We’ve received a few calls and e-mails from customers who are experiencing issue with getting their Snap-on electric pressure washer to start or stay running.   Here are some troubleshooting tips from the manufacturer:

If your pressure washer is plugged in but won’t run, try these steps:

1. Press the RESET button on the GFIC plug (you can do this while the unit is plugged in). This may be required before each start-up.

2. Make sure the ON/OFF switch is in the ON position

3. Note that motor only runs when you squeeze the trigger on the wand and shuts off when the trigger is released.

If your pressure washer keeps shutting off or surging while in use, try these steps:

1. If you are using an extension cord with the unit, trying operating it without the extension cord. Using an extension cord can trigger the thermal overload protector on the motor, shutting it off.

2. The household circuit you are plugging the unit into may be delivering less than 120V to the unit, which can trigger motor shutdown.  Test this by changing the wand pressure setting to the lowest pressure output. If the unit runs normally in this mode, then you need to plug the unit into a dedicated 120V outlet.  This is typically the outlet that a washer, dryer or fridge is plugged into.

3. The wand may be clogged with debris.  Your pressure washer ships with a wire probe that can be used to clean the wand outlet, and your user manual includes instructions on how to properly clean the wand.

The Basics

An air compressor is a machine designed to store air under pressure and release the pressurized air in a controlled fashion.   The pressurized air is used to drive air powered tools, air-powered painting devices and/or air accessories like nozzles and inflation needles.   A properly used compressor will help you finish a task much faster and with far less labor.   Like any power tool, air compressors demand user respect and a high level of safety awareness.   In other words, read the user manual before you use a compressor!

• An air pump, to move air into an air tank for storage
• An air tank for storing air compressed by the pump
• A pressure gauge that shows the pressure of the air stored in the tank
• A switch that starts and stops the air pump
• A safety valve to prevent excessive pressure buildup of the stored air
• A moisture drain valve on the air tank

Many compressors offer a regulator valve, which is used to control the level of air pressure coming out of the air tank.

When connecting an air hose to a compressor, and when connecting a fitting or accessory to an air hose, it is critical to use Teflon tape on all threaded connections.   This prevents pressure loss due to air leaks and makes connections and disconnections easier.   

User Tip: All new air compressors have a start-up procedure that must be followed prior to first use.   This procedure helps ensure that the motor is properly lubricated and broken in before a load is placed on it.  

Selecting the Right Compressor

Selecting the right compressor for your needs can be downright confusing.   Do you choose on horsepower, gallons, PSI or CFM?   Oiless or oil drive?   One stage or two stage?

One selection method you might consider is:

1. Determine what tools you want to run
2. Consider where you’ll be using the compressor
3. Consider how often you’ll be using the compressor

1. Determine what tools you want to run

To run properly, air tools such as impact guns, ratchets and sanders require a certain amount of air pressure, measured in PSI (Pounds per Square Inch), and a certain amount of air volume (measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute).  

Most compressors supply air pressure (PSI) of at least 100 PSI, which is sufficient air pressure to operate an air tool.   Therefore, air volume (CFM) is the most important consideration for proper air tool performance.  

For compressors, air volume (CFM) ratings measure how fast the air pump pushes air into the air tank for storage.   Note that most compressors have two CFM ratings: one at around 40 PSI that will be a higher number, and another at around 100 PSI that will be a lower number.   That’s because as the air pressure increases inside the air tank, the air pump has to work harder and harder to force more air into the tank.  

The other consideration is tank volume (GAL), measured in gallons.   The air tank only stores pressurized air; so as long as the compressor is delivering the air volume required by the tool, it’s impossible to run out of air no matter what the tank size is.   A smaller tank will get up to pressure quicker and is more portable than a larger tank.

However, for air tools that require continuous use, such as grinders or sanders, a larger air tank reduces the amount of times the pump has to start up and run to maintain a given pressure.    This results in longer pump life due to reduced component stress and operating temperatures.

2. Consider where you’ll be using the compressor

The two key considerations here are portability and space requirements.

Portability

If you need to use a compressor outdoors, on a job site or at different locations, then a portable air compressor may be the right choice.   Even the most “portable” compressor can weigh upwards of fifty pounds, so strategically placed wheels, handles and tanks can help ease the burden of moving your compressor.  

A portable compressor will not offer the tank volume of a stationary unit.   That makes them a less desirable choice for running continuous tools such as air sanders and grinders.  

User Tip: When using a compressor for remote work, it’s important to use a longer air hose to connect the air tool with the compressor.  Don’t use a longer power cord to move the compressor away from the power outlet.

Space requirements

Both portable and stationary compressors offer space saving options when shop space is at a premium.  Vertical tank units have air pumps mounted to the top of the tank to save space.   “Pancake” style tanks take up less room than horizontal tanks.   Twin tank compressors stack tanks vertically in a space-saving design.

Vertical Air Compressors Preserve Floor Space

  3. Consider how often you’ll be using the compressor

High-end (and more expensive) compressors designed for continuous daily use have heavy duty, oil-lubricated pumps that can withstand high heat and constant start cycles.  The compressor units may be belt driven by the motor rather than directly connected to and driven by the motor.   This permits the compressor pump unit to run at a different speed than the motor.  

For DIY’ers and pros that don’t run their compressors all day every day, a less expensive model should get the job done.   Oil lubricated units offer better durability than oil-less units without a lot of additional maintenance.

 Regardless of the size or type of air compressor you buy, you’re sure to enjoy the convenience and speed with which you’ll get the job done.

We’re giving away 5 New “Cutting Edge” Snap-on Hobby Knives for FREE!

Work safer and keep blades sharper longer with the Snap-on™ hobby knife with retractable blade.  Just twist the knife body to expose the blade for cutting, then twist it again to close the blade between uses and for storage.  Comfortable ergonomic handle with no-slip rubber grip.  Includes 3 blades, on-board blade storage and shirt-pocket clip. Uses standard hobby knife replacement blades.  Patented.

To Qualify in the drawing for one of the new Snap-on Hobby Knives you must complete these 3 simple items below:

1. You must be a Fan “and” Follower on BOTH our Facebook (facebook.com/toolsmithdirect) and Twitter (twitter.com/toolsmithdirect) accounts.
2. All you will have to do is post this line on Twitter “@toolsmithdirect I want to win a FREE Snap-on Hobby Knife from Toolsmithdirect.”
3. Post the answer to the following question (along with your Twitter name) on our Facebook page “What hobby or project would you use the Snap-on hobby knife for?”

That’s It!!

Once you have accomplished all 3 items, you will be entered to win your very own Snap-on Hobby Knife with Retractable Blade.  Good Luck!!

Ingenuity never goes out of style.   We tapped our handyman extraordinaire Carl for some of his most time-tested tool tips.  Got any of your own?   Let’s hear them!

1. Drive a Nail or Screw Easier!  Coat the nail shaft or screw threads with bees wax (!), chapstick or bar soap.
2.  Trouble Placing a Nut and Washer in a Tight Spot?  Attach the washer to the nut with hot melt glue.
3. Need an Extra Hand when Soldering?   Use long nose pliers to hold the wire by slipping a rubber band around the handles to hold them together.
4. Chisel Edges Getting Dull in Your Toolbox?  Cut a slit into a tennis ball and slip it onto the chisel blade.
5. Protect Handsaw Teeth from Dulling!  Cut a length of water hose, slit down the centerline and place over the teeth.
6. Measure the Inside Dimensions of a Window or Opening.  Use a telescoping curtain rod with the elbows removed. Place a piece of tape around the unit to maintain the measurement. Remove and measure with a tape measure.
7. Trouble Starting Screws in a Confined Space?  Tear off a 2 inch piece of masking tape, place the screw through the adhesive side, place the screwdriver blade into the screw slot and press the tape to each side of the blade.
8. Marring Wood while Nailing?  Cut a small piece of Peg Board. Place it over the items to be nailed and nail through the holes level with the surface and then using a nail set, finish setting the nails.
9. Need to Remove Pitch from a Saw Blade?  Spray the blade with oven cleaner to lossen pitch for easy removal (wear gloves and goggles).
10. Nails Keep Splitting Wood?  Place nail upside down on floor (so the point is up) then lightly hammer the point to dull it a bit.  Some beeswax might help too!

Check out the just completed video overview of the new Powerbuilt Triple Lift floor jack.    For someone lucky enough to own a car or truck and a motorcycle or ATV, and handy enough to service them, it’s a pretty cool concept.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kW8e35uXJvc

Is your garage one of the 14 million or so in the US that’s crammed with two cars and a motorcycle, or a truck, a dirt bike and an ATV?    Whatever the combination, no doubt many of you two and four-wheeled motorsports enthusiasts are faced with some serious space issues in the family garage.

Well the folks at Powerbuilt have come up with a unique new product that might just help save space and money too.  It’s a new hybrid floor jack called the “Triple Lift” and it’s designed to lift a car, truck, motorcycle or ATV.   The big idea here is that the Triple Lift replaces a standard floor jack and a standard ATV jack, and supposedly even eliminates the need for jack stands.   So for vehicle owners who do even basic maintenance, this one jack replaces a lot of expensive and space hogging equipment.

We’ll be taking a closer look at the Triple Lift over the next couple weeks to see how it works.  Meanwhile here’s a sneak preview photo:

Powerbuilt Triple Lift 2 Ton Floor Jack

Special thanks to our team for all the hard work and exhausting hours.

Planning, strategy, and preparation are the keys to mapping success. The game plan, however, will only measure up to a critical 50% of the working formula. The remaining follow through, combined with experience and skill, could be considered predictable. Winning races, of course, is never predictable, but when you have your sights dialed and the ducks are in a row, it does make for a trouble free process.

For the 2010 season, in order for the Hart and Huntington Off Road Team to achieve yet another successful year of short course racing, Premiere Motorsports Group has arranged for preparation to be handled in a much easier and trouble free fashion. Conveniently based in Corona, a fresh new 20K sq. ft. facility serves as the new headquarters for the PMG Race Operations. Fully stocked with quality Powerbuilt hand tools and outfitted with a truckload of state-of-the-art Bailiegh Industrial Products, the fabricators, mechanics, and technicians of the Hart and Huntington Off Road Team will have all the necessary equipment in place to handle the task at hand and prepare for future events.

Continued success has already been tasted as several programs showed great improvement during Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Rounds 1 & 2.

The modified Trophy Kart’s piloted by Anthony Busnardo and Brandon Vermillion proved they were capable of running with the fastest on the track. Furious racing ensued and Brandon was stripped of what was sure to be his first podium finish when another competitor spun out #585 San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Trophy Kart machine. Premiere Motorsports Group has also expanded the program with a third kart competing in JR-1 and driven by young Dean Duro. The boys show tremendous dedication & passion and are hungry to get in their Karts as often as possible for testing, seat time, and really just to have fun.

Carey Hart had difficulties on the last lap of Round 1, but came back on a mission for Sunday’s Round 2. Throwing down competitive lap times and racing for position, Carey finished 12th out of 21 highly skilled entries. “Every lap was a battle,” said Hart, “My guys gave me a good truck and I came out today and drove a pretty solid race.”

Consistent and competitive is the scenario as usual for Brandt in the Pro Lite Unlimited Toyota and John Fitzgerald in the Limited Buggy. John nailed Rounds 1&2 with a dominating pair of back to back wins. Chris Brandt showed he has the top notch program to send Hart and Huntington chasing after a championship. Chris flew away with the lead and 1st place finish in Round 1 but during Round 2, the #82 experienced a mechanical hic cup that left Chris with a “jimmy-rigged” shifting mechanism. He was able to hang on and finished 3rd but was awarded 2nd after the 1st place finisher was DQed.

Brandt and Fitzgerald are now leading their respective divisions going into Rounds 3 & 4.

#22 Merrell Pro-4 (After Sunday’s Race)

#22 Pro-4 (After Sunday’s Race)

Merrell #22 on General Tires!!!

#585 Brandon Vermillion Putting it down!

To learn more about the Hart and Huntington Off Road Team, visit the website and be sure to check out the featured HH highlight film from LOORS Las Vegas Rounds 1 & 2. From here, the next event takes place at Surprise AZ on April 17th and 18th. The fans from Arizona will be treated to another thrilling weekend of short course off road racing. What is even more exciting is that many of the additional big name competitors that were seen in Las Vegas will continue to race with the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series for the remainder of the season.

About the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series:  The Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series is the evolution of the long standing support of short course racing by Forrest Lucas and Lucas Oil Products.

Steeped in the Midwest tradition of short course off road racing infused with a West Coast influence, Lucas Oil Off Road Racing brings intense four wheel door to door action to challenging, fan friendly tracks. Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series: This is Short Course. For more information please visit LucasOilOffRoadRacing.com

Follow us on Twitter at @hartoffroadteam for all the teams latest news and events.

For more information on Premiere Motorsports Group and the Hart and Huntington Offroad Team go to

www.hartandhuntingtonracing.com

This professional motorsports organization is the product of numerous individuals and support of strong companies brought together to create an off road racing powerhouse. The brands like Hart & Huntington, General Tire, Lucas Oil, Baileigh Industrial, Geico Powersports, Liquid Graphics, Alltrade, Powerbuilt, Chronic Tacos, Flawless Vodka, Weekend Warrior Water, K&N Air Filters, and Simpson Race Products will ensure a number of achievements & results throughout the 2010 season. Additional support from King Shocks, VP Racing Fuels, KMC Wheels, Gator Wraps, JSTAR Motors, National Concrete Cutting, Century Collusion Center, Screen Works, Corona Millworks Racing, constantly through the season compounds the sustainability of racing.

If the Improved User Guide for Powerbuilt Digital Torque Adapter came in a box, it might be emblazoned with a colorful burst bearing that slogan.

I fear that most of you who have purchased one of these nifty products would agree that the user manual that came with it isn’t going to win any literary awards.   Well, we’ve fixed that problem; at least we hope we have.    If not, let us know!

A severe winter like the one we’re “enjoying” this year can be tough on sidewalks, walkways and driveways. Cracks and potholes from repeated freezing and thawing, gouges from snow shovels and discoloration from chemicals all wreak havoc on paved surfaces. You can save big bucks doing some of the simpler repairs yourself.

1. Pop ups or cracks in concrete – Wear safety glasses and work gloves for protection! Using a chisel or wide bladed screwdriver, chip out all the dirt and debris that has lodged into cracks, and vacuum until clean. Mix a good fast-bonding concrete mix with water, wet the hole or crack with water for good adhesion, and trowel in the cement mixture. Remove any excess filler and smooth everything out. Keep the surface slightly moist to speed the curing process. 48 hours of curing is required.

2. Cracks or holes in asphalt – Cracks should be enlarged to allow the patch to cover properly. Clean out the entire residue with a vacuum and patch using one of the commercially available asphalt patching compounds. These can be applied by means of a caulking gun if it’s in a tube form or by a putty knife if purchased in a can. When the crack has been covered completely, smooth out the compound. For holes in the asphalt, clean out all rocks or residue and vacuum. Using a trowel for thin board, fill the hole to about ½” above the surface and use any heavy board to tamp the filler down level with the surface.

3. Broken corners of concrete steps – Find two pieces of board that are large enough to cover the broken area on both sides. Using masking tape, tape these boards to the step making sure that they are level with the step top surface area and overlap completely at the corner. It may be necessary to place some sort of blocking against the boards so that they don’t move during the filler application. Fill the void with mixed concrete patch keeping in mind that the top must be smooth and level with the surface. Keep the surface slightly moist to speed the curing process. 48 hours of curing is required.

4. Broken Concrete Block – If the hole is large, it should be filled with newspaper to within 3/4″ of the surface. Mix your filler and place into the hole with a trowel making sure to smooth it level. If the hole is along the upper or bottom edge you will need to use a piece of board to form a cavity to hold the mixture in place until it has dried. Keep the surface slightly moist to speed the curing process. 48 hours of curing is required.

Is there any kind of love that’s wrong? OK, let me rephrase that. Is there any kind of love (that doesn’t break a law) that’s wrong?
I submit that there is not, and therefore, loving tools is perfectly acceptable. After all, we humans have used tools for so long that they’re as much a part of our existence as, say, clothes. No one thinks it odd when someone says “nice tie” or “real men wear pink”.

So is it wrong to pick up, say, a measuring tape, and have the feel and fit in one’s hand be so right, so perfect, that it’s as if your whole life leading up to that moment was not a series of random events, but part of some larger plan culminating in the moment you and said tape were united? Had you not turned that corner on that street at just the right time and caught a glimpse of that tape out of the corner of your eye as it hung in the hardware store window display, etc.

As Valentine’s Day is nigh, here is my confession: I love the Snap-on 16 Foot Tape Measure. The one we recently gave away to twelve lucky Toolsmith Direct Facebook fans and twitter followers. I wonder, what will Valentine’s Day be like for them? Will they have the courage to profess their new-found love? Are they willing to “Not be Right” like I obviously am…not?

Andy.