Pnuematic Tools; Belts/Hoses - Tire Review Magazine

Pnuematic Tools; Belts/Hoses

 

Durability Tops List When Shopping for Pneumatic Tools

The last thing anyone needs in a fast-paced work environment is a broken or otherwise out-of-service tool. That’s why shopping for a new impact wrench is so important. With every supplier offering cutting-edge technology, it’s no longer so much about tool features as it is tool longevity.

Check out the lightweight, yet durable, metal titanium impact wrench bodies with one-handed forward/reverse buttons. Also look into such important time-saving advantages as a featherable trigger that gives the operator greater control over the power offered by the tool.

Running on clean, dry air a properly maintained and lubricated pneumatic wrench can last for nearly a lifetime. Owners of a well cared-for impact wrench can typically expect it to last four to five years before requiring any major repair work.

Today, there is a wide array of impact wrenches on the market across an even wider price range. A small 1/4-inch impact wrench will cost a fraction of a much larger 1 1/2-inch wrench, but the most common variety would likely be a 1/2-inch wrench for most passenger vehicles, up to a 3/4-inch or 1-inch version for heavy-duty commercial trucks.

Air consumption is important to consider when evaluating a new pneumatic impact wrench. Typically, more air consumption results in more power. This is where a good power regulator can dial down the amount of air pressure. When not as much power is needed, the wrench manufacturer may achieve impressive power numbers, but do so only by running excessive amounts of air through a tool.

Not only is this expensive, but it can also lead to decreased tool life due to added wear and tear. Of course, a large impact wrench will require more air than a smaller model, so it’s important to make sure that your shop has sufficient air flow capable of operating a tool at the manufacturer’s recommended levels.

In general, quality improves as the price goes up. This does have a limit, however, since there is no such thing as a perfect product at any price. Smart shoppers should always be on the lookout for true value in any product they purchase.

As cordless technology continues to develop, take a look into buying a cordless impact wrench that begins to rival its air-powered counterparts with the added benefit of complete portability


What Do We Really Know About Belts and Hoses?

Too often, we think only of radiator, heater and by-pass hoses and forget the other types of automotive hoses we should consider servicing and selling. What about the power-steering pressure/return side hose, or the fuel-line/emission-control hose? How many of those are we selling?

What about the fuel-injector hose, power-brake vacuum hose, windshield tubing, transmission oil cooler hose, air-brake hose and air-conditioning hose, to name a few more? Maybe it’s worth your while to assign someone in your dealership to check hoses – all of them.

When was the last time you talked seriously with a customer about replacing an OEM heater hose with a molded coil heater hose? This upgrade in technology from Goodyear replaces 200+ heater hose SKUs with more than 26,000 applications. According to Goodyear, step one in the installation process is to slide the coil to where the bend is required. Then, position the spine on the inside of the intended bend. Step two: Press the coil spine until the required bend angle is achieved. That’s it.

We already know that we should replace a radiator hose when it’s cracked or broken, has hardened and lost its flexibility, or is bulging or swollen. But, how much time do we spend on the other hoses under the hood? Our guess: precious little.

The story changes little when the subject turns to belts. Something called “quiet channel technology” has appeared on the scene, and it is said to eliminate misalignment noise. This high-technology belt is supposed to offer greater wear resistance, higher tension integrity and is reportedly easy to install. Today’s belts are built to last. Often, the backing is composed of a touch-coated fabric that provides much greater abrasion resistance – twice as much – of older standard belts. They are also oil and heat resistant, as well.

Goodyear says its Gatorback Poly V Belts Helicog tooth design gives its belt a more flexible operation that translates into a cooler-running belt. Because a cooler belt lasts longer – nearly three times longer than ribbed belts – Goodyear appears to be onto something. The company also claims its belt offers a noise reduction of about 15 decibels. So confident is the company, it also claims its belt will outlast its competitors by about 60%.

 

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