Top 10 Tools, Tom Brom: Brom's Tire & Auto Repair

March 13, 2015

Shop: Brom's Tire & Auto Repair

Owner: Tom Brom

Location: Fort Atkinson, Wis. 

Tom Brom has owned a shop in the heart of downtown Fort Atkinson, Wis. for 20 years. Brom says he does quite a bit of tire and wheel work, oil changes and brake work, as well as other types of repairs. 

1.) Hennessy Industries' Coats X-Series Tire Changer

The X-Series tire changers come standard with a best-in-class external clamping range of 6" to 24". For more information, visit VehicleServicePros.com/11223134

2.) Hennessy Industries' Coats 1150-2D wheel balancers

Features include direct balancing mode selection, Direct Tape-A-Weight Measurements, Behind-the-spoke balancing, auto start hood, dual-operator mode and match balance. For more information, visit VehicleServicePros.com/12022078

3.) Cornwell Tools CAT555 Die Grinder

The CAT555 offers a cushion grip for comfort, adjustable air regulator at the tool inlet and built-in lock lever to prevent accidental start ups. For more information, visit VehicleServicePros.com/10106028

4.) (Tie) Snap-on and Cornwell hand ratchets

"I use hand ratchets all the time," says Brom. Snap-on offers more than 80 ratchets to fit virtually any application: ratchets in chrome, ratchets in industrial finishes, and ratchets small or large. Cornwell also offers several ratchets for a variety of uses. 

6.) Cornwell Tools OBDII scan tool

This tool features live data that allows the user to view vehicle sensor, switch and relay inputs in real time, while the engine is running. "It's great for check engine lights," says Brom. For more information, visit VehicleServicePros.com/10106565

7.) Cornwell All-In-One Jump Pack, No. UPG80439 

"I start a lot of cars with this," says Brom. "These (jump packs) work like a million bucks." The Cornwell All-In-One Jump Pack features an internal air compressor capable of inflating an automobile tire in 10 minutes, heavy duty metal battery clamps rated 400A, and a battery status indicator to signify the charge-state of the internal battery. For more information, visit VehicleServicePros.com/12047967

8.) Cornwell Oil Filter Wrench Set, No. TCC100 

The set offers several sizes for popular import OEM and replacement filters, each of which acts like a socket to remove hard-to-reach or stubborn oil filters. For more information, visit VehicleServicePros.com/12047975

9.) Cornwell 1/2" Impact Wrench, No. CAT231

Characteristics of the tool include its durable metal housing construction and adjustable power regulation, the latter of which allows technicians to control power in forward direction. For more information, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/12047994

10.) Snap-on air chisel

"I use that for pounding out axles, cutting exhaust stuff, you have bolts that don't come loose," says Brom. "You just hammer them a little bit."

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