THEMAGNIFICENT20

THEMAGNIFICENT20

24 September 2013

Each year thecall goes out tothe world’s automo-tive tool designers, man-ufacturers and suppliers. Themessage is simple: Send us your latest

and greatest—tools that are truly new and innova-tive. Show us something that makes us say: “Wow!We’ve never seen anything like this before.” Besidesstandout originality, there’s only one other criterionthat must be met for consideration: The productmust have been introduced between May 1, 2012and June 30, 2013.

MOTOR’s annual Top 20 Tools competition is nowin its 22nd year. As in years past, we were impressedby the quality and ingenuity of the entries we re-ceived. We offer our sincere thanks to all companiesthat submitted candidates for consideration, and specialcongratulations to each of this year’s winners. Without fur-ther ado, we proudly present the best of the best for 2013.

BY THE EDITORS OF MOTORBY THE EDITORS OF MOTOR

Photoillustration: Harold A. Perry; images: Thinkstock

25September 2013

The solution for driveability problemscaused by carbon deposits in the intakesystem and on the valves is a commonone—clean the deposits. But before ashop sells the service, it has to know ifthe driveability issue it’s trying to solve isgoing to be benefitted by the carboncleaning process the company is market-ing. In this case, the company is Wynn’sUSA, an automotive specialty chemicalsmarketer, and it wanted to be able toprovide shop customers with an evalua-tion method. It’s possible to use aborescope to get an indication, but asimple, quick method that could be vali-dated for all gasoline engines was need-ed for field use.

This led to the Auto EKG, a PC soft-ware system for combustion analysis, based on anexisting tailpipe sensor that had been developed formisfire diagnosis by ATS (Automotive Test Solu-tions). AutoEKG software looks at the combustionefficiency by reading the pressure changes within

the exhaust system, which indicates the cyclic varia-tions within the cylinders, a measure of the carbonbuildup. The exhaust pressure pulses are timed tothe ignition coil discharges using an antenna thatreads them and reports to the PC.

Auto EKGby Automotive Test Solutions

Current diagnostic rou-tines dictate time-con-suming circuit diag-nostics, but never testthe component, so re-placement of the com-ponent often ends upas a last-step fix. ThePower Pro (Part No.78065) is designed toaccurately drive DCand pulsewidth-modu-lated (PWM) motors,actuators and sole-noids on today’s vehi-cles. More and morevehicles are usingPWM-driven components, and they can no longerbe tested simply by directly applying 12 volts, with-out the potential for misdiagnosis. Power Pro cansupply up to 40 amps to connected or disconnectedcomponents, displaying actual current draw in .1-

amp increments, and it has the ability to drive themfrom 0% to 100% in 1% increments. Kit contents in-clude the main unit with 7-ft. cables, two 3-ft. 40-amp test leads, two battery clips, two alligator clips,two female spade probes and a male spade probe.

Power Proby Hickok/Waekon

26 September 2013

This handy pencil-style gauge allows the user toquickly identify brake pad life on inboard or out-board pads on most vehicles without removing thewheel assembly or brake caliper. Brake pad wearcan be checked while performing other service on avehicle, as quickly as checking tire pressure.

A red-yellow-green indicator provides a visual in-

dication of remaining brake pad material, and canbe used to explain service recommendations to acustomer. Green means the brake pads are okay,with 8mm or more of pad material remaining; yel-low indicates they’ll need replacement soon (3 to8mm remaining); red suggests immediate replace-ment (0 to 3mm remaining).

OTC Brake Pad Gaugeby Bosch Automotive Service Solutions

The Video Scope Monitor featuresa compact monitor with a shock-re-sistant glass screen weighing only.66 lb. (without batteries). A 3.5-in.TFT LCD QVGA display offers640�480 image and video resolutionfor improved viewing and record-ing. Monitor screen images can beviewed in Inspection, Snapshot andVideo modes. Date and time infor-mation is displayed on-screen andtransfers to picture and videorecordings. The 3X & 5X DigitalZoom modes allow you to zoom infor a closer view. The tool featuresthe company’s Hyperion Technolo-gy 5.5mm�1m probe and a trio ofunique features designed to enhance viewing capabilities.

Light Boost improves image clarity by increasing ordecreasing LED light illumination of an object. Brightor dark objects, shiny or dull surfaces, smooth or roughsurfaces are better viewed using more or less light insome cases. One switch located in the probe control

box changes the LED light bright-ness for improved viewing clarity.

Mirroring & Image Rotation al-lows a technician to digitally rotatethe image viewed on the monitorscreen. With the push of a button,letter, number and picture orienta-tion can be changed. Letter or num-ber sequences can be viewed inreading order, and upside-down pic-tures can be changed to the properviewing configuration.

The Particle Free & Anti-Reflec-tion feature digitally reduces imageglare and reduces or removes cameralens particle and spot contamination.Images are “cleaned up” by selecting

the Particle Free & Anti-Reflection mode button.The scope includes a 110 Degree Screw-on Mirror

with Locking Collar. Probes are dust- and fluid-resistantto water, coolant and brake, fuel and transmission fluids.A full range of unique accessories is available to comple-ment the video scope kit.

Video Scopeby ANSED Diagnostic Solutions

28 September 2013

The Mongoose series of SAE J2534 pass-thru de-vices has gained popularity as low-cost reprogram-ming devices for shops that have their service vol-ume concentrated in specific makes. Pro GM II, the

newest version of the tool for General Motors vehi-cles, adds an important new feature—software driv -ers that enable the shop to do Tech2Win, a PC ver-sion of Tech 2, the GM diagnostic scan tool since

1995. Tech2Win provides Tech 2 diag-nostics for most GM domestic-buildcars built in the OBD II era (individ-ual models on which it wasn’t imple-mented and the new Global Diagnos-tic System the notable exceptions).Most carmakers are working to pro-vide J2534 versions of their diagnosticsoftware, but Tech2Win was written inan ISO (International Standards Orga-nization) programming protocol(22900), so an ordinary J2534 pass-thru wouldn’t be compatible.

Short-term software access for boththe J2534 reprogramming and the ISO22900 Tech2Win diagnostics is avail-able at the GM tech info website. AllMongoose devices have the electronicsbuilt into the OBD II connector.

Mongoose PROby Drew Technologies

An assortment of pry bars, cheaterpipes, wedges and other tools havebeen used in an attempt to identifyworn suspension parts. This simplebut ingenious Suspension Wear In-dicator (Part No. 432 910) providesa safe and effective replacement forall of those methods.

To use the tool, a tire is raised offthe ground to allow clearance, thenlowered until some of the vehicle’sweight rests on the tool. This allowsthe suspension to remain in its nor-mal “as driven” position. With thetool positioned parallel to the tiretread, slowly rocking the handle al-lows the user to check for side-to-side suspension wear. Placing the tool perpendicularto the tire tread, then applying the brakes, checksforward and reverse suspension wear. Two tools canbe used at once to simultaneously check for wear onboth sides of a front or rear suspension.

Strut bushings and bearings, link pin bushings,

wheel bearings, CV axles, ball joints, tie-rod ends,steering rack mounts, torsion bar bushings and con-trol arm bushings all can be checked for wear, playor looseness with this tool. It allows the user to posi-tively see, feel or hear a problem while performingsuspension diagnostics.

Suspension Wear Indicatorby Mueller-Kueps

30 September 2013

This tool blurs thelines between acode scanner and aprofessional scantool with featuressuch as bidirec-tional controls forelectronic parkingbrake release,steering angle re-set and oil servicelight resets. It alsohas the ability todisplay, record andreplay enhanceddata for automatictransmission, SRSand ABS, and hasgraphing capabili-ties for generic OBD II and support for all OBD IItest modes, including Mode 6.

Manufacturer-specific code definitions are builtinto the tool, as is an enhanced help function. Other

features include a 3.5-in. TFT color display, a lithi-um-ion battery, printing via PC, internet updatabili-ty and a rugged outer molding that protects the toolif it’s accidentally dropped.

CRP129 Scan Toolby Launch Tech USA

With carmakers addingunderbody panels tolower coefficient of dragfor improved fuel econo-my, the result is a tediousprocess of unthreadingdozens of screws to beable to check and reachmechanical componentsor even do something assimple as get to the drainbolt for an oil change. It’sa slow process even ifthere’s a single-sizescrew, but often thereare at least two sizes.

A technician couldcarry a pair of sockets ora pair of ratchets, each with a different size socket, butthe new S6810 1⁄4-in. drive Semi-Deep Flip Socket is alot more convenient. One end is 8mm, the other10mm, so if you’re working on a BMW with some 30screws, you have both sizes you need. In addition, you

can take the flip socket to a number of other cars thatuse either screw head size on underbody pan fasten-ers—from Lexus, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz, downto the Chevy Cruze/Buick Verano. The 12-point sock-ets engage every 30°, for better access.

S6810 Semi-Deep Flip Socketby Snap-on Tools

32 September 2013

The Maximus is a fully functioning di-agnostic scan tool, capable of every-thing from pulling codes to diagnosingthe most complex problems, while alsofunctioning as a tablet computer withthe Windows 7 operating system. Thisallows you to access repair databasesquickly and run multiple applicationswhile diagnosing vehicles. One-clickWi-Fi updates mean the most currentsoftware on a single vehicle line can beaccessed in as little as 45 seconds.

The tool’s design features include a9.7-in. In-Panel Switching (IPS) touch-screen, a built-in camera, VGA andHDMI video out, audio out and multi-ple USB ports along with Wi-Fi B/G/Nand ethernet. The tablet uses Wi-Fi forinternet and Class 1 Bluetooth for no-hassle connectivity to the vehicle. Maximus is alsocompatible with optional enhancements, including afour-channel lab scope, a sensor simulator, a J2534pass-thru device and a battery tester. A rugged out-

er-case molding and a solid-state hard drive offermaximum tool protection. A built-in battery anddocking station, as well as a 30-day free trial of Di-rect-Hit from Identifix, are also included.

Maximus Scan Toolby Matco Tools

A torque wrench that can mea-sure angular rotation of thewrench for commonly specifiedtorque-to-yield measurements—or at least an adapter that at-taches to it—should be in everytechnician’s toolbox. The typethat many shops have is de-signed to go on a ratchet-typetorque wrench, but typically haslimitations: It fits just one-drive-size wrench and must mount onthe head of the wrench, where itcould pose a clearance issue,and in operation can pose aproblem maintaining accuracyin ratchet mode.

This new Digital Angle Gauge, which has a dual-axis gyrometer and V-channel magnetic retaininggroove, overcomes both of these issues. It fits on thewrench handle, so it can be positioned out of theway of any clearance issue, plus mount to virtuallyany size ratchet (or breaker bar), from 1⁄4 in. up to 1

in. And if the ratchet handle is moved back morethan 7°, the gauge goes into ratchet mode. It has abacklit LCD that shows torque angle, plus coloredLEDs and a buzzer to alert the technician when thepreset torque angle is reached. The gauge is accu-rate to �2°.

Digital Angle Gaugeby Brown Line Metalworks

34 September 2013

VERUS PRO offers a scanner, a four-channel scope, a data manager, awaveform library, schematics, TSBs,an online technical forum, Fast-TrackTroubleshooter, guided test proce-dures and verified repair tips inte-grated into a single tool. The Sure-Track Expert Information Communi-ty offers parts replacement data andreal fixes, and the optional ShopKeyRepair Information System providesquick access to repair guidance forvirtually any light vehicle on the road.

The VERUS PRO is thinner and 3lbs. lighter than the original VERUSdisplay tablet. A high-resolution10.2-in. touchscreen provides de-tailed graphing, precise results and easy-to-read in-formation and schematics. A single keyless adapterfor OBD II applications means there’s no need tochange adapters or keys to suit specific vehicles orsystems. Wireless scanning for 1980 and newer vehi-cles, Wi-Fi and a built-in internet browser give you

the freedom to work from anywhere in the bay. Aninternal hard drive allows you to store vehiclerecords, diagnostic data, test results and screen im-ages, plus add your own software applications. The“S” button instantly captures screen images and pro-vides navigation shortcuts.

VERUS PROby Snap-on Diagnostics

Every shop has diagonal cuttingpliers, in fact, usually more thanone—a large set to cut throughthick materials and a small setfor where access is limited.These TwinForce pliers have adual-hinge camlike axle designthat provides increased lever-age within the framework of a7-in. tool that fits into quartersthat a comparable-performance10-in. tool cannot. The pliers’design provides a high trans-mission of cutting force, whichthe company’s tests show re-quires 50% less physical strainthan conventional 7-in. cuttingpliers.

The TwinForce can cutthrough metal tape or wire asthick as 3⁄16 in. because the jaws open up, so the cut-ting effort can be applied two or three times, if nec-essary. There are two models—No. 73-71-180,

which has conventional plastic-dipped handles, andNo. 73-72-180, which has a dual-material handlecovering that’s shaped for extra comfort.

TwinForce Diagonal Cuttersby KNIPEX

36 September 2013

The unique design of these pliers (Part No. 37300)provides extra leverage when disconnecting quick-connect couplings on a vehicle’s air conditioning andfuel lines. It can be used with 5⁄16-, 3⁄8- or 1⁄2-in. adapters

from the company’s 37000 or 39400 Disconnect ToolSets. The pliers’ forks have different-size openings sothe tool can be turned around to fit single-step ortwo-step collar lines. They can also be used to recon-

nect stubborn lines or connec-tions that are tucked away inhard-to-reach areas.

Fuel & A/C Disconnect Pliersby Lisle

38 September 2013

Circle #17

The Smoke Pro Portable Leak Detector (PLD) isequipped with an on-board micro compressor, elim-inating the need for shop air and gas lines. This al-lows the tool to be taken where the work is. A frac-tion of the size and weight of conventional evap

testing machines, this leak detector allows clean,cost-efficient, quick, contaminant-free diagnostics.The PLD also gives technicians the ability to utilizean air-only, contaminant-free testing cycle, which ismandated and recommended by many OEMs.

Smoke Pro Portable Leak Detectorby Redline Detection

39September 2013

Circle #18

The John Bean AC400 TouchlessAlignment Wheel Clamp allowsthe user to securely clamp to atire without touching the rim,while still providing accurate andhighly repeatable results. Clamp-ing is accomplished with a singlefast-action adjustment knob thatadjusts to the full range of tiresizes, without exchanging acces-sories, in just a few turns.

The wheel clamp features clutchlimited-clamping force for consis-tent and secure attachment. Itsself-centering design allows mea-surement of cross-diagonal andtire-rolling radius that helps revealcollision damage and mismatchedtire sizes. Drop-tested, lightweightcast-magnesium construction easesthe weight users have to carry anda comfortable handle accommo-dates gloved hands.

John Bean AC400 Touchless Alignment Wheel Clampby Snap-on Equipment

40 September 2013

Circle #19

Given a choice, you’d probablywant a cordless electric ratchetfor underhood work, if you canfit it in. Because if you can’t,you may have to snake an airline in to use an air ratchet, orexert the extra effort with amanual tool.

The new R3130 (3⁄8-in. drive)is a new slim in-line design thatuses a 1.5-amp/hour, 20-voltlithium-ion battery, with a mo-tor that can deliver up to 54 ft.-lbs. of torque. The battery packis installed behind where thetechnician’s hand holds the tool,a new approach to layout thatmeans if your arm fits in, so willthe ratchet. The battery pack iscontrolled by an intelligent management system andthe battery itself is an advanced design that has highcharge capacity and low impedance so it can delivermaximum power and runtime. The ratchet head is

the same one used for the company’s air tools. Be-cause the new ratchet is on the company’s IQ Seriesplatform, its battery pack is interchangeable withothers in the IQ Series.

R3130 3/8-in. Cordless Ratchetby Ingersoll Rand

Capless fuel fills startedwith Ford and now you’llalso find them on GeneralMotors cars, with moremanufacturers expected tojoin. There’s no issue withusing these systems duringrefueling, but when you’retrying to perform evapora-tive leak detection usingthe conventional adaptersthat go over the capped fillneck to seal, you needsomething different.

This new adapter forboth Ford and GM hasbeen introduced as that an-swer. It’s simply insertedthrough the spring-loadeddouble doors of the caplessneck and when it reaches a stop at the outer end of thefill neck, the technician then twists it to seal. Once theadapter is in place, any evap system diagnostic equip-

ment, such as pressure/vacuum decay or a smoke orsmoke/dye machine, can be used. The adapter, madeof fuel-resistant plastics, is warranted for five years.

Ford & GM Capless Fuel Neck Adapterby STAR Envirotech

41September 2013

DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) is a pre-cise mixture of 32.5% automotivegrade urea and 67.5% deionized wa-ter, required both for emissions con-trol and fuel economy. That formu-lation has very little margin for con- tamination, which can occur in sev-eral ways. They include storage withthe cap off (or missing), a defectivetank vent, improper addition of wa-ter or even mixing in coolant from afailure of a coolant-type (nonelec-tric) heating system. A dashboardwarning light may illuminate onsome trucks, but for the most part, itcomes down to checking the re-maining fluid’s specific gravity whenit comes in for a tank refill. There are refractometersfor the purpose, ranging from the eyepiece type (asused for testing antifreeze concentration) to one ofthe electronic types calibrated for DEF.

An inexpensive alternative is the new TH108 hy-drometer. Just draw out a sample of the DEF and

the number of floating discs indicates the urea con-centration percentage (two should float if concentra-tion is correct). The discs are temperature-compen-sating, so the DEF can be tested hot or cold. If theDEF is contaminated, a service procedure, such asflushing the tank with deionized water, is specified.

DEF-Chek Testerby Thexton Manufacturing

The high-pressure fuel injec-tors on heavy-duty diesels area high-volume service itemfor many shops, the Ford6.7L Power Stroke V8 a com-mon example. Replacing in-jectors is a job that requirescleanliness and care, and oneof the issues is the need (citedby Ford in its service manu-als) for a deep-well crowfootto access and torque to speci-fications (20 N-m/177 in.-lbs.)the plastic fuel line fittings. Ittakes care, because you don’twant to crack them.

An ordinary deep 17mmcrowfoot socket can do thejob, but you’ll feel a lot bet-ter working with the newNo. 11400 socket. It’s a 12-point design specially shaped to fit, with the noseangled to prevent damage to the electrical connec-

tion. It can be spun by hand under the bend in thelines to complete loosening or begin retightening.

Ford Power Stroke 6.7L Diesel Injector Socketsby SP Tools/Schley Products

42 September 2013

The No. 7077 looks like a suction gun (and itreally is), but like many of MOTOR’s Top 20Tools selections over the years, it’s a conven-tional shop tool that has a host of appealingfeatures that make it special. The 1500cc (1.5-qt.) piston/cylinder body is clear polypropy-lene, so when it’s used to draw out fluid, atechnician can see the condition of the fluid.

Although all tools of this type can be usedfor extraction and filling, as a practical matter,you usually have to pick a single function.However, this tool is easily taken apart forcleaning, so you can not only change from ex-traction of dirty fluid to filling with clean, butchange from one fluid to another without fearof cross-contamination. The plung er pistoncomes with double seals, and the kit includesan extra set if the shop uses the pump for cor-rosive fluids. The hose has an aluminum tip,which can accept add-on hoses to reach intorecessed areas or to attach the special trans-mission fluid filling adapters required forsome vehicles.

Extraction & Filling Pumpby CTA Manufacturing

ANSED Diagnostic Solutionswww.anseddiagnostics.comCircle #101

Automotive Test Solutionswww.automotivetestsolutions.comCircle #102

Bosch Automotive Service Solutionswww.OTCTools.comCircle #103

Brown Line Metalworkswww.brownlinemetalworks.comCircle #104

CTA Manufacturingwww.ctatools.comCircle #105

Drew Technologieswww.drewtech.comCircle #106

Hickok/Waekonwww.hickok-inc.comCircle #107

Ingersoll Randwww.ingersollrandproducts.comCircle #108

KNIPEXwww.knipex.comCircle #109

Launch Tech USAwww.launchtechusa.comCircle #110

Lislewww.lislecorp.comCircle #111

Matco Toolswww.matcotools.comCircle #112

Mueller-Kuepswww.mueller-kueps.comCircle #113

Redline Detectionwww.redlinedetection.comCircle #114

Snap-on Diagnosticswww1.snapon.com/diagnostics/us

Snap-on Equipmentwww.snaponequipment.comCircle #115

Snap-on Toolswww.snapon.com

SP Tools/Schley Productswww.sptool.comCircle #116

STAR Envirotechwww.starenvirotech.comCircle #117

Thexton Manufacturingwww.thexton.comCircle #118

HOW TO GET THE TOP 20For more information on these Top 20 Tools award winners, visit the websites listed here orcircle the appropriate numbers on the Product Information Page on page 72 of this issue.

43September 2013