december2022 - 39

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Tool Review
TOOL S & EQUIPMENT
A roundup of the latest tool and equipment offerings.
Updated four-mode speed settings
The DeWalt 20V MAX XR 1/2 " High Torque
Impact Wrench with Hog Ring Anvil delivers
up to 1,030 lb.-ft. of maximum fastening torque
and 1,400 lb.-ft. of maximum breakaway torque. Its
Precision Wrench mode helps prevent overtightening
in forward and run-off in reverse for added
user control. Additionally, the impact wrench features
updated four-mode speed settings, a variable
speed trigger, and an on-tool LED. It measures 8.8 "
in length and 9.1 " in height, and weighs 6.4 lbs.
For more information visit FleetMaintenance.com/21279777
Ingersoll Rand 1211MAX High Speed Ratchet
This fall, Ingersoll Rand launched the
1211MAX Series High Speed Ratchet,
a slim but sturdy pneumatic tool
available in 3/8 " and 1/2 " drive models
perfect for wrestling bolts free
from engine blocks and other tight
fits under the hood.
The company touted gaudy power
stats including 80 lb.-ft. of torque and
625 rpm for a much faster operating
speed than competitors or previous
models. Two internal innovations,
the twin hammer and true ratchet
mechanisms, were designed to keep
that power contained to the tool, so
only bolts are ripped free, not a technician's
skin.
In theory, that all sounds great. But
how does it fare in the real world? I
asked John O'Brien, a master diagnostic
tech at a Toyota dealership in the
Cleveland area, and one of the most
brutally honest people I know. He's
been an automotive tech for 25 years,
and he tried the 1211MAX-D3 (3/8 " ) for
six weeks, starting in September.
" I think that it's absolutely incredible, "
O'Brien stated. " It takes bolts out two
or three times faster than anything
I've used before. "
He explained how convenient the
slim profile is to get to water pumps
and timing covers, while the speed
520-lb. caster capacity
and power make the tool " just faster
and more reliable than a normal
impact gun. "
O'Brien said the ratchet loosens the
bolt " without compromising your fulcrum
point, " which means that torque
focus does not travel up the handle
and take your arm with the bolt. He
noted the smooth operation will also
prevent future knuckle dings. " It's
very effortless when you pull the trigger, "
he said.
There's only one problem the master
tech has: He let other shop technicians
try it out and now it is more
often than not somewhere in their
bay. One even personalized the 1211
by attaching a hinged fitting to the air
connector to prevent air hose tangles.
" I often have to dig through his
toolbox to find it anytime I need it, "
O'Brien joked.
In the late 1990s, impact ratchets
could be found in most toolboxes,
O'Brien explained, but they fell out
of favor as impact guns and battery-powered
tools rose in popularity.
After using the 1211Max and seeing
how it reduces time per job, he is
convinced air ratchets like this " will
become a part of everybody's toolbox
again. "
- John Hitch
The Homak Manufacturing 43 " Big Dawg
6-Drawer Service Cart features a 25 " deep design
with six drawers. Lockable top till includes a power
strip for storing valuables or electronics. Drawers
are secured by a lift latch feature to prevent
drawers from accidentally opening. Each drawer
is fully extendable, can hold up to 100 lb., and
is lined with non-slip PVC foam. The service cart
also offers a UV protective high-gloss finish and
chrome casters. Caster capacity of 520 lb. keeps all
tools convenient and portable.
For more information visit
FleetMaintenance.com/21282275
Ideal for removing stickers,
silicone adhesives, and more
The Fast Orange Citrus Blaster Adhesive Remover is
designed to remove sticky messes. The unique gel formula
penetrates deep into the mess, softening it and loosening its
grip on the surface below. It can be used on both interior and
exterior automotive surfaces without fear of damage. Ideal
for removing stickers, silicone adhesives, fresh road paint,
asphalt, bugs, tar, and more. Available Q1 2023.
For more information visit FleetMaintenance.com/21285256
Rated to 1,000V AC
Tool reviewers wanted!
In these pages we share hundreds of new tools every
year, but what a company claims and what maintenance
professionals experience could be quite different.
Fleet Maintenance wants to find out what that user
experience is actually like, so we're investing more time
and space into hearing from technicians out in the field. If
you are interested in sharing your thoughts on tools you've
used, or would be open to trying out new ones, or represent
a company that wants to provide tools or shop equipment
for reviews, please email: editor@fleetmaintenance.com.
The Wiha Tools 26-pc Insulated EV Essential Tool
Kit includes 1,000V-AC rated, insulated VDE screwdrivers,
sockets, ratchets, extension bars, wrenches,
pliers, cutters, cable stripping knife, and tweezers.
Featuring a SoftFinish cushion grip handle with a slip
guard design, exact fit precision machined tips for
reduced cam-out, and induction-hardened cutting
edges and jaws for ideal sharpness and longevity.
They are also rigorously heat-treated for
maximum strength. The tools come in a
plastic shell case with compartments
for secure storage, organization, and
custom-fit trays with finger-recesses for
easy tool retrieval.
For more information visit FleetMaintenance.com/21287271
December 2022 | FleetMaintenance.com
39
http://www.FleetMaintenance.com/21279777 http://www.FleetMaintenance.com/21282275 http://www.FleetMaintenance.com/21285256 http://www.FleetMaintenance.com/21287271 http://www.FleetMaintenance.com
december2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of december2022
