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CATEGORY FOCUS: Tools
Recently released tools include the just-released OTC Automotive Specialty Tools & Equipment catalogue, anew half-inch impact wrench from Chicago Pneumatic, a suspension joint removal tool from Mueller-Kueps, and a new set of ratcheting combination wrenches from Milwaukee.
Welcome to AutoService World’s Category Focus, looking at recent announcements from automotive aftermarket tool makers, parts manufacturers and distributors.
Combination wrenches
Milwaukee’s new Ratcheting Combination Wrenches offer a 2.5-degree of Arc Swing, allowing users to work quickly and efficiently even in the tightest of spaces. The durable double-stacked pawls in the ratcheting mechanism offer long ratchet life and best access with 144 ratcheting positions.
Milwaukee says its Max Bite Open-End Grip improves the wrench’s grip on nuts and bolts, offering 25% more torque than smooth-faced wrenches. The comfortable I-Beam handle design allows superior user comfort.
Milwaukee wrenches feature ink-filled size labels for easy size identification, as well as quick distinction between SAE and metric sets.
The 15-piece sets come in trays designed for steel storage drawers, allowing for efficient storage with no wasted space.
The 7-piece kits come in a portable, locking storage tray, offering organization both on and off the jobsite.
Milwaukee offers a lifetime guarantee on all of its Ratcheting Combination Wrench Sets.
Bell-shaped Separator
The “Vibro-Impact” bell-shaped separator from Mueller-Kueps (part number 609 035) is meant to save time while removing suspension joints. Using the new tool, they can be removed while still on the car. The “Vibro-Impact” aspect is especially useful as it drastically reduces the amount of force needed to remove the joint and does not damage the ball joint boot in the process.
The spindle itself is impact proofed so that the force of the impact will strike the joint and not the tool. As the tip of the spindle has a ball bearing, it reduces the friction on the tool and the joint and will lengthen the lifespan of your tool.
Drop forged material strengthens the overall separator. Overall this tool effectively eliminates some of the work required when removing suspension joints. This means you will have the cars in and out of your shop quicker, as well as less frustrated mechanics. In general, a fast and safe removal of suspension joints which saves you money in the long run.
Impact wrench
Chicago Pneumatic says its new 1/2” impact wrench offers power, comfort and durability. Designed for vehicle service specialists, the CP7748 is described as one of the most ergonomic tools in the market.
Weighing in at just 4.4 lbs (2 kg) and delivering 960 ft. lbs (1,300 Nm) of power in forward and reverse, the CP7748 impact wrench provides a high power-to-weight ratio. This is more power than its predecessor and so the tool delivers improved efficiency and reduced operation time.
An innovative forward/reverse and power control ring system allows users to change direction by pushing buttons easily with one hand, or simply by turning the ring from anywhere around the tool. The CP7748 also offers two different settings in the forward position (40 per cent of maximum power and full power) and a full power setting in reverse. This ring system facilitates the use of the CP7748 in tight places without having to remove the tool to change direction. Furthermore, the system also reduces fatigue on operators’ wrists and arms when switching between forward and reverse or adjusting the power.
Thanks to its compactness, the CP7748 can comfortably be used in confined spaces. The tool is 14.3 per cent shorter than its previous version, measuring just 6.89 inches (175 mm) in length. This new impact wrench from Chicago Pneumatic features a 360° swivel air inlet to provide high maneuverability. Additionally, the CP7748 comes with a curved handle which uses rubber material at the back of the tool to provide excellent handling while helping to prevent the tool from slipping through dirty and oily fingers.
Chicago Pneumatic has designed the new impact wrench with durability in mind. Featuring a hard chromium aluminum cylinder that surrounds the motor and twin hammer mechanism, the CP7748 impact wrench delivers optimum performance in the toughest operating environment.
Chicago Pneumatic has introduced a new powerful ½” impact wrench for vehicle service specialists. Built upon the heritage of the successful previous model, the CP7748 has been designed to offer operators unparalleled levels of power, comfort and durability and is suitable for workshop or roadside assistance tasks such as tire changing. Weighing in at just 4.4 lbs (2 kg) and delivering 960 ft. lbs (1,300 Nm) of power in forward and reverse, the CP7748 impact wrench provides a high power-to-weight ratio. At the heart of the design is an innovative forward/reverse and power control set up based on a ring system, which is more ergonomic than controls on the back of the tool. Users can either change direction by pushing buttons easily with one hand, or simply by turning the ring from anywhere around the tool. The CP7748 also offers two different settings in the forward position (40 per cent of maximum power and full power) and a full power setting in reverse. This ring system facilitates the use of the CP7748 in tight places without having to remove the tool to change direction. The CP7748 can comfortably be used in confined spaces since it is compact. The tool measures only 6.89 inches (175 mm) in length. Chicago Pneumatic has designed the new impact wrench with durability in mind. Featuring a hard chromium aluminum cylinder that surrounds the motor and twin hammer mechanism, the CP7748 wrench delivers optimum performance in the toughest operating environment. The CP7748 is also available in 2” anvil.
Specialty tool catalogue
OTC has released the new 2018 Automotive Specialty Tools & Equipment catalogue featuring hundreds of new tools, equipment, innovative products and expanded product categories. The new catalog features additions to engine and exhaust service tools, fuel and coolant tools, brake and transmission tools, motorcycle service tools and more. Among the hundreds of new tools are:
– An innovative, extendable indexing pry bar that can create up to 2,200 lbs of force
– 7 new ball joint adapter sets to cover Lexus, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Mazda, Subaru, Acura and Honda vehicles
– New powertrain lift with a split-top tale for engine-transmission and hybrid engine/generator service
– 5 new transmission tools including seal installers, holding tools, bushing replacers and transmission adapters
– New drive axle tools including axle seal protectors, transfer case seal protectors and input shaft seal installers
– GM engine service tools including connecting rod guides, tensioner retaining pins, camshaft locking tools, timing chain holding tools and front crank seal installers.
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