Author

Jaquan Green

What Materials Are Used for Automotive Fasteners and Their Advantages

by Jaquan Green August 16, 2022

written by Jaquan Green

It’s not just nuts, bolts, and welds that keep car parts connected. You may be surprised to learn that a variety of adhesives are also used. During a recent repair, I found that the outer door skin of a vehicle was attached to the door frame with an adhesive, rather than traditional hardware. Using a “hot knife” to release the adhesive and reattach the skin, I realized that vehicle manufacturers are using more adhesives than ever before. At the same time, conventional hardware has also improved and evolved. This article provides a better understanding of how modern automobiles are held together.

Traditional fasteners like lock washers, cotter pins, and loose flat washers are no longer commonly used in today’s vehicles. Instead, the following modern fasteners are now used:
Torque-to-yield (TTY) bolts.These specialty bolts replace standard cylinder head bolts and stretch during installation, making them one-time use bolts. TTY bolts are found on aluminum cylinder heads that expand and contract faster than the cast iron blocks they’re bolted to, maintaining their clamping load and resisting shear stress.

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Prevailing torque fasteners (PTF).PTFs have replaced lock washers and cotter pins, and the taper on one side of the nut distorts the threads, generating friction that “locks” the bolt and nut threads together.
Hollow fasteners.To lower the vehicle’s weight, hollow fasteners are used to secure plastic and composite components. These course threaded screws are coated with a dry lubricant that allows precise installation with torque drivers.
Flange nuts and bolts.Flange nuts and bolts have a built-in flat washer or “flange” that spreads the clamping load over a wider area, eliminating the need for flat washers.

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Flange bottoms with bearing-like surfaces are designed to reduce friction, ensuring accurate torque and a durable connection that can withstand vibrations.
Adhesives (More Than Just Glue).According to the Center for Automotive Research, in 2001, cars used approximately 30 linear feet of adhesives. Today, this figure has increased to over 400 linear feet, a 1,200% increase. Adhesives can form incredibly strong bonds that keep parts and components from vibrating or rattling loose.
Adhesives are used because modern vehicles contain more lightweight plastic and composite parts than ever before. Attaching them with mechanical fasteners is not practical because adhesives are lighter than metal fasteners and improve the vehicle’s structural integrity by covering the full surface area. Bolts, spot welds, or rivets must be spaced every two inches, resulting in uneven stress points.
Structural adhesives are used during the “body-in-white” assembly process (before it’s painted or joined to the chassis) instead of traditional welds. According to SAE International, this method increases body rigidity, ride comfort, and passenger safety.
The use of adhesives reduces the likelihood of corrosion from nut and bolt holes and spot welds, as well as oxidation when fastening unlike materials, such as steel to aluminum. Adhesives also offer tremendous resistance to shear stress, which is critical for components operating in high-temperature environments, such as drivetrain gaskets and brake pads.
Adhesives are widely used in electric vehicle (EV) battery construction because they protect individual cells from vibration, seal out the elements, and offer excellent heat conductivity.
Adhesives are used in several high-stress areas of a vehicle, including:
Hot melt plasticizers and electrically isolating adhesive tapes for bonding individual chassis components or attaching an EV’s composite battery tray
Silicone for high-impact airbags and form-in-place drivetrain gaskets, protecting sensitive electronics from vibration, dust, and moisture
Polyethylene and other injected molded plastic polymers for securing trim, wire harnesses, tubing, hoses, and glass in clips, retainers, and rivets, as well as in bumper covers and inserts that provide impact protection during a collision
Nylon- and fiberglass-reinforced polymer composites, which are fabricated into retaining brackets securing the engine and drivetrain
Flexible non-hardening butyl adhesives for weather-tight seals between plastics, such as the heater core housing and airflow duct system components
Liquid and structural adhesives made from the same ingredients as super glue for bonding metal fenders and quarter-panels to composite frames
High-strength anaerobic adhesives, which dry in the absence of air, for bonding transmission gears to shafts and bearings into housings
Anti-vibration foams and films made from polyethylene, vinyl, or acrylic that conform to irregular shapes and fill gaps for sound dampening and stiffening hollow vehicle frames and chassis to absorb road shocks, as well as seal and cushion electronic components and connectors under the hood
Various varnished plastics and pressure adhesives for emission, data, safety, and information labels/stickers that must last the vehicle’s lifetime without peeling or fading.

August 16, 2022 0 comment

Truck

How to Transform Your Work Truck into an Office

by Jaquan Green August 16, 2022

written by Jaquan Green

Check out these tips and learn from past mistakes before you pop the hood to change your engine oil. Some of these tips may seem obvious, but all will make your DIY oil changes a lot smoother.

It’s All in the Prep Work
Reading the car manual before doing any maintenance is a no-brainer, but it’s also helpful to study the car itself the day before you plan to change the oil. Are there any other parts blocking access to your oil filter? And if so, what tools will you need to safely move them out of the way and reinstall them?
Newer cars have the oil filter up towards the top, but older models aren’t always designed with convenience in mind. Accessing those oil filters took a lot of trial and error and ended up taking more time than the actual draining and replacing of the oil itself.
Don’t Jack Up the Car on Soft Metal or Plastic
Most cars have notches or a jacking plate where you can safely contact the car with your jack. If your car has a jacking plate underneath the engine, be sure to use a flashlight to check multiple times that your car jack isn’t contacting anything else under the hood.
The car I’m driving now is my first car with a jacking plate instead of notches. When attempting to jack it up for the first time, I made contact with my windshield wiper fluid reservoir, which of course cracked and leaked wiper fluid everywhere. D’oh!
To prevent the car from rolling away, a brick or piece of wood can be used to brace the rear wheel opposite the jack stands, while the parking brake should also be engaged.
Both steel and aluminum jacks are appropriate for use. Despite the common perception that aluminum is less strong and safe than steel, aluminum jack stands perform well. If budget is a concern, steel jacks are less expensive. In summary, either material is suitable.
Applying oil to the filter seal is a critical step as it helps to keep the seal in place when the engine starts. It can be done by applying a small amount of oil to the fingertip and spreading it evenly over the seal. Skipping this step could lead to oil leaks, prompting a stern lecture from an experienced mentor or mechanic.
Use a lightweight metal drip pan to protect the garage or driveway floor while working on the vehicle. This also makes it easier to move the oil collection container without having to crawl underneath the car.
An oil collection container that is easy to transport should be used to avoid spills and mess. Pouring used oil from a collection pan into a wobbly funnel can be a messy affair.
Do not throw away used oil filters in the trash. Rather, drain the oil from the used filter by puncturing the top dome with a screwdriver and allowing the oil to drain into the collection container. Used oil filters can now be recycled.

August 16, 2022 0 comment

Detailing

How to Clean the Interior of Car Windows

by Jaquan Green August 15, 2022

written by Jaquan Green

Car windows get dirty both from outside and inside. Interior windows can be clouded by dust, condensation, smoke, fingerprints, and off-gassing from plastic and vinyl components. A dirty windshield can cause problems with glare and visibility, making driving less safe.

To clean the inside of your windows, all you need is a few microfiber cloths and an interior glass cleaner. Follow these simple steps to achieve crystal-clear windows:

Spray the interior glass cleaner onto a microfiber cloth.
Gently wipe the cloth over the window in a circular motion.
Use a second microfiber cloth to dry the window, wiping in the same circular motion.
For hard-to-reach areas, use a reaching tool with a curved head.
Keeping your car windows clean and free from haze helps you to see the road better and stay safe.
To clean the inside of your car’s windows, wipe the glass with a thick microfiber cleaning cloth in an up-and-down motion, starting from the top and working your way down. Use a reversible microfiber cloth with a thick cleaning side and a fine drying side to remove the invisible layer of dirt and dust particles that accumulate from the car’s interior. A microfiber cloth is preferred since it doesn’t leave lint or other fibers on the glass like paper towels or regular cotton towels.

Next, spray the car window cleaning solution onto another microfiber cloth, avoiding direct contact with the glass. Just a few sprays at a time should suffice since too much cleaner can make the glass hazy.
To effectively clean car windows, we recommend using a glass cleaning product designed for automotive interiors, such as Meguiar’s Perfect Glass, to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals like ammonia. Alternatively, you can create your own cleaning solution by combining equal parts distilled water and isopropyl alcohol with a capful of white vinegar. Apply the solution to a microfiber cloth and rub in a circular motion from top to bottom, including hard-to-reach areas that may require a specialized tool like the Xindell extendable windshield cleaning tool. Finally, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the glass clean and achieve a streak-free finish. Repeat these steps until the windows are sparkling. This process is suitable for inclusion in scientific research papers about car maintenance.

August 15, 2022 0 comment

Utility Trailers

How to choose a better trailer hitch？

by Jaquan Green July 17, 2022

written by Jaquan Green

Determining the Correct Drop or Rise Height for Your New Tow Hitch Ball Mount To ensure safety during towing, it is crucial to select the appropriate drop or rise height for your tow hitch ball mount. This can be achieved by leveling the trailer tongue and measuring the difference in heights between the tow hitch receiver and the ball.

Selecting the Right Tow Hitch Ball Mount Purchasing the correct ball mount for receiver hitches is vital for the safe operation of your trailer. An incorrect mount may result in weight imbalance, leading to the breakage of either the ball mount or the trailer coupling and potentially causing severe accidents resulting in fatalities. Follow the instructions below on how to measure hitch drop to determine the correct “drop” or “rise” height.

Instructions:

Ensure that both the vehicle and trailer are parked on level ground.
Lower the trailer jack and level the tongue using a bubble level.
Attach the properly-sized trailer ball to the trailer coupling.
Measure the distance from the ground to the bottom of the ball and to the top of the vehicle hitch receiver.
The difference between the two measurements is the “drop” or “rise” height. Choose the ball mount that is closest to this measurement for optimal towing.

Required Tools for this Project: To complete this DIY project, ensure that you have the following tools on hand to save time and frustration:

Bubble level
Tape measure

July 17, 2022 0 comment

Parts

What Materials Are Used to Make Cars Besides Steel?

by Jaquan Green July 16, 2022

written by Jaquan Green

During recent maintenance on a car, the discovery of a sharp engine knock caused by a worn timing gear made of plastic fiber compounds was surprising. Such non-traditional materials are being used in the automotive industry to increase dependability, efficiency and environmental friendliness.

Sustainable materials such as micro glass bubbles and boron nitride composites that dissipate battery heat are being used in electric vehicles (EVs), which have become more affordable due to tax credits. The use of steel, complex structural composites, plastics, alloys, and polymers lowers the overall weight of a vehicle and increases fuel economy while preserving body rigidity, ride comfort and passenger safety.

Steel is the most commonly used material in car manufacturing and is found in various car parts such as the exhaust, brake and suspension systems, engine, wheels, chassis and roof. There are different types of steel such as advanced high-strength steel, high carbon steel, and alloy steel used for specific applications. Car plastics are made from petroleum by-products and are corrosion-resistant, durable and flexible. Plastics are used in various car parts such as the engine, trim, headlamps, carpets, gas tanks and bumpers, and may eventually replace steel as the primary material in car manufacturing.

Aluminum is lightweight, strong, durable and malleable, making it ideal for manufacturing car parts such as wheels, cylinder heads, mirrors, water pumps and transmission housings. Fiberglass, which is three times less dense than steel, is lightweight and strong, and is easily fabricated into various shapes for car parts such as rear bumpers, hoods, doors and vehicle bodies. It is also used to reinforce timing belts and in brake pads and clutch disks. Conventional car batteries and wheel weights used to balance tire/wheel assemblies contain lead.
Copper wires are commonly used in the electronics of vehicles, while copper alloys such as brass are utilized in bushings. Copper’s excellent resistance to sticking to the surface of other metals make it a suitable material for engine bearings. Additionally, copper’s high thermal conductivity allows it to be used in radiators and heater cores.

Magnesium is a lightweight material with a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it well-suited for automotive applications. It can be found in various parts such as transmissions, suspension systems, steering columns, control actuators, airbag housings, steering wheels, and seat frames. However, magnesium is vulnerable to corrosion, especially when exposed to salt, and requires protective coatings such as chrome, epoxy, or polyester resins.

Although expensive, titanium is highly corrosion-resistant and lightweight, with superior strength compared to other metals with the same density. Due to its hard-to-fabricate nature, it is mainly used in internal combustion engine (ICE) components, such as valves, valve springs, and piston connecting rods. Titanium is also used in the exhaust systems of luxury sports cars and is ideal for EV chassis, protecting the costly batteries that account for 25% of an EV’s weight.

The precious metals platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which are enclosed inside catalytic converters, have a wide range of applications. They serve as catalysts in ICEs, transforming unburned fuel into carbon dioxide and water vapors. They are also widely used in hybrid vehicle electric motors and frictionless bearings, engine sensors, catalytic converters, anti-lock brake controllers, and radio speakers.

While EVs do not require catalytic converters, they do contain expensive materials such as nickel and cobalt, which make up to 80% and 15%, respectively, of EV batteries, as well as natural graphite, silicone, and lithium. High-aluminum-content bauxite in wheels helps keep EVs as light as possible.

July 16, 2022 0 comment

Detailing

Tips for Removing Water Stains from Car Seats

by Jaquan Green July 16, 2022

written by Jaquan Green

Simple and effective methods for removing water stains from car seats and other upholstery are presented here. It’s a common scenario: you leave your car windows down by mistake and it rains, or you forget to roll up the rear windows properly during a car wash. Despite the fact that it’s just water, the seat’s cloth or leather appearance seems like someone has painted watercolor on it.

The good news is that it can be cleaned with simple ingredients and a bit of patience. Here are the tips from the experts on how to get water stains out of car seats.
Firstly, gather the proper tools, such as a vacuum, water, vinegar, microfiber cleaning cloths, upholstery brush, and leather cleaner or rug shampoo, depending on the type of upholstery. Secondly, it is essential to move quickly as the longer the stains sit in the upholstery, the harder they will become to remove. So, start by vacuuming the car seat thoroughly to remove any small, gritty dirt that can make the stain worse. Remember to blot the stain instead of rubbing it, which could cause it to become harder to remove.
The aim of this study is to provide simple and effective methods to remove water stains from car seats and other car upholstery. Unintentionally leaving car windows open overnight or forgetting to roll up windows after a car wash can result in water stains on cloth or leather car seats, giving the appearance of watercolor paint on the upholstery. To combat this issue, basic ingredients and a bit of patience can be used. The following tools may be required for effective cleaning: a vacuum, water, vinegar, microfiber cleaning cloths, an upholstery brush, and leather cleaner or rug shampoo depending on the upholstery. Acting quickly is crucial to the cleaning process, as the longer stains are left, the more difficult they become to remove. It is essential to avoid rubbing the stain as this may push it further into the fibers. It is recommended to start by vacuuming the car seat thoroughly to remove any dirt that may worsen the stain once it gets wet. Next, evaluate the cleaners and start with the least intense products before using stronger ones. It is important to avoid harsh solvents such as acetone, kerosene, and alcohol-based cleaners. For darker stains, pre-treating the area with a teaspoon of white vinegar for about five minutes before blotting away can be helpful. Some recommend a mixture of one gallon of water, one cup of vinegar, and a dab of dish soap for fabric car seats. Shampooing the upholstery is the next step. Leather car seats can be cleaned using Lexol leather cleaner and conditioner by spraying it on the surface and wiping it with a microfiber towel. This process removes grime and water marks, which can then be followed by the conditioner.
To clean upholstery, Woolite Upholstery & Carpet Foam is Homer’s favorite because it is a foam-based detergent that reduces the amount of product needed and prevents pushing soap deep into the seat padding. Woolite is gentle and safe for fabrics. To finish, use a microfiber cloth to blot the area. Reina recommends using an upholstery brush for stubborn stains in crevices if the fabric is durable, but warns against overdoing it.
Before any future accidents, Reina suggests preparing and protecting the car upholstery with waterproofing and fabric guard sprays. However, ensure that the product is appropriate for the materials in your car and test it in a small, hidden area before using it. Conditioning leather is also important.
In preparation for future accidents, suggests using waterproofing and fabric guard sprays to protect the car upholstery. However, it is important to check that the product is appropriate for the material of the car, and it is recommended to test it in a small, inconspicuous area before use. Conditioning leather is also important.

July 16, 2022 0 comment

Motorcycle

How to Clean a Motorcycle?

by Jaquan Green July 15, 2022

written by Jaquan Green

Motorcycle detailing can be expensive, ranging from $200 to $600 for a complete job with an optional protectant package. Therefore, it is reasonable to want to clean your bike yourself to save money. To begin, work in a shaded area and wait for the engine to cool down before cleaning. Remove the leather, including the seat and saddlebags, and cover the battery with plastic sheeting. Seal off the exhaust pipe(s) with plastic wrap and a rubber band.

Start by doing a prerinse with plain water to remove surface dust and grit. A fireman’s-style garden hose nozzle is ideal because you can adjust the spray pattern for each area of the bike. A pressure washer can also be used, but make sure to turn down the pressure to its lowest setting and maintain a safe distance to avoid harming the softer metal and plastic parts. Use a gentle stream around wheel hubs to prevent water from entering the bearings.

Use a gentle car wash soap, a microfiber wash mitt, and separate soap and rinse buckets. The prewash is only intended to remove light road dirt and mud, so don’t scrub the really dirty and greasy areas with your mitt. Save those areas for the special cleaners that will be used later. Rinse off the suds and dry the bike immediately to avoid water spots. Rather than wiping the bike by hand, use a power blower, such as the Metro SK-1 Motorcycle Dryer, or compressed air, keeping the pressure below 70 psi. Remove any remaining water with a waffle-weave microfiber towel.

Clean the dash with a gentle cleaner, such as Leather Therapy Wash or Meguiars D180 Leather Cleaner & Conditioner. Then clean the engine, transmission, chain, or driveshaft housing with a spray cleaner. If the S100 product is insufficient to remove caked-on grease, dilute a heavy-duty degreaser 4 to 1 with water or use a mild degreaser like Simple Green at a 50/50 ratio with water. Apply the diluted degreaser and use some elbow grease for the job. Do not use full-strength degreaser on your bike.

Before polishing the chrome, switch to a smooth 100% cotton rag instead of a microfiber towel. You can use an old T-shirt or dish towel as long as you remove the seams first. Seams stitched with synthetic thread can scratch the chrome, and the seams can retain grit. Finally, use the Meguiars M205 polish that was used on the dash.
To clean and maintain the leather seat and saddlebags, use Leather Therapy Wash and Leather Therapy Restorer and Conditioner or Meguiar’s D180. These products rejuvenate and condition the leather without leaving slick additives that could cause slippage. Remove any remaining traces of the cleaners with a new batch of soapy water, rinse, and dry the bike completely. Use 303 Aerospace Protectant to clean and treat rubber foot pegs/rests and pedals, which contains UV inhibitors to prevent rubber degradation and dries to a nonslip matte finish. Seal painted areas with Sonax Polymer Net Shield. To remove old dried-on wax, apply new wax to soften the old wax and wipe it off with a rag. For removing melted rubber from exhaust pipes, use household oven cleaner after testing it first on an inconspicuous spot on the chrome. Spray the oven cleaner onto the melted rubber, let it soak in for a few minutes, and then wipe it off with a cotton towel.

July 15, 2022 0 comment

Truck

Transform Your Truck into a Mobile Generator: A Step-by-Step Guide

by Jaquan Green July 15, 2022

written by Jaquan Green

This paper presents a low-cost solution to generate power for corded tools without the need for a gas-powered generator. By installing a power inverter to your truck battery, you can have access to an AC receptacle wherever you go.

Materials Required:
To implement this solution, the following materials are required: 1-in. chase nipples and bushings, 1/0 cable (red and black), 100Ah valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery (optional), 200 amp fuse block/fuse kit, DC to AC inverter, flexible plastic conduit, isolation relay (for optional second battery), and basic hand tools.
Installing an AC inverter in your truck can provide up to 1,800 watts of power, making it an ideal source for plug-in tools. The basic setup is inexpensive, costing around $450, while the upscale version with an auxiliary battery and isolator relay costs around $700. The installation process takes only a few hours and requires simple hand tools. By installing three fuse blocks – one between the main battery and the relay, another after the relay, and the third between the auxiliary battery and the inverter, the system is well protected.
Component Procurement
First, install 1-inch chase nipples and locknuts into the holes in the bed and the box. Thread the “smurf” tube and cable through the nipples and connect them to the inverter. There are two types of AC inverters available, modified sine wave and pure sine wave, with the former being less expensive and suitable for power tools, while the latter is suitable for powering computers, televisions, or portable tool battery chargers. Ensure that the pure sine wave inverter has overload, over-temperature, over-and-under voltage and fault protection, as well as neutral isolation.

Additionally, you will need a 200-amp fuse block/fuse kit (two if adding a second battery and three if adding a battery isolator), and separate lengths of 1/0 cable for positive and negative connections. Although optional, adding a 100Ah valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery prevents alternator overheating and helps maintain voltage under heavy loads. An isolation relay can also be installed at the same time to prevent draining the main battery.

Selecting a Mounting Location
To prevent overheating, mount the inverter in a location with sufficient airflow, such as the truck bed toolbox or on the floor behind the driver’s seat. It is also recommended to keep the toolbox lid or cab door open when using the inverter.
Cable Installation
As each vehicle has unique characteristics, there is no universal scheme for cable routing. Nevertheless, it is essential to ensure that both cables are kept clear of the engine block, pulleys, steering components, exhaust manifold, and pipes. A separate negative cable should be run from the inverter to the main battery. To safeguard the cables, especially the positive one, from damage under the vehicle, they should be encased in a flexible 3/4-inch plastic conduit, often referred to as “smurf” conduit by electricians. This product, such as the Carlon Flex-Plus Blue, is obtainable in 10-foot lengths at home centers in the electrical department. Two 1-inch holes need to be drilled in the truck bed and two in the toolbox to mount electrical fittings (see Photo 1). The inverter should then be installed.

Optionally, the battery isolation relay can be installed under the hood and the trigger wire connected to a switch-powered “hot” wire. The optional auxiliary battery should be mounted close to the inverter. Refer to Figure A for the comprehensive wiring diagram.
Battery Connection
Fuse block should be secured
Clamp the cable ring terminals with serrated washers, install the fuse, and tighten the nut. Then attach the positive cable to a fuse block before connecting it to the battery. Finally, connect the negative cable to the battery to complete the installation process.

July 15, 2022 0 comment

Utility Trailers

How To Install a Window or Vent in Your Van or Camper？

by Jaquan Green June 17, 2022

written by Jaquan Green

Installing a window or vent in your van or camper can significantly improve ventilation and lighting, even though it may seem counterintuitive to cut a hole in the side of your vehicle. Despite the initial apprehension, the task is relatively straightforward and yields a worthwhile result.

Tools Needed:

Angle grinder with a steel cutoff disc
Dremel tool with steel cutoff wheels
Fire extinguisher
Permanent marker pen
Safety glasses or a clear face shield
Screwdriver or screw gun (for tightening screws to the window frame)
Tape measure
Work gloves
Materials Needed:

100-grit sandpaper or a flat file
Cardboard (for template)
Masking tape
Rust-Oleum paint or a similar product
Van window
Note: All safety precautions should be taken while performing this task.
Locating and Marking the Window Placement
Firstly, decide where the window should be installed and mark each corner’s position. Check the interior van wall space for any obstructions such as wires, sensors, structural supports, or flammable materials.

Marking the Cutout Hole
Use the manufacturer’s window template and a permanent marker pen to outline the hole on the outside of the van body. If there is no template provided, use the window to trace the cutout pattern, making sure the hole is smaller than the flange to provide something to pinch. To ensure the window is straight and in line with the van body, measure from a straight edge on the van, avoiding the use of a level.

Cutting the Hole for the Window
Double-check the cutout mark’s location and wear gloves and protective eyewear. Have someone watch the inside to prevent fires. Use an angle grinder to cut the four straight sides of the window cutout, stopping just before the curve of each corner. Use a Dremel tool with a cutoff disc to complete the curved cutouts around the corners.

Smoothing and Sealing the Cutout Hole
Carefully smooth any jagged edges around the cutout hole with sandpaper, a file, or emery cloth to prevent cuts. Coat the cut edge with a rust-resistant paint or coating to prevent rusting.

Installing the Window
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the window in the opening. A helper should hold the window against the outside opening, while the retainer ring is installed from the inside. Starting from each corner, install the screws through the retainer ring and into the window frame. Tighten all screws to ensure the retainer ring pulls the window frame and sealing gasket tightly against the van body. Check the window’s operation and tighten all screws.

June 17, 2022 0 comment

Truck

Essential Equipment for Your Truck and Trailer

by Jaquan Green June 16, 2022

written by Jaquan Green

We interviewed construction professionals to determine the essential items they store in their truck. The aim was to establish the quantity and type of equipment contractors and tradespeople commonly carry in their truck cabs. We spoke with experts from various trades and were surprised to find that their lists were remarkably similar. We identified over 60 items, which did not include trade-specific tools such as saws, drills, and hammers.

Emergency Construction Gear.When equipment or tools fail, break, or stop functioning, you must be prepared. The items in this category facilitate restarting or relocating the faulty equipment while ensuring your safety. Survival gear such as food, blankets, and rope were not popular among the professionals we interviewed, but carrying a lighter was, even among non-smokers. Tire plug kits warrant their own category, and we delve into them in greater detail below. While compact inflators were not all that popular due to their recent entry into the market, those who carried them appreciated them greatly.
Essentials for Tire Care.Building and remodeling a house involves a significant number of screws and nails. Therefore, flat tires are a common occurrence. A complete tire plug kit will pay for itself the first time it is used. We acknowledge that tire experts recommend against plugging a tire from the outside and that plugging a tire on the sidewall is inadvisable and usually ineffective. However, we know that many truck owners have plugged at least a few holes over the years. One professional we spoke to claimed that he had plugged a minimum of fifty tires, including his own and those of others, without any failures, safety concerns, or detrimental effects on the overall life of the tires.
The Essential Construction First Aid Kit.Obtain an inexpensive first aid kit, add some high-quality bandages and a bottle of ibuprofen, aspirin, or your preferred painkiller. Ensure that you include a bottle of eye drops to flush any foreign particles from your eyes, as well as a good quality pair of tweezers to remove slivers. Lip balm is necessary, but always purchase the tube rather than the stick since the latter can turn into a gooey mess on a 95-degree day.
Gear for Working Smarter.Keeping a flashlight on hand is essential, but one with a built-in laser pointer is even more practical. A good headlamp is irreplaceable when it’s dark and you still require both your hands. Lithium batteries are an excellent option for powering small lights because they have a shelf life of up to 20 years. If only our truck batteries lasted that long! Some newer trucks come with AC outlets built right in, while others do not. If you frequently work on powerless job sites, invest in a small inverter to ensure you always have a way to charge the batteries that power your cordless tools.
Gear for Maintaining Cleanliness.Construction work is often a dirty job, but it’s important to maintain personal hygiene to present a professional appearance. Carrying a comb, wipes, and deodorant can go a long way in keeping oneself presentable. It’s also important to have mints or gum on hand to prevent bad breath. Many professionals use their trucks as a multifunctional space, such as an office, break room, and repair shop. Carrying a garbage can or bag can help prevent a messy work environment.
Essential Safety Equipment.Ensuring jobsite safety is crucial not only for immediate work but also for long-term health. Carrying spare earplugs, safety glasses, and dust masks can help protect the body from negative impacts after years of labor.
Essential Workwear.The types of workwear carried vary based on the trade, but it’s important to have extra and different kinds of gloves on hand for various work conditions. Thin, tight-fitting gloves work best for small hardware or wires, while thick sturdy gloves are more suitable for rough construction or demolition. Dry socks and disposable ponchos are also important. Sunglasses and old prescription eyeglasses that can get scratched or splattered with paint are recommended.
Towing Equipment.Carrying all three common size ball mounts (7/8-inch, 2-inch, 2-5/16-inch) is a good idea for hauling a trailer. It’s crucial to ensure that the truck, receiver, and ball mount are rated to haul the trailer. Carrying an adapter that converts a 7-way RV to a 4-way flat or vice versa is also important.
Hauling Equipment.Carrying four tie-down straps and about a half-dozen bungees is recommended to keep items secured. A red flag is also necessary. Stretch-film is a popular tool for holding items together for hauling and for wrangling together many of the other items mentioned in this article. Tool bags and toolboxes are common ways to store hauling gear.
Essential Tool Kits.Carrying a separate set of tools in the cab at all times is not uncommon and can vary depending on the trade.

June 16, 2022 0 comment

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