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
Smarter, not harder: relative compression testing
Analyzing a new trick I learned from an old dog.
Can’t break that crank bolt loose? You need a crank socket (VIDEO)
Crank fasteners are often a real pain to remove. Mechanics with expensive impact wrenches and large breaker bars struggle to remove them—but there’s a better way.
So you want to restore a classic or build a kit car? Think twice.
Unless you’re a professional mechanic or a hardcore DIYer, I suggest you focus on building memories instead of a car.
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SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
What Happens When You Don’t Drain Your Air Compressor? (You Don’t Want to Find Out.)
The shop maintenance task you can’t afford to forget.
How to install a brake cable slack eliminator (VIDEO)
If your parking brake is weak or not working at all, a stretched cable is usually the issue.
The seven words you never want to hear from a customer (and how to avoid them)
It’s your job to tell customers about warning signs and bad repairs.
Flip spare tires to make life easier for owners and techs (VIDEO)
From the factory with the spare’s valve stem pointing up, but you can flip it over and reinstall for easy checks and refills.
Three lessons from “Traffic: why we drive the way we do (and what it says about us)”
A textbook yields a few pearls of wisdom for those in the automotive biz.
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SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Don’t Get Hung Up on Hanging Calipers
A household trick to save time — and brake hoses.
The right way to apply PTFE tape (VIDEO)
PTFE tape is essential for threaded connections that need a good seal.
A cheap bore scope is your best friend for prepurchase inspections
Saving time and labor while giving PPI customers a clear picture.
Tired of dead 9V batteries? Convert to rechargeables! (VIDEO)
If you have tools that use 9 volt batteries, it’s cheap and easy to convert them to rechargeable batteries. Watch to learn how it’s done!
Test fuses without removal! (VIDEO)
How to test for blown fuses in a car or truck | Fast and easy method
VIDEOS
Dust Cap Tool Explained (VIDEO)
How many times have you seen a hub dust cap with ugly dents from a sloppy installation? A dust cap tool is a handy tool for installing caps on customer vehicles without damaging the cap’s appearance.
Why a magnetic drain plug is a worthwhile upgrade (VIDEO)
Do your customers know the benefits of magnetic oil drain plugs? Swap out their standard drain plugs to help protect against unnecessary engine damage.
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?