Powerless Garage

I recently got a garage at my apartment for the WRX, but it has no power outlets or lights.

I may want to work on my car at some point, do some routine maintenance, what-have-you, but it's pitch black in the garage. Even in the middle of the day, it's pretty dark in there.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to get power/light in there. I've come to the conclusion that the best method will probably be a generator. I'll just have to have it running the whole time I'm working on my car. Kinda sucks, but might be my only choice.

Anyone know of any good, small, decently portable generators, with enough watts for spot lights/power tools, that have a reasonable price point?

Otherwise, have any other ideas for lighting the garage (and then of course taking out the power tools option - I'm more concerned with lighting rather than the ability to use a power tool)?

 

Yeah, find a Honda generator. They're decently quiet, too. Hardly use any fuel.

 

That's what I was thinking. Just came across this on CL: http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/tls/1386159940.html

I'm guessing that's a good price. I have no knowledge really of generators and prices.

 

This one is brand spanking new and seems to have a "Robin Subaru" engine. Any relation to Subaru?

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/for/1383010521.html

 

I would assume that your garage has a light, right?

If you go to wallmart/local hardware store you can get an adapter that will screw into a light socket and then the light will screw into that with a couple of outlets on the sides of the adapter

 

Nope, it doesn't even have lights.

 

I know this pain...very well haha, I'd say just look for a generator...idk what other choice you really have. Or run a super long extension chord, but you'd prolly get discouraged not to do this by management haha.

 

How bout a combination of 10 battery charged flash lights- 5 on each side of the garage....Wallah --- And God said LET THERE BE LIGHT!!!!!!

 

If just for light you can run it off your car cigarette lighter, use something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Adapter...?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1253676641&sr=1-13

A generator works best but just don't let the garage door close....

 

If you can find a Honda EU series for a decent price those are really quiet! You can carry on a normal level conversation standing right next to it.

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/products/models.aspx?page=models&section=P2GG&category=sq

I have used one at my fishing camp in Canada. Its the 3000 unit.

 

Yea I was reading up on those. Pretty spendy though. But cool that they are so quiet.

 

Yeah, these are what I was talking about.

 

I had the same issue with my duplex. Luckily, the landlord is pretty cool and actually installed outlets outside the house so I could run an extension cord to the garage. He's fine with it, as long as I put away the cord.

But, I'm guessing your in an apartment complex (never again for me), and they wouldn't be as flexible. Try checking with Menards or Ace for some tap lights or another solution. A generator could be much more expensive.

 

what city do you live in, sounds like a safety problem to me? anyway no garage door opener either?

 

Saint Paul. Nope, manual open garage.

 

Extension cord & flood lights.

 

My landlord told me I could call the elec co. and have them put a panel on our garage. She thought it would only cost a couple hundred, which seemed cheap. Don't know that this is an option for you, but thought I'd mention it.