We’ve all heard the question that starts like this. So will you lend tools?
“Can I borrow a…”
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
Battery date codes are painfully unstandardized and you’re better off without them
Don’t waste your time with codebreaking. Just grab a paint pen.
Using a spaghetti trick to keep zip ties organized (VIDEO)
Chefs know a helpful hack to keep spaghetti from falling out of an opened bag, and the same idea happens to work perfectly for zip ties. Give it a try next time you have a pack of zip ties that doesn’t have a resealable closure.
Book review: “Pump and Circumstance”
A walk (or drive) through the history of gas and service stations.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Beyond the basics: best tools for auto repair DIYers and technicians (VIDEO)
The right tools will expand your capabilities and help you to tackle more advanced jobs, but it’s not always easy to know where to start.
Brake booster valve – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
A customer states the brake pedal falls slightly when the brakes are applied while starting the engine. Which technician response is correct?
The final days (and cars) of AMC
In November 1988, two employees snuck a camera into AMC’s Kenosha plant for a farewell tour.
What is a core charge?
A little glimpse into the world of making old parts new.
How do you inspect a serpentine belt for wear?
Inspection of a belt goes beyond the old standbys of checking for cracks and fraying.
ABOUT 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. With interesting stories from around the world, features on creative people and solutions, and all kinds of other stuff that’ll make you use your mind and your hands.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Another specialty punch
There are many types of punches. There’s a reason for that.
The importance of testing engine coolant (VIDEO)
Peter Meier discusses the importance of testing coolant and how mechanics can use simple strip testers to keep cooling systems safe.
How to use a refractometer
Dorman trainer Pete Meier turned me on to a handy new tool.
Transfer cases: Married vs. divorced FAQ (VIDEO)
When two transfer cases love each other very much…
New to the team but not new to the business (VIDEO)
A Master Technician and nationally known trainer joins the Shop Press family. Say hello to Pete Meier!
VIDEOS
Low-mileage JDM automatics: Worthwhile or worthless? (VIDEO)
Nick and Lemmy check out a flex plate from an imported Japanese automatic transmission with very few miles under its belt.
Fuse box-compatible circuit breakers are the ultimate spares when space is limited
Throw a set of these resettable “fuses” in your toolbox.
Harmonic balancers – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
A defective harmonic balancer can affect the accuracy of ignition timing readings or a defective harmonic balancer can damage the crank. Which technician is correct?