I'm just starting out and buying tools for my box. I have a friend who wants to sell me a dwell meter made back in the 70s. It works! He said that it has 101 uses. Is it worth the $20?
"Unless you are going to work on antiques, that meter is going to be sitting in your tool box collecting dust. Meanwhile, your buddy is going to have a good time spending your hard-earned $20. With any tool, don't let a salesman's pitch sell you the product. Let the product sell itself."
I purchased a battery operated, ½-inch power gun. My employer says that I need to check the torque on each lug after using the gun. I explained that the gun setting was selected to match the torque required. He insists that I recheck with a torque stick. Who's right?
"No matter if it is air or battery-operated, using an impact gun on a lug nut must have the torque checked before the vehicle is released. Some use torque sticks, others recheck with an independent torque wrench. Either way, you boss is correct when he requests that you double check your work. Don't let technology cloud your vision. Be safe, not sorry."
Have an automotive service-related question for Pam? Email it to [email protected]
ASE-certified technician Pam Oakes is the owner of Pam's Motor City Auto & Tire Center, an award-winning automotive service business in Fort Myers, Fla. She also is the author of the book series Car Care for the Clueless and hosts a weekly radio talk show by the same name on CBS Radio's The Sky and CoachMeRadio. And yes, she still "turns wrenches."