They look the same, but serve different roles. Here are the very specific scenarios where the lesser-known parallel connector shines.
Parallel connectors vs. butt connectors
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
Torches for courses: which heating tools should a mechanic own?
Supplement your shop’s oxyacetylene torch with alternatives.
More ways to use oil pan alignment pins around the shop! (VIDEO)
These handy tools can are useful for all kinds of alignment tasks involving covers, pans, and gaskets.
A few tips for ball joint removal
If you’re a budding technician, a few of these pointers might help ya during front end work.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Snap-on to expand Tennessee manufacturing plant
Company makes $44 million investment to expand plant.
Exhaust tips: three ways to fine-tune your method
Exhaust work is straightforward and (I think) easy to understand. Here are some pointers for service techs to avoid comebacks when hanging pipe.
Four not-so-obvious ways grease can come in handy
Lubricant? More like lubri-can. A very cheap staple of most shops, I’ve learned to use it in a few unconventional ways.
Two A/C checks you don’t wanna skip
Failing to perform these two vital service steps could cost time and money—or worse.
Five tips for servicing cartridge-style oil filters
Any of these mistakes can lead to an unwanted oil leak or worse—a blown engine.
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Shop Press is the news and idea hub for everything related to working on cars and trucks, focusing on repair, technology, and wrenching lifestyle. With interesting stories from around the world, features on creative people and solutions, and all kinds of other stuff that’ll make you use your mind and your hands.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Don’t let your scanner go unprotected
Faults in the car pay you. Faults in the scanner cost you.
The seven words you never want to hear from a customer (and how to avoid them)
It’s your job to tell customers about warning signs and bad repairs.
Flip spare tires to make life easier for owners and techs (VIDEO)
From the factory with the spare’s valve stem pointing up, but you can flip it over and reinstall for easy checks and refills.
Three lessons from “Traffic: why we drive the way we do (and what it says about us)”
A textbook yields a few pearls of wisdom for those in the automotive biz.
The cheapest tool you can buy to turn more hours in a dead bay
Four reasons to buy a ½” breaker bar adapter.
VIDEOS
PSA: Make sure your Loctite isn’t fake!
Copycat Loctite is more common than you’d think. Learn how to check for counterfeit products.
What sealed chassis parts can teach us about shifting customer habits and technology’s march forward
The “best” parts for the job are highly dependent on the environment in which they operate.
TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE: Can you identify these dash lights? (VIDEO)
Think you know your dash lights? Shop Press contributors Keith, Miriam, Chris, and Greaser try their best to identify all kinds of lights, symbols, and indicators.