Tool Review: OTC Locking Collar Wrench
The OTC 7485 Locking Collar Wrench creates a better way to move steering rack components without disassembly. The wrench features an eccentric cam design and split-circle, which opens to wrap around and securely close on steering components. The 1/2" square-drive cam automatically adjusts the lobe to the diameter of the bar, creating maximum leverage and a secure grip to position and maneuver components during vehicle service. The Locking Collar Wrench can be used on steering linkage, small-diameter exhaust and other pipes that need to be adjusted or repositioned.
The review
The split collar design of the OTC Locking Collar Wrench proved useful to Eric Moore, owner of DeMary Truck in Columbus, Ohio. The feature expedited alignment jobs, something that he and his technicians perform repeatedly on a daily basis.
“We found the OTC Locking Collar Wrench was a great addition to our alignment equipment,” Moore says. “It was useful when adjusting tie rods and saved time over repeatedly positioning a pipe wrench.”
Moore’s favorite feature is the design. He notes the tool is split at both ends to assist with repositioning.
“I have used a similar tool, which did not have a split collar design like the OTC Locking Collar Wrench. It functioned the same, but was much bulkier and clunky to use,” he says. “Having the split collar design really made this tool stand out and easy to install, use and remove. Repositioning was easy since both ends of the collar are split and pinned.”
Moore performed alignment work on an array from vehicles from “a 2011 F150 all the way through a Freightliner Coronado and lots in between,” he says. “As long as the components weren’t too sticky, it worked fabulously.”
There wasn’t any special set-up was required. No instruction manual was included, but Moore says the tool’s simple design made it very easy to use. However, the vinyl pouch the Locking Collar Wrench came packaged in did not last long for storing tool.
While there were many uses for the Locking Collar Wrench, he says a more heavy duty version, with a little larger opening, would make this tool “essential for heavy duty alignments.”
“Our applications for use, really call for a little more stout construction. We were able to use the tool quite frequently doing alignments. However, if the component were even remotely stiff, we had to use the standby pipe wrench,” Moore explains.
Overall, Moore and his technicians got a lot of use out of this tool and were pleased with its performance.
“The OTC Locking Collar Wrench was very well-received and used in our shop, since almost every single tech performs alignments or replaces front-end components,” he says.
