Tire changer
BL Systems, CEMB USA describes its new Focus F272 Automatic Tilt Back Tire Changer as ``the next generation'' of such units.
The F272 is equipped with both a ``help arm'' and a ``press arm'' to remove and mount tires more easily-particularly low-profile tires installed on alloy rims. The option of using one or both such devices, the company said, enables users to service a wider range of tires and rims.
A fully automatic, tilt-back arm accurately repositions itself, making it easer to work with any tire and wheel assembly group, the company said.
Inside clamping ranges from 14 to 24 inches, while the outside clamping can accommodate 12 to 22 inches.
Contact: BL Systems, CEMB USA. Phone: (877) 259-4335.
Air chuck
Myers Tire Supply has developed a close-clearance, reverse, lock-on air chuck that fits into the small valve access holes in aluminum truck wheels.
Many ``octopus-style'' automatic inflation systems use large reverse angle chucks that are difficult to position and lock on, the company explained. The close-clearance air chuck eliminates this problem.
The positive-lock, ratchet-style chuck is released from the valve by holding the plastic handle and pulling the hose.
Using the V2B Inflate-Thru Valve Cap eliminates removing and replacing standard valve caps and allows the use of time-saving automatic inflation devices. The overall diameter of the chuck is 11/4 inches, overall length is 12 inches with 1/4-inch fpt.
Contact Myers Tire Supply. Phone: (330) 253-5592. Fax: (330) 761-6133. Internet: www.myerstiresupply.com.
Impact wrenches
Snap-on Tools Co. has introduced the AT600 Blue-Point half-inch square-drive impact wrench said to offer greater power and user comfort.
One hand is all that's needed to perform most service operations using the unit, according to the company. And its one-finger forward-and-reverse controls and adjustable four-position air regulator leave the operator's other hand free for use.
The 4.1-pound unit achieves 550 ft.-lbs. of forward torque and 600 ft.-lbs. of reverse torque. Its twin-hammer mechanism, surrounded with an oil bath for increased reliability and service life, operates at 7,000 rpm forward and 8,000 rpm in reverse.
Contact: Snap on Tools Co. Phone: (877) 762-7662. Internet: www.snapon.com.
* * *
Campbell Hausfeld is offering a new AT Professional Series tool line that includes a pair of impact wrenches featuring Santoprene elastomer grips said to provide increased user control, added safety and improved comfort.
The company said the grips reduce slippage in wet environments and resist premature wear resulting from perspiration, water, oil and chemicals. They also function as a thermal insulator and reduce user fatigue due to vibration, the company added.
Model PL2502 offers 450 ft-lbs. of torque for removal of stubborn bolts and fasteners plus a balanced twin hammer mechanism for maximum output, integrated power regulator and a forward/reverse mechanism for ease of control.
Model PL1502 delivers 380 ft.-lbs. of torque and features a pin clutch mechanism and a built-in regulator for adjusting speed and torque.
Contact: Campbell Hausfeld. Phone: (888) 247-6937. Internet: www.chpower.com.
* * *
SAS Safety Corp. has introduced its SAS Tool-Tech Impact Mechanics Glove designed for use with pneumatic tools.
The glove features a soft synthetic leather palm and fingers, padded palm and padded neoprene ribbing to protect knuckles against absrasions.
Silicone strips on the fingertips aid in handling small tools and parts. The Spandex top offers comfort and flexibility with Velcro closure to ensure proper fit.
The glove is available in small to extra large sizes.
Contact: SAS Safety Corp. Phone (800) 262-0200. Internet: www.sassafety.com.
Wheel alignment
Hunter Engineering Co. recent-ly introduced the 811 Plus, the latest addition to its series of alignment systems featuring proprietary WinAlign alignment software and advanced computer hardware.
The WinAlign software accompanying the 811 Plus includes: the company's WebSpecs.NET information database; ShopResults.NET link to the Internet; UnderCarinfo.com, featuring adjustment and inspection information; and HunterUse.com, a personalized homepage by which shops can receive information such as product updates and online accessory catalogs.
Hardware included in 811 Plus features an Intel Pentium 4, 2.0 GHz (or greater) processor, Windows XP operating system, 256 MB RAM, 40 GB (or greater) hard drive, an internal DVD/CD drive, photo-quality printer and a choice of either a 27-inch or 19-inch color monitor or 17-inch LCD flat screen display.
Contact: Hunter Engineering Co. Phone: (314) 731-3020 ext. 375.
Torque sticks
Ken-Tool has debuted a four-piece Torque Stick Set (No. 30175) for tightening the lug nuts on sport-utility wheels to factory specifications.
The set is said to accommodate the needs of the most popular domestic and foreign-made SUVs. Color-coded and letter-coded for quick reference, the set includes sizes 13/16-inch-100 ft.-lbs.; 21mm.-150 ft.-lbs.; 19 mm. (3/4-inch)-100 ft.-lbs.; and 7.8-inch-140 ft.-lbs.
Contact: Ken-Tool. Phone: (330) 252-1942. Internet: www.kentool-.com.
Brake calipers
Federal-Mogul Corp. has introduced a new line of brake calipers equipped with Wagner ThermoQuiet brake pads for domestic and import cars, light trucks and SUVs.
The company said its Wagner ThermoQuiet calipers are designed to reduce brake service comebacks and increase shop productivity by eliminating time-consuming disassembly or parts replacement. Federal-Mogul said ThermoQuiet one-piece brake pads are the only replacement pads to deliver superior stopping power, extended service life and quiet performance in virtually any domestic or import application.
Caliper features include phosphate coating, all new hardware and bleeder screw, new or remanufactured metal or phenolic pistons, and new seals.
ThermoQuiet brake pads feature platform-specific metallic or non-metallic formulas engineered to pass original equipment stopping tests.
Contact: Wagner Brake Marketing, Federal-Mogul Corp. Phone: (248) 354-9809. Internet: www.federal-mogul.com.
Brake pads
Brake Parts Inc. has extended its Raybestos line of brake pads to include coverage for the 2003 Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix and the new Toyota Corolla Sedan.
Jerry Forystek, director of friction product development, said Raybestos is the first such product line to provide part numbers for these new vehicle models, some 250,000 of which ultimately will be on the road.
Contact: Brake Parts Inc. Internet: www.raybestos.com.
Service crane
Stellar Industries Inc. has introduced the EC2K-P, a 6,500-ft-lb., power rotation economy electric crane having a lifting capacity of 930 lbs. at seven feet.
The unit uses a heavy-duty, 12-volt electric hoist having a 9.5 ft.-per-minute winch speed. It has a reach of seven feet from the centerline of the crane.
The crane is available by itself or as part of a turnkey package that includes a truck chassis of the buyer's choice, Steller Industries' T1-9 heavy-duty 9-ft. steel body, the choice of a variety of air compressor systems and a portable welding system.
Contact Stellar Industries Inc. Phone: (800) 321-3741. Internet: www.mechanictruck.com.
Brake rotors
Baer Inc. has introduced its new EradiSpeed +1 upsized rotor package for General Motors Corp.'s latest generation of half-ton trucks and SUVs.
The company said the rotors are designed to compensate for the drastic reductions in braking ability experienced by some vehicles due to the additional weight of larger tire-wheel assemblies.
Designed for use with popular 18- to 22-inch diameter wheels, EradiSpeed +1s feature hefty 14-inch diameter rotors front and rear, along with custom hardware to make installation quicker and easier, the company said. The direct-replacement rotors also boast Low Inertia/Thermally Efficient technology and include anodized billet aluminum centers, as well as re-usable stainless NAS aircraft hardware.
Contact: Baer Inc. Phone: (602) 233-1411. Internet: www.baer.com.
Synthetic oil
Castrol North America claims its SYNTEC SAE 5W-40 full synthetic motor oil delivers performance superior to all other synthetic oils and now is available in bulk, drums and quarts.
The company said the product surpasses industry performance standards and exceeds all passenger car and light truck manufacturers' warranty requirements for the protection of gasoline, diesel and trubo-charged engines where API, SL, SJ, SH or CF is recommended.
Contact: Castrol North America. Phone: (888) 227-8765. Internet: www.castrolusa.com.
Welder
Broco Inc. has a new Goweld battery-powered, portable arc welder featuring an on-board computer and software designed to make welding on the go faster and easier.
The unit operates on 24- or 36-volt battery power and uses self-shielding (flux core, FCAW) or gas-shielded (solid, MIG/MAG) welding wire to join materials ranging from steel to aluminum in permanent welds under varying environments.
Typical tasks made easier by Goweld include repairs to vehicle axles, motor mounts, suspensions and other key components, the company said.
Contact: Broco Inc. Phone: (800) 845-7259. Internet: www.brocoinc.com.
Tire sealant
Bar's Products, division of Fre-Bar Inc., offers a sealant it said will solve motorists' worries about flat tires, punctures and slow leaks.
``Bar's Leaks Tire Stop Leak and Sealant'' stops leaks and seals punctures of up to a quarter inch in diameter and is safe to use in all types of tires, the company said.
The product can be installed through the valve stem after deflating the tire and uses flexible fibers to create the seal. It also contains a corrosion inhibitor to help protect steel wheels against rust and aluminum rims from pitting. It is available in sizes ranging from 8 ounces to 55-gallon drums.
Contact: Bar's Products. Phone: (800) 521-7475. Internet: www.barsproducts.com.
Tire care products
Campbell Hausfeld is offering a new line of more than 80 tire care and repair products.
The line includes such items as tire gauges, tubeless repair kits, valves, cores and caps, tire/tube repair kits, inflation accessories and adhesives.
Contact: Campbell Hausfeld. Phone: (888) 247-6937. Internet: www.chpower.com.
Control arms
Edelbrock Corp.'s new adjustable upper control arms (part numbers 5247, 5248 and 5249) are designed to simplify suspension adjustments on General Motors Corp.'s A/G body cars.
Winner of Popular Mechanics' ``Editor's Choice Awards,'' the heavy-duty units can be adjusted without removing the arms from the vehicle by lossening the jam nuts and adjusting the pinion angle. A spherical end allows the rear suspension to move freely without bushing bind.
Contact: Edelbrock Corp. Phone: (310) 781-2222, ext. 2812. Internet: www.edelbrock.com.