There have never been more options for quality, low-profile floor creepers than there are today. To narrow down those choices, we put together a list of the best automotive floor creepers that we have reviewed and can recommend for your shop, garage, driveway, asphalt, or rough floors.
Important considerations we cover are construction, comfort, head support, profile, and most importantly, how easily it may or may not roll across a variety of surfaces.
Important Tip: It’s all in the wheels. Unless you plan on using your mechanics’ creeper solely on smooth and clean concrete surfaces, wheel size, material, and how well the casters swivel should be of primary consideration.
Wheels smaller than 3” in diameter can pose issues with catching on things. Wheel diameters of 4” or greater should be of priority if you plan on using your creeper over rough surfaces.
If you are looking for a folding creeper then this list is not for you. Except for adjustable headrests, we have found that folding creepers tend to be a jack of all trades, but a master at none. In other words, they do not excel in any one feature.
We have updated this article for 2024
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Best Budget Floor Creeper
DNA MOTORING 40” LOW-PROFILE CREEPER
If you are looking for a budget automotive creeper, then it will be hard to find a better value than the DNA Motoring creeper.
Made of durable heavy-duty ABS plastic, this low-profile creeper is 40” long x 19” wide. With a built-in shoulder recess for comfort, it weighs in at only 13 lbs.
It has 6 smooth rolling urethane wheels that are 3” in diameter with easy swivel casters. In addition, there is a padded headrest and convenient molded side pockets near your hands to place tools, parts, rags, or other items.
Lastly, it has a 300 lb. weight rating and a large grab handle on one end.
Pros
- Best budget value
- Smooth-rolling 3” urethane wheels
- 40″ length is more comfortable for taller people
- Comfortable headrest and shoulder recess
- Convenient side pockets
- Lightweight for storing or transport
Cons
- Though 19” wide, the molded recess is narrower and can be a tight fit for wide bodies
- Casters are attached with only two bolts
- The grab handle is only good for lifting one end
We highly recommend this creeper if you are on a budget, but need something that gets the job done well. It rolls and tracks like a high-end creeper and we really like the side pockets for holding tools and parts.
We do think that the grab handle is a bit useless since you can’t pick it up on the long end and expect to carry it around that way. In addition, the jury is still out in terms of how durable a two-bolt mounting platform for the casters will hold up.
Most Popular Low-Profile Creeper
The Lisle Jeepers Creeper is undoubtedly the best-known creeper available and has high ratings to back it up. In addition, it is manufactured in the USA (we called them to verify) and provides the lowest profile of the various mechanics creepers to choose from.
Rolling at only 7/8” off the floor, the Lisle Creeper is 38” long x 17.5” wide. It is constructed with six easily replaceable pop-in swivel casters with 2” urethane wheels for smooth rolling. Steel bushing are molded into the plastic body for the casters to mount.
A unique feature is the blow-molded body with lumbar support. It is constructed of high-density one-piece polyurethane plastic with interior ribs for strength. This is why it has a 300 lb. weight rating. Besides being strong, it is lightweight at only 11.5 lbs.
In addition, the padded headrest is replaceable and there are three grab handles to easily carry it from place to place or to hang it on a wall.
Lastly, it comes in various colors to suit your tastes and is easy to clean.
Pros
- Lowest profile available
- Replaceable snap-in urethane caster wheels
- Comfortable – even for those with wider bodies
- Lightweight with multiple grab handles for easy carrying
- Made in the USA
Cons
- 2” diameter wheels are not ideal for rolling over rougher surfaces, cracks, small pebbles, etc.
- 38” length may be uncomfortable for taller people
This is a great “made in the USA” creeper when compared to lesser-priced competitors made overseas. The majority of people find it very comfortable with the exception that it may be a bit short if you are 6’ or taller.
It’s also one of the few creepers that offers replaceable wheels and padded headrests. These are the only items that may wear out and it’s nice to know that you can replace parts rather than have to buy a new creeper.
Our only concern about the Lisle Jeepers Creeper is the smaller diameter wheels. Despite being urethane, the 2” diameter is not good for rougher floors and makes it easier to get the wheels hung up on cords, cracks, and pebbles.
Best Budget Padded Shop Creeper with Adjustable Headrest
PERFORMANCE TOOL 40” ADJUSTABLE CREEPER
If you are looking for a reasonably priced padded creeper with an adjustable headrest, then the Performance Tool 40” creeper is a top value.
The padded body of this creeper sits down in a recessed tubular steel frame that is 40” long x 17” wide. It has six swivel caster wheels that roll well on smooth surfaces. The wheels are 2.5” in diameter and constructed of hard plastic.
Besides the padding, the main feature of this creeper is the lever action adjustable headrest. It can easily be set to three different positions as well as laid flat. This adjustability can make for a very comfortable experience if the working room exists.
Pros
- Adjustable headrest
- Padded body for comfort
- Great fit for larger people
- Rolls well on smoother surfaces
Cons
- 2.5” hard plastic wheels can get stuck on small pebbles
- Padding is attached to a thin wood platform that can break with pointed loads
- Thin vinyl padding is not the most durable
Adjustable creepers such as this one can be a game changer in terms of comfort if you have room available to raise your head. They are not the lowest-profile though if that is a primary concern.
The one issue we have with this shop creeper is that it only rolls well on mostly smooth and/or clean surfaces due to the hard plastic wheels. The construction is similar to the wheels that are used on rolling toolboxes. If you have ever hung up a rolling toolbox on a tiny pebble, then you know what we are referring to.
As popular as this creeper is, we have seen the weight rating range from 200 lbs. to 350 lbs. We haven’t been able to confirm the actual weight rating because it varies depending on who you talk to. However, people over 300 lbs. have reported no issues when used properly.
One complaint we have noted is that placing a knee solidly in the center padding may result in the thin wood support structure breaking.
Of note, this is the same creeper as the Torin Big Red Adjustable Shop Creeper. It’s just marketed under the Torin name. We prefer the Performance Tool model better because it’s less expensive.
Best Automotive Creeper for Rough Surfaces, Asphalt, and Dirt
40” ADJUSTABLE HEADREST BIG WHEEL CREEPER
This is the ultimate rough surface mechanics and shop creeper. Favored by heavy equipment mechanics, the Big Wheel Creeper is 40” long x 24.5” wide, with a skewed (sits lower) 1” heavy-duty steel frame that is powder coated.
Made in the USA by Whiteside Manufacturing, this rough surface creeper is fully padded with heavy-duty vinyl on a thick plywood board with a lowered “V” cut for the shoulders. In addition, it has an adjustable three-position headrest for added comfort.
The ultimate feature of this creeper is the 6” diameter solid rubber “No-Matic” wheels and heavy-duty casters. This creeper will roll well on rough surfaces, dirt roads, asphalt, and cracked concrete.
Despite the large 6” wheels, the underside of the Big Wheel Creeper sits only 3/4” off the ground and provides a much lower profile than expected.
Pros
- 6” hard rubber wheels roll well on dirt, asphalt, and cracked concrete
- Powder-coated steel frame to prevent rust
- Comfortable heavy-duty vinyl padding with adjustable headrest
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Price
- Heavy, weighing in at 32 lbs.
- Wider stance (wheel track) can impede movement around close obstacles
Though not for everyone, this is a high-quality American-made creeper that should last years. If rolling over rough surfaces is your primary concern, then we highly recommend the Big Wheel.
If the price is too much for what you need, our second choice is the Lisle Jeepers Creeper Large Wheel Creeper.
This is the same body and construction as the low-profile model we discussed above, but it comes with 4” diameter urethane wheels with larger casters and a 300 lb. weight rating.
These larger wheels roll well over rough surfaces such as asphalt, cracked concrete, and rough driveways. They will roll satisfactorily in hard dirt, but not softer dirt.
One downfall to this creeper is that it sits 3.75” off of the ground due to the body design. If a low profile is extremely important, then you may want to consider a different creeper.
Ultimate Made in the USA Shop Creepers
If you want a high-quality professional floor creeper that is made in the USA, then the two we have below are at the top of our list. We even use one of these ourselves.
40” PROFESSIONAL LOW-PROFILE ADJUSTABLE FLOOR CREEPER
If you want to invest in a quality floor creeper that will last years and is made in the USA, then the 40” Professional Adjustable Headrest Creeper is the one we highly recommend.
Built by Whiteside Manufacturing, this creeper is 40” long x 17” wide. It is constructed of 3/4″ metal tubing that is powder-coated to prevent rusting.
It is fully padded with heavy-duty vinyl and has a “V” cut and drop for the shoulder area. In addition, the headrest is adjustable to multiple positions for ultimate comfort.
Most importantly, it rolls on six 2.5” oil-resistant urethane wheels with full ball-bearing casters. This ensures an exceptionally smooth and maneuverable ride.
Pros
- High-quality steel frame construction – powder coated to prevent rusting
- Comfortable heavy-duty vinyl padding with adjustable headrest
- Extremely smooth rolling and maneuverability
- Made in the USA – will last for years and years
Cons
- Price
- Heavier than average at 18 lbs. – not optimal for transport
- Shirt tails may get caught by the exposed wheels
Though more expensive than other models, this creeper is well worth the investment if it’s within your budget.
There are two minor considerations we want to point out. The first is the 2.5” wheels. Though better than 2” wheels, they will not perform as well over some rougher surfaces as a 3” wheel will.
The second consideration is the open area between the padding and the frame rails. If you like to wear loose-fitting clothes or open-style button-up shirts with longer shirt tails, they can fall into this area and get run over and caught up in the wheels.
BONE-STER 4031 MECHANICS CREEPER
The Bone-Ster by Dale Adams is arguably the most well-recognized creeper due to its unique bone-like shape. It is manufactured in the USA using top-quality materials and rolling casters. It is the creeper we have been using for years now.
The one-piece body is rated at 400 lbs. and uses engineering-grade copolymer plastic with deep ribs for both strength and cooling. We know from experience that the deep grooves in the creeper’s body allow for good air circulation. It reduces sweating and keeps you cool on hot days under a car.
Each Bone-Ster is 43″ long, 23-3/8″ wide, and 4-1/2″ tall. It fits larger people nicely as well as small. The molded grab handles on each side of the center of the creeper body are great to use. Plus, they are useful if you want to hang the creeper on a wall.
In addition, the low-profile design cradles the user between the wheels at approximately 1-1/4″ off the floor. And because the Bone-Ster uses wheels smaller than the 5″ design of its brother the Original “Bone”, there is more room for the shoulders of larger people.
Speaking of the wheels, the Bone-Ster uses 3″ diameter custom molded wheels with oil-impregnated sintered steel center bearings. They mount to the bottom of the body using a strong cad-plated 11 gauge 4-point mounting plate and 4″ thru-bolts. The wheel assembly will not flex or break and has a limited lifetime warranty.
Our experience with the 3″ wheels has been great. They maneuver very easily and roll smoothly. They will even roll over extension cords if necessary.
Another plus is that the Bone-Ster creeper is very stable. It will not tilt up or flip over when first sitting on it to lie down or when getting up.
The one pet peeve we have about it is no padded headrest. A headrest really comes in handy when spending a good amount of time on it. I have a small pillow that I have taped to it with duct tape for those days.
Pros
- Extremely strong co-polymer one-piece molded body with a 400 lb weight rating
- Custom molded 3″ urethane wheels with a lifetime warranty
- Fits both large and small people
- Comfortable and keeps you cool on hot or humid days
- Side-centered grab handles
- Lightweight at 13 lbs
- Best Value overall and made in the USA
Cons
- No headrest
- More expensive than budget creepers
- Requires assembly of the wheels to body
Informative tips when purchasing a floor creeper
As we mentioned earlier, wheel size and construction should be of primary importance when choosing the best mechanics creeper for your needs. If the creeper does not roll well across the surfaces you plan on using it, then it will only lead to frustration.
In addition, pay close attention to the length. If you are 5’-10” or taller, automotive creepers less than 40” in length tend to draw complaints for being too short.
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Another consideration is padded creepers vs plastic. Padded creepers are almost always going to be more comfortable. However, unless stated otherwise, most use thin vinyl material that is prone to wear and abuse. Though less comfortable, plastic has a much longer life expectancy.
Lastly, we have found that there is no such thing as a perfect creeper. Our recommendation is to choose the most important features for you based on your budget and compromise on those that are not deal breakers.
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