The garage: a guy's refuge

(BPT) - The traditional "guy" - broadly defined as a man's man who can take down a tree or change his own oil - faces extinction from threats ranging from reality television to couples' baby showers. Garages are a guy's refuge from these kinds of enemies.

Guys' appreciation for garages is fairly predictable. They are a place for welcomed solitude that is just steps away from the creature comforts of their home.

Conversely, a garage can be a grown-up clubhouse - a place to hang out with buddies. They, for example, often turn into galleries of keepsake art guys aren't allowed to hang in their homes (e.g., beer signs and swimsuit calendars).

A garage also is the place where guys keep some of their most prized tools, which help them get things done the right way.

The condition of a guy's garage reflects his personality as much as the truck he might park there. The only thing worse than a dull or uninspired garage is a messy one.

With that in mind, retailers Northern Tool + Equipment and Kotula's are offering the following tips for those interested in improving most any garage while not taking away its utility.

Trick it out
Introducing a few new gadgets to a garage will pique owner pride. A revolving Ford Motors sign will bring old-school allure. Cool tools such as the Klutch Heavy Duty Air Impact Wrench also add to a garage's credibility. It uses 950 ft.-lbs. of torque to remove lug nuts, rusted bolts and more.

Regular maintenance
Like anything in it, a garage needs to be maintained to operate at its best. Be realistic and purge items that are unnecessary or beyond repair. Plan cleaning days in advance and put them on the calendar. A Powerhorse Pressure Washer will help keep things tidy inside and outside the garage.

Be the host with the most
If enhancing a garage's clubhouse feel is of interest, even small changes will make a big difference. The Harley-Davidson Oil Can Beverage Cart from Kotula's will add heavy metal thunder to the otherwise ordinary task of making a drink.