Tips and Must-Have Tools for Small Shops
Power strip: https://amzn.to/3uTjbE7 Evapo-Rust: https://amzn.to/3T34N4e Disclaimer: Tested may earn an affiliate commission …
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February 12, 2026
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"Harmony in Every Heartbeat
Power strip: https://amzn.to/3uTjbE7 Evapo-Rust: https://amzn.to/3T34N4e Disclaimer: Tested may earn an affiliate commission …
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Power strip: https://amzn.to/3uTjbE7
Evapo-Rust: https://amzn.to/3T34N4e
Disclaimer: Tested may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through the links here.
With thanks to Tested members @crimsonchained, @joshuadrum8313 and Leon M, for their support! Join this channel to support Tested and get access to perks, like asking Adam questions:
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Small shop basics? I would have a bench mounted vise and a rolling stool (like what Adam has here) with a nice cushy seat. There are also rolling stools with back supports. Check out stools for drummers for some products that lean towards the heavy-duty/industrial.
Just an FYI on rust removal, EvapoRust is awesome, BUT it's pretty expensive and it's reusable… To a degree. It will stop working after several heavy uses. After some research I've found a cheaper alternative.
1 liter of water
100 grams pure citric acid powder
40 grams washing soda powder
Little bit of dish soap
This formula has worked amazingly and is also safe to handle. Cheers!
What kind of mobile phone stand is that?
One of my favorite tools in the shop is a “shop Vac” type vacuume cleaner.
I know I'm rewatching, but I realize we've used those same power strips at our Hilton Head Island Computer Club for over Ten years. They rock!! glad I'm rewatching. 💙🌻💙
I use Evap-O-Rust in my ultrasonic cleaner…works great for cleaning up small parts and springs
Hanging fixtures or cheap 48” led bars are amazing, excess lighting on demand comes in handy so often.
2:30 ain’t no way he minecart SFX away and then a Minecraft door sound plays too
parts washer link?
The only problem with that power strip is that its a hardcore felony to have one where you live. Double digit prison time
ULTRASONIC! Change your life…
A tool i love is a ultra sonic parts cleaner. Hardware, coils, jewelry, carburetor parts… get for small things. So I thought why not make a BIG ONE. I use a acoustic tank but only works on irons and steel, it will eat everything else. So a big ultra sonic cleaner would be great for bigger aluminum and alloy parts
You're right about antique malls! Used to manage one and got sooo many fine quality and unique tools through there. Some even 100 years old that I still use. Most antique malls will have at least one dedicated tool vendor. Ask around and become their friend.
Ive now moved and set up 3 workshops, Must haves would be, decent bench first.. Good lighting, Accesable sockets, meter stick, steel ruler,Measuring tape, engineers square, pencils, hammer, Screw assortment set, files/rasps, saws, chisel set, good quality cordless drill, and some glues like wood glue/epoxy/Ca Oh and a bluetooth radio…To stop yourself going Mad..
You can make quite alot with that basic setup.. Expand as you need..
homie is right
More!
Stop talking so much and show what you are actually advertising!
They have a new Lazer that removes rust it works similarly to a welder
Unfinished basement turned into a shop….make sure you have a 4 socket electrical outlet at least every 6 feet, at 5 feet off the floor, on every wall and even one or two in the floor. Each on its own 20amp circuit. Never know when you're going to need something charging, a machine constantly running like a cnc machine, an air conditioner or heater (if no central air built in) a microwave and a refrigerator, fume and dust extraction systems, etc. Plus those tools and devices that just come with those 3 to 5 ft power cords that just aren't long enough to reach to where you need to use them at the time. No you can't use extension cords or power strips for everything lol.
Peg board