How To: Loan a Tool - PartSource: Automotive, Truck Parts & Accessories

How To: LOAN-A-TOOL PROGRAM

There are lots of repairs on your vehicle that you'll only have to do once. Instead of buying the special (usually expensive) tools needed to do the job, PartSource is giving you the opportunity to borrow them. We're going to tell you all about the Loan-a-Tool* program and give you some insider tips about using some of the over 35 tools that we make available.

Remember, if you have any questions or if you're unsure of anything, feel free to contact the Parts Pros at your local PartSource. They're always ready to help, no matter what the job is.

* Available at participating locations only

Let’s go!

A Few Things Before You Begin

In case you need them, you can always find free print outs of specific vehicle instructions and torque specifications from Mitchell on Demand at your local PartSource store.

Everything you need for this job can be found at your local PartSource store. Ask a Parts Pro about what you'll need for the job. It's better to have extra spare parts ready for anything that might need to be replaced. The last thing you want to do, is go shopping when you have the car up on the jack.

When taking parts apart, be organized. Keep similar parts together in a safe place where they won't get lost and layout parts in a way that will allow you to put them back in the same order.

Make Safety Your Top Priority

Every vehicle is different. When it comes to maintenance and repairs always follow the vehicle's owner's manual.

Make sure you have all of your tools and supplies before you begin – the last thing you want to do is go shopping when you have the car on the jack.

Safety should be your number one priority. Don't smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or wear a necktie while working on the car. And watch out for hot objects, sharp instruments, hazardous materials and other potential safety hazards in and around your workspace. Always wear your safety glasses, a dust mask and latex gloves.

Don't work with a Philips when the job calls for a flat. Substituting tools can compromise your safety or your vehicle's performance.

Finally, when the fun turns to frustration or if the job requires specialized knowledge beyond your abilities, seek the assistance of a Parts Pro, professional mechanic or installer. The last thing we want is someone getting hurt.


What is the Loan-A-Tool Program?

The Loan-A-Tool program at PartSource enables you to use the proper tools to tackle some of the more difficult or specialized repairs on your vehicle without having to purchase the tools, or pay for a garage to do the repair for you. It's a great way to save money.

How Does the Program Work?

The Loan-A-Tool program is absolutely free to customers. If you need a Loan-A-Tool, just stop by your local PartSource store, pick out the tool you need from our extensive line up, fill out some paperwork, put a deposit down for the tool, and you're all set. The deposit required is equivalent to the cost of the tool, and is refunded in full, upon return of the tool in good condition. All tools are checked before leaving the store, and again when returned. Customers are not charged for normal wear on tools. Tools are generally loaned out for up to 3 days.

Using the Tools

All of the tools on the program include laminated instructions in each kit. We've included some instructions for the more commonly needed tool kits:

Kit #1 Strut Spring Compressor #648627

The strut spring compressor needs to be used anytime a strut assembly needs to be dismantled. These springs are under extreme pressure, and if not held in place with a compressor, can cause damage and injury.
Before the strut spring compressor can be used, the strut assembly (strut, spring and mount) needs to be removed from the vehicle. Instructions on strut removal can be found here.
Make aligning marks on the spring, strut, strut knuckle and mount for any parts that will be reused.
Turn the bolt on the spring compressor counterclockwise until the clamps are extended enough to reach each end of the spring.
Place the compressor assemblies on opposite sides of the strut (180º to each other), pull the locking pins back, place the curved parts of the clamps on each end of the spring, and push the locking pins back into place. It should look like this:
Make sure the compressors are securely in place, then hand-tighten each bolt until you can feel tension from the spring.
Gradually tighten the bolt on each spring compressor with a 15/16 socket or wrench, turning both sides evenly, to take the pressure off the strut mount.
Once the spring is no longer touching the mount, and can be moved freely on the strut, the strut mount can be removed. The spring should not need to be compressed more than 3 inches.
With the mount removed, the spring, with the compressors still attached, can be removed from the strut.
If the springs are being reused with new struts, they can be put in place. Remember to align the spring with any parts that are being reused, and don't undo the spring compressor until the strut mount has been installed on the new strut.
If you are not reusing the springs, very carefully extend the compressors to take the pressure off the spring. Use caution while doing this, as the spring may be longer than the compressor, and could cause it to "spring" unexpectedly.

Kit #12 Harmonic Balancer Puller/Installer #648637


Removal
Line up the puller body against the harmonic balancer and determine how many bolts you'll need for your application.
Find the bolts that will match the thread on your harmonic balancer.
Using the correct bolts and washers, bolt the puller body to the harmonic balancer.
Thread the center bolt through the center hole on the puller body.
Attach the tip assembly to the end of the center bolt and turn the center bolt until the tip is against the crankshaft end.
Using a ratchet or wrench, tighten the center bolt and the harmonic balancer should slowly pull off of the crankshaft.
Installation
Lubricate the inside surface of the harmonic balancer with engine oil, and slide it onto the crankshaft, making sure to line up the keyway.
Find the correct nosepiece adapter that fits the threaded hole in the end of the crankshaft, and install a jaw nut onto the adapter.
Attach the large nut to the center screw, and slide the silver thrust bearing up against the nut.
Thread the nosepiece adapter into the center screw, and securely tighten the jaw nut against the center screw.
Once the tool is assembled, guide it into the threaded hole in the crankshaft and tighten by hand.
Using a wrench on the flat spots of the center screw, tighten the tool firmly into the crankshaft.
Adjust the large nut until the thrust bearing is firmly against the harmonic balancer.
Using two wrenches, tighten the large nut to slide the harmonic balancer into place, while holding the center screw still to prevent the crankshaft from turning.
Once the harmonic balancer is in place, remove the tool, and install the harmonic balancer bolt to the proper torque settings.

Kit #9 Exhaust Cut-off and Expansion Tool #648634


The exhaust kit can be used to cut off old pipes in confined areas, expand exhaust pipes that have been crushed by exhaust clamps or won't quite fit over that new exhaust system.
Cut-Off Tool
Wrap the chain around the pipe you'd like to cut.
Hook one of the center pins into the jaw of the cutting tool, close the handle until it's putting pressure against the pipe.
Rotate the handle around the pipe, and continue applying more pressure while rotating.
You may need to adjust the chain as the cutting proceeds.
Continue rotating the handle and applying pressure until the pipe is cut.

Expansion Tool
Insert the tool into the pipe you'd like to expand.
Using a ratchet, turn the shaft until the pipe has been expanded to the desired amount.
Back to top