Don Frantz
Frantz Automotive Center
Cary, NC
I own and operate Frantz Automotive Center in Cary, NC. We are a six-bay shop with four techs – all of whom are ASE certified. I, myself, am ASE certified with L1 Certification as well.
Frantz Automotive was recently voted "Best of Cary" by the readers of the Cary News. We have finished in the Top 20 the last two years running in CARQUEST’s National Shop of the Year Competition, and last year won the Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award.
We offer all services except body repair on all makes and models, and warranty all repairs for 12 months/ 12,000 miles.
My top five favorite tools are:
Snap-on MT 2500 Scanner – While we have many different makes of scanners with different specialties, we always find ourselves reaching for this one first. Simple, accurate and easy to use.
Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches – They make quick work of those hard-to-reach fasteners.
ALLDATA – Information is power and with ALLDATA, we have the power. It is easy to navigate and we love how many of the wiring diagrams are broken down into sub-systems.
Test Light – Even with all the "high-tech" testers out there, when checking electrical circuits, this tool always makes its way under the hood.
My Blue Point Electric Screwdriver – I could not see having to work under a dash or replace an evaporator core without this wonderful tool.
Scott Murphy, tech manager
Hudson Imports
Hudson, WI
My top five are as follows:
iATN – The amount of information there is amazing. The tech mail forum and archives are my first stop for the weird stuff on any vehicle I’m not familiar with. The shop management forum has also helped me get over my apprehension to charging a fair and profitable price for the services our shop provides.
A DMM – If you’re going to be a mechanic, you need one. My favorite brand is Fluke, but all the tool guys sell something comparable.
The Powerprobe – It’s great for testing power window circuits and door locks.
My SUN LS 2000 DSO – It’s old and I got it used, but it’s really handy for current ramping fuel pumps, ignition coils and injectors.
iATN – I know I’ve listed that twice, but it’s that good as a shop tool, and I feel it’s a requirement for a shop to sponsor and use it if you’re going to stay on the leading edge of diagnostics and profitability.
Mark Allison, owner
Allison’s Automotive
Upland, CA
Stinger rechargeable flashlight – The best light I’ve owned. I use it all day long, every day!
Snap-on MT2500 scanner – Another tool I use on a daily basis.
Central Tools Brake Force Digital Caliper – Very quick for measuring brake rotors, and switches to metric or standard in a flash.
Raytek Raynger ST Infrared Thermometer – Great for checking catalytic converters.
Blue Point MT586BK Digital Multimeter – I use it for everything electrical.
Steve Kline
Tampa Corvette Service, Inc.
Lutz, FL
Craftsman 10 mm socket 1/4" drive
Vetronix Tech2 Scan Tool
Doctor’s forceps (10" and 24") – swap meet variety
My 30-year-old Rockwell 1/2" air impact wrench
My stubby Gearwrench set (SAE)
Mark Cunningham, owner
MC Auto Repair
Clementon, NJ
Matco Determinator Scanner
Hunter DSP400 Alignment Machine
ALLDATA
Mac Tools air tool air hammer, chisel
Snap-on Locking Extensions