Tool Review: Tool Aid In-Line Brake Pad Gauge

Oct. 5, 2023
Reviewed by Matt Fanslow, diagnostic tech/shop manager at Riverside Automotive in Red Wing, Minnesota.

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Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time? 

A: The Tool Aid In-Line Brake Pad Gauge, No. 65300, allows you to contribute to evidence-based inspections by quickly measuring the brake pad friction thickness. In many cases, you don’t need to remove the wheel to do so. This saves the shop time and the client money as they are not paying for a full-blown brake inspection, namely in cases when the vehicle is not in for a brake inspection or complaint, but as part of a courtesy inspection.

Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product? 

A: The setup involved removing the product from its packaging which was solved with a razor blade. No humans were harmed during the extraction. 

Q: How easy was it to use? 

A: It was so easy that we didn’t immediately realize there were instructions with the tool. 

Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories? 

A: The packaging enables the tool to be easily displayed in a store or tool truck.   

Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual and was the manual easy to understand? 

A: There were instructions; the tool is quite self-explanatory in its use.

Q: What features did you like? 

A: The color coding makes for great DVI inspection photos. People see red and are quicker to spend green.  

Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for? 

A: We used it almost 100 percent for courtesy inspections. 

Q: Have you used a previous version of this tool? If so, what are some features compared to the older version?

A: I don't know that it is technically a previous version, but we have two other versions of this type of tool. Our techs gravitated to this one after a few days. Luckily, we have yet to witness a fistfight over the tool. 

Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?

A: Nine or 10. My gut says nine, but for what it is and what it offers us in the service bay it is a 10. This does what you need it to. 

About the Author

Matt Fanslow

Matt Fanslow is the shop manager for Riverside Automotive, an all makes/all models independent repair shop in Red Wing, Minnesota. He has over 27 years of experience in the automotive industry and is an ASE Master Certified Technician (A1-A8) and an L1 Automobile Advanced Engine Performance Specialist. He also has his own podcast, Matt Fanslow Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z, that provides a wide-open perspective on all aspects of the automotive aftermarket from a working diagnosticians' point of view.

To listen to his latest podcast episode and others, visit mattfanslow.captivate.fm/.

In 2021, Fanslow was the recipient of the AAPEX Technician of the Year award. 

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