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Watch how magnetizer/demagnetizer tools work in this excellent video

During some recent work on an older SUV, I was absolutely fed up. I couldn’t take it anymore. I had just finished a fair bit of grinding and filing, and when I reached for my screwdriver to start installing some parts, I saw that the tool’s tip looked like the Wooly...

Tool review: Klein 3255 bull pin

Disclaimer: I purchased this tool at full retail price at my own expense, with no compensation to write about the item. Most mechanics I know value tools that have either of the following characteristics: Useful, but from another industry (because it might be useful...

What does horsepower really mean? (VIDEO)

Horsepower is a strange measurement, isn’t it? Think about it. When was the last time you used a horse for any kind of work or travel? Like candlepower, the original horsepower attempted to express the output of a newer technology in comparison to its predecessor....

Sketching Skodas

Instead of restoring vintage Czech cars made by Laurin & Klement (L&K), Stefan Ivanov sketches them. His desire to raise awareness of the brand in his home country of Bulgaria and abroad drove him to publish an illustrated history of L&K in 2019. Although...

Turbocharger repair and replacement: What you need to know (VIDEO)

Description Not so long ago, forced induction was mostly limited to high-performance sports cars and diesel trucks. Changes in fuel efficiency standards, forced induction technologies, vehicle design, and consumer preferences led to the widespread adoption of...

Better ops with SOPs

A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a documented tool designed to provide formal, consistent, and efficient results. Put another way, an SOP can bring order to a process that might otherwise be unpredictable at best and chaotic at worst. And given how dynamic the...

Cars that make you think of something specific

Some vehicles have the power to evoke strong memories or associations. Whether it's a classic film, a historical event, or a beloved television show, these vehicles often serve as iconic symbols. You’ll likely only have to read the headers in this piece for you to...

Smarter, not harder: relative compression testing

Smarter, not harder: relative compression testing

Pete Meier, one of our Dorman Training Center instructors, is a pretty smart cat. Since the day I’ve met him, he’s made it clear that the lab scope is one of his favorite tools and that not using one is a mistake. Now I’ve put a lot of miles on my DVOM over the years,...
The TPMS tool that pays for itself

The TPMS tool that pays for itself

If you’re a regular Shop Press reader, you’ve met Chris before. (He’s hilariously identified some dash lights and also is better at identifying auto parts by feel than anyone else I know.) I’ve worked here for a while, but his tenure bests mine. The other day we were...
How do you inspect a serpentine belt for wear?

How do you inspect a serpentine belt for wear?

Performing a visual inspection of a car part is usually the first step in assessing its condition. In the case of the serpentine belt, any sign of physical damage to the belt means the belt should be replaced, and may indicate the need to more closely inspect the...
How to use a refractometer

How to use a refractometer

I used to feel real dumb when I didn’t know what a tool was. After fixing things for a bit, I have come to learn that there are a lot of specialized tools and the only dumb thing is not learning about them. So when Dorman Trainer Pete Meier showed up recently with a...
Transfer cases: Married vs. divorced FAQ (VIDEO)

Transfer cases: Married vs. divorced FAQ (VIDEO)

There is a paucity of divorced transfer cases fitted to vehicles traversing the roadways in 2024. In fact, some technicians—especially younger ones—aren’t even aware a setup beyond the married arrangement exists. If you’re unfamiliar with them, our own Technical...