toolandequipmentsupplement-april2023 - 20

HAND & SPECIALTY TOOLS
TOOL REVIEW
EZRED 8 " S-Shaped Quarter Stick
Reviewed by Brian Noel, automotive mechanics technology
professor at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, California.
Q: How did the tool function as far as
saving you time?
A: This tool has been a time saver in
its intended types of applications. Its
size and shape not only help access
fasteners within tight confines, but
also allow the technician to grip the
tool slightly further away than similar
products, in an area where hopefully
more clearance exists. This allows this
tool to save more time in actual use, at
least in certain situations, where one
might otherwise still be struggling to
grip and operate the tool.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: The Quarter Stick is just as easy
to use as any traditional ratchet but
provides a unique form factor that can
be beneficial for accessing fasteners
in tight areas or without a clear line
of sight.
TOOL REVIEW
OEMTOOLS Brake Caliper
Piston Rewind Tool Set
Reviewed by Mario Rojas, lead diagnostic tech at
Autobahn Performance in Oakland Park, Florida.
Q: How did the tool/equipment function
as far as saving you time?
A: It performed well and saved me
time from hooking up an air compressor
since I usually use a hydraulic tool.
Plus, the universal puck saves me the
hassle of picking from an assortment
of options.
Q: How has using this tool impacted
your shop's profitability?
A: Efficiency always equals profitability.
This tool increases efficiency.
Q: What kind of setup was involved?
A: Practically none at all. It's a straightforward
tool to use.
20 Tools & Shop Equipment * April 2023
Q: How was its
packaging? Did it
come with any accessories?
A: The packaging was minimalistic
and straight to the point. It comes as
a three-piece set - the main winding
tool, the universal puck, and the lever.
Q: What features did you like?
A: There is a 3/8 " female insert so
that I can use my personal ratchet on
the tool to wind the brakes or use the
provided lever. The is spring loaded, so
I don't have to hook up an air compressor
hose like I normally would with a
hydraulic unit. Nor do I have to take
up the SLCK by tightening a nut every
time I wind the brakes back. Plus, the
universal puck allows me to simply
clock the pins into the correct position
and get to work.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you
use this tool for? Please provide a
few specific examples.
A: I used this tool while retracting
rear calipers on several vehicles that
require the technician to do so in order
to complete a rear brake job.
Q: How does this tool compare to
other tools you've used like it?
A: This is a simple improvement over
the conventional tools available.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would
you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: I would give this tool a 10 for its
ease of use, time-saving capabilities,
being packed with features, and requiring
almost zero maintenance.
This product was given to the reviewer free of charge by the manufacturer.
Q: What features did you like?
A: The knurled wheel on the backside
of each ratcheting mechanism
provides an easy way to help manually
rotate the socket or bit being
used until there is sufficient friction
to allow the ratcheting mechanism to
work consistently.
Q: Is there any way you could think
to improve or add to this tool?
A: The offset built into each end of
the tool via its S shape works well
in general, but a fixed offset will
never work perfectly in every possible
application. Having the ability to
vary this offset would increase access
in certain circumstances, but the
additional bulk generated by such a
mechanism might outweigh some of
the advantages.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you
use this tool for? Please provide a
few specific examples.
A: This tool worked well for accessing
A/C compressor hardware in
a cramped location between the
compressor and the frame rail. It
also provided a nice balance between
leverage and accessibility for various
tasks in tight underhood confines. The
tool also worked well for accessing
interior trim fasteners located in close
quarters, such as screws holding instrument
cluster trim where one must
work through or around the steering
wheel, fasteners on the top of the
dashboard with the windshield sloping
over the top, etc.
Q: How does this tool compare to
other tools you've used like it?
A: The offset of this tool as well as its
length provide advantages in terms
of access around obstructions and
leverage that are not provided by
similar tools.
This product was given to the reviewer free of charge by the manufacturer.
toolandequipmentsupplement-april2023

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