To certify its tools make the grade, Mac Tools has partnered with the Kalitta Motorsports’ NHRA teams to implement its new Top Fuel Tested and Approved program. To promote this program, Mac Tools invited the press to its Columbus, OH, corporate headquarters for tool demonstrations and announcements.
“We are committed to product leadership, operational excellence … and being great to work with,” said Brett Shaw, president of Mac Tools, as he welcomed the group to the event. “And we will have many more rollouts within the next six to nine months.”
As new tools are being developed, Mac Tools product managers and engineers forward a working prototype to the Kalitta racing teams, whose members use the tools and provide feedback to Mac Tools, explained Robert Holmes, marketing director. The design may be modified and testing repeated until the tool is ready to launch. “It’s at that time that the tool receives the rating of Top Fuel Tested and Approved.”
The new cordless impact wrench was the first product that went through the Top Fuel Tested and Approved program. “The fact that the race team got this in and did some testing in their race preparations, and then after that short period of time had enough confidence to use the tool on the track while they’re qualifying and racing — that’s a ringing endorsement,” said Jeff Connell, product manager, power tools.
Built from glass-filled nylon and other quality materials, the new line of cordless tools is built tough to withstand harsh automotive fluids in a shop environment. The tools are powered by DE WALT’s advanced battery, switch and electronic technology designed and proven to deliver consistent performance. The battery flexibility allows technicians to conveniently interchange batteries within the Mac Tools and DE WALT product families.
At the event, Mac Tools announced the launch of four new air tools as well. The new air ratchets are constructed with titanium sealed heads for reduced weight and maximum durability in the garage.
“The new AR Titanium Series Ratchets are the most durable and best balanced ratchets we’ve ever designed and built,” said Connell. “Professionals require ratchets that are not only fast, but live up to the rigors of the shop. The AR Titanium Series will change the way technicians view air ratchets.” The close quarter sealed head design grants better access to tight spots and provides improved durability. The sealed head design also allowed the forward/reverse control to be removed from the head of the tool, which prevents trapped tools and allowed for an innovative quick socket release to be added where others put their forward/reverse. “We’re innovating with a purpose,” Connell said.
Mac Tools also presented a new utility cart with a split-top shelf work surface and separate storage for a laptop computer and other electronic devices such as a cell phone or tablet. “More and more techs are using a laptop computer,” said Tom Jech, product manager. “But they need a place to store it when they go for a test drive or lunch break. So we built a place into the top of the utility cart. And we incorporated a power strip inside.”
“This cart was designed to meet the demanding needs of today’s technology-driven automotive repairs. Having quick access to scan tools and a computer is critical in diagnosing vehicle problems. Our new utility cart combines convenience and quick access right at the job site,” said Jech,
Mac Tools’ new line of corded shop lights was also introduced. “Technicians are always working in a shadow or fighting a darkness problem,” said Paul Zarlengo, product manager. “Flourescent lights are still the lumen kings.” Mac’s corded shop lights feature a higher wattage of light output to better illuminate the work area. The high-impact polycarbonate body with bumper and shatter-resistant lens will withstand tough shop environments, while the ratcheting/swivel fold-away hook offers flexibility while working under hood or under body. “Each of the lights is very robust with safety features like the removable chrome guard for use near hot surfaces such as exhausts and brakes,” said Zarlengo.
The new Mac-Grip Screwdriver line offers features and benefits to maximize torque, reduce slippage and remove fasteners quickly. “The screwdriver is the most used and abused tool a person has,” said Bob Blue, product manager. The company went into the field for a year to do research with technician customers in order to make a superior screwdriver. “A lot of the unique features of our screwdrivers throughout the years is incorporated in the new Mac-Grip screwdriver,” said Blue. “Mac-Grip screwdriver handles are made of a nylon alloy blended material providing maximum chemical and impact resistance.”
More product details can be found in the Products section of TechShopMag.com.
