with some teeth · high-tech f-22 diagnostics a getaway with some teeth shark fishing in the keys...

Snapshot calendarEnter your car

Racing Pikes PeakFather-son climb the summit

Raptors ruleHigh-tech F-22 diagnostics

a GETAWAY

with some

TEETHShark fishing in the Keys

Compliments of your Snap-on Dealer

Features 8 Giveusyourbestshot

Tipstomakethecarcalendarcut

10 Fightcabinfever

Getreadyforfishingseason12 Moneymattersmadeeasy

5no-brainersavingtips

14 Spiritofthebuffalo Nugentbowhuntsbison

18 Glo-madupdate ThelatestontheSnap-onprojectcar

20 Shark! Techstackleextremefishing

24 Raptorsrule Maintainingfearedfighters

28 Peakperformers Record-settingfather-sonracers

32 Flyinghigh Techdoublesasflightengineer

34 Ararecase Diagnosticequipmentcatchestheculprit

38 Revolutionaryratchet ‘Finesse’toolunbelievablystrong

41 Earth-shakingexperience Snap-ontop-fuelerhits3.9onRichterScaleDepartments:

6 Nuts&Bolts

23 Health

40 CoolStuff

42 RearView

20

24

10Sharksnomatchformotorcycletechs.

Readthestoryabouttheseextremefishermenonpage20.

On the cover

32EXCLUSIVEPATENTED DESIGN

Ringers Ad.indd 1 3/27/07 9:00:02 AM

Snap-on News

SupportTechAdvertisers 2 Snap-onGloves 5 CoastalBoots 7 Skoal 9 Maglite 13 RedWing 17 EarlyTimes 19 Snap-on

27 Streamlight 30,31 Peak 35 Snap-on 37 Snap-on 43 Copenhagen BC JasperEngines

&Transmissions

Share Your StoryDropanoteorsendane-mail.Includeyourstoryideaaboutyouorafellowtechnician,yourcontactinformation,placeofemploymentandthenameof

yourSnap-onFranchisee.

Tech MagazineSnap-onToolsPOBox1410

Kenosha,[email protected]

Welcome to the winter issue of Tech Magazine.Aftermore thanadecadesince joiningSnap-on, I still findmyself inaweof the

amazingpeople thatmakeup thisorganizationand thecustomersweserve.At thecompany’s annual Franchisee Conference held in Las Vegas back in July, one suchpersonwasrecognizedforhisseeminglyendlessgenerosityandcustomerservice.I’dliketotakethisopportunitytotellyouhisstory.

TheCustomer’sChoiceAward,whichwasannouncedinTechMagazineearlierintheyear,recognizesfranchiseesforgoingaboveandbeyondtheexpected.Thisyear’swinnerwasselectedfromnominationssentinbyyou—Snap-oncustomerswhosingledoutfranchiseesthathavedemonstratedexceptionalcustomerserviceandcommunityinvolvement.

OnesuchcustomerwasJohnJabbora.WhenJohn’sson,Jacob,wasdiagnosedwithcancer,Jabbora’sSnap-onFranchisee,ShawnSinclair,wasdevastated.JacobwasnostrangertoShawn’sSnap-onvanandhadoftenhelpedhimwithinventoryduringhiswinterbreak.Unbeknownst to the Jabbora family,after Jacob’sdeath,Shawnhelpedwithacharityauction—donatinga largeselectionofSnap-on tools, collectiblesandotheritems—tosupportJohnandhisfamilythroughthetoughtime.

To show his gratitude, John sent anemotional letter to Snap-on, nominatingShawnforthecompany’sCustomer’sChoiceAward. The letter resulted in Shawn beingselectedandhonoredwiththeawardattheConference.TheJabborafamilywasflownintohelppresenttheaward.

InadditiontosharingShawn’sgenerositywiththeJabborafamily,thenominationletter

also detailed Shawn’s habit of putting a donation jar on his Snap-on van whenevertechniciansorfriendsweregoingthroughahardshiporserioushealthproblem.

Shawn’s dedication and commitment to his customers and community trulyembodieswhatSnap-onstandsfor. IamproudtohavehadtheopportunitytomeetShawnandtheJabborasandsharetheirinspiringstorywithallofyou.Integrityandhardworkdomakeadifference.

ThanksforyourcontinuedsupportofSnap-onToolsandthanksforreadingTech.

TomWardPresident,Snap-onToolsCompanyLLC

Volume 3, Number 4

EdiTOr-iN-ChiEfPeteKennedy

CONTribuTiNg EdiTOrSJeffWinkeJohnKoski

BarryGantenbein

AuTOMOTiVE EdiTOrWarrenEulgen

SENiOr ArT dirECTOrJasonFrance

ArT dirECTOrSJayBlazekBenNewby

CuSTOMEr SErViCE dirECTOrKrisMatz

PrESidENT & PubliShErTimO’Brien

HighVelocityCommunicationsInc.2444NorthGrandviewBlvd.Waukesha,WI53188-1605

HighVelocityCommunications.com262.544.6600–Phone

262.544.9777–Fax

AdVErTiSiNg dirECTOrCurtisCostin

CostinMediaGroup847.658.6451–Phone

262.544.9777–[email protected]

SNAP-ON [email protected]

TechMagazineispublishedquarterlyonbehalfofSnap-onIncorporatedandyourSnap-onFranchiseebyHighVelocityCommunicationsInc.,2444NorthGrandviewBlvd.,Waukesha,WI53188-1695.Snap-on,MODISandSOLUSaretrademarksofSnap-onIncorporated.For

otherSnap-onmarks,pleaseconsulttheSnap-onwebsite–Snapon.comOthermarksaremarksoftheir

respectiveholders.

©2007HighVelocityCommunicationsInc.AllRightsReserved.PrintedintheUSA

� • Tech I Winter 2007

Nuts & Bolts

551368_P_TechMg_SKOL_9405_SklBH_CopURL1_3T_cs002 - PubThu Sep 13 12:07:34 EDT 2007

Fantastic SandtasticMarkMasonmadebigbucksasa

regionalsalesrep.Todayheplayswithsand.TeamSandtastic,ashisbusinessis

called,createslarge,complexsand

sculptures

thatrangefromtabletopdisplaysinvolvingoneartistandcosting$1,300tomegamalldemosinvolvingheavymachinery,nineleadsculptors,numerousjuniorsculptors,andvolunteers,andcostingupto$130,000.AttheInternationalAutoShowinLos

Angeles,Mason’steamcarvedanelaboratesculptureof

abunchofbeaversfashioningthemselvesafull-scaleJeepWranglerfromafelledtree.Masonistheonlyfull-timeemployee;anothereightintheTeamSandtasticcrewarefreelancers.

On the Web:teamsandtastic.com

3,000,000 and countingAnabandonedrailroadtunnelin

Fredericksburg,Texas,isthehomeformillionsofbats.Ittakesaboutanhoureacheveningforapproximately3millionMexicanfree-tailedbatstoemptyoutofthetunnel

intothesky.Thesemedium-sizebatsaredistinguishedbytheirbroad,blackearsandnot-very-kissablewrinkledlips.Thebats’incredibleecholocation“radar”systemprevents

themfromcrashingintoeachotherastheyswarmoutintothemoonlightandreturnbeforesunrise.Echolocationalsohelpsmammabatsfindtheirpupswithouterror.Thebenefitsofbeinginthearea:thebatsfeedonbugs.Downside:Threemillionbatsgenerateawholelotofaromaticguano.Formoreinformationaboutthe10.3acreOldTunnelWildlifeAreaandthebesttimesandwaystoviewthebats,calltheLBJStateParkat830-644-2252.

Stuckwithanex-girlfriend’snametattooedbeneathalineupoftheTeenageMutantNinjaTurtles?Here’swhattoexpectwithlasertattooremoval.Thelaser’spowerfulpulseoflightwillfeellikehotspecksofbacongreaseonyourskinorbeingsnappedbyathinrubberband.Blackpigmentistheeasiesttoremove.Colorscanbetrickier.Thelaserbreaksupthetattoopigment.Then,thebody’sscavengercellsremovepigmentresidues.Itmaytakeanumberofsessions.Theskinmightfeelslightlysunburnedandtheareamayremainredforafewweeks.Ascabmayform,whichshouldbehandledgently.Sideeffectsarefewandmayincludeinfectionofthesite,lackofcompletepigmentremovalandafivepercentchanceofpermanentscarring.

Removing the ink

On the Web:tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest


Give us your

W e’re looking for photos of your cool car, bike ortruck to be considered for the 2009 Snap-onSnapshots Calendar and the “Rear View” page of

TechMagazine.Anythingmildorwildqualifies—customs,clas-sics,streetrods,musclecars,antiquesandsportscars.

AskyourSnap-onFranchiseefortheofficial2009SnapshotsCalendarentryform.Shouldyourridebechosen,2009willbeayearworthremembering.

Ifyourpride-and-joy is featured in thecalendarand/or inTech,you’llreceivesomefreecopiestosharewithyourfamilyandfriends.

Interested? Thesetipswillhelp

• Send frontal 3/4 views, from either driver or passenger side.

• Make sure the entire vehicle, bumper to bumper, is included in the photograph.

• Hi-res digital photos preferred; prints or slides also accept-ed. Make sure digital cameras are set at the largest file size and highest resolution (3.0 megapixel minimum) setting.

• Avoid having people in, on, or near the vehicle.

• Keep the background simple and attractive. Natural settings work well. Avoid power lines, fences, signs, mailboxes, homes, garages, car shows or other vehicles.

• Watch out for the mirror effect. A polished, smooth surface can reflect tree limbs—or the photographer.

• Pick a sunny day. Early-morning or late-afternoon natural lighting helps capture the color and detail. Avoid shooting between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

• Shoot the sunny, not the shady, side.

• Turn off the vehicle before snapping the photo.

• Keep the hood, trunk and doors shut.


Rugged, precision-machined aluminum construction with knurled design. Anodized inside and out for superior corrosion resistance. Water resistant. Shock resistant. As dependable a partner as you could ever hope to have.MAG Instrument, Inc., 2001 South Hellman Avenue

P.O. Box 50600, Ontario, California U.S.A. 91761-1083 (909) 947-1006, www.maglite.com

The distinctive shapes, styles and overall appearances of all Mag® flashlights, and the circumferential inscriptions extending around the heads of all Mag® flashlights are trademarks of Mag Instrument, Inc. The circumferential inscription on the head of every flashlight signifies that it is an original Mag® flashlight and part of the Mag® family of flashlights. U.S. Trademark Registrations for the shape, style and overall appearance trademarks of Mag® flashlights and for circumferential inscription trademarks of Mag® flashlights include Nos.

1,808,998; 2,074,795; 2,687,693; 2,745,460; 2,765,978 and 2,765,979. ©2007 MAG INSTRUMENT, INC.

Introducing the Maglite® LED flashlight.

As precision an instrument as we’ve ever designed, combining legendary Maglite durability with state-of-the-art LED technology.

You’ll find a powerful projecting beam that focuses effortlessly by simply rotating the head.

You’ll find Balanced Optics™, combining a highly refined reflector with a quality LED, for a brilliant, adjustable beam.

You’ll find Intelligent Energy Source Management that balances intense brightness with efficient power usage to make your batteries last even longer.

It’s an LED flashlight so advanced, in fact, so unique, we carefully engrave each one with its own individual serial number.

Leading us to make this rather critical suggestion.

Next time you choose a flashlight, make that selection wisely.

Needless to say, your very life may depend on it somewhere down the road. Or, possibly, rope.

FISHING TIPS t o f i g h t c a b i n f e v e r

it’slikelywinterwhereyoucallhome,andI’mbettingyou’llsoonbeworkingon

aboutofcabinfever.Judgingbymymailbag,alotofyouarefindingatemporary

curebyplottingfortheupcomingfishingseason.

Metoo,andI’vefoundthatthequestionsyou’reaskingwillbeprettyinterestingto

everybodyplanningtosoakahookthisseason.

Q I’mgettingintowalleyefishingandamabouttostockuponjigsandsoft plasticluresfortheearlyseason—andmaybetheendoficeseason.Any recommendations,especiallyoncolor?

A Takeaquicklookatanyprowalleyeangler’sbox—liketheonepictured— andyou’llseethatorangeandchartreusepredominateforallkindsoflures (includingthespinnerbladesoncrawlerrigs,andsmalljigsandspoons

thatyouworkthroughaholeintheice).Considersomenaturalminnow- lookingplasticswimbaitsand,comelaterintheseason,jiginclear,quiet water.

Q Whenwasthatrecentworldrecordhammerheadcaught,andwhatbait wasused?

A Thebaitwasa livestingray thatweighedabout20 lbs.Theshark itself weighed1,280pounds!IttookanglerBuckyDennismorethanfivehours toboatit.Thehammerheadsetthenewall-tacklerecordandthemen’s

130-lb.testlinerecord.ThecatchwasmadeMay23,2006.Dennishooked thesharkinBocaGrandePass,Fla.,andwasbasicallytowedouttosea. Thatpassisnoplaceyouwanttofalloverboard—especiallyinMayorJune.

Q Iheardthere’sanewspinningreelthathelpskeepyoufromgettingline loopsandmessingupyourcasts.Doyouknowthemodel?

A Sure! You’re talking about the new Doug Hannon Wavecaster reels (wavecastreel.com; 989-967-8426). The reel has rounded teeth along the spool lip, and looks like a miniature skillsaw. Even if you

startreelingandgetslacklineloops,theywon’tgetontothespool.

Q I’mfinallygoingfishinginAlaska.Idon’twantoneofthoseexpensivefly- outlodges.Anythoughtsonsomeplaceyoucoulddriveandhireaguide bytheday—especiallyforbigtrout?

A Yep—theKenaiRiver,whichyoucandrivetofromAnchorage.I’dsuggest stayingatthemotelnearAlaskaTroutfittersinCooperLanding,whereyou can book float trips by the day. Reach them at aktroutfitters.com or

907-595-1212.My favorite timefor thehugerainbows isSeptember into earlyOctober.The June11-July1seasoncanbegood,but thatoverlaps withvarioussalmonseasons.Itcangetabitzoo-likethen,althoughyou canfloatsectionswithspecialregulationsandavoidthecrowds.

Q What makes the best rod for those huge swimbaits used in California for trophy bass—and do you think some of those lures would be good elsewhere?

A Severalrodcompanieshaveheavy-dutyswimbaitrodseriesnow,among themG.Loomis,St.CroixandKistler.Therodsareallforlevelwindreels (baitcasters),andrangefrom7.5-8feet.Thekeyisthattheyhavealong-

enoughhandle(about14inches)soyoucanlevercastthoseheavyluresall day without coming down with tendonitis. Anglers are finding success withlargemouthbassinallpartsofthecountryusingthesmallswimbaits around6inches,comparedtothebiggest10-plus-inchbaitsusedmainly inCalifornia.Youcanusethesamerodsonmuskiestothrowbig’lunge plugs.Muskiesandbigpikewilleatthesoftplasticswimbaits,butthey’ll rip‘emtoshredsinoneortwogoes.

Q What’syourfavoritetechniqueforspringtimebeddingcrappie?

A I’d rather fish them with flies, actually—small bead-head or cone-head nymphsthatworkgreatonsmallmouthbass,too.Mostguyslikealimber 7-foot panfish spinning rod and tiny 1/32-ounce jigs (either plastic- or

marabou-tailed).Youcanflipthoseluresbeneathoverhangsordipthem arounddocks.Nothingwrongwithusingatinyliveminnow,either. Jerry Gibbs is the long-time fishing editor for Outdoor Life, and author of the award-winning book “Steel Barbs, Wild Waters.” Winter 2007 I Tech • 1110 • Tech I Winter 2007

By Jerry Gibbs

12

345

heaterhasawayofcreepingontothecard.Tworulesofthumbforcreditcarddebt:(1)payyourcompletebalanceeverymonthorcertainlypayasmuchasyoucan,ontime,eachmonthand(2)call thecustomerservicenumberon thebackof thecardeveryfewmonthstoaskthatyourcreditcardinterestratebelowered.Withpointnumber two, theCSRwillprobablywanttopushyouoffthephonequickly.Politelyaskifthisisthebestrateavailable.Ifyouarestonewalled,thenpolitelysay,“CanIhaveyournameandthenameofyourmanager?Iplantotellyourmanager thatyou’vebeenveryprofessionalandhelpful,butthatIwanttoseeiftheremightbealowerinterestratethatonlytheymightbeauthorizedtoprovide.”Withthisapproach,youareputtingagentlesqueezeontheCSRtoloweryourrate–which,asyouknow,willsavemoney.

Play the mortgage gameFormanytechs,yourhomeisthebiggestassetyouhave.Yes,youcansaveabundlebyrefinancingyourmortgageifyoudoitwisely.Ifyouhavenineyearsintoa30-yearmortgage,yourmonthlypaymentcandecreasewithanew30-yearmortgagebut you’re adding another nine years of payments. Ask for a20-yeartermora15-yearmortgagetoreallybenefit.Also,tossextramoneywhenyoucantowardprinciplereduction. IfyouwinthefootballpooloryourAuntMinnieleavesyouasuitcasefullofcash,investsomeofitinyourhome.

Insure lessInsurance isanecessaryevil.Youneed itonyourhomeandvehicles.The insurancecompanieshaveusbytheball joints.We’veallbeenrefrainingfromfilingsmallclaimsonourpoliciesbecauseweknowwe’llenduppayingfor theclaimsthroughhigherpremiums.So, tocut insurancecosts,considerraisingyourdeductiblesonyourhomeowner’sandvehicle’sinsurance.Whileyou’reatitseeifyoucantrimyourlife-insurancecosts.Formany,terminsuranceisabetter,moreeconomicaloption.Greatratesareavailabletothosewhoshoparound—especiallyifyou’reingoodhealthandhaveneversmoked.

MONEY MATTERS MADE EASY5 No-BraiNer $aviNg Tips

Youprobablyaren’tinterestedinreadinganotherarticleabout the monthly budget that you don’t keep, butshould. That’s not what this is about. Consider these

fiveideasasfoundmoney…thetwentyfoundinthepocketofaseldom-wornjacketorthosecrazySacagaweadollarcoinsyouhappenedtofindinthebottomofyourjunkdrawer.

The easiest way to save money is to make it painless andmindless.Herearefiveideas:

Pay yourself firstStartwith yournextpaycheck.Takeanamount youcan livewithout and stuff it into savings. Better yet, have your bankdo it for you. Look, if the government isn’t shy about takingmoneyoutofeachpaycheck,whyshouldyoube?Chooseanamountthat’sclosetobeingapinch,butisn’t—$20,$50,$100,orwhatever.Consider thisasasideaccount. Ifneedbe,playagamewithyourselfandthinkofitasmoneyyou’vealreadyspentandno longerhave.Or thinkof it as your JamesBondaccountthat’sthereastheultimatesafetynetonlytobeusedindireneed—anaccountthatreallyresidesinSwitzerland,notdowntheblockatyourlocalbank.

Shrink the checkbookIt’s foolish to keep thousands of dollars in a low-interestchecking account. Your checking account balance should beenough to cover your monthly bills and living expenses. Ifyou’re using your checking account as a savings instrument,don’tdoit.Shiftanyextrafundsovertosavings(butnotyoursecret JamesBondsideaccount), inacertificateofdepositoramoneymarketfund.Youwanttokeepyourmoneygrowing,earninginteresttotheextentpossible.

Shave the interestBrace yourself, but read to the end of this paragraph. Youknowthatcarryingacreditcardbalanceisdownrightstupid.Unfortunately,achild’sorthodontiapaymentorabustedwater

CLIENT: Red Wing Proof #: 3CLIENT CODE: REDW01 Print Scale: 100%JOB #: 39090 Version: C_Slacking

Description: ”Slacking” Athletics AdPublication: Common size (see notes)TR: JZ; AD: DB; CW: BR; AE: MS/JR; PR: CR; DA: GG

Bleed: 8.625 in x 11.1875 in Trim: 8.375 in x 10.875 inLive: 7 in x 9.75 inGutter: NoneFold Type: NoneFold Position: NoneFold Orientation: None

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Process Cyan Process Magenta Process Yellow Process Black

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Fonts: Interstate, Rockwell, Helvetica

Men’s #6623 • © 2007 Red Wing Shoe Company

Steel and soft toe work shoes for those on their feet, not their duff. Built to fit. Built to last. redwingshoes.com.

A C T I V E

P R O T E C T I O N

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S: 7 inS: 9.75 in

T3: 7.75 in

B: 8.625 inB: 11.1875 in

T1&T2: 8.375 in

T2 & T3: 10.75 in

T1: 10.875 in

39090_C_Slacking_v.indd 1 4/18/07 10:09:33 AM

12 • Tech I Winter 2007

T he wild ground was as beautiful as God’s creationcouldpossiblybe.Heavywhitesnowflakesdriftedandspiraleddownuponeverythinginahypnoticswirl.

I poked my head out of the old makeshift plywoodgroundblind,stuckoutmytongueandtastedheressence.Iwasatonceinadazeyetintenselyawake,ultraalivewithavitalitythatonlycomeswhenmiraculousconditionserupt.Thewindwas steady out of the northwest with a bit of a whistle, andthoughthetemperaturewasbelowfreezing,Iactuallyfeltsnugand comfortable. This was certainly not my first snowstormby any means, but I was drunk on the whole dynamic andelectricityintheairasifbaptizedbyMotherNature’spowerfulhandforthefirsttime.Italwaysfeelslikethefirsttime.

Atthefootofalongridgeline,bracketedbyavirtualcathedral

of towering pine trees, now coated in total whiteness, I wascradledinthelapofTheGreatSpiritforsure.IhadhammeredandnailedthisramshacklecooptogethermanyyearsagowhenIcouldstillseeoverthetopofthepinegrovearoundme.Myfamily and I had hand-planted this forest ourselves over theyears, somaybe itwas the sweat equity that sowarmed mysoul.Puttingbackmoreintonaturethanwetakesurelyfortifiesthemind,body,heartandsoul,andspiritualBTUswereminethisstunningmorning.GoodLord,Ilovethisstuff.

Avirtualfloodofpowerfulmemoriescatapultedthroughmymindsittinghere.Whatwasoncewide-opencornandhayfieldsin 1970 were now a jambled jungle of prime wildlife habitat,brought to you by the old guitar player who loves the goodMother Earth. A sea of white, jack and red pines augmented

byeternal rowsofsnaggledautumnolivebushescreated theidealcombinationofinsulatingthermalcoverandnastytanglesof both nutrition and escape habitat. Many a whitetail deer,wildboar,turkey,pheasant,squirrel,rabbit,crow,doveandanassortmentofindigenousverminwereencounteredandkilledonthissacredgroundoveralifetimeofhunting,sofar.

Buttoday,Iwouldpassonopportunitiesatalltheseexcitingtarget animals, for I was buffalo hunting. Bowhunting forTatonka, theAmericanBison.TheSpiritBeast.ThunderBeast.MyBloodBrother,majesticlife-givingcreatureofourforefathers,

returnedtothesecosmicgroundsofyore,thrivingandreadyfortheBigHunt.

Dreamingofrunningayear-roundhuntingoperation,Ihadtakentheplungemanyyearsagotoperfecttheseprimefamilyacres,managethehabitat,andoffercustomhuntsforoursmallgame,whitetaildeer,wildboarandmightybuffalo.Andtodaywasmyday.

Theherdwas29strong,pushingthelimitoftheland,andnow the time of harvest had arrived. I knew the buff oftenmovedthroughtheedgeofmysacredpineforest,amongthethickstandsofautumnolivebush.The longgrassesgrowingamongst this prime habitat were preferred by these shaggybeasts,andthewonderfulsnowstormcouldpushthemtoheadfor the protected sanctuary of my personally created natural“polebarn”ofconiferousshelter.

Offandonnow,Icouldseenumerousdeerskulkinginthedistanthardwoodforest,andoccasionallydarkboarappearingwithin the foggy screen of heavy snowfall. Juncos, finches,chickadees,cardinals,tuftedtitmousesanddownywoodpeckerswerehavingafeastontheredautumnoliveberriesasthestormpickedupsteam.Iwassurelyinheaven.Afewcrowssoundedoff overhead, and a flock of mourning doves lighted into thebranchesnexttomefortheirshareoffortifyingberries.Neveradullmoment.

Then I sensed them. Squinting through a wall of white, Icould make out the unmistakable mass of hoary beasts, likemastodonsmovingtowardmethroughtheheavysnowscreen.Heretheycome.Fourorfivecowswithvaryingagesofcalvesmingledinandoutofthethickets,followedbyatrioofenormousbulls.Theirprime,winter-richrobeswereelegantandluxuriousasIbeganmyprayer.

Iamdeeplyfascinatedbyall-thingswild,butthepresenceofbuffaloalwayslightsafireinmysoul.Myrighthandgrippedmybowalittletighter,but I justsattheremesmerizedbythewonderfulanimals.Thecowsandcalvesmethodicallystrodepastme,thenonebyonethebullscameon.Thelastbullwasobviouslybiggerandolderthanalltheothers,hisrichrobeandmassiveheadthatofamaturemonster.Asisusual,hepausedjustslightly,anglingtowardme,hisbehemotharrow-stoppingshoulderprotectinghisvitals.

Theever-increasingsnowbroughtaboutadreamlikeshroudtothemysticalsetting.Everythingseemedtostopandstartinultraslowmotionashisgiantbodymovedbeforeme.Glancingback over his shoulder, his outstretched foreleg invited myarrowintothecrease,theentrancewaytohisheart.

Spirit of the buffalo provideS healing

Time of harvest arrives

Continued on page 16

1� • Tech I Winter 2007 Winter 2007 I Tech • 15

By Ted Nugent

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Winning this would be the pits.

Drinking and driving is the pits.Be responsible.

Early Times and Snap-on are giving you

the chance to be an assistant crew chief at

a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)

drag race with the Snap-on Top Fuel

Dragster team of Doug Herbert. To enter,

visit your favorite spirits retailer or go to:

Great Whisky. Great Times.

Inaninstant,onlythewhitefeathersfrommyarrowshowedrightthere.Inaviolenthump,thebullbuckedandspuntogallopfromwhencehecame,theswirlingwhiteflakesenvelopinghismass as he disappeared. My goodness. Breathtaking. Trulyspiritual.

Nothingbutsnownow.Andmysmile. Iknewthatarrow.Heartshot. Ipouredacupofcreamycoffee frommy thermosandsatback.Peopletalkabout“gettingaway.”Iwasgone.

Weknowthatnatureheals. Iwashealed.Wecomplimentpeople as “grounded.” I was indeed one with the ground asI pushed through the deepening snow, his tracks alreadyobscuredbytheblizzard.Iknewwherehewasheaded.Alreadycoveredinsnow,themightybeastlaydeadwheretheconiferousforestbreaksintothedeciduous.Islumpedtothegroundnexttohimandstrokedhisrobe.Itriedtolifthisincredibleheadtoexaminehiseyesandhorns,buthewasmuchtooheavy.

Snownowcoveredmetoo,awindsongblowingthenameofCochise,SittingBull,CrazyHorse,ChiefJoseph,GallandFredBear.Isattherealong,longtimeandwentback.Wayback.

WeknowalotofguysgetoffworkonFridayandload the truck with rods, rifles or bows. That’swhySnap-on teamedwithTedNugent tocreate

special-edition,tool-boxcombinationsthataretheperfectblendofworkandplay.

4 KRA2411PNCRollCab–54"wide,24"deepand39"tall.

4 KRA2408PNCTopChest–54"wide,20"talland24" deepwitheightdrawers(canbeadded totherollcab).

4 KRA2411WCPNCRollCab–54"wide, 24"deepand62"tall.

4 KRWL5435PNC(Optional)Bulk OverheadUnit–54"wide,16"tall and21"deep.Canbeaddedtoaroll caborworkstation.

Ask your Snap-on Franchisee for moreinformationontheTedNugentspecial-edition,tool-boxcombinations.

LiMiTeD eDiTioN

1� • Tech I Winter 2007

NEARS COMPLETION

Wehaveawinner intheSnap-onAin’tStreetLegalnaming contest. Selected from nearly 3,000entries,Glo-madwassubmittedbyDavidGravesof

Carrollton,Texas.DavidwasrewardedwithaSnap-onspendingspreeof$1,957.HeisafleetmanagerandregularTechreaderwhorecentlycompletedaframe-offrestorationofa’56Vette.Thankstoeveryonewhocontributedaname.

As you will see when you crank up the videos atAintStreetlegal.com,theradical’57ChevyNomadisrapidlynearing completion. DocNeonandmany specialists fromallaroundthecountryaretravelingtoAsheville,N.C.,toworktheirmagic. Glo-mad’s first public showing will be October 30 toNovember2,attheSEMAShow—partofthegiantAutomotiveAftermarketIndustryWeekfestivities—inLasVegas.

Thefinishedcarwillbefeaturedinthespring2008issueofTech.There’sstillplentyoftimetohitcharideonthewebsiteforafirsthandlookattheprogress.

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Game DayUponarrivingatthemarinaearlyonaKeyWest

morning, theCycleTherapycrewmeetsCapt.Tony,who is waiting aboard his 31-foot boat Key Limey.Onelookattheoutfittingandthereisnodoubtthisguymeansbusiness.Anarsenalofheavy-dutyrodsandreelsriggedwithbraidedline,steelleaders,andmassivehooksarereadyforbattle.Poweringthebigcenterconsolearetwo300-hpMercuryoutboards.

Capt.Tonytakesagoodlookatthethreetechs,tiltshisheadeversoslightlyandgivesaslightgrin.This crew looks a little saltier than his averagecharter clientele, and the day promises not to bebusiness as usual—in some ways. In others, theroutine remains. And the most basicruleoftheroutineisthatthisisCapt.Tony’sboat,andshoesmustbewipedbefore entering. (Capt. Tony is veryneatandorganizedandswitchesfromcaptain to housekeeper several timesduringthefive-hourexpedition.)

Thetriowipestheir feetandstepsaboardwithacoolerandlargeboxoffried chicken. They have taken careof all necessary refreshments, andCapt. Tony will have to take care ofthefishing.Thetwin300squicklypushthebigboatoutthemarinaandtowardthe blue-green waters of the Gulf ofMexico.

Captain Tony yells, “Hold on guys,I’ve got to get up on plane to make it over thisshallowwater.”Runningfullthrottleinonly3feetofclearwatergivestheillusionofflying.We’reoff.

Barracuda on boardAfter heading less than 10 miles out to sea,

Capt.Tonykillstheengineandgetstowork.Theanchorisset—we’reinonly6feetofwater—andthechumhitsthewater.

Twofreshlybaitedlinesrunoutthebackoftheboat,whileCapt.Tonyworksonathird.

It doesn’t take long—Capt. Tony is stillworking on the third line—when a rod bends,a reel screams, and a 3-foot Barracuda goesairbornebehindtheboat.

The captain, himself startled by the suddenattack,givesayell.Bubbawastesnotimegrabbingtherodfromthe holder. Line whistles from the reel and the ’cuda is now

deano’s Cycle Therapy in Orangeburg, S.C., workson and sells some of the most extreme Americanmotorcycles on the planet. The extreme theme

continuesafterhours.Whenit’stimetoblowoffsteam,adayintheparkdoesn’tcutitforownerDean(Deano)Etheridgeandhiscrewofskilledtechnicians—allfansofSnap-ontools.

Theyrequireanadventurewithteeth,literally,whichiswhytheCycleTherapycrewheadedtoKeyWest,Fla., tofishwithCapt.TonyMurphyofKeyLimeyCharters.TeamKeyLimeyhaswontheAlbertoMadFinSharkseriesforthelasttwoyearsinarow.(Trustus,it’sabigdeal.)ThecrewfromCycleTherapyconsistedofownerDeanoandtechniciansBubbaCoolerandZaneFerris.

Here’salittleplay-by-playforyou...

a GETAWAY

with some

Techs tackle extreme fishing

20 • Tech I Winter 2007 Winter 2007 I Tech • 21

tail-walkinglikeatraineddolphininaSeaWorldshow—minusthecuteness.

Several moments later the big barracuda isbroughttosubmission.Wecanfeeltheexcitementandenergy.Thisshouldbeagoodday.

Onemorebarracudaiscaught(byZane)beforethe first big shadow—headed toward the bait—appearsinthewater.Astheshadowapproacheswerealizewe’redealingwithanastypredator.Hemovescounter-clockwise in increasinglysmallercircles.

Deanostandsready,waitingforthestrike.Nodisappointmentisservedbywhatisnowidentified,byeagle-eyedCapt.Tony,asalemonshark—aBIGlemonshark.

Ithitsthelinehard,andthedragsings.Deano,withawhite-knuckledgripontherod,retrieveslinewheneverthere is an opportunity. This is a torque-driven fight, muchdifferentthantheacrobaticsofthe’cuda.

Deanofinallygainsenoughlinetogetthesharktotheboat.Butthelemonisn’tdoneyet.Hetakesoff,androundtwobegins.Morelinescreamsout, and Deano continues the fight. It’sa replay of the torque battle just a fewminutesearlier.

After20minutesofhardfighting,anexhausted Deano pulls an exhaustedshark alongside the boat. Pictures aretaken, and Captain Tony releases theshark—much to the dismay of Zane,whomakessomeculinaryassumptionssolelybasedontheshark’sname.

“Hell,it’salreadylemonshark,allitneedsishotsauce,”Zanesays.Buttheconsensus is the boys wouldn’t knowwhattodowiththesharkiftheyhaditintheboat.Bettertoreleaseittofightanotherday.

The barracuda and Deano’s lemonshark are landed within the first few

hours, and the rest of the day proves plenty productive. Wecatchseveralmoresharks,andsometimeshavelemonsontwolines at once. All appetites for this unique form of big gamefishingaresatisfiedbefore the twinoutboardsarestartedandtheboatheadsbacktothemarina.

It’sbeenagoodday.Anextremelygoodday.

Captain Tony shown behind (L to R) Bubba Cooler, Zane Ferris and Deano Etheridge

HOW TO REACH THEMdeano’s Cycle Therapy

Orangeburg,S.C.

803-539-2453deanoscycletherapy.com

Key limey Charters

KeyWest,Fla.305-293-1814keylimey.com

Manyofuswanttoloseafewpounds,buttherealityiswearen’tgoingtospendeveningsatthegymordaysgnawingoncarrots.

Still,youcanlosesomeweightwithoutthehelpofatreadmillorthelatestdietingfad.Thekeyismakingsmallchangesthatwillstick(asopposedtodrasticchangesthatwon’t).

Boosting metabolism is crucial to weight loss efforts. Ahighermetabolismmeansyouburnmoreenergy,alsoknownascalories.Burningcaloriesishowyoureduceweight.

Youmightbesurprisedathoweasilyyoucanincreaseyourmetabolism. Here are a few ways to get your metabolic rateup—andyourweightdown.

Yardwork.This can be a big energy burner ifyou get rid of the gadgets (like leafblowers and riding mowers). Old-fashionedyardworkpracticesrequireuse of virtually all muscle groups.That’sagoodthing.

Walk.A155-poundpersoncanburn150caloriesduring30minutesofwalking. Ifyoucan’tfind the timeatnightorbeforework,considerhittingtheroadduringyourbreaks.Twoorthree10-minutewalksareagreatstart.

Eat breakfast.Gettingsomefoodinyourstomachfirst thing inthemorning

preventsyoufrommakingpoorfoodchoicesoutofdesperation.Breakfastalsokickstartsyourmetabolism.

Eat small meals.Why? Bigger meals can create blood sugar highs and lows,whichleadtocravingsthatsendyoutothevendingmachine.A steady supplyof food,meanwhile,meansyourbodyburnsenergywhilebreakingdownthemeal.Also,ifyouskipmeals,your body goes into conservation mode because of potentialstarvation. That means no burning calories, and a lowermetabolism.

Eat frequently.Expertssayit’sbesttoeatfourtosixsmallmealsabouttwotothreehoursapart.Avoideatinggapsoffivetosixhours.

Eat slowly.Ittakesabout15minutesforyourstomachtogetthesignalthatyou’reeating.Youcouldbeout-eatingyourappetitebeforethesignalarrives.Slowdown.

Sleep.Theproperamountofrestkeepsthe metabolic process working.Makesleepapriority.

With a few subtle changes,you’ll improve your metabolicrate. The key is making thechangessimple—andlasting.

Weight loss strategies that stickEasy tips for shedding pounds


T he legendaryFirstFighterWing,stationedatLangleyAFBinVirginia, isthehistorichomeoftheinfamous“Hat-in-Ring” squadron of World War I. Led by early

airheroeslikeEddieRickenbackerandBillyMitchell,theyflewfragilepaperandwoodbi-planeswithwheelframesthatusedbicycletires.Theirdogfightsoftenendedwithagallantsalute—andaballoffire.

Fast forward to the 21st century. Wood has given way totitanium. Air speeds routinely surpass 1,000 mph, and pilotscantakeoutanenemywithouteverseeinghim.

THE RAPTOR RULESComprised of the 27th, 94th and 71st fighter squadrons,

today’sFightingFirst ishome to theworld’smost fearedandformidablefighterplane—theF-22Raptor.

Of course somebody has to keep these babies up andrunning,whichbringsustoStaffSgt.JackWilcox.

Wilcox, 26, was operating the “PMA” during Tech’s visittoLangley.

PMA is an acronym for the highly sophisticated PortableMaintenanceAid.MadebyMiltope,ithousesalltechnicaldata.A libraryofbooks,papersand recordsno longer is required.

ThePMAindicates faultsordiscrepancies inallF-22systemsandconnectstotheaircraftwithasinglecable.

You don’t just pull the PMA from a box and get to it. Sixto eight months of intensive training and course work atBoeing,ontopofsevenyearsasacrewchiefonanF-15Eagle,enableWilcoxtoperformthehigh-techmaintenancerequiredontheF-22.

ThePMAcandownloadacompletepackageofinformationinjust30seconds.Thisdownloadedfaultdataisverysimilartowhatthepilotseesduringthemission’sflight—andtowhatyouseeonaMODIS.

ThePMAcanexamineanysystemontheplane—engines,hydraulics, avionics, fuel, electronic, air starting, etc., andperformthousandsof tests.Sometakeminutes,others justafewseconds.Theentirepost-flightcheckfromnosetotailtakesabouttwohoursandtestseverythingdowntothelastscrew.

AfteraPMAtest,maintainersconductavisualwalk-aroundto check wheel wells, hydraulic lines and clamps, look for

High-tech diagnostics

help the world’s most

advanced fighter plane

stay airborne

SSG Jack Wilcox demonstrates the Portable Maintenance Aid (PMA) in an F-22 hangar at Langley AFB.

Continued on page 26

Share Your StoryDo you have a story idea for Tech? E-mail us at: [email protected]


cracks in the framestructure,andspotanybentordamagedpanels.

Thereisjustonetoolboxperplanewith280tools—speciallybuilt for the F-22, though there are thousands of tools ininventoryshouldtheybeneeded.

Knowingthelocationofeverytoolisanabsolutemust;atthespeedofsound,aloosewrenchbecomesatoolofdestruction.

All tools are laser-etched by Snap-on as a key part ofinventory control. Sockets, wrenches, flashlights, gauges,speeders, etc., are each carefully inventoried and kept in abox with foam cutouts for every tool to ensure absolutecontrol.

Eachboxischeckedthreetimesbeforealaunch,andmightbechecked12-13timesperday—dependingonthenumberofmissionstheplanesfly.

The F-22 is a national asset that ultimately helps militaryfamiliesandU.S.citizenssleepalittlebetteratnight.

ButwhohelpstheF-22pilotssleepatnight?ThatdutyfallsonmaintainerslikeWilcox.

The Raptor can fly very high, very far, and very fast with little risk of detection. Here are some details:

nAt $140 million a pop, only a handful of America’s best and brightest pilots will ever earn the chance to fly the world’s ultimate fighter.

nThe F-22 provides “first look, first-shot, first-kill” capability. It can see the enemy first while avoiding detection itself.

nThe Raptor’s super-low radar signature is classified but experts guess it to be about the size of a small bird, making it virtually undetectable.

nTwo powerful Pratt & Whitney F-119 engines deliver over 70,000 lbs of thrust, enabling the Raptor to scream to uncontested heights and speeds.

nThrust vectoring uses moveable plates surrounding the exhaust to instantly push the aircraft in the chosen direction, enabling it to turn on a dime and leave bewildered pursuers behind.

nMain weapons bays carry radar-guided missiles. The F-22 also packs two heat-seeking AIM missiles, one in each side weapons bay. And a 20mm cannon fires 100 rounds per second.

The F-22 Raptor is one high-tech ride

Above: SSG Allan Fletcher

Below L to R: TSG James Coleman, SSG Jeff Paggeot, SSG Dave Everett and Airman 1st Class Brad Gray gather around a PMA for a post-flight check.


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l eonard and Clint Vahsholtzspendtheirdayswrenchinganddiagnosing customers’ vehicles.

Everybodyhastomakealiving,right?Butonceayear,theyhaveachance

tochasetheirpassion:racinginthePikesPeakInternationalHillClimb(PPIHC).

They’vehadmorethantheirshareofsuccesses.

Leonard has competed in 139 hillclimb races (including but not limitedto Pikes Peak), with 95 wins. Clint,meanwhile,won11straightPPIHCStockCar Division races, widely consideredthemost competitiveclass. Inaddition,ClintandLeonardhaveaccumulated32wins as a father/son team, surpassingBobbyUnserSr.andRobbyUnser,whohave22titles.

Here are some assorted thoughtsonPPIHCracing to theclouds fromthefather-sonkingsofthehill.

Leonard on Pikes Peak“Going in, you have to know the

mountainwillkickyourass.That’spartofthemystiqueofPikesPeak.YouneverconquerPikesPeak.”

Race-day philosophy“Idon’treallyadjustthecartoomuch.

Once I get the car neutral, I just figureouthowtotunemystyletothecar—andnottheotherwayaround.

“Ifthecarisneutralandhappy,allIhavetodoisgrabaholdanddriveit.”

The early yearsLeonardstartedasadragracerinthe

late’60s.“Atthedrags,Ibrokethecaracouple times.” He nearly went broke inthe process. “Every time I broke down,I couldn’t go back to the races again. Ihadtogetmoney.”Hequitfrom1970-77,telling himself, “I’m never going to goracingagainuntilIcanaffordit.”

Leonard met a racer who had builtaTorinoforPikesPeakandatradewasmadeforLeonard’sFordPintopowered

by a 351 Cleveland. “I thought maybeit was a way to get back into racing,”Leonardsaid.“Iwasn’tgettinganyclosertogainingindragracing.”

He gained quickly at Pikes Peak,beingnamedrookieoftheyearin1977.“Ikeptgoingfromthere,”hesaid.

On the conditionsThe PPIHC course is a combination

ofpavementanddirt.“It’s justamatterof setup. You figure out where you’regoing to go fastest and tune your carfor that. This year, we set up for a dirtracecourse.Wefeltwecouldmorethanmake up for time lost on pavement onthedirtstretches.”

His day jobLeonard has two automotive shops.

He runs one, Clint runs the other.“Betweenthetwoofus,wecandoabouteverything,”Leonardsaid.

His shop handles a lot of enginebuilding. He bought the equipment inpart for his own racing needs, but ofcourseneededoutsidebusiness tohelppayforit.

“Racing is only about 30 percent ofthebusiness,”Leonardsays.“Therestisregularautomotiveservice.”

On Snap-on“Ilikethefeelofthetools,andthatwe

haveasupportvehiclethat’sherewhenweneedit.Also,I’vebeenservedbyonlythreedealers in30years.Thetoolsaregood,andtheprogramisexcellent.”

On his business philosophy

“Ifyoubuya(racing)productfromus,youwillgettheproductbeforeIworkonmyownvehicle.There’snotgoingtobethisissuewhereyousay,‘Yeah,youfixedyourmotorfirst,ormadeyoursbetter.’That’salwaysbeenapartofmydeal.Ifyoudon’tthinkyourmotor’sjustlikemine,wecanswitch.” Continued on page 31

Father-son team on top of the mountain as they attack Pikes Peak

PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMBLocation: Near Colorado Springs

Length: 12.42 miles

Surface: Pavement and gravel

Turns: 156

Elevation at start: 9,390 ft.

Elevation at finish: 14,100 ft.

On the preparations“The minute we finish the race, we

askwhatcanwedotorunbetter.Ifyouwon,whydidn’tyousetarecord?Ifyousetarecord,whydidn’tyoubreaktheoldonebymore?”

Clint on his rideLeonardswitchedtoanodd-fireV-6

motor, but Clint stayed with even. Thevehicle is 100 pounds heavier, but thecardoesn’thandleaswell if theweightisshavedoff.

Still,he’srunning100poundsheavyandhastomakeupthattime.“Ahundredpounds is a tenth of a second in drag-racing,”Clintsaid.

On weather“It’salwaysafactor.Thisyearitwas

hot and dry, so the surface was hardbecauseofthetraffic.Whereyourunintheorderalsomakesadifference.”

On the preparationsThinking ahead is a necessity—

especiallywiththeeven-firemotor.“Youcan get odd-fire cranks made in threemonths,”Clintsaid.“Evensaremadeofbilletandittakesayear.”(That’swhereithelpstohaveyourownmachineshop.)

This year’s raceClint’s winning streak ended at 11

years.“Wehadacardthrownthatwasn’tanace,”hesaid.


The trouble surfaced the morningof the race.Thecarwouldn’t turnoverwhenhetookitoffthetrailer.Inthepit,heturnedtheengineoverbackwardanditfiredrightup.

“You wouldn’t have thought therewasaproblem.

“We changed the oil and the plugs.It was still unclear exactly what was

His all-time favorite wins“They’re all good, but my first year,

’96, stands out. I was a rookie (in thatdivision)thatyearandmydadtoldme,‘The competition is pretty vigorous inyourdivision.Stayfocusedanddon’ttrytomakeupforanymistakes.Iftheroadisn’tthereforyou,thenotherpeoplewillbemakingsomemistakestoo.’

“IspunoutintheWs,butIkeptmyheaddownandwonitmyfirstyear.Everyone else hadsimilarproblemstoo.”

Clintalsohasfondmemoriesofhisthirdconsecutive win. “Alot of drivers hadwon two, but noone had ever wonthree,” Clint said.“I was going upRaggedEdge,aboutthree-quarters up.I felt a superbly baddrive-linevibration.Istartedthinkingbackto the spinout yearandtoldmyself,‘Keepfocusedanddrive therace. If it breaks, thenitbreaks.’”

He later learned aweighthadfallenoffthe

driveline and come through the sheetmetalofthecar.Butbynotchanginghisapproach,hewontheevent.

“Those twoyearswereprobablymymostoutstanding,”hesaid.

On Snap-onClint’s shop features a few more

diagnosticsthanLeonard’s.Inparticular,ClintusesaSolus™.“It’sdefinitelyagoodproduct,” he said. “I try to get the bestequipmentforthejob.”

going on. We knew we had hydrolockbut weren’t sure why. We had a fewtheories—therearesomanythingsonacompressionengine.”

He started it several times, and ranwiththecapofftoseeifpressurewouldbuild.“Everythingseemedtobefine.”

Buttheengineblewjustafterthefirsttimedcheckpoint,withabout15percentof the course completed. “We were asecondandahalfoffthewinner’space,and that’s not the strong point of myrace,”Clintsaid.

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K ipEagan’sjobistokeepC-130sflyinghigh.Well,mostof the time. “We had a flight in Mexico, where thescientistsweredoingwavestudies,”saystheveteran

technician.“Wewereflyingatanaltitudeofonly100feet—90degreesintoprevailingwindsof50to60knots.Thesaltspraywasliterallyblowingofftheplane.

“Itwassporty.”Yes, the job can be, uh, sporty

—and Eagan gets in the mix thanksto his varied job descriptions. He washired as a technician, but his employer—the National Center for AtmosphericResearch (NCAR)—needed a flightengineer. There is only so much spaceonsomeofthetripssodouble-dutywasrequired.Thecenterrealizeditwaseasierto turna tech intoaflightengineer thantheotherwayaround.

That means Eagan sits in the center seat of the C-130,whichtravelstheglobewithscientistsconductingatmosphericresearch.Theprojectsarevaried,andsoaretheflights.Theygohighandlow—andsomeplacesmostwouldavoid.

‘“Trouble’wouldn’tbetherightword,butwedoflythroughconditions that the airliners normally wouldn’t experience,”Eagansays.

Thereislotsofcloudpenetrationand“tonsofturbulence.”

“We’vealsodonestudieswherewedeliberatelyflythroughice,”Eagansays.Duringone, thecrewheardcommunicationfromapilotnearMontrealwhowashaving troublewith ice.“Wecalledtheplane,andwantedtofindoutwhereitwas.Thatguythoughtwewerenuts.”

Buttheydon’tdohurricanes.Twoothergroupsdo.“There’snoreasontohaveathirdplatformforhurricanes,”Eagansays.“Weexperiencemoreturbulencethanbadweather.We’renotthatcrazy.”

Yettheygotosomeprettycrazyplaces.“Weflyallovertheworld,”Eagansays. “I like thechallengeofbeing totally self-supportiveontheroad.There isn’tanyonetocall ifyouhavetrouble.”

Because of that, they bring along anything imaginable—includingabackupengine.

“Whenwegooutontheroad,wehavetotakeeverything,”Eagansays.“Thereisnooverhaulfacilityorsomeonewecancall.”

Thesparescomeinhandy.“WehadtochangeanengineontheislandofMale,about

600milesorsosouthofIndia,”hesays.Evenwiththebackup,installationwasanissue.Fortunately, the islandhada lotof twin-engineplaneson

floats—andacranetogettheminandoutofthewater.Itwasn’tlongbeforethatcraneliftedtheC-130engine.

“Wechangeditoutandhaditoperationaleighthourslater,”

ALIFE OF TURBULENCE

BIOGRAPHY NAme: Kip Eagan

TITle: Flight EnginEEr, Fabricator, and air FramE/powEr plant tEchnician

ResIdeNce: broomFiEld, colo.

JOB descRIPTION: tEchnician on a c-130 aircraFt ownEd by thE national SciEncE Foundation and opEratEd by thE national cEntEr For atmoSphEric rESEarch

cAReeR: tEchnician in thE military and For variouS airlinES

sNAP-ON TOOls He musT HAve: “my FavoritE tool iS a quartEr-inch drivE ratchEt bEcauSE aircraFt arE put togEthEr with lotS oF littlE FaStEnErS. you juSt don’t go anywhErE without it.” hE alSo FrEquEntly uSES Snap-on anglE and Stubby wrEnchES.

Eagan says. “It was the only crane in the whole area. If wehadn’tbeenabletousethat,wewouldhavehadtobringoneinbybarge.”

Thatwouldhavebeenabad thing. “The scientistsdonotappreciatedowntime,”Eagansays.

Neitherdothepilots—orEagan.Sonowhehasanothertooltobringalong.“Wehaveacranethatmountsonthewingoftheairplane,”hesays.“That’sthelatestaddition.Sothere’sthat,apowerunit,anair-startunit,ourownoxygenandnitrogen—justaboutanythingyoucanimagine.

“Everytimewegetinajamsomeplace,werememberwhatwe needed and take the necessary action to be even moreprepared next time.” That action can mean bringing along acraneorjustapart.Andnopartistoosmall.

Back home Eagan and the five other techs at the facilitywork on routine maintenance. They also have to mount thescientific instruments for the next flight. “It can take two tothreemonthstooutfittheaircraft,”heexplains.“Wecompletelyguttheaircraftandreconfigurethewholeinteriorforadifferentpayload.”

The payload, and therefore requirements of the techs,constantlychange.

“Ilikethevariety,”Eagansays.“Therearesomeflyingdays,sometimespentfabricatingandeventheregularmaintenanceisagoodchangeofpaceafteryoureturnfromatrip.”

AlltokeeptheC-130flyinghigh—orlow.

High-flying tech keeps research plane running

Don’t ask to borrow his toolsK ipEagantravelswithatmosphericresearchscientists

whowieldplentyof instruments—butnotverymanytools.

Sowhentroublestrikes,thosescientistsinevitablywanttoborrowatoolfromthetech.

“IloveSnap-on,whichiswhyIdon’tgivethosetoolstothescientists,”hesays. “Ihaveasmallboxofcheapstuff Ibringalongandletthemborrow.

“Wehavetobuyallofourowntools.Youdon’thavetogetburnedtoomanytimesbeforeyoustoplendingyourgoodtools.Before,Iwouldjustsayno,whichleadstohardfeelings.NowIjustkeeptheSnap-ontoolstomyselfandlendouttheothertoolsthataren’tasgood.

“Itkeepseveryonehappy.”


Share Your StoryDo you have a story idea for Tech? E-mail us at: [email protected]

There are times when finding the root cause of adiagnosticproblemrequiresa technician toeliminateallotherpossibilitiesbeforeheorshe is leftwith the

trueculprit.Thisstrategyworkedformeinthefollowingcase.A2002BuickRendezvouswitha3.4-literautomaticcame

into theshopwithan illuminatedMIL.Thecustomerdidnotcomplainofanydrivability issues,nordid thevehicleexhibitanyduringmyinitialtestdrive.

IbeganbycheckingforcodeswithmynewSOLUSPRO™.The PCM stored the following trouble code: P0172, Bank 1

SOLUS PRO™, Vantage PRO™ and ShopStream Connect™ key to process of elimination

Sensor1TooRich.IthentookalookatFreezeFrame Data, which confirmed a rich condition was presentwhenthecodeset.

MynextstepwastouseSOLUSPROtohelpdeterminewhatwascausingtheexcessfueldelivery.Viewinglivedataingraphingmodeconfirmedarichconditionwaspresentatall timesgiventhenegativefueltrimandrichO2readings.

After checking the vacuum against MAP sensor readings, I

decided toperformsomebasic functional testswithmySOLUSPRO. I used SOLUS PRO to command the EGR open using thevariablecontroltest.AsIexpected,theengineidlecharacteristicsdeterioratedwith theEGR-opencommand, thuseliminatingtheEGRasapotentialproblem.

I also tried some bi-directional testing of the purge controlsystemwithSOLUSPRO.Withthepurgevalvecommandedeitheropenorclosed,however,therewasverylittledifferenceintheO2feedback.

Next, I decided to perform a few fuel pressure checks. Iconnected my 100 PSI transducer to the fuel line to use withmyVantagePRO™.UsingitwithSOLUSPROatthesametime,Iactivatedeachinjector,whileIwatchedthefuelpressurechangesonscreenwithVantagePRO.

A rAre cAse of A rich condition

AllinjectorsdroppedwithinonePSIofoneanother.Aquickcheckofthefuelpressurewithenginerunningverifiedthecorrectlevelunderallconditions.Ieveninstalledmyclearvacuumhoseto the fuelpressure regulator to see if raw fuelwasgoingpastthe diaphragm. After all of this, the source of the problem stillremainedamystery.

IdecidedtotransfermydatacapturesfromSOLUSPROtomyPC using ShopStream Connect™. This allowed me to examineexactlywhat the MAF sensorwas reporting compared tootherinputs and the subsequent PCM outputs. When I disconnectedtheMAFandretested, therewasasignificantchange inenginebehaviorandthedatareportedbySOLUSPRO.

This led me to a visual inspection of the MAF. Oncedisassembled,itwasplaintoseethatsomeoneinstalledtheMAFsensorbackwardsintheairfilterhousing,presumablywhenthatfilterwasreplacedduringthelastoilchange.IinstalledtheMAFcorrectly, retested with SOLUS PRO, and the fuel trim and O2numbersreportedonscreenwerenormal.

As technicians, we see MAF sensors fail and cause leanconditions frequently;however, it’s rare toseeonecausearichcondition.Thekeytofindingtheincorrectinstallationofthisonewas to use a logical process of elimination using SOLUS PRO,VantagePROandShopStreamConnect.


Lloyd JonesMaster ASE, CMAT, L1 Certification

Pickerings AutomotiveLakewood, Colorado

BE A MASTER EXTRACTORWith the precision of a dentist and the strength of a bull, the new 48-piece Master Extractor Set equips you for the toughest extraction jobs. The most complete extractor set available is ideal for hex bolts, screws and other fasteners.

The set includes 13 metric/fractional combination bolt extractors; 16 left-hand, mechanic’s-length, cobalt drill bits; 13 multi-spline screw extractors; and six spiral-flute screw extractors. All 48 pieces are organized for easy selection and storage in a durable plastic case, red of course.

Ask your Snap-on Franchisee for complete details on the precision and power of the new EXDMS48 Master Extractor Set or visit Snapon.com.

EXDMS48 Master Extractor Set

Snap-on and There is a Difference are trademarks of Snap-on Incorporated. Copyright © 2007 Snap-on Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.

besides having great-looking garage floors, eight Techreaders were rewarded with Snap-on gift cards andEPOXYShield prize packages courtesy of Rust-Oleum.

The winners responded to an offer contained in the summer2007 issue. Their before and after photos documented somegreatresults.Thewinnersare:

(1) gold Prize Winner – a $1,000 Snap-on gift CardChrisCullen

HarpersFerry,W.Va.

(2) Silver Prize Winners – a $250 Snap-on gift CardBillTuttle

Drayton,N.D.

JimGutschOsseo,Wis.

(5) bronze Prize Winners – a $50 rust-Oleum cash prizeLeeBlume

BellePlaine,Minn.

AlexBautinBenicia,Calif.

MarkHookLansing,Mich.

RobertGreyBridgeport,Conn.

BradScholzeRudolph,Wis.

BEFORE

Easy to prep and paintGold-prizewinnerChrisCullenchose thegray,

solvent-basedproduct for thefirst twostallsof thefour-car garage attached to his new home. He

utilized the decorative chips and added a sealcoat for additional shine and protection from

stains,drips,dustanddirt.Thewholeprojectwas completed in less than seven hours

spreadoveracoupleofweeks.Preparationrequired about 90 minutes. One weeklater, actual painting took four hoursincluding the decorative chips. After

a couple days of drying, the seal coat wasappliedinlessthanonehour.

“The instructions are easy to follow and the processproducedagreatlook,”saidChris.“I’mverysatisfiedwiththeresultsandplan topaint the twootherstallsnext. I’llhaveagreatplace toworkonandstoremy ’87Mustang,my familyvehiclesandanyfutureprojectcars.”

An 11-year veteran, Chris is employed by Koons Ford inRockville,Md.Duringhisearlyyears,Chris tried several toolbrands. He quickly learned which one provided the quality,durabilityandvaluethatheexpected.Forthepasteightyears,hehasbeenaloyalSnap-onuser.“IquicklylearnedSnap-onmakestheonlytoolsthatIneedtobuy,”saidChris.

LogontofindanearbyretailerofEPOXYShieldandotherqualityRust-Oleumproducts.

GARAGE FLOOR ARTISTRY REWARDED


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We engineer our roll cabs and tool chests to carry their loads better and longer. To prove our point we set

this 21,000 lb. Peterbilt dump truck on six Masters series KRL1022 Roll Cabs. Even with this insane amount of

punishment, the drawers still worked smoothly. We set the standard for durability. Maybe that’s why technicians

named Snap-on their number one choice in tool storage by an astonishing 6:1 margin – earning Snap-on the

2007 Frost & Sullivan Technicians’ Choice Award. See why taking more punishment than the competition isn’t

the only reason these roll cabs deliver a knockout at www.theundisputedchamp.com

CARRY THE WEIGHT IN YOUR SHOP.

963 Tech Choice 8.375x10.75 R2_NoUSA_ChroLoDk 9/21/07 10:00 AM Page 1

On the Web:EPOXYShield.comRustoleum.com

Snap-on Ratchet with Dual 80TM Technology:

300 ft. lbs. of torque

Dual pawls

80 teeth

Seven teeth in contact with gear to provide strength and durability

25 percent less ratcheting arc than the nearest competitor

Yes, that adjacent toolbox is hanging from the square drive of the ratchet. Dual pawls, 80-tooth gear (bottom) being smooth and strong.

Noonequestionsthefeelofthenewlineof3/8’’ratchetsofferedbySnap-on.NowwithDual 80TM technology,theseratchetsfeatureadualpawland80-toothdesign,

whichmakesworkingthewrencheffortless.But the ratchet feltTOOsmooth to some involved in field

tests.Howcouldanythingsofinelytunedbestrongenoughtohandleatech’sdailydemands?

“Inthepast,fine-toothedratchetstypicallyweren’tviewedasbeingas strongasa traditionalpear-shaped ratchet,” saidToddBrincks,productmanageratSnap-on.“Technicianswouldbuyafine-toothedratchetwiththeunderstandingitwouldn’tbeasstrong,andusethemwhenfinessewasrequired.”

ButthenewSnap-onratchet ismuchmorethanafinessetool. Recent production delivers a minimum of 300 ft. lbs. oftorque (3,600 inch pounds or double the ANSI standard) andisbuilt tobeeverybitasstronganddurableas it is smooth.Yetthosewhofeltthegearsglideweren’tconvinced,andtheiropinioncountsthemost.SoSnap-onengineersandmarketers

got together to see how theycould transform the reality intoperception. “Wewanted toeraseany doubts about the strength,”Brinckssaid.

The team recalled an earliermarketing campaign, where a21,000-poundPeterbilt truckwasparked on six Snap-on MasterseriesKRL1022RollCabs.Noonequestioned the strength of thetoolboxafterthatdisplay.

“Wewantedtodosomethingalongthoselines,somethingradicalthatshowedthestrengthofthistool,”Brinckssaid.

Eventually, someone came up with the idea of hanging atoolbox from the ratchet. And then the group took it a stepfurther:“Whynotusethesametoolboxthetruckwasparkedonintheotherdisplay?”

Thattoolbox,theKRL1022RollCab,weighs632pounds.Thegroupknewtheratchetwasstrong,ingreatpartthankstothe80teethanddualpawls,butithadn’tbeentestedtoseehowmuchweightcouldhangfromit.Thatwasstepone.

“Engineering came back and said it would be possible todo,”Brinckssaid.

Nextcameabrainstormingsessiononhowtoputthedisplaytogether.Theengineerstookdirectionfromthegroupandcameup with a display. Once engineering developed the display,the team decided to enclose the ratchet and toolbox to keeponlookers from getting too close and perhaps compromisingsafety.

“Engineering designed the whole platform,” Brincks said.“Everything in thatdisplay isoff theshelf.Theonly thingwemadeisthepiecetheratchethangsfrom.”

The display was constructed at the corporate office inKenosha,Wis.Employeesweregivenapeekbeforethedisplaywaspaintedandenclosed.Itdrewacrowd,tosaytheleast.

“Weputittogetherandletithangforafewdays,”Brinckssaid.“Employeeswerecomingoveralldaylongtolookatit.Weknewwehadaccomplishedourgoal.”

Thencameblackpaintandsome lighting to showoff theratchet’schrome,andthedisplaywasreadytomakeasplash.

The first appearance was at the National FranchiseeConferenceinLasVegas.AsigndesignedbyDocNeon,akeyplayer in the building of the Snap-on project car “Glo-mad,”pointedtothedisplay.

“I can’t tell you how many pictures of that ratchet andtoolboxweretaken,”Brinckssaid.“Wehadatonoffeedback,allgood.Itisatestamenttoourengineersandmanufacturingfacility—the driving force behind the innovation, quality andperformanceofthisproduct.”

Thedisplaydefinitelymadethecaseforthebrutestrengthofthenewratchet,Brinckssaid.

“Thosewhosawthedisplayhadallsortsofquestions,buttherewasonetheyneverasked:‘Isitstrong?’”

UnQUeStionabLe

STRENGTHDisplay puts new ratchet in the spotlight


Cool Stuff

Get your Adrenaline goingMotorcycle and ATV enthusiasts who want to travel in comfort and style might want to have a Blast. The Blast 210 MPH Power Plus, introduced by Adrenaline, combines practicality (can be towed by most lighter-duty pickups, and the ramp can handle 1,500 pounds) and comfort (shower, toilet and galley). The hauler can sleep six.

$20,000 Adrenalinerv.com

A bright idea—with an edgeThe GuppieTM is an adjustable wrench, knife, screwdriver with four hex bits, a bottle opener, and non-weight-bearing carabiner. The magnetic bit holder has a bright LED light, too. The Guppie, developed by Columbia River Knife & Tool, was named Best Buy of the Year at the 2007 Blade Show and International Cutlery Fair in Atlanta.

$29.99 Crkt.com

Off to a good startAirSept’s new Compressor Turner Tool helps prevent a dry start and premature failure for millions of GM air conditioning compressors. The R, H, and V series compressors now are manufactured with no holes on the clutch face for a spanner wrench to grip. That leaves technicians unable to rotate the compressor manually to help spread lubricant prior to initial start. The Compressor Turner Tool allows a technician to easily rotate a compressor using only one hand.

$28.95 Airsept.com

Flashy upgradeLooking for a light that stays brighter longer than ever? Upgrade your existing 2, 3, & 4 C- or D-Cell Maglite® flashlights with the new MAG-LED™ Technology. The Maglite LED Upgrade modules can give a boost to an existing light. After the upgrade, you’ll have an LED light that balances high brightness with efficient power usage. And the modules are specifically engineered for Maglite flashlights, ensuring they work (and fit) properly.

Maglite.com

P riortothe19thAnnualFramAutoliteNHRANationalsat Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., during July,DougHerbertandtheSnap-onToolstop-fueldragster

participatedinanexperimentofseismicproportions.Membersofthemediaandseveralfansweretakenabackby

thesheerpowerandthunderingsoundwhenDougsnappedthethrottleofthe8,000-hpnitromethaneburner.Dr.DougBrittsanofBrittsanCPTwasalsoonhandtomeasurethemovementoftheearthwithamobileseismograph.

Uponevaluatingthedata,Dr.Brittsanfoundthemovementof the earth created by the hulking 500-cu. in. hemi wasequivalent to an astounding 3.9 on the Richter scale. “ThebiggestearthquakeSacramentocouldpossiblyexperiencewasprojected to measure 0.2 Gs of horizontal acceleration,” saidDr. Brittsan. “We recorded a reading of more than two andhalftimesthat—0.56GswhenDoughitthethrottle.Itwasjustwild!”

Qualifying for the CountdownJust one month later, Doug and the Snap-on Tools team

arrived in Reading, Pa., needing a win in the Toyo TiresNHRANationalstoqualifyfortheNHRAPOWERadeTopFuel

Countdown to the Championship. Heading into the season’s17thevent,Dougsat11thinpoints,53outoftheeighthandfinalqualifyingposition.“Theoddsweren’tinourfavor,butcrazierthingshavehappened,”saidDoug.

Although persistent rain extended the last of the foureliminationroundstoWednesday,DougprevailedforhisninthcareerNHRATop-FuelwinandacovetedspotintheCountdowntoFour.

“Wow,nothinglikealittledrama,huh?”saidahappyHerbert.When the team returns to California for the early-Novemberseason finale at Pomona, Doug hopes to be in a position toshaketheearthonemoretimeonthewaytotheNHRATop-FuelChampionship.

EARTH-SHAKING EXPERIENCE

You can be Doug’s assistant crew chief at a 2008 NHRA event. For details, see the Early Times ad on page 17 or

log onto EarlyTimes.com

BE DouG’S ASSISTANT CREw CHIEf

Winter 2007 I Tech • �1�0 • Tech I Winter 2007

Rear View

Franklin and dana Machicek’s 1950 chevy 1/2-ton

A Tribute to

FAST FACTS:

eNGINe: Chevy350

TRANs: GM 700r4

WHeels: 18”AmericanRacingHopsterswithNittorubber

TIme TO BuIld: 15months

Billie Jean

551688_P_TechMg_COPE_9330_Cope_SmootherSA_3T_cs003 - PubSat Sep 15 06:06:36 EDT 2007

Within 15 months after acquiring a very rough ’50Chevy 1/2-ton, Franklin and Dana Machicek ofPoint Comfort, Texas, created a masterpiece. Its

veryfirstpublicshowingresultedinabest-of-showtrophy.Theveryclassy truckwasdedicatedtoaveryclassy lady,

Dana’smother,andwasnamedBillieJeaninremembranceofher.FranklinandDanaknowthatmakesherproud.Althoughit’sDana’struck,Franklinenjoysdrivinghertoo.

TherunninggearisallChevy—a350smallblock,GM700R4overdrive transmission and an ’87 Camaro lockup rear end.Low-profileToyoskinsrunon18-inchAmericanRacingwheels.

Thelargelystockappearancefeaturingthesilverbase-clearandthesimplechromeaccentsmakesforoneeye-pleasingride.

Franklin’s passion also happens to be his business. Asthe owner of Frankie’s Paint and Body, he’s been restoringmemorablevehiclesandrepairingcrashdamageformorethan30years.

Snap-on toolshavebeencontributingat every stepalongthe way. Franklin relies on a broad range of hand tools, andalsoappreciates specialty tools suchasball joint pullers andA/Csystemleakdetectors.“There’snoquestion,”saidFranklin,“Snap-ontoolsaresimplythebestoutthere.”

TELL US ABOUT

YOUR RIDEShareyourridewithyourfellowTechreaders.Justmailabriefdescriptionandaphotoorsendane-mailwitha

digitalphototo:Tech MagazineSnap-on ToolsPO Box 1410

Kenosha, WI [email protected]

�2 • Tech I Winter 2007

with some teeth · high-tech f-22 diagnostics a getaway with some teeth shark fishing in the keys...

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