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6 Things Every Dad Had in the Garage

A bunch of tools hanging up on a wall

Photo by Anton Savinov

You know what they say: every dad’s garage is like a time capsule of tools, treasures, and a few questionable decisions. Whether you grew up in a suburban neighborhood or a bustling city, chances are your dad’s garage was a mini-universe of its own. With that in mind, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and explore the six things you’re almost guaranteed to find in every dad’s garage.

1. The Tool Collection

Ah, the tool collection—the pride and joy of any dad. You’ve got your standard hammer and screwdriver, but then there’s that mysterious tool that looks like it could double as a medieval weapon. Dads have a knack for gathering tools, even ones they don’t quite know how to use. It’s like they believe one day they’ll need a socket wrench in sizes no one has ever heard of. And let’s be honest: there’s a special kind of satisfaction when a dad can whip out a tool and say, “I’ve got just the thing for that!”

2. The Mysterious Paint Cans

Photo by Anyzoy studio

Every garage has at least a couple of paint cans lurking in a corner, often tucked away behind the lawnmower or that old bicycle that’s seen better days. Some are half-full, others are more like quarter-full, and all have labels that are faded beyond recognition. You can bet they’re from that one ambitious home project that seemed like a great idea at the time. Don’t forget the paintbrushes, which are probably dried out and look like they’ve been through a war. But hey, if you ever need to paint a room in a color you can’t quite identify, you know where to look!

3. The Mothership of Lawn Care

If your dad isn’t a lawn care fanatic, did you even grow up in a suburban neighborhood? The garage is often home to an array of lawn tools, from the trusty mower to the leaf blower that’s seen more action than most superheroes. There’s usually a weed whacker somewhere in there, too, probably tangled in a mess of extension cords. And don’t forget the mysterious bags of fertilizer that are probably older than you. Dads take lawn care seriously, and their garages reflect that commitment—even if the grass isn’t always greener on their side.

4. The Sports Equipment Graveyard

Every dad’s garage has its fair share of sports equipment, even if he never actually uses it. You know the scene: a dusty basketball, a pair of old tennis rackets, maybe even a forgotten golf club or two. It’s like a mini Hall of Fame for hobbies that never quite took off. Dads often buy gear with the best intentions—“This year, I’m really going to get into running!”—only to have it gather dust while they settle in for another game of golf on the TV. But hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?

5. The DIY Projects in Progress

Let’s be real: every dad has that one project he started and never finished. You might find a half-assembled birdhouse or a wooden shelf that’s been leaning against the wall for years. It’s like a little reminder of the dreams that were never fully realized—like that time he thought he could build a deck without any prior experience. These projects are often accompanied by a plethora of screws, brackets, and the eternal question, “What was I thinking?” But hey, they make for great conversation starters at family gatherings!

6. The Unidentified Mystery Boxes

You know those boxes that seem to multiply overnight? They’re often filled with anything from old wires to forgotten birthday gifts. Dads have a tendency to save things just in case. “You never know when you might need a broken toaster or a collection of rubber bands,” they’ll say. These mystery boxes can be a treasure trove of nostalgia, filled with childhood toys, old photos, and maybe even that one thing you’ve been looking for. Just be careful when you open one—sometimes it’s like stepping into a mini-time machine!

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it: the six things you’re likely to find in every dad’s garage. Each item tells a story, whether it’s about a DIY project, a sporting ambition, or a moment of sheer inspiration that just never quite panned out. Dads may not always know where they put their tools or what’s in those mystery boxes, but they sure know how to make their garage a little slice of their world.

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