PTEN Blog

Bartec TECH400 TPMS diagnostic tool

PTEN editor — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:58:37 +0000

Bartec USA’s TECH400 TPMS diagnostic tool activates and decodes the sensors in use today and then transmits this data directly to vehicles via the OBDII connection..

Find out more at http://www.bartecusa.com/wheelrite_tech400.htm

Specialty tools

PTEN editor — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:22:37 +0000

What do you consider when buying specialty tools?

Are you mainly concerned with the brand reputation? Or are you looking specifically to the ROI of a tool that can save you time on one or two particular fixes? What else?

Let me know. I will pick comments from one writer to send a yet-to-be-named tool from the PTEN toolbox.

- Brendan

Lanair MX Series waste oil heaters

PTEN editor — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:40:40 +0000

See the Lanair MX Series waste oil heaters on display at AAPEX during the 2008 show in Las Vegas. The Lanair MX Series of waste oil heaters and boilers are EPA approved, run on used oil and are available in several packages.

Visit Lanair on the web at www.lanair.com.

AIRCAT Kevlar Impact Wrench

PTEN editor — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:14:38 +0000

AIRCAT unveiled its new Kevlar pneumatic impact wrench to Professional Tool & Equipment News magazine at the 2008 AAPEX show in Las Vegas during Auto Aftermarket Industry Week.

Mayhew Tools Dominator Bar Vault lock box

PTEN editor — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:04:55 +0000

The Mayhew Tools Dominator Bar Vault lock box is demonstrated at the 2008 AAPEX show in Las Vegas. The Dominator Bar Vault lock box holds and securely locks up to four large Dominator Pry Bars, and mounts to the wall for added security.

Montezuma Aluminum Toolbox

PTEN editor — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:58:51 +0000

Montezuma’s medium aluminum portable toolbox, on display at the 2008 AAPEX show in Las Vegas, has a 5,260ci capacity and weighs 40 lbs., holds SAE or metric tools, locks securely, secures tools when closed, is weather resistant and comes in black, white or red powdercoat.

How is your Christmas rush?

PTEN editor — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:11:53 +0000

Everyone’s talking about the down economy and the Big Three, but when it comes to independent repair, many are saying times won’t be as bad. How’s your shop been lately? Are you buying any more, or different tools than normal? Are you as busy as the newspapers say you should be? Are you seeing more routine maintenance as consumers hold onto their cars longer?

Share with us how your shop is doing, how it’s affecting your tool-buying decisions lately, and what you see coming for the first half of 2009. I will select someone’s comments to win some new tools from PTEN!

- Brendan, PTEN editor

AAPEX and SEMA 2008

PTEN editor — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:48:43 +0000

I just returned this week from the annual aftermarket week in Las Vegas for the AAPEX and SEMA shows. I think there are a lot of great new tools headed your way, so be sure to watch issues of PTEN for coverage.

Also, I talked to a lot of businesses while I was out there, and nearly all felt like the coming year will be strong. While most noticed a smaller contingent of attendees at SEMA and AAPEX, the traffic they got was strong with optimistic buyers.

Let me know how your shop is doing, and how you feel the next year will go. Have you changed your approach with customers at all? Have they changed their approach to you?

Gloves, boots, knives and …

PTEN editor — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:19:48 +0000

… sunglasses, etc., all that personal gear you keep in your bay, where do you buy it? Do you look to your mobile tool distributor for new boots and gloves, or do you just make a purchase on the weekend at the shoe store or hardware store? What about knives and sunglasses? If you wait for the tool guy when you need to replace your work shoes, why?

For those of you willing to share an opinion, be aware: I will single out the best response I get and send the writer a gift:

The Ullman Devices’ HTC2LT telescoping lighted inspection mirror with all-angle ball joint to hold the lighted mirror head firmly at any angle. Share your thoughts on buying personal gear, and you could win this tool!

Let me know -

*** Congratulations to Michael Gould. His comments were selected as the winner for this post. PTEN will be sending Michael the Ullman Devices’ HTC2LT telescoping lighted inspection mirror.***

New toolboxes

PTEN editor — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:37:21 +0000

What do you look for when you’re buying a new toolbox? Special graphics packages, amount of storage, quality of construction, brand?

Or are your storage purchases more impulse buys based on what the tool guy has on special? Do you research a new toolbox like you would a new car, or just buy what’s available?

I will single out the best response I get and send the writer a gift:
The CatsPaw CatPack from Mayhew Tools. The CatPack includes the original lighted pick-up tool, lighted pen pick-up tool, pouch with heavy-duty metal belt clip, battery replacements for both pick-up tools and pen refills.

Thanks!

- Brendan, PTEN editor

** Congratulations to Chris Hanrahan, whose comment was picked for recognition. Chris will receive the Mayhew Tools CatsPaw set.**