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CATEGORY FOCUS: Shop Tools
Recently released products in the automotive repair tools space include: heavy duty die grinders from Snap-on; low-vibration hammers from Chicago Pneumantic ; a high-torque impact wrench from Milwaukee; and a new service cart from Matco Tools.
Welcome to Auto Service World’s Category Focus, looking at recent announcements from automotive aftermarket tool makers, parts manufacturers, and distributors.
Service cart
The Jamestown Service Cart 773 from Matco Tools now comes in desert tan with olive trim. The fully wielded unibody double-wall construction provides increased load capacity, strength and rigidity, and a stainless-steel flip-up lid is resistant to damage from chemicals while handling up to 200 lbs in six drawers. The cart (part number JSC773-NNV) offers over 22,550 cubic inches of mobile, lockable storage, and features standard ergonomic push handles.
Cordless 1” High Torque Impact Wrench
Milwaukee Tool just elevated the productivity for users who fasten up to 1-3/4” bolts with the introduction of the first and only cordless 1” high torque impact wrench. An incredible breakthrough for cordless power tool technology, the M18 FUEL 1” High Torque Impact Wrench w/ ONE-KEY is also the world’s most powerful cordless impact. It utilizes advanced M18 FUEL technology to deliver up to 1800 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque while remaining 7 lbs lighter than the leading corded option currently available.
“The M18 FUEL 1” High Torque Impact Wrench is the epitome of what we’re able to accomplish through M18 FUEL cordless technology – it’s not only the first of its kind but it’s also the most powerful cordless impact in the world. This tremendous power breaks down so many barriers on the jobsite and in the shop: Users will no longer need their compressors and generators, nor will they need to spend the time and money needed to maintain them. They’ll experience much less fatigue because this tool is much lighter than what they have been using during these fastening applications. And they’ll be able to perform their jobs without the interference of cords or hoses,” said Eric Rusch, Senior Product Manager for Milwaukee Tool. “There simply hasn’t been a cordless impact wrench like this ever before.”
True to all M18 FUEL™ solutions, the new M18 FUEL 1” High Torque Impact Wrench combines three exclusive innovations – the POWERSTATE™ brushless motor, REDLITHIUM battery pack, and REDLINK PLUS™ intelligence. However, to deliver the world’s first cordless 1” impact wrench, Milwaukee reengineered the motor and electronics packages to deliver seamless communication with the battery and the best performance catered to this tool and its applications.
A brand-new POWERSTATE brushless motor packs more torque for demanding applications, while redesigned REDLINK PLUS Intelligence drastically reduces the size of the electronics to save space and increase thermal capacity and communication between the tool, motor, and HIGH OUTPUT XC8.0 battery. Finally, the mechanism has been optimized to deliver this incredible raw power in the most lightweight package possible. The tool is also designed with a four-mode DRIVE CONTROL feature, providing users the versatility to switch between modes to match the power and speed for the application.
As an added benefit, ONE-KEY, provides the ability to customize, track and manage this impact wrench, as well as set a repeatable torque.
Milwaukee is committed to improving productivity by providing performance-driven and trade-focused solutions so users can perform an entire day’s work on one battery system. This new tool is part of the M18 System, now offering more than 175 power tool solutions.
*M18 FUEL is engineered for the most demanding tradesmen in the world. Delivering unrivaled performance, all M18 FUEL products feature three Milwaukee-exclusive innovations—The POWERSTATE Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS Intelligence Hardware and Software—that deliver unmatched power, run-time and durability on the jobsite. Simply put, M18 FUEL tools are the most powerful 18V cordless tools in their class.
Low-vibration hammers
Chicago Pneumatic has introduced a new low vibration hammer that is ideal for everyday general mechanic, body shop and MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) applications. There are two versions – CP7160 and CP7165 – that are comfortable to use and powerful, so operators can get their jobs done quickly and efficiently, and reduce the risk of long-term injury.
“Repetitive and prolonged use of traditional pneumatic hammers can lead to injuries such as hand arm vibration syndrome, which is an entirely preventable, yet debilitating condition for the operator. At Chicago Pneumatic we take safety seriously, so wanted to design a new hammer that provides less vibration, and therefore less risk of injury to the operator, while at the same time ensuring they can work effectively,” says Antoine Tourneux, Global Product Marketing Manager, Vehicle Service Air Tools, at Chicago Pneumatic. “We are pleased to have achieved that with our CP7160 and CP7165, which complete our range of pneumatic hammers that is renowned for high quality and performance.”
The hammer is designed with an air cushion which reduces vibrations to just 4.37 m/s2 for the CP7160 and 3.26 m/s2 for the CP7165. Pneumatic hammers work by way of a piston repeatedly hitting a chisel. This action creates vibration which results in shock that passed through the tool on to the hands and arms of the operator. The hammer’s vibration is low thanks to the inclusion of a vibration damped valve which creates the air cushion and thus minimizes shock.
The new hammer provides great handling and is well balanced since the handle is not positioned right at the back of the tool, and it easily rests on an operator’s hand. As a result, it is more comfortable to use than other tools in its class, so the worker experiences less fatigue and can use the hammer more easily for a highly productive day. The entire back of the tool is covered by a rubber grip to prevent the hammer from slipping when it is in an operator’s hands, even if they are dirty or oily. Furthermore, the user can easily place their free hand on the back of the hammer to guide the tool more precisely.
The powerful tool delivers 8 Joules for the CP7610 and 11 Joules for the CP7165, and the user can easily choose the required power for the application thanks to an easy-to-use adjuster. The power adjustment is positioned at the bottom of the handle and the operator can simply select from four settings. They can choose from between 36% and 100% power for the CP7160 hammer and between 73% and 100% for the CP7165 version.
Furthermore, the hammer is lightweight and durable thanks to an aluminum motor housing and metal damped valve, which is more robust than a composite one. As such, the tool can easily withstand the typical conditions of a workshop, providing reliable use over its service life.
All-in-all, the tool delivers the highest value in terms of performance, ergonomics and durability for its cost compared with other tools in its class, and is the perfect solution for everyday jobs such as cutting metal sheets or concrete, and disassembly tasks including rivets, screws and welding joints.
The new hammers are backed up by Chicago Pneumatic’s worldwide service and vast offer of spare parts and kits so users can ensure maximize uptime. More information on the CP7160 and CP7165 hammers is available here.
Heavy-Duty Die Grinders
Though winter is officially over the need for grinding tools that are as tough as the grinding work are as necessary as ever. The PTGR family of tools – available in standard (PTGR400), long neck (PTGR405) and right-angle (PTGR410) versions – has been re-designed to help shops and techs get through the daily grind.
“These die grinders are heavy-duty, but not heavy weight,” says Rodger Isetts, a Snap-on Tools product manager. “We developed each grinder to offer powerful performance in a small, lightweight package. Different configurations provide maneuverability in reaching restricted areas, making them ideal for heavy frame grinding, chamfering, welding cleanup and work on hardened steels.”
Operating at 1 HP, each heavy-duty die grinder features a thermally balanced air motor that efficiently cools internal components while operating at 23,000 RPM (12,000 RPM for the PTGR410) for maximum performance and stall torque. Adjustable rear exhaust directs air flow away from the work area, while a built-in air regulator offers speed choice for specific applications. Bits are held secure with a dual taper collet system and easily changed with standard wrenches.
Designed for low vibration and sound, these grinders also feature ergonomic comfort grip handles to further reduce fatigue. Variable-speed, safety-style paddle triggers prevent accidental startup, and improved safety levers make engaging and operating the tools even easier.
These three heavy-duty die grinders come in four colors to match any technician’s preference – Snap-on signature red, green, orange and high-visibility yellow. Eight-piece Carbide Burr Sets (VWB800D and VWB700B) are available as optional accessories.
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