Tools of the Trade

Motor,  Aug 2005  by Nash, Tom

• E-mail
• Print
• Link

'Tool Chest' Fridge

The Craftworks compact refrigerator looks just like a tool chest but provides 4.4 cu. ft. of refrigerated space. Its features include: a toolbox red exterior with rugged metal door pulls; a door lock system for security and child safety; heavy-duty, locking casters for ease of movement and access; a durable, easy-to-clean countertop surface; a lighted black interior; a can stacker that puts 12-oz. cans within easy reach; and a door design that accommodates upright storage of 2L and ½-gal. bottles. The fridge carries a two-year warranty. Intirion

Circle #150

Premium Oil Filters

These new premium oil filters are claimed to keep oil cleaner for a longer period of time thanks to media technology that removes over 98% of engine oil impurities. The filters, which cover 98% of current domestic and import applications, feature a high-lubricity gasket design that provides a tighter seal yet allows for easy removal. A silicone antidrainhack valve ensures a supply of cleaner oil when the engine starts up and reportedly lasts longer than traditional nitrile rubber valves. Among the filters' other features are stronger steel baseplates and housings, a double-locked rolled seam that creates a leak-free canister and a bypass valve that, when required by the vehicle manufacturer, ensures oil flow if the filter element becomes plugged. Robert Bosch

Circle #151

High-Capacity Coolant Exchange & Hush System

Yellow Jacket Coolant Exchange/ Flush System 37505 features a total capacity of 24 gals, for new coolant and a 16-gal. used-coolant tank. Three 8-gal. new-coolant tanks can hold up to three different coolants, for servicing a wide variety of vehicles from one machine and to fill more vehicles from one source. An onboard dual-diaphragm pump quickly empties the used-coolant tank and siphons new coolant from bulk drums, eliminating the need to pump or fill by hand. Ritchie Engineering

Circle #152

Transmission Fluid Exchanger

The Model 92000 Transflow Transmission oil Cooler Flusher is designed to backflush transmission oil coolers to remove debris caused by failed transmissions. The unit measures oil How rates through the transmission oil cooler by using internal flow meters to measure before and after flush flow rates. The company says it completes flush and flow rate tests in five to eight minutes. The system features a 32-qt. supply tank, 34-qt. waste tank and 10-ft.-long hoses for easy maneuverability. It requires a 12-volt DC power source and 100-psi shop air. Robinair

Circle #153

Tap Extensions

Style B tap extensions are an alternative to hard-to-obtain extra-length taps. They can be used for both machine and hand tapping in inaccessible locations. Each heat-treated extension fits an individual tap size, and square or round sockets conform to the standard size taps currently on the market. The extensions are available individually or as a set of nine, in a wide range of sizes to fit metric taps. Walton

Circle #154

Universal Wrench

The Bionic Wrench claims to not only lighten a technician s workload, but his toolbox as well by replacing 16 U.S. and metric wrenches. With a one-hand squeeze, the 8-in. wrench automatically sizes and grips nuts and bolts and distributes equal force on all sides of the work, eliminating the need to search for an exact size wrench. Weighing less than a pound, the wrench can be used with either the left or right hand and can function in any orientation-forward, backward, upright or upside down. Users can work with ratchetlike speed because there's no need to remove the wrench from the work between turns. LoggerHead Took

Circle #155

Replacement Monotube Shock Absorbers

Reflex monotube-style shock absorbers are now available for popular domestic light trucks and SUVs. The product offering-comprising 23 part numbers-will cover popular Chevrolet, Ford, HUMMER and Jeep applications that were factory-equipped with monotube units. The shocks feature a high-pressure gas charge that's separated from the units' internal oil to provide additional spring rate and to help maximize damping efficiency and control. Monroe

Circle #156

Replacement Mustang Control Arm Shafts

Newly designed control arm shafts for 1964-73 Mustangs are now available. Unlike the originals, there is no shearing or tacking of the bolts in the boss area of the shaft, which is soft to deter the bolts from turning during the installation process. The grade 8 serrated bolts are said to withstand 150 ft.-lbs. of torque without stripping. The units' new cross-drilled design allows for better grease coverage, according to the company. The threads are also induction heat-treated for maximum life. Rare Parts

Circle #157

Extra-Long Tool Cabinet

With 30 drawers, more than 79,000 cu. in. of storage space and 12 ft. of workspace, the new Mr. Big Roll Cab (No. KRL7065) is aptly named. The drawers offer 13 different sizes and various weight capacities to help stow, organize and protect everything from specialty tools to computer software, large hand tools to diagnostic equipment. Its eight heavy-duty locking swivel casters allow the cabinet to be easily moved in any direction for repositioning and floor cleaning. Optional accessories allow technicians to create a customized workstation. The cabinet is offered in nine colors. Snap-on Took