Shop: DeMary Truck
Technician: Eric Moore (co-owner; service and parts representative; warranty administrator)
Location: Columbus, Ohio
DeMary Truck in Columbus, Ohio is a full-line dealer for Mitsubishi-Fuso and UD medium duty trucks. "We have a 22-bay facility specializing in fleet maintenance for all makes and models of medium and heavy duty trucks," says Moore. Moore originally got started in the business by way of the automotive repair industry, working "for several dealers carrying different brands."
"I switched to motorcycles, ATVs and personal watercraft in the late 1980s," he says. "I am factory trained on all Japanese, and Italian motorcycles, and a select few European brands as well. The powersports dealer I worked for went under, and I moved to commercial vehicles, where I have been ever since."
Moore sums up his experience by advising: "Basically, as long as it doesn't fly, I can probably make it go."
1.) Snap-on 1" Impact Gun, No. IM1800
"This is a must-have for any medium to heavy duty shop," says Moore. "We had the cheap ones for decades, then once we tested this one... SOLD. We have two in our shop." The IM1800 offers a three-position regulator that allows technicians to dial in the torque for their particular application. For more information, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/12004150
2.) Power Probe III
"The Power Probe is by far the most used tool in most of our tech’s toolboxes. We encounter so many electrical issues with lighting, and now the more sensitive electrical systems on vehicles, being able to apply power or ground, and avoid chasing dead ends. Go to the farthest corner and apply ground, if the lights work, the problem is in the front of the truck or trailer, if you apply power and they work, you have a ground issue, then it’s as simple as checking at certain points along the way to isolate the location." For information, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/10167639
3.) 88V Fluke multimeter
According to Moore, this tool is a "must-have for measuring parasitic draws, and capturing highs and lows in case you can’t be in front of the meter when taking readings. This tool even measures temperatures, or RPM." The Fluke 88 V Multimeter can perform a voltage drop across the relay control circuit. For more information, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/10100019
4.) Streamlight Stylus Pro pocket flashlight
"This light is easy to always have with you, and bright enough for use in daylight," says Moore. "It's also much easier than dragging a corded light with you or a bulky flashlight that won’t fit where you need to see." This flashlight C4 LED technology, delivering 690 candela peak beam intensity, with 65 lumens and a runtime of 6.50 hours. For more information, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/10247689
5.) Mac Tools High pressure tire gauge, No. TG570
"Proper tire inflation means savings for fleet operators and the individual truck owner. There is no way to check inflation with a typical pencil-type gauge, it won’t fit through the wheels to gauge the inner tires, and doesn’t read high enough on the pressure gauge. Most bigger trucks tires are inflated between 80 psi up to over 100 psi." This gauge reads 10 psi to 150 psi. For more information, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/12004159
6.) DeWalt 12V MAX Infrared Thermometer, No. DCT414S1
"Gauging proper exhaust temperatures, measuring the temperature differences between the front and back of the block, or cylinder to cylinder, checking hubs for seized bearings, and checking brakes for proper adjustment after reassembly and road testing. This tool is so much more evolved than sticking your hand on the component to see if it’s hot." For more information, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/10163574
7.) Snap-on Butane Soldering Iron, No. YAKS32A
"Trying to repair wiring and dragging a cord along with you is not productive. This soldering iron is small enough to work in tight spots, and still be able to find a place to set it down without burning anything," says Moore. "Try that with a typical corded soldering gun." The YAKS32A has a push-button electronic igniter for ease of use and an adjustable temperature control ranging between 25-125 watts to handle a wide range of applications. For more information, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/12004139
8.) Snap-on Battery Tester and Tools, No. YA2624
"Vehicles are more complex. Most systems are electronic, or electrical in one way or another. Most require a constant good source of DC power. Some of the newer trucks are even 24 -36 volts systems. Knowing the status of each battery in the system can make diagnosing challenging electrical systems easier with a known good power supply." This tool features a digital display that shows the percentage of available capacity and a color-coded LED bar graph to indicate battery status. For more information, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/12004144
9.) MAC Tools 4" Bent Tube Blow Gun, No. BG3150B
"Medium and heavy duty trucks have a lot of surface area devoted to cooling. Some radiators can have 8 sq. ft. or more," advises Moore. "When that much air moves through the system, it brings with it dust, dirt and other debris which restricts the air flow. It is a constant battle to keep the radiator fins clear. Having a good blow gun with an attachment allows you to get in to the far reaching areas behind the fan shroud, etc… without having to tear anything down." For product information, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/12004165
10.) MAC Tools 44" Prybar, No. CPB44R
"The bigger the vehicle, the more leverage you need to move components, or break loose stuck parts. One person can’t lift some of these wheel and tire combinations, and there isn’t always a wheel jack available if all you need to do is rotate the wheel to line up the valve stems, or lug nuts. A good sturdy pry bar can be placed under the wheel and help give you the wiggle room needed for line up. Prybars also get used for removal of brake drums that have a lip worn into them, breaking the seal on head gaskets, and oil pans, and the list goes on." For more information, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/12004186
