It can be a daunting enough task to find the particular Automotive Tools you need for doing your own repairs, maintenance and projects. You want a good tool, but may not need to pay top dollar for a name brand tool when you can purchase from a lesser known manufacturer with quality and craftsmanship that is equal to or in some cases superior.
Many Power and Automotive Tools come powered by either Air (Pneumatic) or Electricity. Screwdrivers, Saws, Impact Wrenches, and Grinders are just some of the tools you can buy in either variety. If you’re a novice to Power Tools or are just seeking out more information on the subject than continue reading below for some of the advantages and disadvantages to both forms.
Let’s start with one of the most important differences: The weight of the tool. Air tools use an air compressor to convert electric energy to kinetic energy. This allows the tool to function without a motor where as in an Electric tool the motor is present. This can be a huge difference maker for some one who often is working on repairs and what not. Obviously, the lighter the tool the easier on the user it is to carry and hold it. Air tools also deliver more torque and RPM’s for completing jobs more quickly than their electric counterpart.
Cost is sure to be a major factor for most tool buyers and the intial investment for air tools might scare off some would be buyers. It’s true that the tools themselves are less expensive than electric tools but when you factor in the air compressor needed the overall cost becomes significantly more. Think of it this way. The compressor is like a giant motor that you can power all of your air tools with instead of having to worry about the motor in one of your electric tools burning out. With an excellent manufacturer’s warranty this may not be an issue but it is still something to consider.
Your decision should really boil down to how much use your tools will get. If you figure you’ll be working with them for several hours a day every day or so Air would be the way to go. If you use tools sparingly or once in awhile for small projects and what not Electric would be the recommended choice. Whatever the choice, when selecting from a wide variety of Automotive Tools, look for opinions from others on both the tool itself and the manufacturer.
The “Slimline” Programmable Refrigerant Scale (TIF9055) is one of the most accurate and cost effective tools for charging or recovering refrigerant from an A/C or refrigeration system. This unit is able to take the cylinder tare weight and the maximum weight capacity of the tank and calculate the maximum amount of refrigerant for recovery or charging while in either Advanced Charge or Recovery mode, respectively.
The TIF9055 is extremely portable and is powered by just four double A batteries and a 9V battery. It is capable of handling a wide variety of cylinders including recovery/recharge tanks with a weight capacity of up to of 220 Lbs. (100 kg). Included with this product are both 1/2″ ACME fittings and 1/4″ Male Flare fittings which allow for connections to many types of refrigerant cylinders and charging manifolds. The solenoid valve has a 500 PSI rating which enables it to handle all common refrigerants.
One great feature that is sure to aid you when you’re in a hurry is the error alert system. The keypad is color coded and emits a high frequency beep when an acceptable key is inputed and a low frequency beep when an incorrect key has been pressed. You can also store up to 99 values using the programmable memory function. The manufacturer has backed this product with a 5 year warranty.
You can view more information on this product by visiting the link below.
So your check engine light came on and your dreading taking it to the local mechanic to find out what the problem is. While this may be the most convenient method of figuring out the issue, it certainly isn’t the most cost effective. Certain garages may charge up to a hundred dollars or more just to inform you of what’s going on. Using a scan tool can save you the trip to the mechanic and for not much more money. Sure you may think that if it happens just once it may not be worth it but think of it as an investment that you can keep with you for years and cars to come.
First you’ll want to choose a Scan Tool that fits your needs and specifications. If you have a car that was manufactured from 1996 and after than most likely it will follow the OBD II diagnostic system. The most prominent feature of course is retrieving error codes from the system and matching those codes up with the error description. However, you can also get valuable information concerning your engine like ignition timing, RPM, sensor info (O2, throttle position) and more.
A lot of Scan Tools have the ability to receive software updates too which can add more functionality and compatibility with various vehicles. So instead of paying excessive fees for a mechanic to troubleshoot your check engine light problem try solving it in your own. It’s not that difficult and involved and you’ll feel good about taking matters into your own hands.
The Mobile Universal Trailer Tester or MUTT for short certainly bares no resemblance to the Canine counter-part for which it shares the acronym with. In fact, if the manufacturer could fill in a name for PUREBRED then it would make perfect sense.
Developed by Innovative Products of America, the MUTT is a must have for every trailer technician. First off, it’s powered by a car battery which can be charged when not in use. The frame of the cart is a rugged uni-body design with 10″ pneumatic tires for easy moving and transportation. Most importantly the MUTT will work with any trailer in North America and comes with a RF remote to allow the technician to inspect the trailer completely while diagnosing the problem.
So what exactly can it diagnose? Any open, cross or short circuit is easily identified. It also can determine whether a bad chassis ground or bad return ground is present. With this tool, amperage draw and correct wiring configurations can even be verified too. Besides the MUTT itself, a 7-pin cable (for primary testing) and 10 foot long chassis ground connector cord are included (the previously mentioned remote is of course as well!). 6 round and 4 or 5 flat pin adapters can be purchased separately.
If you’re curious to hear more than just watch the video created by IPA detailing the functions and features at a trucking show. Then checkout the product page here:
