Apparently, by the time I write this column for the next issue, my feet will be in terrible shape. This is going to be my first year at Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week in Las Vegas Oct. 29 to Nov. 2, where walking the expo show floors to learn about the newest auto repair tools and equipment will dominate my time in Sin City.
The week is comprised of several conferences, including ASA and NARSA, and show exhibits will include SEMA, CARS, NACE and AAPEX. I will devote most of my time to AAPEX, which will have the largest concentration of tools and equipment, but I will also get to the T&E booths at SEMA, CARS and NACE.
The AAPEX show (Oct. 30-Nov. 1; Sands Expo Center) expects to have more than 150 T&E-specific exhibitors this year among its more than 2,000 booths, featuring products for everything from suspension and front end, to engines, PBE, A/C, chemicals and more. I will be writing more about the tool trends I see there in the next Shop Talk; watch PTEN through the beginning of next year as products make their way from the show floor into your toolbox.
In anticipation of the new tools and equipment from AAPEX, we've assembled more than 200 products right here to get you started. There is plenty of information here to keep you busy until I get back from Las Vegas, so enjoy the products, the spotlight on hand tools, the Smoke Pro tool review, the feature on wheel service equipment and the tips on four-wheel alignments.
And don't forget about www.pten.com, where you can always look for products in the Online Buyers Guide or talk with other professionals online at our forums.
Enjoy.
