While Thanksgiving is all about spending time with friends and family and counting our blessings, why not also take some time to think about the tools and equipment you're thankful for? After all, many of them likely save you a lot of time on any given repair and help your shop be more profitable — and that's something to be grateful for!
We've compiled a short list of tools that the PTEN editors received overwhelming positive feedback from this year. Let us know in the comment section below what tools your the most grateful for.
Tools techs are thankful for:
1. KNIPEX TwinGrip Slip Joint Pliers
This was our top performing new product on our website in 2021. Our readers were thrilled to have these slip joint pliers available as it is something automotive technicians have been asking for year over year. We heard from many loyal KNIPEX customers who couldn't wait to get their hands on these.
2. Pro-Cut International B17 Bench Lathe
This product is designed to quickly change over brake discs to drums due to its P2 cutting head that has a disc twin cutter and drum cutter on one pivoting tool holder. It was one of the winners in our PTEN Innovation Awards and one of our judges said, “Finally! This brake lathe incorporates everything we techs have asked for, at least in my lifetime, and all on a portable cart! There is nothing I'm not impressed with.”
3. Redline Detection EasyConnect
EasyConnect is compatible with any smoke machine and allows technicians to quickly hook up a smoke machine into an EVAP system for fast, accurate diagnostics and leak detecting on vehicles with no EVAP port connectivity. One reader told PTEN, "Home run. I can't tell you how many little adapters I've had to MacGyver to get a tool to work for the task at hand. Especially trying to use a smoke machine or vacuum/pressure tester. This solves quit a few of those issues."
4. Ullman Devices Digital Diagnostic Mirror
The Digital Diagnostic Mirror, No. E-DM-1MB, is designed to help technicians see into those tight spots, even handsfree. The digital camera is attached to a dual point 360-degree rotational knuckle and connects to smartphones and tablets through the Ullman DM App. A winner in our Innovation Awards, one judge commented, “This is outstanding! I definitely want one. The wand extends over 4'! Visual references are a sure fire selling tool when communicating with the customer.”
This tool cart features three spacious drawers at the top plus SpeeDrawer and PowerDrawer organization solutions. Two wide drawers stretch 67-1/8" and an extra-wide 49-1/8" drawer provides additional storage for larger tools. This was a winner of the PTEN People's Choice awards and one of the top performing products on our site this year.
6. Pacific Automotive Industries Hydraulic Ball Joint Popper
This product is designed to dismount ball joints and tie rods quickly without damaging any suspension components, including aluminum suspension systems. One reader told us he absolutely needed this product, and said it was a "gamechanger, for sure.”
This was one of the highest performing product listings on our website this year. The X-431 Turbo from Launch Tech USA features bidirectional diagnosis, troubleshooting, and pre- and post-scans to make vehicle diagnosis and repairs easier for the budget conscious consumer at all skill levels. PTEN readers have been telling us they are excited about this budget friendly option from Launch.
In a PTEN Tool Review this year, diagnostician Chris Groff said this tool is much more consistent in its readings and more flexible in its testing capabilities than other handheld battery testers he's used. "It was a massive time saver with the built-in reset functions and procedures," he noted.
9. Fenix Lighting WT25R Adjustable Head Flashlight
This light features a 105 degree adjustable head, allowing users to put light where they need it. The flashlight can attach to most metal surfaces with its built-in magnet to offer handsfree lighting and offers four brightness levels (emitting up to 1,000 lm).Shop owner Brin Kline was thrilled to get this light to test out for the company. He said there was nothing he would change about the flashlight, and the PTEN editors loved this comment from Kline: "God said, 'Let there be light' and Fenix Light Company took that request seriously."
10. Harbor Freight's U.S. General 34" 6-Drawer Full Bank Service Carts
PTEN readers and automotive technicians everywhere were beyond grateful when Harbor Freight released these tool carts. They are designed to last with a one-piece, fully welded body for maximum strength and a chemical resistant and scratch resistant powder coat finish to withstand years of use. One technician said, "This is really what the industry needs. Companies that are willing to step up in quality to compare with the upper echelon tool brands. This will create a competitive pricing. I have seen many techs with the old US General roll carts last decades."
Happy Thanksgiving!
