Affordable Racing Tools - Must-Have Tools

Behrent's Performance Warehouse offers a set of line wrenches for use on hard-to-reach line fittings. The wrenches, which are manufactured by Quantum Race Products, are angled 15 degrees on one end and 45 degrees on the other, and they're non-anodized so they won't damage the fittings. MSRP: $69.95. Behrent's Performance Warehouse, Dept. SCR10, 38 Meadow Rd., Florida, NY 10921; 845/651-7389; www.behrents.com

A thorough oil filter examination can reveal minor engine irregularities before they become costly problems that drain the budget. Quantum Race Products offers an oil filter cutter that allows a quick and easy examination with each filter change. MSRP: $39.42. Behrent's Performance Warehouse, Dept. SCR10, 38 Meadow Rd., Florida, NY 10921; 845/651-7389; www.behrents.com

Quantum Race Products has a digital spring rater that gives precise spring rates when setting up your race car, eliminating the guesswork on setups. The Spring Rater is easy to operate and accommodates springs up to 17 inches tall and coil diameters from 1 7/8 to 5 1/2 inches. MSRP: $894.78. Behrent's Performance Warehouse, Dept. SCR10, 38 Meadow Rd., Florida, NY 10921; 845/651-7389; www.behrents.com

The Craftsman 3/8-inch Thin-Profile Ratchet is designed for those hard-to-get-to areas that a racer encounters in the shop and at the track. The gear head of the Thin-Profile Ratchet is 15 to 20 percent thinner than conventional 3/8-inch ratchets. Plus, finer gearing shortens the arc to a mere six degrees. This allows rapid fastener engagement and easier tightening and loosening in tight quarters. MSRP: $39.99 at Sears. www.sears.com

Craftsman Professional Adjustable Torque Wrenches are designed for industrial and professional users who need precise measurements. The accuracy of the wrenches exceeds industry standards. A lean profile allows the tool to reach areas of limited access. The wrenches are available in 3/8- or 1/2-inch models. MSRP: $159-$199. The Craftsman Professional Adjustable Torque Wrenches are available only through the 2002-2003 Craftsman Power and Hand Tools catalog. www.sears.com

Intended to eliminate those frustrating moments when you can't locate your tools, Craftsman Laser-Marked Sockets have extra-large markings legible up to 10 feet. The permanent, high-contrast graphics are also visible under low-light conditions found in garages, workshops, and toolboxes. The 3/8-inch drive socket sets are available in standard and metric sizes, and deep sockets are also offered. MSRP: $19.99 to $29.99 at Sears. www.sears.com

Craftsman's new Bolt-Out Damaged Bolt/Nut Remover Set is designed to remove stripped, rusted, or painted nuts and bolts that can't be gripped or removed by ordinary tools. These tools have an interior spiral flute design that grips the fastener on multiple sides, allowing the user to turn the nut or bolt and remove it with a combination wrench, ratchet/socket combination, or locking pliers. This eliminates the need to drill, file, or cut damaged bolts. The tools also are designed to fit over longer studs and bolts. A 13-piece set will be available in October, and two five-piece sets are currently available at Sears. MSRP: $49.99, 13-piece set; $19.99 each, two five-piece sets. www.sears.com

The Craftsman Twin Cutter portable saw cuts through metal, wood, plastic, fiberglass, or a combination of these materials without a change of blades. Two 6 1/8-inch, 36-tooth, carbide-tipped blades run flush against one another and rotate in opposite directions, reducing kickback and vibration. Maximum cutting depth is 1 7/8 inches. MSRP: $189.99 at Sears. www.sears.com

Need that seldom-used specialty tool but don't want to fork over the money to buy it? AutoZone's free Loan-A-Tool Program might be the solution. The program offers more than 60 different tools for a variety of jobs, from suspension work to engine rebuilds. AutoZone requires a deposit for the tool, which is then fully refunded when the tool is returned. Deposit amounts vary respective to the tool chosen. Available at any AutoZone location. www.AutoZone.com

Intercomp has a digital caster/camber gauge that indicates caster and camber to 20 degrees in 0.1-degree increments, giving superior accuracy. The unit uses a standard 9-volt battery good for up to 100 hours of power, and its compact design holds well to the hub. Standard features include an auto shutoff mechanism and self-calibrating camber. MSRP: $299. Intercomp, Dept. SCR10, 14465 23rd Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55447; 800/328-3336;www.intercomp-racing.com

The Norstar Pop-Up Canopy, available at Irvan-Smith, can help create a convenient, shaded work area whenever you're trackside. The canopy is designed for ease of use, so two people can open and close the unit. In addition to offering ample headroom, a reinforced truss system gives maximum durability and strength, and the unit carries a 12-month warranty. MSRP: Prices range from $200 to $675. Irvan-Smith Inc., Dept. SCR10, 1027 Central Dr., Concord, NC 28027; 800/221-RACE (7223); www.irvansmith.com

A quick-fill inlet valve allows the user to fill the Longacre Aluminum Quick-Fill Tank in less than 10 seconds. The tank comes with a Quick Fill Tire Gauge that permits faster fill or purge, and the tank's aluminum construction allows easy transporting of the 7-gallon unit. The tanks are available with 0-60, 0-30, and 0-15 pound filler-style air gauges. MSRP: $198 at any Longacre dealer. Call or visit their Web site for a dealer nearest you. 800/423-3110; www.longacreracing.com

Longacre offers the Accutech Tire Pyrometer, which includes a protective case and large numbers for easy viewing. The pyrometer's slim design makes it easy to handle, and the auto-shutoff extends battery life. A high-temperature hold button locks-in the highest temperature for quick reference. The unit has a 1,400-degree range. MSRP: Available for $132.95 at any Longacre dealer. Call or visit their Web site for a dealer nearest you. 800/423-3110; www.longacreracing.com

Two different models of the Powerhouse ProductsTM Self-Powered Timing Lights are available. Both feature a one-wire inductive lead design and operate on two D-cell batteries. A bright xenon flash tube makes each unit ideal for use in sunny conditions. The standard model is usable to about 5,000 rpm, while the pro model can operate beyond the 10,000rpm range. MSRP: $49, standard model; $89, pro model. Powerhouse Products Inc.TM, Dept. SCR10, 3402 Democrat Rd., Memphis, TN 38118; 800/872-7223; www.powerhouseproducts.com

A New Cordless Drill Series From Snap-on offers power ranges that include 9.6-volt, 12-volt, 14.4-volt, and 18-volt drills. All have two speeds, feature heavy-duty industrial quality gear trains supported by ball bearings, and strong heat-treated alloy steel gears. Each drill weighs less than 5.5 pounds and comes with a battery pack, battery charger, and storage case. MSRP: Prices range from $209.95 for the 9.6-volt drill to $299.95 for the 18-volt model. Available by contacting any local Snap-on representative, visiting www.snapon.com, or calling 877/762-7662.

The rechargeable Versa Volt Flashlight from Snap-on resists impact, temperature extremes, and most automotive fluids, and a lens made from tempered glass resists scratching. The head swivels 120 degrees, and a battery pack base allows the flashlight to stand on its own. The flashlight is powered by either a 9.6-volt, 12-volt, or 14.4-volt battery pack. MSRP: $40.95 for flashlight; $69.95 to $86.95 for battery packs; $65.95 for charger. Available by contacting any local Snap-on representative, visiting www.snapon.com, or calling 877/762-7662.

Pro Tools has a hole-saw-type notcher that has a 1/2-inch thick steel frame and engraved markings for easy reading. The unit, which has the ability to notch up to 60 degrees, has two large ball bearings with seals on both sides to prevent chip damage, and a 1-inch diameter shaft to eliminate flex and chatter. A vise-type tube clamp with an adjustable V-block allows offset notching, and the unit weighs just under 30 pounds. Sold complete with drill press mounting bracket. MSRP: $299. Pro Tools, Dept. SCR10, 7616 Industrial Ln., Tampa, FL 33637; 813/986-9000; www.pro-tools.com

Two different configurations are available with the Model 105 Mechanical Bender offered by Pro Tools. In addition to the standard model, a heavy-duty unit with 5/8-inch thick steel main arms has been added to the lineup. Pro Tools benders are machined and fitted with a pivot bushing to eliminate friction. MSRP: $275 for the basic bender only. Pro Tools, Dept. SCR10, 7616 Industrial Ln., Tampa, FL 33637; 813/986-9000; www.pro-tools.com