Eight days on the road is not easy when you’re out with clients every night but still need a fresh face every morning. Somebody’s gotta do it though, because most new tools are released first at tradeshows. So off I went, first to the Mac Tools Tool Fair in Nashville and then the Matco Tools Expo in Las Vegas. What I saw was definitely worth the journey.
I divide things I see at these shows into four categories: toolboxes, electronics, hand tools and miscellaneous. The trend in toolboxes this year seems to be choices. There’s a size and configuration for every need, and I’ve never seen such a variety of accessories, color/trim options and special paint jobs. Tool companies obviously recognize that a toolbox is more than just a place to secure some of your most important worldly possessions; it’s a personal space and for many people, a symbol of pride in their profession. That’s why they sell toolbox wax too.
Automotive control units are entering a new generation of technology, and unlike the old days, the tools we buy now to communicate with them are pretty much up-to-date the day they’re released, particularly the ‘legacy’ tools that have been on the market for a while. I saw new scan tools and code readers at both tradeshows that reflect a trend towards small and simple. In addition to being physically smaller, more of them are easier to use because they gather vehicle information as soon as communication is established. They are also amazingly capable, especially for the price.
Many hand tools that we’re all familiar with were invented by people working in the service bay (the most innovative people in the industry). One tool company told me they’ve been buying these inventions for years, and even though they write dozens of monthly royalty checks, they’re always looking for more ideas. Among this year’s crop (from various companies) are a new brake caliper spreader, a fuel tank locking ring tool and tools for removing/installing drum brake springs.
Around the edges of the tradeshow, the smaller booths often contain little gems that can make a job faster, easier, more accurate or maybe even just more fun. I found a little gun-shaped device with a long thin probe that can reach hidden coils on a COP ignition system. All it will tell you is if the coil is firing, but as a triage tool the convenience factor alone makes it worth the low price. There’s a similar tool for testing fuel injectors and another for voltage tests.
The Cornwell Rally is next, and I already know there will be some new tools there too. Over the next few months you’ll see them all on these pages and/or on our Website. Keep in touch.
