Jumper cables or battery jump starter?

I am putting together an emergency auto kit and I am wondering if I should consider getting one of those battery jump starters instead of jumper cables?

Putting together an emergency auto kit for your car is a great idea and will pay off big time when you need it a 2am on a deserted highway. As for your question about a battery jump starter vs jumper cables. My answer is get both. Jumper cables are inexpensive and will always be there when you need them. However, a battery jump starter doesn't need another car in order to jump a battery. The jump starter is the "other car". Especially, if you are alone at night. Flagging another car down may not be a good idea. A battery jumper starter is essentially a spare car battery that has enough juice to jump a car several times depending on the size of the jump starter. Most come with extra sockets to charge a cell phone or other device. Also, we have a good informational article that tells you how to put together an emergency auto kit.

My car's paint is faded and nasty!

I have a 10 year old car that I really want to sell. It runs great and doesn't really have that many miles. However, the paint is faded and fairly dirty. I took it to the car wash but that didn't really seem to help. What can I do to spruce the old girl up a little?

I would invest in a air or electric car buffer polisher. There are several types on the market. Just get some rubbing compound, car buffer and lamb's wool bonnet then crank the buffer to highest setting. A couple of coats of rubbing compound can make an old car look new again. The extra money you make from the car sale should more than pay for the new car buffer polisher.

Which is better, a random orbital sander or just a orbital sander?

I was wondering if there is difference between an orbital sander and a random orbital sander?

An orbital and a random orbital sander are not the same and are designed for different applications. An orbital sander is better for finishing sanding and more delicate surfaces. A random orbital sander is better suited for rough or abrassive sanding. For more information, go to this article.

- What’s the difference between an Orbital Air Sander and a Random Orbital Sander?

I need a basic auto repair tool kit

I am looking for some information on what type of tool kit I should carry in my car for basic automotive repairs on the road. I am not a mechanic and I just want the basics to get me out of jam.

That is a great question and one we get alot. We have compiled a list of basic tools that we recommend you carry in your car's trunck. Most are simple and inexpensive and can save you from an expensive tow or get you out of deserted parking garage late at night.

Basic Auto Emergency Tool Kit

Does the Ingersoll Rand 2135Ti with "Quiet" technology have the same torque?

I use impact wrenches in a variety of applications and I am considering the Ingersoll Rand 2135Ti with the "Quiet" technology to reduce the noise my impact makes. My only concern is that I will lose some of the torque if I move the "Quiet" version?

Thats great question. Most people associate noise dampening with loss of power. Much like the effect a muffler has on a car. However that is not the case with the . Ingersoll Rand 2135QTi air impact wrench. Both the 2135Ti and the 2135QTi impacts produce 700 ft/lbs of torque. There is no loss of power. The only difference is the noise level.

Handheld Infrared Thermometer - Not just for the garage

If you currently own an infrared thermometer, you may be surprised to find out there are other uses that just your garage. This handy little devices are showing up everywhere. Would you believe, the kitchen is probably one of the biggest applications. Just check out this informative article ( Mini Temp Infrared Thermometer - You can use it in the kitchen) and crack open that toolbox!

A/C Vacuum Pump rating question

How many microns do I need to get in a A/C vacuum pump to do the job properly on my truck and how do I measure it?

To service properly, you need to draw a deep vacuum. 500 microns is your target so, you want a vacuum pump that rated at least that good to begin with. 500 microns is the industry standard for most A/C vacuum pump manufacturers. For most people and auto repair shops, a refrigerant manifold gauge should be sufficient to measure it. However, a micron gauge will be more accurate and more expensive.