What's the best way to ID my sockets? I tried engraving my name, but on the ¼-inch, that doesn't work. So, I put paint inside the socket where it meets the ratchet. If I don't keep that up, the paint wears and I'm back to where I started from.
"Engraving is best. But, take the easy way. You don't have to engrave your full name. Initials, last two digits of your driver's license, something that you can connect with your sockets, tools. Keep it simple. Keep it permanent. Engrave—don't paint!"
I changed jobs and the shop doesn't provide torque sticks. But, I am required to use them. What's the best brand of torque stick out there? I don't want to buy these again.
"A torque stick is a torque stick. There are no moving parts. Most likely you will misplace one first before it fails. Find out what tool manufacturer has the best warranty for the least amount of money. That's going to be the best deal."
Have an automotive service-related question for Pam Oakes? Email it to Tire Business Senior Reporter William Schertz at [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."