What size vacuum pump do I need for my auto shop?

I am need to purchase a vacuum pump for my auto shop. I use them frequently and I need to choose the right model and type. Can you help?

That's a great question. First there are two types of vacuum pumps on the market today. There is a venturi vacuum pump that is the cost effective alternative for the do-it-yourselfer. These products are hooked up to your auto shop air compressor and product a vacuum for your air conditioning system. They will achieve a suitable vacuum, but generally not enough to remove the moisture from the refrigeration system. The best product is electric vacuum pump( like a Robinair vacuum pump.) These are more expensive. But if you intend to use them more than once or you are an automotive air conditioning professional, they are well worth the investment. A single or two stage electric vacuum pump will achieve a better vacuum faster and remove more moisture from the A/C system. They come in different CFM ratings. Just go to this handy article for a sizing chart to pick out the correct vacuum pump for your application.

Need to cool my auto shop. My fans not helping much.

I have an auto shop that is getting very hot now that its summer. The big box fan I have in the corner just isn't cutting it. It just seems to circulate more hot air. My automotive repair business is located in a hot climate, so it stays hot most of the year. I need to find a cost effective way to cool my mechanic's work area without actually air conditioning the shop. The electricity cost would kill my business! Help! Is there another way to make it cooler and a more comfortable work environment?

Great question and thanks for the email. I think the solution for your dilemma is an evaporative cooler or (as they are sometimes known as) a swamp cooler. This product is a good replacement to a box fan. Basically, they work by hooking up a standard garden hose to supply water. The water is then filter through a vertical pad of cellulose fiber and a fan to draw air through the porous pad as the water runs down the medium and is absorbed. As dry air moves over the wet pad, water evaporates, and the air gives up its heat. The air moving from the wet pad into your automotive shop is cooler than the outdoor air. They come in several different sizes. The one drawback is that evaporative coolers add moisture to the air and generally increase the humidity in a room. This is the reason swamp coolers have fallen out of favor in residential use. However, they are great for the auto shop or garage. Humidity is generally not a concern and most people just want a fan that will blow cooler air. A large evaporative cooler is also great for a deck or other outdoor activities.

I keep burning my arms on hot engines and exhausts!!

I am working on hot engines all day long and I am tired of burning my arms and hands on hot exhaust pipes and other engine components. Is there a product that I can wear that will protect my arms all the way past my elbow when I am working on equipment. I just need something that I can slip on and still wear my Mechanix Wear gloves. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks for your email. You are not the only auto shop mechanic to suffer with burning your arm. Especially when you are reaching into places in your engine compartment that you cannot see. Mechanix Wear produces a 17 inch heat sleeve that come up just past your elbow. They are made 100% heat resistant woven Kevlar® that provides the mechanic with thermal protection for arms and elbows. You should also be able to fit your Mechanix Wear gloves over them as well. That will provide you with complete protection to your arms and hands while working on a hot engine or other equipment.

Looking for 3M masking paper and supplies.

I am looking to purchase a couple large plastic (self-adhesive)
3M masking sheets? I am going to create a custom sidewall design and need some large sheets for painting. I specifically want a 3M product. Also, how do I store the rolls of masking paper in my shop? It seems rather difficult to roll them out on the floor and try to cut the right length.

We carry different sizes of of 3M masking paper that is perfect for the project you are describing. Just go to the link below and you can choose the right product for you. You will also see portable maskers that will allow you to store your rolls of masking paper and make much more accurate cuts.

Parts diagram for Astro Pneumatic Mig Welder

After receiving several inquiries for a parts diagram for the Astro Pneumatic Mig Welder, we have posted the diagram on our website in PDF format. Just click on the link below and you can print out the sheet. If you see some parts that you need, just email us back the corresponding number on mig welder parts diagram and we can check on availability.

Click here to view:

Astro Pneumatic Mig Welder Parts Diagram

Cordless Impact Wrench

I am considering a cordless impact wrench. Seems like a good idea, but the good ones like Ingersoll Rand or Milwaukee are more expensive than the cheaper Chinese models available. I am considering getting the cheaper cordelss impact wrench. However, I am concerned that the impact wrench will self destruct after a year or so.

Thanks for your email. There lots of different "knock off" models out there. In any case, somebody in China is making a cheap cordless impact wrench that is being sold under lots of different names which is what I suspect this is. I bought one to go circle track racing. Its basically too weak to be of any use, so I bought an Ingersoll Rand which is awesome! If you search you will find the Ingersol Rand cordless impact wrench with two batteries and "flip" wheel sockets and I highly recommend it.