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The Frog That Ate a TV: A Tech’s Guide to the Plastic Hiding in Plain Sight

Years ago I was scrolling Reddit and stumbled onto one of the most oddball stories I’ve ever seen, and I was sure it was a joke. A guy had worked at a carnival that ran a game called “Frog Bog,” where you hammer a lever to catapult little rubber frogs onto moving lily...

Take a Step Back to Take a Step Forward (VIDEO)

Description Ever get up to your elbows in a diagnostic problem, only to wind up right where you started an hour later? It may be time to take a step back to get fresh perspective. That way, you can reevaluate the problem and potentially spot issues you’ve...

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How to Hang Onto a Tricky Nut or Bolt (VIDEO)

Description Having trouble hanging onto a nut or bolt, especially in a part of the vehicle with minimal access or tight corners? Try these tips and tricks for keeping fasteners where you want them during installation.Related Videos

Is Your Shop Ready? ASCE 2025 Report Card Ranks U.S. Road Systems a D+

Every four years, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) releases a report card for America’s infrastructure, evaluating and grading across 18 categories like condition, funding, and resilience. In the most recent 2025 report, one of the more notable findings...

Are You Changing Spark Plugs the Right Way? (VIDEO)

Description Dorman Training Center instructor Pete Meier offers some pro tips and tricks for successful spark plug installation. Are you making any of these three common mistakes? Related Videos

Brake Fluid Exchanges: Are You Missing a Critical Step?

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Is Your DVOM Ready for Work? (VIDEO)

Description Dorman Training Center instructor Pete Meier explains how to check the battery and fuses in your DVOM/multimeter to make sure that it’s ready to go for your next job. Related Videos

In The Bay

Don’t let your scanner go unprotected

by Lemmy | Feb 1, 2024

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This article is a quick reminder to buy (and use!) a surge protector on your (or your shop’s) scan tool(s).

The modern vehicle scanner has WiFi, a screen, and touch input. It is, for all intents and purposes, a computer, and it doesn’t like “dirty” power. Protect it as you would a legitimate computer. The modern shop has all sorts of power draws and supplies. Customer vehicles are already a questionable source of power—reduce your exposure when charging your tools at night and throw a surge protector between the power source and your tool.

Single-input surge protection devices exist and are compact and cost-effective—grab one! Photo: Lemmy

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