best to roll around rocky surfaces.
This creeper’s body is made from high-strength polypropylene copolymer and is designed to be extremely comfortable. It also has a high weight capacity of 300 pounds and no problems with bowing.
Plus, this 100% American made creeper is impervious to most solvents, and is easy to clean. You can also enjoy a limited lifetime warranty for its wheels.
Magic Creeper 51631 Zero Ground Automotive and Household Creeper
- With a stunning zero ground clearance, this...
- Unique tubular shape acts like a track moving...
- Inner layer acts like millions of tiny ball...
- Water, oil and puncture resistant; won't...
Are you still searching for that uniquely designed under-car roller that’s perfect for your needs? Well, check out this one from Magic Creeper.
It might not look like much, but this wheel-less creeper does come with a lot of benefits. First off is its ultra-low clearance, which allows you the most room to work with, like reaching tight spaces.
It also has a unique shape that allows you to move across five feet without having to reposition the creeper.
What’s more, its inner layer has numerous miniature ball bearings for effortless maneuverability. You can move in all directions, and also on rough, uneven surfaces.
This creeper is also easy to clean since it is resistant to water, oil, and even punctures.
Ideally, this creeper is best for light jobs and home auto repairs. If you’re looking for something more professional-grade, this may not be the creeper for you.
Best Creeper Seat
Whiteside Manufacturing Professional HD Mechanic’s Seat
- Large heavy-duty shop seat
- 3 inch oil resistant rollers swivel with ease
- 15 inch x15 inch storage tray with magnetic...
- Wide base offers ultimate stability
Lying down isn’t the only position you’ll be when working on your car. Sitting on a rolling shop stool like this one from Whiteside Manufacturing definitely beats squatting to reach low parts.
A strong contender for the best creeper seat, this accessory has a ground clearance of 3 and 3.4 inches. It also features 3-inch oil-resistant wheels that easily swivels, whichever direction you’re going to.
What’s more, it’s comfortable. This seat has a high back and is padded to help keep you at ease while you’re working. It’s also durable because of its tubular steel frame.
The best sturdy low chair to have to do work in the garage or in the house. I carry it back and forth to keep me from the floor doing stuff. I have had both knees replaced. – Joan Tracey, Amazon
Plus, this seat has a high weight capacity. It can support a weight of 300 pounds without any difficulty.
This creeper seat also has a broad base with a 15-inch square storage tray for your small parts and tools. The tray even has a magnetic strip to keep everything secure.
Plus, it’s proudly American made.
Powerbuilt Heavy Duty Rolling Mechanics Seat Brake Stool 300-Pounds
- BUILT TOUGH: You won't feel flex or sagging...
- ROLLS SMOOTH: The 4-inch rubber coated wheels...
- STORES MORE: With a full length pull out...
- TAKE A SEAT: The 18-inch x 10-inch bench has...
Some people prefer a stool more than an actual seat. Well, this mechanic’s creeper seat from Powerbuilt can offer you a more unique design that fits your needs!
Unlike most creeper seats that look like low chairs, this one is designed to look like a stool, which offers you more flexibility when working.
It has a square steel frame that’s constructed to be strong and durable enough not to sag when you move around. It also features 4-inch rubber-coated wheels that can easily roll around your floors.
What’s more, you’ll be comfortable while on the job since the bench seat has an ergonomic concave shape for better maneuverability. Not to mention, it can carry over 300 pounds.
Unfortunately, it can’t be adjusted to height. But it does have a breaking mechanism if your workplace is inclined.
You can also store more tools while working since this creeper seat has a full-length, pull-out drawer and removable trays.
Sunex 8514 300-Pound Capacity Telescoping Tractor Seat with Parts Tray
- EASY HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT: Nitrogen filled lift...
- STEEL TOOL TRAY: Designed with a large,...
- MOBILE: Designed with heavy duty, chrome...
- MOBILE: Designed with heavy duty, chrome...
Another rolling work seat that you might want to check out is this one from Sunex.
This creeper might look simple, but it’s high performing if you give it a chance. Plus, it’s the most affordable out of this list.
This creeper seat features heavy-duty, chrome-finish casters that are fitted with rubber treads to help you move around comfortably. It can also swivel in a 360-degree direction.
It also has an air cylinder, which allows for better height adjustment. This feature makes it a great tool to be used by more people.
This creeper seat also has a wide seat width for better comfort. It can also support up to 300 pounds.
What’s more, you can make the most out of its 17-inch round, deep tool tray found under the seat. It’s definitely a convenient place to put small parts and tools while you’re working.
Best Over Engine Creeper
Traxion 3-100 Foldable Topside Creeper
- Adjustable creeper height to fit your desired...
- Padded deck allows for added comfort while...
- Topside Creeper easily folds away for a...
- Four swivel casters make moving the Topside...
Aside from the underbelly of your car, another essential part that you’ll have to make repairs on is the engine. But leaning in and using only one hand to work with is difficult.
An over engine creeper like this one from Traxion can make your job easier and more comfortable to do.
This topside creeper looks like a ladder with a flat-bed on top. It is highly durable and is made from heavy-gauge steel.
This is usable in so many applications, light to medium trucks, auto roof work and anywhere you need a steady platform in an awkward position. – Jimmy Z, Amazon
It has an adjustable height so you can lower yourself quickly. Comfort is no issue since you’ll be lying on a padded deck. It can support up to approximately 250 pounds.
This topside creeper also features four casters that allow you to move it easily. Two of the casters also have locking mechanisms to keep it in place.
What Is A Mechanic’s Creeper?
If you’re new to the automotive repair scene, here’s a brief explanation of what a mechanic’s creeper is. It’s essentially a plastic bed with wheels that you can lie in when checking the underside of your car.
Most mechanic’s creepers are made from a steel frame and a plastic body that is usually covered with thick pads for your comfort.
These plastic beds have caster wheels underneath to help you with better mobility. Some of the best mechanic creepers also come with tool trays or foldable features.
If you want, you can DIY your own Mechanic’s Creeper. Watch this video to learn how to make an auto mechanic’s creeper:
- Kinds of Mechanic’s Creepers
The styles of mechanic’s creepers also vary depending on your needs. There are low profile ones, ones that look like a bed, ones that can be converted into a chair, and more.
You can even get a topside creeper, which is perfect for working over your truck of higher vehicle engines. You can also get your creeper depending on the terrain you’re working on.
There is a mechanic’s creeper designed for gravel. But it’s a better investment to get an all-terrain mechanic’s creeper so you can work anywhere!
- Different Uses of a Creeper
Before committing to buying that creeper you’ve been eyeing, think about where you’re going to use it. Sure, its primary purpose is to allow you to look at the underside of your car comfortably.
But that’s not everything that a mechanic’s creeper can do! You can also use it as a mode of transportation for different automotive parts, much like wheel dollies.
You’ll feel a lot better if you know that the product you’re getting can be used to its fullest potential. So make sure that your creeper can handle both you and heavy engine parts.
How to Select a Mechanic’s Creeper?
Choosing your mechanic’s creeper doesn’t just rely on how it looks. You should take into account if it can actually perform well.
How comfortable it is should also be accounted for. To help you find the perfect mechanic’s creeper for you, here are a few features you need to consider:
- Material & Durability
Mechanic’s creepers are made from different materials, and with that have varying durability. If you’re looking for an investment that can last a long time, then the best choice for you is a steel frame.
Steel frames are known to be highly sturdy and will definitely perform the best. However, they can also be the most expensive.
If you’re on a tight budget, a plastic creeper is the most affordable but can only perform mediocrely at its best.
Other creepers are made with a cardboard or plywood backing. Both have their own benefits (i.e., lightweight) but are known to be less durable than the first two types mentioned.
Now, will the creeper take on stains?
Here’s the thing about stains. Getting dirty is inevitable when you’re working on your car. You also have to make sure that the creeper can be easily cleaned if you want to use it for a long time. Some of the things you’ll have to contend with are grease, oil, and dirt build-up.
However, if you’re good at maintaining your tool – which all mechanics should be – then cleaning the creeper frequently is a good practice to prolong the use of creeper. Not forgetting to mention that a clean creeper will give you comfort while using it too.
- Mobility & Portability
Remember to take into account the surface that you’ll be working on. Is your garage an indoor or an outdoor one? Will you be working on a paved surface, gravel, or dirt?
All these different terrains can have a direct effect on your mobility. That’s why you should get a mechanic’s creeper specifically designed to handle the terrain you’ll be working on.
Another aspect to think about is how portable your creeper is going to be. If you’re always on the go, you might want to store a lightweight creeper at the trunk of your car.
- Comfort & Weight Capacity
Aside from better mobility, working on the underbelly of your auto can be stressful to your body. That’s why your creeper must be comfortable to lie on. Otherwise, get ready to have a back sore.
Make sure to buy a padded creeper to help minimize any spinal problems. It is also best to ensure that your creeper has a wide body, is ergonomically designed and not just flat out straight.
Even ones that aren’t padded are much more comfortable as long as they were designed ergonomically. You should also take into account its weight capacity. Ensure that the creeper can take on your weight.
Now, will shirts catch easily on the creeper’s wheels?
Aside from the padding and design, comfort can also mean ease of use. A common problem with mechanic’s creepers is the shirt you’re wearing catching on the wheels.
You’ll be rolling back and forth a lot, and your shirt will probably ride up every now and then.
Unfortunately, there are times when your shirt gets so tightly wounded around the wheel that it might have to cut it off.
So, what is the best way to avoid this? Get a creeper with enclosed wheels of course. Or better yet, make a wheel cover.
- Clearance
You will probably be using jack stands and the like to elevate your car. Clearance, therefore, is a vital feature to consider.
When working on standard-sized cars, a low profile mechanic’s creeper is the best way to go. They provide you with more space to work with.
However, you can also get creepers that have higher clearance if you are working with larger vehicles. A creeper’s seat is an excellent example of this.
Safety Tips When Using a Mechanic’s Creeper
Whether you’re using a mechanic’s creeper chair or a low profile one, safety should always be one of your primary concerns. By following the basic safety tips below will be beneficial for you.
- Have back-up stands set. Don’t rely on just one jack, in case the jack fails and falls.
- Always wear proper eye and head protection.
- Use a separate container to store your tools to avoid the creepers roll over it.
- Ensure your environment is safe, and nothing can run over your legs or feet while working.
- Store your creeper safely to avoid unwanted accidents.
Need a safety course refresher? Watch this video:
Related Articles
Having the best mechanic’s creeper makes looking at the underside of your car a whole lot easier. But that’s not the only part of your auto you’d be working on!
Your garage needs to be equipped to repair the full extent of your car; from top to bottom and inside out!
That’s why you’ll need the help of additional tools and accessories if you’re after the best garage workspace.
Check out these articles for more information on other garage accessories and tools you might need:
