Technicians’ Top 5 Favorite Tools & Equipment – UnderhoodService

Technicians’ Top 5 Favorite Tools & Equipment

Edith Hernandez, president
L&A Muffler and Auto Repair Inc.
Gardena, CA

As promised, please find below five of our favorite tools and equipment commonly used at L&A Muffler and Auto Repair Inc.

Snap-on Scan Tool OBD II, ScanCheck — This is a state-of-the-art OBD II scan tool that diagnoses all domestic, Asian and European vehicles 1996 and later. Communicates with all current OBD II protocols, J1850 PWM, VPM, ISO 9141-2, Keyword 2000 and CAN. What we love about it is that it connects directly to the vehicle’s OBD II connector. It has an easy-to-read LCD screen that displays diagnostic trouble code descriptions in English or Spanish. In minutes, technicians can check the status of the vehicle’s system readiness tests, pending diagnostic trouble codes, and look at freeze-frame and O2 sensor test data.

Snap-on MODIS — Another state-of-the-art scan tool added to our list. The handheld unit is designed to host multiple tools and accessories, such as the MTG Scanner, DVOM and a color graphing lab scope. Snap-on Bench Brake Lathe with Deluxe Adaptor Set — This Deluxe Adaptor Kit is designed to service hubbed and hubless rotors and drums on passenger cars and light trucks through 1 ton.

Snap-on Heavy-Duty Air Hammer — One of the favorites of our senior technicians! This air hammer has many features including a variable-speed trigger, air line filter, contoured aluminum handle, power-packed piston and nylon friction plugs.

Ben Pearson MB-97 Exhaust Pipe Bender — This is a piece of equipment frequently used in our shop. Some of the features include: automatic depth of bend, automatic ram retraction, automatic motor cut-off and that’s just the beginning of a long list of features!

 


Stephen C. Rossi
S.C. Rossi Automotive Services Inc.
Franklin, MA

 

Family owned and operated for the last 20 years, S.C. Rossi Automotive features ASE-certified technicians using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment.

VEDIS Scan Tool by Autoland Scientech — Excellent for European work.

PowerProbe II by Power Probe Products — The best for electrical work.

Stinger Rechargeable Flashlight — We call it the upsale light.

iATN — Without all the valuable info and knowledge on this website, a lot of cars would go unfixed.

Ingersoll Rand IR2135 1/2” Drive Impact — Unbelievable nut-busting power without hand pain.

 


Tom and Debbie King, owners
King’s Service Truck and Auto Repair
Bradenton, FL

 

Yes Management System by Pace Computer Co. — A great way to keep track of all invoices and invoice history, parts and accounting.

Snap-on MT 2500 Scanner — Quick and simple to use, no computer boot time to wait for.

High-Speed Internet — Always on and ready to find parts and information.

RTI A/C Recycle Machine — One machine does both R-12 and R-134a.

iATN — A vast pool of knowledge.

 


Tami Eck, manager;
Dennis Eck Sr., owner;
and Garwood Kramer III, head of the diagnostic department
DME Auto and Custom Trucks
Frederick, PA

 

Snap-on SOLUS Scanner — This scanner is great! It will let you retrieve more information than any other scanner that we have ever had. The troubleshooting is very helpful.

Identifix — This is the best tech service line we have ever used. They have all of the information that we need to repair vehicles that nobody else can.

Ben Pearson’s Exhaust Bender — Allows us to make those hard-to-get or obsolete exhaust systems. You can also make any custom exhaust that you can ever dream of!

Snap-on Smoke Machine — Can find virtually any kind of vacuum leak plus evap problems.

Heater core and block flush machine, manufactured by DME Auto and Custom Trucks — Can flush out those clogged heater cores without having to replace them. It is simple and easy to use and cuts down the repair cost to the customer. It also flushes out the debris that clogs engine blocks.

 


Ernie Orgar, technician
Basset’s Service Center
Rochester, NY

 

Mac Torque Sticks (WTE-1463) — A real time saver over a torque wrench. I’m growing tired of customers’ cars coming in with damaged lug studs and nuts! Buy a set and use it!

Mac Pneumatic Fan Clutch Wrench Set (FCWAHSET) — Sure beats an awkward adjustable jaw wrench or worse yet, an air chisel!

Snap-on Hose Pick (SGA173AO) — Great for separating radiator hoses, vacuum and fuel hoses, without damaging them.

Mayhew Hose Clamp Pliers (EDP 45650) — Easily reaches those insanely positioned spring coolant clamps! Sir Tools Plastic Pry Set (ST 9030) — Won’t chip paint or damage fragile interior upholstery and trim.

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