Stay comfortable and organized while working on a range of jobs with a creeper seat.
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The 5 Best Creeper Seats to Make Automotive and Workshop Projects Easier
Updated on Nov. 21, 2024
Since most automotive maintenance projects require you to work from a seated position, a reliable creeper seat is essential for both comfort and efficiency. These handy stools keep you positioned at the proper height for many mechanical jobs, and they feature rolling casters so you can effortlessly adjust positions or roll over to your workbench without standing up.
Stationary chairs or benches just won’t provide that kind of mobility. Stationary chairs and stools also often require the kind of reaching and twisting that can cause or irritate back pain, not to mention slow down your overall progress.
Most creeper seats double as mobile tool organizers with built-in drawers and trays to keep your wrenches, rags, fasteners and cleaners conveniently within arm’s reach. They’re also available in a variety of styles and sizes. Regardless of your ergonomic, organizational or project needs—some mechanic’s creepers lay flat for under-car access—we’re helping you find the best creeper seat that fits your needs.
Best Overall Creeper Seat
Powerbuilt Professional Mechanics Roller Seat
Featuring a lumbar-friendly seat and a ton of onboard storage, this Powerbuilt roller seat stands out as the best creeper seat you can buy. The padded backrest and large 12-inch-by-16-inch seat provide more support than backless seats and stools, and the heavy-duty vinyl cover reduces the chances of unsightly tears and rips.
Our favorite feature of this seat is the positioning of its dual storage drawers—one in front and the other on the side—so you can use whichever one is best for your current position. You can really load them up with tools, too, since the entire seat has an impressive load capacity of 500 pounds. The side-mounted can caddy is especially useful for auto-detailing projects and keeping your cleaners, polishes and waxes within arm’s reach.
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Best Budget Creeper Seat
Torin TR6300 Red Rolling Creeper Seat
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Large storage tray
- Smooth-rolling casters
- Soft, cushioned seat
Cons:
- 250-pound weight capacity
Despite its low price tag, this Torin creeper seat still provides the functionality you need to work efficiently, as well as a trusted reputation that ensures quality and durability. The thick padded seat adds extra comfort for extended auto projects, and a full-length segmented storage tray underneath keeps all your tools and accessories close at hand. Constructed of heavy-duty steel tubing, this seat easily handles the abuse of a busy garage—and, better yet, at a wallet-friendly price.
Best Folding Creeper Seat
Pro-Lift C-9100 Foldable Z Creeper
Pros:
- Can use flat or upright
- No tools required to change position
- 450-pound load capacity
- Elevated headrest
Cons:
- No storage options
Capable of converting from a flat mechanic’s creeper into an upright seat in seconds, this two-in-one Pro Lift model is versatile enough for a wide range of automotive DIY projects. Maneuverability is a breeze, thanks to the six polyurethane swivel casters. Plus, the thick padded cushions and headrest keep you comfortable and focused on the task at hand. The heavy-duty steel frame is sturdy enough to support an impressive 450 pounds and weighs just under 26 pounds itself, so it doesn’t take much effort to carry and store when not in use.
Best Creeper Seat for Storage
Omega Lift Mechanic Stool with Wheels
Pros:
- Three built-in storage drawers
- Two tool trays
- 450-pound load capacity
- Made of heavy-duty steel
Cons:
- Height isn't adjustable
If easy access to your tools and equipment is a priority, look no further than this Omega-Lift stool and its three tool box drawers. These drawers feature ball-bearing slides for smooth operation, and their heavy-duty steel construction is rugged enough to support an impressive amount of tool weight. A pair of front and rear tool trays offer even more organizational options. The 3-inch, 360-degree casters provide maximum maneuverability, and the fully padded seat adds extra stability when rolling across the garage floor.
Best Creeper Seat with Adjustable Height
Big Red TR6350 Torin Rolling Pneumatic Creeper
Pros:
- Seat can be raised and lowered
- Large storage tray
- Comfortable foam seat
- Good value
Cons:
- Wheels don't lock
- 250-pound weight capacity
Unlike fixed creeper seats, this pneumatic Big Red stool adjusts up to 4.5 inches in height, so users can customize the seat height to their body and project type. This design helps to reduce hunching over while seated, which is a primary cause of lower back pain. Plus, with only a single shaft supporting the seat, the entire base of this best creeper seat becomes an unobstructed storage tray segmented into three easy-access compartments. Some assembly is required, but if you have a drill and little DIY experience, it should only take a few minutes to assemble it.
Pros
- Seat can be raised and lowered
- Large storage tray
- Comfortable foam seat
- Good value
Cons
- Wheels don’t lock
- 250-pound weight capacity
What to Consider When Buying a Creeper Seat
The best creeper seat for you is one that’s comfortable to sit on, even for long periods of time. Basic wheeled stools offer stability and a high load capacity, but their fixed height and backless design might not be best for everyone.
The adjustable height of a pneumatic model will benefit taller and shorter users, as well as those whose work surface isn’t always at the same level. If you want the same lumbar support as a chair, go with a model that has a built-in backrest.
Storage is another important factor to consider. The more tools and accessories stored on the creeper seat, the less time is wasted going back and forth to your workbench. If maximum storage space and tool organization are a priority, choose a creeper seat with built-in storage drawers.
In our experience, if you’re working with many small fasteners, look for a seat with an open storage tray. We’ve found that smaller components are easier to see and access quickly in these trays, whereas they can get lost in a drawer.
Also, consider these key factors:
- Functionality: Many creepers transition into stools, which also include fold-and-lock mechanisms. Others feature a mechanism that tilts them back to help reach even more angles.
- Comfort: Depending on the brand you purchase, some creepers are more comfortable than others. Plastic variations typically include foam headrests and body indents, but they can be less sturdy than other picks.
- Ease of assembly: Some creepers are available in pre-assembled options, while others require assembly. It does take some time, but the creepers are very easy to install.
Why You Should Trust Us
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, DIY and appliances. He has more than five years of experience as a residential and commercial carpenter in NYC–specializing in custom furniture construction and installation. Alex uses his expertise to craft expert insight to craft product reviews, buying guides and how-to articles for Family Handyman, CNN Underscored, Business Insider and Popular Mechanics.
How We Found the Best Creeper Seats
I’ve used creeper seats and horizontal creepers while working as part of a landscaping crew at a large state park, a job that required almost daily maintenance and repair tasks for large commercial riding lawnmowers. That experience provided valuable insight into what makes a comfortable and effective creeper seat, like cushioned padding, ball-bearing casters and tool access. After narrowing down the product pool to about a dozen quality products—based on trusted brands and popular, well-reviewed products—I narrowed down the list to the final five options listed above.
FAQs
Why are mechanic creepers important?
Since different factors cause back pain, it’s hard to say if creeper seats are good or bad for your specific symptoms. However, their swiveling design and rolling casters minimize twisting and pivoting—movements that can cause or agitate back pain—so it’s easier to move your entire body when turning.
Plus, since poor posture is a common cause of back pain, an adjustable creeper seat may prevent you from hunching over and keep you safe on the job when your work surface is lower to the ground.
What are the different types of creepers for cars?
There are many different types of car creepers. Entry-level ones are popular for beginners because they’re the easiest to use and manage. Durable models are molded and are most often seen in professional shops. They also offer an emic space for tools. Lastly, some two-in-ones can be transitioned into a stool.
Can you use these while on your belly?
These are not suited for use on your belly. If you hit a bump, you can fall off the creeper.
