A poor craftsman usually blames his tools – or so the adage goes. And why not? A poorly stocked shop will generally turn out an unsuccessfully executed vehicle. But today, it’s not just a case of having the basic hand tools at the ready, it’s having the best tool and support system for the job. Years ago, that meant a distributor wrench with just the right bends to help time your small-block Chevy. Today, it could be a high-tech engine analyzer or some multi-tool that solves all your problems in life.
PPN looked deep into the catalog sections of some great companies and came up with a few garage goodies that can help you do a better job regardless of the task. From simple mobile shelving units that keep parts in order to engine cradles for LS engines, these items will make your life easier – we promise. That means a lot more time to sit back and admire a job well done.
Check it out.
AN Fitting Wrenches
These wrenches are made specifically to tighten expensive aluminum fittings. They are precision-machined of 6061-T6 aluminum and sized and relieved in the corners, engineered to be a perfect fit so they won’t scratch. The compact design handles help prevent over-tightening. The wrenches are also color-code anodized and size stamped for easy identification. They are available in full eight-piece (#3, #4, #6, #8, #10, #12, #16, #20) or four-piece (#6 – #12) sets.
powerhouseproducts.com
800.872.7223
Floor Jack Transmission Adapter
The TCI transmission jack adapter eliminates the need for a second, expensive jack just for transmission work. This handy piece of equipment is designed to work with most automatic transmissions and nearly any hydraulic floor jack that has a removable pad with a 1 3/16-inch center hold. Simply replace the floor jack’s original pad with the transmission floor jack adapter and you have a secure 12×12″ surface to hold your transmission steady during installation or removal. Three sides have a one-inch lip to keep the transmission in place. The fourth side features a front opening for sliding the transmission on and off the engine dowel pins. This popular jack adapter takes up far less space than an entire transmission floor jack when not in use, making the perfect home garage/pit tool.
tciauto.com
888.776.9824
Extreme Grip 12-inch Breaker Wrench
Designed to reduce cam-out, slippage and offer better engagement with fasteners, the 12-inch Breaker wrench allows for one-hand operation. With 13 times the gripping power on rounded fasteners compared to a conventional wrench, the serrated jaws are spring loaded to self adjust to help grip hex fasteners and pipe/bar stock. A thumb-activated trigger allows the user to open and close the jaws and features a two-position slide for small and large fasteners or pipes. Two sizes are offered.
Pro Digital Timing Light
When it comes to checking and setting your ignition timing, accuracy is critical. The FAST Pro Digital Timing Light is built for heavy-duty use in the garage or pits. The light has a removable harness that is great for storage (as well as for the rare case it pulls off when it contacts a spinning engine component), along with a melt-free metal inductive pickup. There is a backlit LCD screen that displays the rpm and timing of the engine and allows you to digitally dial back the timing to confirm the total without significantly revving the engine in the garage. The light comes with a heavy-duty storage case.
fuelairspark.com
888.999.0853
Spare Transmission Seal-Up Kit
Keep transmission fluid from leaking with this handy kit. It is great to use when servicing or painting your transmission, working on the driveshaft, or pulling the transmission out for storage. The kit also prevents corrosive elements from getting into the transmission itself. The kit is made from durable, long-lasting plastic and holds up against the unique abuse of transmission fluid. It works with Powerglide, TH350, and TH400 and applications.
tciauto.com
888.776.9824
Connected Tool Storage
Well known for their high-quality tool storage unit, the new Pro Series line includes key features such as a full extension 200-lb. ball bearing drawer slides and heavy duty GRIPLATCH drawer retention system. Professional grade boxes include double wall construction with corner trim and internal corner gussets. What’s new is the Bluetooth Connected Smart Lock that allows you to lock the unit from your smart phone. In addition, the phone app allows you to know if the storage unit has been tampered with and unlock the box if you want friends or co-workers to have access. Box size ranges from 26 to 52 inches wide, with 9, 17 and 20 drawer layouts.
Fabrications Car Parts Rack
Organized parts shelving not only helps to keep parts and tools off the ground, but also makes it far easier to find the things you need when reassembly time arrives. The high strength, powder-coated three-shelf unit provides a total of 22 sq. ft. of shelving area, each shelf carrying a 150-lb capacity. The heavy-duty casters make rolling easy, and three external metal hooks are great for extension cords and hoses. When not in use, the shelves fold up out of the way for easy storage.
DJSFabrications.com
951.698.4510
Remote Starter Switch
How many times have you been working on an engine and needed someone to sit inside the car and bump the starter over, or worse yet, been showered with sparks when you used a screwdriver across the starter solenoid? This push-button Remote Starter Switch lets you turn the engine over from under the hood, all by yourself. Just think how handy this will be the next time you adjust your valves.
powerhouseproducts.com
800.872.7223
Terminal Tools
Weatherpak style terminals offer many significant benefits over conventional terminals including superior resistance to the elements and a mechanically secure connection. But without the correct tools, they can prove very difficult to assemble and service. This series of terminal service tools from FAST is the ideal solution for the removal and installation of many types of Weatherpak connectors and will provide years of dependable service.
fuelairspark.com
888.999.0853