Archive for June, 2013

Owners Look After Their Cars More Than Themselves

According to a new study, drivers now care more about their car’s appearance than their own.

CWK1

Research into consumer behavior by leading car cleaning brand MER and Halfords reveal that almost three quarters of motorists (73%) now spend at least as much on car care products as they do on personal grooming.

Now Halfords operates out of 467 stores in the UK and Ireland so they may know a little bit about how much is spent pimping, preening and polishing their autos.

It’s probably no great shock that, even with the advent of modern Metro Man, that they (81%) consider the size and look of their horse power important to their pulling power but what is a surprise is that it’s claimed that 52% of the females surveyed agree to taking as good as or better care of their vehicle than they do of themselves.

Halfords car cleaning expert David Howells said: “Cars are an expensive investment and a highly personal statement, so whether caring for your car to preserve its value or ensure it looks its best, these findings show owners are prepared to spend the time and money on an appropriate beauty regime.”

Donna Howard from MER ‘Auto Shine Technologie’ added: “The amount of science and technology that goes into modern car waxes and polish formulations means our products share many similarities with the cosmetics industry and genuinely help protect paintwork and keep vehicles looking good for longer.

“People are spending an increasing amount of time in their cars and as this research shows, looking good behind the wheel is important to both men and women.”

Research findings were taken from a survey sample of 926 UK drivers during March and April 2013.

According to closeshavesociety.com the average man is now spending £590 on grooming products every year, around the same that amount that women spend on beauty products.

orbital lambs wool polisherNow although we are spending more on our cars splashing out £7 on a car wash or up to £50 for a full valet would be considered an affordable luxury.

However, if you have more money than sense or your pension is invested in classic cars then a company in Fife, Scotland is offering the full Monty paintwork valet – if you have a spare £100,000 that is!

He calls it Car detailing and is mainly the process of removing surface defects and scratches from vehicle paint surfaces. Then once the defects have been removed it time to refine the paint to achieve the maximum level of gloss possible.

Once this process has been done its time to protect the finish with a selection of products that come from all over the world to give the correct level of protection and looks as per customer requirements.

The company – The Ultimate Shine – is owned and run by Paul Wilkins and he claims to have worked on over £100m worth of cars

I don’t think any women I know could get through that much in face creams!

Author – Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood is a ‘Retail Troubleshooter’ with 40 years experience in the retail industry, specialising in e-commerce over the last decade. He has his own consultancy firm and is MD of  ’e sell it’, an on-line store selling tools and auto-care products worldwide.

For tools & auto-care products at trade prices, please visit: www.esellit.com

Or call: 020 8201 0588

 

 


4 Top Tips for Proper Heli Coil Thread Repair

 

Damaged threads are a common problem among older vehicle models. Instead of taking it to a professional mechanic, many people prefer to do a thread repair at home with a Helicoil repair kit. The easiest way to do that involves a heli coil insert.

Are you interested in learning how to repair a damaged thread with a heli coil insert? Follow these tips for professional results.

1.       Get the Right EquipmentUS2506

Before you attempt to do the repair, make sure that you have everything necessary.

There are certain things you will have to purchase in advance. A heli coil thread repair kit is the first and the most important piece. You will also need a two-handed tap wrench, thread gauge, the specified drill bit, a hammer, needle-nosed pliers and a round punch.

Heli coil thread kits consist of a high-speed steel drill, an installation tool, stainless steel wire coil and a tap. There could be some variations so read about the contents of the kit before you buy.

2.       Do Some Measuring

Begin by identifying the original bolt’s size. You can do that easily by matching the head to a wrench. Once you have made sure that you have the correct size, use the set of thread gauges to find the matching piece and identify the bolt size.

Now that you know the size of the original bolt, you can select a tap from the heli coil kit. Keep in mind that the new diameter is going to be slightly bigger than the size of the bolt but the threads are going to be the same.

3.       Drill and Insert

Use the correct tap bit to drill out a hole. A drill press can be used to make more precise adjustments, in case the bolt angle is critical.

Next, use the two-handed tap wrench. Insert the tap into it and place it in the hole you just drilled. Hold the two-handed tap wrench at a right angle to the surface. Turn the wrench clockwise just half a turn. It would be sufficient to start the thread.

Once you accomplish that, turn the two-handed tap wrench anticlockwise just a third. It will break the ribbon of metal. Now you should rotate clockwise once again, half a turn. Next, reverse the direction and rotate anticlockwise to break the swarf. The pattern should remain the same until you manage to fully cut the new thread.

4.       Use the Heli Coil InsertUS2527A

Now that the new thread is cut, you are ready to pick the right heli coil insert. The kit contains a matching thread driver. Get the heli coil insert and screw it onto the end of the thread driver.

Keep the wire at the end of the insert at a 90-degree angle. It forms a break-off tab that prevents the insert from moving in the thread driver. Place the end of the insert into the newly made and threaded hole. Screw it in. Three to four turns should be sufficient. Make sure that it binds. Once the heli coil has been screwed in, snap the 90-degree wire off. Use a hammer to do that.

This is it! Screw the original bolt in. Test fit into the heli coil insert to make sure that you have done a good job.

 

 

Author – Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood is a ‘Retail Troubleshooter’ with 40 years experience in the retail industry, specialising in e-commerce over the last decade. He has his own consultancy firm and is MD of  ‘e sell it’, an on-line store selling tools and auto-care products worldwide.

For tools & auto-care products at trade prices, please visit: www.esellit.com

Or call: 020 8201 0588


A Nasal Hair Trimmer……and 9 other things not to buy your Dad on Father’s Day

Father’s day is the day every kid has the chance to say thanks for all the, taxis on demand, generally fixing everything, giving money (but not telling mum), sorting out the computer virus, upgrading to the new iPhone and so on.

So, unless your Dad specifically asks for it, do not buy any of the following. They will be (outwardly) gratefully received but inwardly thinking ‘is this what they think of me?’

So here are what NOT to get your dad.Wahl Nasal Trimmer

  1. Socks – even joke multicoloured ones
  2. Tools – was it a hint to fix something not done?
  3. Golf equipment – if I haven’t already got it I don’t need it.
  4. Anything for the Garden – see 2
  5. Led Zeppelin CD – yes I used to like them but they’ve not done anything new for 20 years* and I don’t need another CD with the best tracks in a different order (even if it is digitally remastered)
  6. Colognes/after shaves – do I smell bad?
  7. Anything that hangs from the car rear view mirror – my car is my status symbol
  8. Books – ‘why this book – are they trying to tell me something?
  9. A Nasal hair trimmer – I’m going to try looking up my nose in the bathroom mirror now!
  10. Anything ‘As seen on TV’ – they’re really not what Dad wants no matter how many times they say ‘he’ll love it’

 

So what should you get?

Dads will rarely do anything for themselves. The thrill of it is often outweighed by the guilt of wasting money/time when it (as it frequently pointed out by the ‘Mum’) is needed for the kids.

Surprisingly, the most popular request from the Dads is ‘to spend more time with their kids’. Maybe the teenagers are not prepared to give ‘that much’ so a great alternative is one of the ‘experiences’ sold by companies such as Red Letter Day and Virgin.

 

For example:-aston martin

  • A trip around a Brewery – the green light to go drinking for research purposes
  • Drive an Aston Martin around Silverston – no one saying ‘Can you slow down’!
  • A flight in a single engine aircraft or even parachuting if he’s the adventurous type
  • A ride on the footplate of a steam engine – fulfill the childhood fantasy
  • London Rock and Roll Tour – see all the historical places from the Beatles to Punk
  • Powerboat racing – pretend James Bond chases!
  • Drive a tank – PS3 for grown ups!

 

So there you have it. Go on spoil him!

 

* excluding the benefit reunion concert in 2007

Author – Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood is a ‘Retail Troubleshooter’ with 40 years experience in the retail industry, specialising in e-commerce over the last decade. He has his own consultancy firm and is MD of  ‘e sell it’, an on-line store selling tools and auto-care products worldwide.

For tools & auto-care products at trade prices, please visit: www.esellit.com

 


How to do a Compression Test on an Engine

WHY DO A COMPRESSION TEST?

The engine’s compression reveals much about the state of the engine. Low compression caused by a faulty valve or worn piston ring could mean a lack of power or blowing smoke from the exhaust but can also help you rule out some of the more serious faults.

WHAT IS A COMPRESSION TEST?

If your engine is running smoothly there should be a compression in excess of 100 psi per cylinder with no more than a 10% difference between the highest and lowest cylinder test.  As a general rule a compression of 135 PSI or better is excellent, and a compression of 85 PSI or lower is not good at all. If this is not the case it is likely that your engine valves, their valve seats or piston rings need replacing.

 

BEFORE USE

Compression Tester with Quick Disconnect for Petrol Engines

Compression Tester with Quick Disconnect for Petrol Engines

  • Identify the size of fitting that is required for the engine to be tested.
  • This compression testing kit includes fittings suitable to replace injectors and glow plugs.
  • Refer to the table for details of fittings and thread patterns.
  • The battery and starting system must be in good condition to ensure an accurate test.

 

WARNING:-

  • Always keep well away from any hot / moving engine parts.
  • Take care to keep compression tester from becoming entangled in moving parts.

 

OPERATION

Compression Tester for Diesel Engine

Compression Tester for Diesel Engine

  •  Allow engine to reach normal operating temperature. Stop engine, remove all glow plugs or injectors (refer to vehicle manufacturers manual).
  • The compression tester (with correct fitting attached) can now be screwed into a glow plug or injector hole. Ensure that fitting is screwed in securely.
  • Disconnect the fuel shut off solenoid to disable the fuel injection pump.
  • With the throttle in the wide open position, turn the engine over 6-8 revolutions.
  • The dial gauge will automatically record the highest pressure reached.
  • To release the pressure, and reset the gauge, depress the bleed valve button.
  • The compression tester can now be unscrewed, and the next cylinder tested.

 

 TIP

  • If you find that one of the cylinders has a compression of under 100 psi then pour about a teaspoon full of oil in and retest.
  • If the reading increases then it’s likely to be a piston ring problem. If not, it’s more likely the valves need replacing.

 

IN SUMMARY

  • For an engine running normally compression builds up quickly and evenly to the specified compression for each cylinder.
  • If the Piston Rings are leaking: Compression is low on the first stroke but builds up after further strokes but does not reach normal. However, the compression improves considerably when you add oil.
  • If the Valves are leaking: Compression is low on the first stroke and does not normally change much after further strokes and does not improve much by adding oil.
  • If two adjacent cylinders have lower than normal compression and adding oil into the cylinders does not increase the compression, it could be that the head gasket is leaking between the cylinders.

 

MAINTENANCE

  • Keep your compression tester clean.
  • Ensure that screw threads do not become dirty.
  • If necessary clean with a wire brush.

 

CONCLUSION

  • With the correct equipment a compression test can be done in around 20 minutes but can save you £100s in garage fees.

 

 

Author – Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood is a ‘Retail Troubleshooter’ with 40 years experience in the retail industry, specialising in e-commerce over the last decade. He has his own consultancy firm and is MD of  ‘e sell it’, an on-line store selling tools and auto-care products worldwide.

For tools & auto-care products at trade prices, please visit: www.esellit.com

 


10 things every man needs in his toolbox

 

A friend of mine once declared that a man only needs 2 things in his toolbox – WD40 and superglue.

  • If it moves and it shouldn’t – Superglue
  • If it doesn’t move and it should – WD40

 

Well, there’s some merit to the argument but it comes as no surprise that he had no-one at home who wanted him to put shelves put up. So assuming that you going to have to perform simple jobs, repairs, projects around the house, what are the 10 essential tools needed?

 

claw hammer

1. Claw Hammer

The simplest of tools allows you to knock in nails/pins with one end of the head and remove them with the other. 2 for the price of 1 and an excellent start.

 

 

set of screwdrivers2. Set of Screwdrivers

Things have got a little complicated over the recent years with screws having different sets of groves across the top. It used to just be a slot and you just needed a ‘flat head’ screwdriver but now they usually have a ‘cross’ for which you need a ‘Phillips’ screwdriver. Given that there’s different size screws and different force needed at times it’s essential you have a set of screwdrivers to cover most eventualities.

tape measure

3. Tape Measure

Yes, we all know the perfect position for the shelf but sometimes the ‘other half’ wants to appreciate that you’ve performed some simple calculations to determine the accuracy of your positioning.

 

4. Level48" 1220mm Box Beam Spirit Level with Shock Absorbing End Caps WY013

Ditto above – you need to go through the motions of checking the shelf is at the perfect 90 degrees and is level although the walls and floors may not be.

 

Adjustable Spanner5. Adjustable Spanner

Marvellous invention – who needs a set of spanners when you can have one to fit all sizes? The sliding jaw keeps parallel as it opens and closes – brilliant!

 

 

6. Utility (Stanley) KnifeTrade Quality Auto Loading Heavy Duty Utility Knife with 50 pc blade Dispenser AMS0475

A really sharp blade for cutting stuff or scraping stuff off.  Simple to use but always remember to retract the blade when not being used as it hurts (a lot) when you stand on it – beware!

 

Budget Carbon Steel 8" Combination Pliers PL2017. Pliers

Useful for gripping and holding things. That’s about it really.

 

 

 

8. SawQuality 12" Tenon (Back) Saw SW050

Yes, sometimes you may have to make those shelves smaller and remove some of the excess length. Make sure you use in conjunction with the Tape Measure and Level.

 

30 LED Worklight, Dynamo Windup Recharge USB, 240v and 12v TO1709. Worklight or Torch

Not used for working in the dark (especially not with the baby below) but  important for lighting up the nooks and crannies you may be working in (and for finding the screws/nails you dropped).

 

 

10. Power Drill24v Cordless Drill/Driver With Hammer Function 67027C

Now we’re talking. This is the macho tool in the box that can do anything. You can ‘pimp’ it up with loads of attachments to drill holes, screw/unscrew, grind, sand, mix, stir on so on.  You can also leave it running while checking the sports results and the other half still thinks you’re working hard!

 

So that’s it then. There are thousands of tools out there that can do just about anything you can think of or even some you haven’t thought of yet, but these 10 tools should get you though most day to day jobs.

Tools 11 & 12?  Why Superglue and WD40 of course!

 

Author – Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood is a ‘Retail Troubleshooter’ with 40 years experience in the retail industry, specialising in e-commerce over the last decade. He has his own consultancy firm and is MD of  ‘e sell it’, an on-line store selling tools and auto-care products worldwide.

For tools & auto-care products at trade prices, please visit: www.esellit.com

 

 

 


Copyright © 1996-2010 e sell it - tools and auto-care tips and tricks. All rights reserved.
iDream theme by Templates Next | Powered by WordPress
Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On Google PlusVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On YoutubeVisit Us On LinkedinCheck Our Feed