Tool Review: Thexton Manufacturing Relay Bypass Kit, No. 927
Q: How did the tool function as far as saving you time?
A: This is a great time saving tool. The adapters take the place of the circuits relay and with the push of a button you can test the wiring and the component. It’s a simple tool that simplifies a potentially complicated task.
Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop’s profitability?
A: Time is money as the saying goes. Any tool that saves time in diagnostics and repairs is good for profitability. I would put this tool in that category.
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?
A: Setup was fast and painless. Just pull the relay for the component you’re testing and replace it with the correct adapter, then connect the switch to the adapter and you’re ready to test.
Q: How was its packaging?
A: The packaging was simple, but not cheap. It came in a nice little plastic case that has latches to keep it closed. The case was large enough to hold a few extra additions, but small enough that it doesn’t take up a lot of space.
Q: Was there a manual included?
A: The manual that’s included is easy to read and understand. It only takes up the front side of a single piece of paper; Thexton is keeping everything simple with this kit.
Q: What features did you like?
A: I liked the simplicity of the tool. The button has a rubber boot to keep moisture and dirt out of the switch. I also like the fact that the connector between the button wire and the connector is readily available so if you need to make an adapter to test something else, it’s easy to make the connection.
Q. Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A. The switch is not replaceable, so if it goes bad you would have to replace the set. I would add a circuit breaker, or a fuse holder, for a mini fuse to protect the switch from getting overloaded. I would also like to see another 3’ or 5’ extension for those jobs where just a little more length is needed. Also, it’d be nice to include an adapter to be able to hook up a multimeter to be able to test current draw when the circuit is energized, and an adapter with small spade connectors so you can hook it up to a fused circuit or an uncommon relay type socket. It might even be possible to integrate a way to view load draw within the button handle.
Q. What types of jobs did you use this tool for?
A. I used it to test a fuel pump circuit. I needed an assistant because I couldn’t operate the button and be close enough to the tank to hear the pump operate (perfect time for an extension cord). I thought about the multimeter adapter while testing here because the pump stopped working after it ran for a few minutes. It had a large current draw even when it was cold. I also used it to test cooling fans and a couple A/C compressors.
The Thexton Manufacturing Relay Bypass Kit, No. 927, allows technicians to bypass relays to test and activate components. It also tests circuitry to determine faulty wiring. The extended 5' cord allows the technician to test the component visually or audibly when activated. Custom molded relays eliminate the need to determine which circuit is the power, ground, or signal. The kit includes four different tools, covering the majority of foreign and domestic relay applications.
