They look the same, but serve different roles. Here are the very specific scenarios where the lesser-known parallel connector shines.
Parallel connectors vs. butt connectors
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
The only two mistakes you can make on your first timing belt job (and why you shouldn’t worry about them)
T-belts aren’t scary at all.
Ten (sort of serious) questions every service writer should ask
Skillful interrogation is a wonderful way to make your professional life easier. Here are a few suggestions on where to start.
TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: Can you identify these dash lights? PART 4 (VIDEO)
Think you know your dash lights? Shop Press contributors Keith, Miriam, Chris, and Greaser try their best to identify all kinds of lights, symbols, and indicators.
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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.
Why you should empty the master cylinder before bleeding brakes (VIDEO)
Removing old fluid from a vehicle’s braking system can be a time-consuming chore, but it doesn’t need to be.
PSA: Take a quick look at your punches and chisels (and be sure they’re ready for service)
Dressing chisels and punches, however, is a housekeeping task I’ve found not everyone knows they should be doing, and dress your punches and chisels!
The best auto racing movies to convert non-racing fans
There are two kinds of people in the world: race fans and people who haven’t watched these movies.
A few tips for tow truck operators
Hookin’ ain’t easy. Here’s what I wish I knew on Day 1.
The $2.5 million man: hire the right manager for your shop if you want to run with the big dogs
Starting a shop and managing it to the big leagues require very different skills. Odds are you don’t have both, and that’s okay.
Want to contribute an article to Shop Press?
Are you a wrench and a writer? A counterperson and a communicator? A service writer and a scribe? Get paid to share your experience and expertise with thousands of Shop Press readers.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Tire techs: Elevate your work with this one humble task
A set of tires is expensive. Make it special.
March Automotive Horoscopes
We read the astrological signs and predicted your automotive future.
TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: The Mystery Box
The Proving Grounds crew is back again for a new grudge match in the garage called The Mystery Box.
Beverly Hills auto body shop launched a jewelry business using scrap metal from luxury cars
CRASH Jewelry uses real fenders, doors and hoods from high-end vehicles to make cuffs, earrings, necklaces and more.
Your customers are using their HVAC systems wrong
It’s up to you to tell them why.
VIDEOS
More ways to use oil pan alignment pins around the shop! (VIDEO)
These handy tools can are useful for all kinds of alignment tasks involving covers, pans, and gaskets.
A few tips for ball joint removal
If you’re a budding technician, a few of these pointers might help ya during front end work.
Automotive professionals vs. popular auto myths! (VIDEO)
We assembled a list of common and confusing advice, then asked the gang to weigh in on some very questionable practices.