12 Things Every Garage Had in the ’60s (And You Probably Still Do)

The 1960s were a time of change, and garages from that era showed how innovative and useful people could be. Many of the tools and other things in garages back then are still useful today, showing that their design and purpose have been strong over time.

Tricia Quitales
April 10, 2025
4 min read

12 Things Every Garage Had in the ’60s (And You Probably Still Do) — Carlos Lopez on Pexels

The garage wasn’t just a place to park the car; it was also a place where people worked on personal projects, fixed up their homes, and did chores. Many of the things that used to be common in garages are still useful today, from basic tools to ways to keep things organized. This piece discusses 12 things that were in every garage in the 1960s and are still in many homes today.

1. Workbench

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Every garage had a strong workbench that was usually built by hand and could be used for many projects. It was where people went to fix their broken appliances and make their own furniture. Workbenches are still common in many garages, where people can make, fix, or play around with tools.

2. Pegboard for Tool Storage

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Pegboards were important for keeping tools organized and easy to reach. With hooks and pegs, people could hang their wrenches, screwdrivers, and hammers neatly. People still use this to store their tools because it makes it easy to find and put away garage tools.

3. Oil Cans and Motor Oil

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In the 1960s, people took care of their cars a lot on their own, and every garage had an oil can ready for the job. People who loved cars had to have these cans, which often had a long spout that made pouring easier. Motor oil and oil cans are still in garages today since many people choose to do their own bodywork on their cars.

4. Lawn Mower

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In the 1960s, lawn mowers were an important part of every suburban garage, often kept with gardening tools. They were necessary to keep lawns neat and tidy, whether powered by gas or a person pushing it. At this point in time, lawn mowers are still common in garages, and newer models make lawn care easier and more efficient.

5. Spare Tires

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Many garages had extra tires that were kept on the floor or on a shelf. Having these tires for quick fixes while on the go was important, so a flat tire wouldn’t keep someone from getting to work. Even now, people still keep spare tires and the tools they need to change them quickly in their garages.

6. Work Gloves

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Work gloves were common in garages and were used for everything from fixing cars to moving heavy things. They kept their hands safe from cuts, scrapes, oils, and other things that could hurt them. The same things can still be done around the house and garage with work gloves.

7. Extension Cords

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When there weren’t many outlets in the garage, extension cords were the only way to power tools and other equipment. In the 1960s, they were often stored in a corner, rolled up and ready to use. This important thing is still kept in the garage to power tools and appliances that need extra reach.

8. Step Ladder

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You had to use a step ladder to get to high shelves, change light bulbs, or work on the garage roof. It was often put away in a corner until it was needed again. Step ladders are still kept in many garages today for use in home improvement projects.

9. Snow Shovels

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In colder places, snow shovels were often kept in the garage, ready to clear snow in the winter. They were kept handy so that driveways and paths could be cleared, especially after a big snowfall. Snow shovels have changed over the years, but they’re still an important part of many garages in colder places.

10. Flashlights

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Garages couldn’t do without flashlights, which could be used for late-night repairs or when the power went out. These hand tools were kept in a drawer or box that was easy to get to. To this day, flashlights (especially the new LED versions) are still an important tool in many garages for repairs and emergencies.

11. Paint Cans and Brushes

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In the 1960s, garages often had paint cans and brushes for fixing things around the house or the garage itself. Many people used their garages as places to work on painting projects, which made them messy but useful. This style is still popular today, as people who like to do their own projects still use garages as makeshift painting spaces.

12. Bicycle Repair Kits

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It was common to ride a bike to get around in the 1960s, and many garages had repair kits on hand for regular upkeep. Basic tools like tire levers, patch kits, and pumps were often in these kits to make sure that bikes were always in good shape. Bicycle repair kits are still used a lot today because cycling is still a popular hobby for many.