The large diameter camera wand is too big to access engine cylinders (M-Spector). 

We’ve sold hundreds of Provision borescopes and we answer questions about this and other car tools everyday. ProVision scopes have been a very popular specialty tool for auto technicians as well as many other lines of work, see our Fiberoptic Borescope Uses, Tech Article for ideas on how they can be used. ProVision borescopes use fiberoptic technology. Fiber optic bore scopes have been the best option for mechnanics until recently. However, video based inspection scopes have some advantages over fiber optic inspection scopes. Fiberoptic borescopes use an eyepiece for viewing, while video based inspection scopes have a color video screen that can be viewed by several people at once. The fiberoptic inspection borescope has to be manually focused the see the subject clearly. The video based inspection scope has auto focus, which makes it easier to use.

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If  Ford’s poorly designed spark plugs would just all come out like these.

The lucky guy that removed the spark plugs in the picture above, has someone watching over him, he narrowly escaped huge spark plug problems. We have orders everyday for specialty tools to remove broken spark plugs from Fords. The two piece spark plug typically comes apart, separating the main part of the spark plug from the huge electrode shield. Ford’s spark plug design comes under the heading “what were they thinking?”  DenLors Tools was one of the first automotive tool suppliers to sell the Rotunda 303-1203 specialty tool that was recommended in the Ford TSB to remove these broken spark plugs when they were broken upon removal. Now, we have a much better solution in the LIS65600. The Lisle specialty tool has quickly became our most popular tool for removing Ford broken spark plugs. We have had only positive feedback from auto techs that have used this tool. Ford forums have recently been helping to spread the word of the success of this new tool. There is quite a buzz about a Ford class action suite regarding this poorly designed spark plug, but our role is to help those that are dealing with broken spark plug problems, to remove them as quickly and inexpensively as possible.

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Heater door shafts can break causing problems with heat and AC

Jeep Grand Cherokees have a common problem with the dual zone temperature controls. Dual zones, controls the temperature on passenger and driver’s sides independently, allowing different preferences. DenLors tech article section is a source for car repair tips and the use of mechanics specialty tools. Much of the auto tech article that covers Jeep Grand Cherokees AC problems can also be applied to heater problems as well. Obviously, since it is winter time, the heater is what is of interest right now. I thought I would post this link to that tech article for those struggling to keep warm, hope this helps. Jeep Tech Article.

Writing this, I had a few 3M products nearby, forgot the post it notes & Velcro. 

The 3M company was started in 1902 in Minnesota, at the Lake Superior town of Two Harbors. Five men started out to mine mineral deposits for grinding-wheel abrasives. However, developing the grinding wheel abrasives with these deposits proved to be an unprofitable venture. The newly formed company, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co. (3M) picked up operations and relocated to Duluth, Minnesota to concentrate their efforts on sandpaper production.

Times were tough for 3M and the newly formed company had difficulty until it could perfect quality production and a distribution chain. A new investor, Lucius Ordway, was instrumental in moving the company to St. Paul, Minnesota in 1910. Due to 3M’s striving to improve their technical and marketing efforts, 3M began to profit in 1916. 3M Products paid its first dividend to it’s investors at a whopping 6 cents a share.

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Courtesy of Brainstuck.com

Big three auto makers bubble is soon to burst, the question is should the Government bail them out? What is the best tool to use when it comes to their situation? What would your grandparents suggest? And what guarantee do we have that they won’t come back again later knocking on our door, begging for money like a drug addict in the middle of the night. What remains obviously apparent is that without bankruptcy, the big three will not be able to re-negotiate their obligations with the unions. No doubt, the unions have done their job of getting every dollar that they could for their members. The problem is, they may have just priced themselves out of a job.

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Cutting nails short keeps dirt from getting underneath – still stains

The picture above is of a neglected thumb (Not a nasty middle finger). Our hands are the most valuable tools we possess, it makes sense to protect them. I remember when I first started turning wrenches, you were a sissy and a wimp if you were afraid to get your hands dirty. I used to be constantly exposed to grease, oil, mineral spirits, carb cleaner and brake clean. I recall working I in a 10 bay shop, with the bays lined up in a row. Many times I was 6 to 9 bays away from the nearest sink, where we washed our hands. I would many times use brake clean to spray off my hands, to save time. In addition I  was frequently washing my hands with cleaners and hand soaps that would dry my hands out allowing the grime to easily work it’s way deep into my skin. Needless to say, my hands were constantly stained. The only time my hands would really come clean was when I went on vacation, especially to the beach. After a week away from dirt and grime, my hands in the salt water frequently for that week, my hands would finally get back to normal. My wife would always comment “your hands are so clean”.  Then back into the grease I would go until another year passed and it was vacation time again.

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In this mechanics tool blog post, we discuss tools that cross over into the housing industry, video cameras used for home inspections. Video cameras, particularly video cameras that allow home inspectors to peer into walls to find the presence of mold, termites or simply decayed wood. Home buyers expect home inspections to include the use of specialty tools like video cameras (videoscope inspection cameras, similar to fiber optic borescopes). If anyone could carry out inspections with no specific tools of the trade, it would be perceived that anyone would be capable of carrying out a home inspection. Home inspectors, besides having specialty tools like video scopes to aid in the inspection, should also be a member of ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors). While being a member of ASHI alone, is not a guarantee a flawless inspection, it does indicate that the inspector has pursued excellence in his field of expertise.

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Photo coutresy of Nashville City Paper

Dave Ramsey is becoming more and popular these days, especially with the troubling financial times we are finding ourselves in. Dave Ramsey is a financial expert and writer, his most popular book is called The Total Money Makeover. He’s earned the title of financial guru by learning the hard way about finances and the risk of going head over heals in debt. Dave was leveraged in real estate investments to the tune of four million dollars over twenty years ago. As fate would have it, he lost it all when his short term loans were sold and the new banks demanded payment before it was possible for Dave to deliver. This experience has caused Dave to change his thinking on loans and personal finance. He now advises people to pay debt off and cut up the credit cards. I personally like his country boy, down to earth, shoot it to you straight mentality. Dave Ramsey reminds me of a teacher that I had back in high school. Frank Gentry, my old marketing teacher, had a similar laid back teaching style. Dave Ramsey’s lessons encourage you to think and grow. Few teacher’s names are remembered years later in life unless they have truly affected your way of thinking and how you view opportunites. Dave, like my old marketing teacher is definitely a “glass is half full” type of guy. If your sick and tired of living your life “pay check to pay check”, then you’ll definitely want to listen to what Dave has to say.
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Video inspection scopes are now quite affordable.

Doctors have used fiber optic bore-scopes and endoscopes in the medical field for a longer period of time than automotive technicians have used inspection scopes in the automotive repair field. The high cost for these gadgets in the past prevented lower income fields from justifying the purchase of them. 

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DenLors has many automotive tools for sale and we answer many questions everyday. The questions below were asked recently related to Genisys scan tools and I thought I would share my responses, in case it may help others when considering the purchase of a Genisys scan tool, accessories or European software updates. Keep in mind information on software and limited time deals are obviously time sensitive, so consider the date of this post. You may also be interested in a previous post – OTC Genisys Still Hard to Beat.

Answer: If you already have the Euro cables and an older Euro update like 2003, the OTC 3421-73  (2005 European update) is the most recent Euro update for the Genisys right now. If you don’t have the cables see the OTC 3421-74. But OTC says if you wait for a couple of months (til around January 2009) the new European software update will be available, possibly up to 2008, instead of 2005. It makes sense to wait if you can to take advantage of the extra coverage. 

Answer: Yes, we offer discounts on purchases over $1,000, see the Discount Coupon info. Basically, you get 3% off (DLTSAVE3) on purchases between one to two thousand dollars and 4% (DLTSAVE4) of on purchases over two thousand dollars.

Question: What’s my total going to be after sales tax and everything?

Question: I’m ready to buy a Genisys for my shop. How much is shipping and how long before I can expect delivery?

Answer: Ground shipping is free. Usually delivery times range from 1 to 6 days. We ship from the closest stocking warehouse to our customer and email a tracking information link once it ships so you know when to expect it.

Question: Do you have a Genisys replacement battery pack and charger available?