Technician: Josh Annis
Shop: Prestige Auto Works
Location: Milwaukee, Wis.
Josh Annis has been a collision technician for 10 years, including four years at his current shop in Milwaukee, Wis. Annis works on nearly every make and model of vehicle, including both imports and domestics.
1. Milwaukee M12 1/4" Hex Impact Driver, No. 2462-22
Annis uses the previous model of this impact (No. 2450-20). He says this tool, complete with a variable speed trigger and LED light on the front to illuminate the work area, produces plenty of torque to loosen fasteners. He also likes the quick-release end for quick bit changes and the impact's 850 in/lbs of torque. "Also this tool features a battery gauge on the side," Annis says. "I have owned this tool four four years now, and it still works as good as the day I bought it."
2. Milwaukee M12 Cordless 1/4" Ratchet, No. 2456-21
"This tool also features the LED light to illuminate the work area and it's cordless so there is no air hose to fight with," Annis says, noting the ratchet's compact head gets into tight spaces while supplying 30 ft/lbs of torque.
3. Snap-on Blue Point LED Light, No. ECFLED68SPG
The 68 LEDs in this cordless, rechargeable worklight are very bright, according to Annis. He likes the rubber grip handle as well as the hook on the end, which allows it to hang conveniently while he is working.
4. Craftsman Tack Puller, No. 41397
"This tool has a small head that easily get under plastic clips," Annis says. "Works great to get under clips in weather strips on doors."
5. GearWrench 30-Degree Push Pin Removal Pliers, No. 3729
"This tool works great to remove clips that require the center to be removed or lifted first," Annis says. "I also use this tool to squeeze wiring connectors to be able to unplug them."
6. Snap-on Short Curve Cross Peen Hammer, No. BF608B
Annis calls this "go-to" the body hammer he uses most often. "This hammer is well balanced and works great for bumping dents in sheet metal," he adds.
7. Steck Manufacturing Easy Pry Wedge, No. 21730
Annis appreciates that his tool doesn't leave marring marks or scratches on painted surfaces from prying. He says it's "good for getting under trim panels and prying them away from the panel. When the end of the tool gets a little beat up you can just grind it down to resurface it."
8. Astro Pneumatic Air Belt Sander, No. 3037
"This tool quickly grinds welds and gets into hard to reach areas," Annis notes. Additionally, he says belts are easy to attach and remove and various belt grits are available for this tool. "Also, the head can be adjusted for different angles."
9. Hutchins 6" Random-Orbital Sander, No. HTN-4500H
"I prefer this sander because of the smooth sanding," Annis remarks. "It offers very little pad wobble and is easy to control."
10. H & S Autoshot Uni-Clamp, No. UNI-1080
"This tool works great to pull up to 11 studs at the same time," Annis says, noting it prevents having to weld on plates and pull. "One side is narrower than the other and allows you to pull with five studs. I use this tool along with the frame rack to pull slight pressure on the panel so I can relieve the stress in the panel I'm working on."
