Tool Review: Killer Tools Deluxe Vacuum Floor Puller, No. ART23DX
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Q: How did the tool function as far as saving you time?
A: I took it upon myself to purchase this due to its pulling ability as far as weight and some of the differences compared to others with the added vacuum pad that you can use for downward pulls or as an assisted anchor pad on the opposite side of the vehicle. It's just very versatile and it keeps me in my bay instead of having to see if the frame racks open if needed to get something up just to pull a body line or a something of that matter, with it being right in my bay I can do a rough pull. I can snap photos while I'm doing this, upload it straight to CCC, and I'm getting approved for all this added time. It gives you that 1.5-ton ability that the pulling tower has directly in any of the three bays that I have. So, I'm not just locked down to the two frame racks that are in my shop currently.
Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop's profitability?
A: Just as far as myself, since I puchased it, it keeps me in my bay, not waiting on a frame rack to open up. I'm able to earn a simple repair job on a quarter panel, rear body pull, or something of that matter. It allows me to just keep on going instead of needing to wait two or three days in order for the framework to get open for me to finish the job.
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?
A: It came in, I believe, three separate boxes. The two upright towers, the bottom plate, and then the vacuum pads, and stuff like that. I did have to fully assemble everything. They came with all the instructions. The instructions had little photos of everything. So those that are better with seeing something in a photo versus reading it, it catches both ends of the mechanical mind.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: It's very easy. If I had something in my bay right now, I could pull this body line a little bit better, and being able to wheel that over to any spot in any of my three bays allows me the versatility of accomplishing pretty much anything versus being on a frame rack and having to reposition a very heavy pulling tower depending on what kind of frame rack you're running in your shop.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: It was packaged very nice. There was no damage or scratches to any of the finish that was on it. It's a high-vis yellow and black pulling tower. It came with two extra seals for the vacuum pads because when you're pulling with a little bit more than maybe what's capable it does slide the vacuum suction pad. It rolls that seal out from underneath it. It comes with a pulley that you can use on the secondary vacuum pad to do like downward pulls. If you were pulling like a rocker or something, you could pull it down. It came with the little claw hook assembly if you're using wiggle wire or just the standard key system that pretty much everyone offers. It did come with stuff that I wasn't really expecting.
Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use it and was it easy to understand?
A: It came with the instruction manual to assemble it, and a little, short one-page thing as far as hooking everything up. The fact that I've used different models in the last couple of years, I pretty much know how everything works with it so it was very easy.
Q: What features did you like?
A: The versatility of being able to use it anywhere in my bay. There was an instance where we had a vehicle where the hood wouldn't open, it needed to get pulled and both frame racks were being used and it was a non-drive. I was able to hook three air hoses and bring it outside into the parking lot and actually use it and the vacuum pad on the parking lot surface. It still held enough pressure where I was able to pull the hood out in order for it to flatten out to relieve the tension to get the hood open. It doesn't matter what kind of concrete floor you have in your shop, it pretty much works on anything.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A: They pretty much nailed everything with it. The one thing that I would add is more height adjustment.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?
A: I used it on a Nissan Maxima. It was a rear body and taillight pocket quarter panel hit. I still had the vehicle up on my lift and was able to use the pulling tower to pre-pull, replace the taillight pocket while it was fitting the taillights. I needed a little extra angle on the taillight pocket to get them to fit properly and I was able to use that tool to align everything before I welded the new rear body panel on. I was able to critique it and get the gaps where I needed everything.
Q: Have you used a previous version of this tool? How does this tool compare to other tools you've used like it?
A: I already know that this tool in general is very versatile and works all around the shop. I like this one the best because of the pulling power it has, because it has enough force to take a full size SUV and actually move it across the floor without having a secondary vacuum pad down to anchor the vehicle. The price was fairly good as well.
Q: Is there anything you had questions or concerns about in regard to the tool?
A: I've used similar tools before, there's no questions behind this one. It was pretty much assembly and it paid for itself honestly. I think I've had it for about two or three months now so it's been great to have as a private technician for the things that I do.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: I would rate it a 10. It keeps me right in my bay, keeps me working on the vehicle and not sitting around waiting for an open frame rack. I'm able to do pre-pulls and photos and keep the insurnace companies happy with all the processes that go along with getting paid for setup and pull and things of that matter. It's a moneymaker.
