Shop Press

Shop Press is the news and idea hub for everything related to working on cars and trucks, focusing on repair, technology, and wrenching lifestyle.

From the creative minds at:

FEATURE STORY

Hot Off the Press

Is It Ever Safe to Reuse Torque-to-Yield (TTY) Fasteners (VIDEO)

Description Torque-to-yield fasteners are designed to deform during installation to ensure a secure connection. If a TTY fastener looks to be in good shape after removal, can it be reused? Pete Meier explains why these single-use bolts should always be replaced for...

Do You Survey Your Customers, and How?

Recently, I had the opportunity to take my car to a body shop (it’s a long story). Once the work was done and I was checking out, the office manager mentioned to me that they would be sending me a customer satisfaction survey and encouraged me to fill it out. Then she...

Interpreting Compression Tests–ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)

Description Technician A has just completed a running compression test using a mechanical compression gauge. Technician B says that the test is used to check the volumetric efficiency of the engine. Technician A says that the higher-than-expected readings indicate a...

Do I Need a Tune-up?

If you’re like me, you might cringe a little. More often than not, they’re hoping this magical procedure will fix some mysterious issue with their car. But let’s break it down: what is a tune-up, anyway? Most dictionaries describe a tune-up as “a general adjustment to...

PSA: Be Safe With Brake Cleaner

If you work in a shop (and if you’re reading this, chances are you do), you are undoubtedly familiar with brake cleaner. And, if you know the scent of brake cleaner, you probably know that using it is not great for your health if it comes in contact with your skin,...

Compression Testing | ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)

Description Technician A has just completed a dry compression test of a four-cylinder engine. All four cylinders are below specification by about the same amount. After performing a wet compression test, values remained unchanged. What could cause this condition? A)...

When a Voltmeter Isn’t Enough (Video)

Description With the variety of electronically controlled systems on a modern automobile, the days when a test light or simple voltmeter was enough to diagnose problems are long gone. Using a digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) can make troubleshooting faster and more...

The TPMS tool that pays for itself

by | May 9, 2024

If you’re a regular Shop Press reader, you’ve met Chris before. (He’s hilariously identified some dash lights and also is better at identifying auto parts by feel than anyone else I know.) I’ve worked here for a while, but his tenure bests mine. The other day we were chatting and he introduced me to a Dorman tool that I didn’t even know we made. And I think it’s a home run for any shop that does an appreciable amount of tire work: a valve core driver, our 974-500.

I’m sure you’re unimpressed because every tire shop on the planet has a pile of valve core tools. However, the 974-500 has a neat party trick: it’s got a preset torque limiter built in. At 3.9 pounds, it clicks just like your torque wrench. I tested it. It’s right on the money.

Core tool on a tire

This is a no-brainer to me. Toss one or two on the tire machine. They only cost a few bucks each, and if you break one, buy another. If it saves literally just one TPMS valve stem from premature (read: shop-funded!) replacement, it paid for itself.

I also intend to kiss one of these with an endmill and see if I can’t make a nice low-torque flathead screwdriver for myself. In any event, it’s a helpful little tool and even though I have worked here for a few years, I didn’t know we offered it. My bet is that you didn’t either.

The articles and other content contained on this site may contain links to third party websites. By clicking them, you consent to Dorman’s Website Use Agreement.

Related Articles

Shop Press Comment Policy

Participation in this forum is subject to Dorman’s Website Terms & Conditions. Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
2 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline feedback
View all comments