Technician: Chad Austin
Shop: Austin Automotive
Location: Canon City, Colo.
As shop foreman, Chad Austin oversees the work done by technicians at Austin Automotive in Canon City, Colo. His primary duties consist of diagnostic work on gas and diesel vehicles and helping other technicians solve problems they are facing. When needed, Austin will step in as a heavy duty technician as well.
1. Snap-on Diagnostics SOLUS Ultra Full-Function Scan Tool
"An up-to-date scanner can save time and money," Austin says. This full-function, OEM-specific scan tool's keyless adapter covers all OBD II applications so users never have to change keys.
2. Pico Technology 4423 Lab scope
After using a different brand of tool for many years, Austin made the switch to the PicoScope, which gives users the ability to measure and record up to four signals simultaneously. "I'm glad I did," Austin says. "The ease of use and large array of accessories is a big plus." It comes complete with a variety of accessories including leads, probes, clips and current clamps to allow virtually all the components on modern vehicles to be tested.
3. Power Probe IV
"I started with the Power Probe II, traded it in for a Power Probe III when they were released and just recently purchased the Power Probe IV," Austin explains. "I think of it as a test light on steroids. When used responsibly, it can save time in electrical diagnostics. It can be dangerous for inexperienced techs that apply power or ground to circuits they shouldn't." Power Probe IV users can test the resistance of circuits in ohms, read AC/DC and battery source voltage and identify the health of a fuel injector and circuit.
4. Ross-Tech VCDS Scanner
"I have been working on VW/Audis for nine years, and the Ross-Tech VCDS Scanner makes diagnostics and coding much simpler than many other scan tools on the market," Austin says. In addition to output tests for VW/Audi, the Ross-Tech VCDS tool's functions include coding, basic settings and adaptations.
5. Drew Technologies CarDAQ-M
"I purchased the CarDAQ-M about a year ago to avoid weekly trips to the dealer for programming after-module replacements," says Austin. The J2534 tool supports full OEM diagnostics for VW/Audi vehicles using the ODIS dealership software. The CarDAQ-M also can be used for flash programming with all-makes using J2534.
6. Milwaukee Brushless 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" Impact Drivers
The M18 1/4" Hex Brushless Impact Driver, No. 2750-20, delivers 1,500 in/lbs of torque and offers up to 2,800 rpm for a wide range of fastening applications. According to the company, the brushless motor provides twice as much run-time as brushed motors. With a compact design to aid work in tight spaces, the tool uses RedLink Intelligence for overload protection against abusive applications.
7. Tiger Tool U-Joint Pullers, Nos. 10104 and 10105
"I use the 10104 and 10105 to cover import and domestic driveline and axle U-joints," Austin says. "This tool reduces damage to driveshaft yolks and speeds up the process as well." The 10105 fits U-joints with bearing cups 1" to 1.25" O.D while the 10104 works with bearing cups 1.25" to 1.7" O.D.
8. OTC 6530 Ball Joint Super Set
"This kit covers most ball joints on the market and holds up very well," Austin says. The 6530 set combines three other kits for expanded ball joint removal and installation services on GM and Ford trucks, SUVs and vans from model years 1972 to 1997. The kit also offers adapters for servicing Honda Accords, Civics, del Sols and Preludes from 1983 to 1997.
9. Snap-on Long Sockets, No. 102STMML
This set includes a 1/4" drive, six point, 10mm socket and a 1/4" drive, six point, 11mm socket - the most popular fastener sizes for bumper cover bolts found on most European, Asian and domestic vehicles. Each socket is 4" long. "The 10mm socket is great for long threaded studs found on GM intakes and many import battery hold-down bolts," Austin says. "The 11mm works great on intercooler coupler clamps on diesel trucks."
10. Snap-on Cooling System Tester, No. SVTSRAD262
This tool tests pressure caps and cooling systems for leaks on a wide variety of domestic and import vehicles."This vacuum filler prevents airlocks in a vehicle cooling system and is normally quicker than filling by hand," Austin says.
