June 12, 2026 Benchmark Abrasives

Hunter Smith (Lost Socket Garage)

Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Hunter from Lost Socket Garage and talk a little shop.

If you would like to be featured in our weekly spotlight (100% FREE) and have a chance at winning one of our Grinder Hoods please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. And for those of you that take the time to share your story with us, we'd be happy to provide a free BA banner. These spotlights are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!

Name: Hunter Smith

Business Name: Lost Socket Garage

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Socials: IG: @lostsocketgarage

Website: https://lostsocketgarage.com

YouTube: Lost Socket Garage

Specialties: We Specialize in Classic Mustang Coupe to Fastback conversions, suspension upgrades and full Restorations.

Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long?

Well I grew up pretty poor, so when stuff broke on my car, I had to fix it. Then one day at the age of 18, I was Like "Hey, this 91 chevy corsica would sound better if I cut off the muffler!", and I have been modifying cars since. About 5 years ago (during covid), I decided to start a shop and see if I could do what I loved for a living. And here we are!

What keeps you motivated throughout the day?
Knowing that I am building people's dream cars. As a kid I remember watching all these car show and thinking "Man that dude has a cool job". Now I can help people get their dream cars, and even give back from time to time.

What is your favorite shop tool and why?
I gotta say, anything that cuts a roof off! 4 1/2 inch grinder is my go to!

What's your favorite piece that you've worked on?
We did a full restoration on a woman's 67 Mustang coupe that her mom bought brand new. She could tell me a story of every scratch and dent! So we decided to preserve all of them and just clear-coated over what we thought was beautiful rust. This one was definitely a feel good build.

If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that?
Honestly I'd be happy doing what I am doing now. The only thing I'd add is maybe the ability to start a small school or tech program attached to the shop. Maybe help the next generation learn to build things. Teach them that your dream is built, not bought.

What BA product is your favorite and why?

Absolutely Loving the Grinder Hood right now.

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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?

Honestly again the Grinder hood. The room it gives you for the respirator is awesome.

What tips and tricks do you have for us that might be different or eye opening for others to try with BA product?

When blending metal, I think that picking the right style abrasive is important. Leading off with a 60 grit flap disc to get the majority of the material off. Then blending with say an 80 grit sanding disc. Patience is always big here.

If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?

Probably Mighty Car Mods. Those guys down under are one of the reasons I started the shop. Absolute legends.

Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?

Where to start here lol. Stay away from tool trucks. Learn as much as you can from the old grumpy guy in the shop, he knows a lot more than you. Build a portfolio of your work as you go, that's called job security. Young guys have a staggering amount of opportunity ahead of them as the old guys start retiring. So work hard, listen, learn and take advantage of that need. Oh yeah, and don't be a Dick ;)

What are your future plans for your shop?

Hopefully grow to the point where I can start an in shop school. Teach the next generation what they need to know with real life application.