Hand Tools Still a Part of Daily Operations
Despite the best technological efforts of major suppliers there is still no better way to remove a stuck radiator hose, heater hose or fan belt than a hose puller tool.
You provide the power, it helps remove the hose. It’s the same with a valve core tool, which allows you to remove and install valve cores with ease.
The reversible core driver fits both large and small valve cores and uses the reverse end to remove and install valve core caps. The long tool handle will even access inside dual wheels and its lightweight aluminum body is equipped with a pocket clip, says its maker.
Another indispensable hand tool comes as a coil spring compressor set featuring a set of two spring compressors, drop forges, heat treated steel, chrome plated compressor jaws, machined steel bolts and the advantage of quick and safe removal or installation of springs, says the marketer. This hand tool extends from approximately 3 inches to roughly 9 inches and is adjustable to fit most strut sizes.
From another marketer comes a diaphragm type brake bleeder. This tool services all basic brake systems including most imports, domestic trucks and buses. A zero to 60 psi pressure gauge is built in as well as a heavy duty safety valve which opens at 55 psi and releases at 25 psi.
The marketer says this brake bleeder comes with adaptors plus two brake bleeder hoses, automatic fill nozzle, syringe, fill funnel and plastic cup. The company advises the user to use only DOT 3, 4 or 5 automotive brake fluid with this brake bleeder. Further, do not use any other fluids, chemicals, oils, or solvents.
Then there is a tire valve stem repair hand tool that allows you to rethread the inside and outside of the valve stem. It also allows you to insert, tighten, and remove the valve core allowing removal of the core even if its shoulders are broken.
For the record, a recent Babcox Study shows that the average automotive technician has a hand tool collection valued at more than $20,000 and a tool cabinet worth thousands more.
There are literally thousands of hand tools for the tire dealer and we can cover only so many here.
Tire Fill Material Offers Options to Different Operations
There have been quite a few fill materials used in tires in the last quarter of a century. Most recently we have been introduced to polyurethane foam and elastomer chemicals, along with a delivery system, for use in the commercial tire fill market.
The new product is shown to be very stable and environmentally safe, says its maker. According to this company, its new fill product performs better under load, runs cooler and is more durable than current comparable materials. In many applications, both the fill weight and cost can be significantly reduced by switching from oil-filled elastomers, says the company.
A lower cost fill procedure is important to industrial customers because of the ongoing shortage of large OTR tires and the customer’s need to keep revenue-generating equipment running, according to Amerityre.
Also important to consider, says the company, is that many tire fill materials available today are petroleum-based compounds that have been shown to reduce the useful life of the tire and to pose environmental hazards. The company claims that governments in both Europe and the U.S. have either passed or are considering legislation that will eventually outlaw the use or disposal of these hazardous fill materials.
Another tire fill supplier says its flat proofing system is an all-purpose solution for heavy construction and earthmoving equipment. According to this company, its product is used in the mining community and provides excellent heat resistance. It also offers a softness of 28 (durometer), medium tire deflection and improved tear strength and compression set.
The company also provides polyurethane flat proofing fill for tires used in a wide range of industries.
