Informational Articles | Mechanic Scout

February 10, 2020by John Laconsay John Laconsay No Comments

Beginners Guide To Using The Multi-Process Welder

The multi-purpose welder is the machine that every fabricator or metal worker will be proud of having in their tool shed. Of course, such a device that demonstrates efficiency and unmatched versatility does not come cheap. The multi-process welder will take you back a good load of money, but it is all worth the cost. Didn't your folks tell you that nothing good comes cheap?

Come to think of it, a good quality multi-process welder is budget-friendly in the long run. But how can that be so? Well, buying the different machines to handle the varying types of metals is more expensive than just buying one unit of multi-process welder.

The multi-process welder does not take much of your space and is not difficult to transport. They are much more convenient and user-friendly. As a beginner, the multi-process welder is a source of joy because of the much you will be able to do with it. Patient and practice are the main ingredients if you need to perfect the art of welding. Learning the delicate art using a multi-process welder may seem like an uphill task, but that is only if you don't have the following basics.

1. Determine the welding process

As a beginner, you will find MIG welder has the most straightforward and most natural to hack. It is also precise, and chances of getting discouraged are at a minimum because you always get the results. You can as well start with Flux-cored arc welding or stick welding.

2. Assemble a suitable welding kit

You will need to invest wisely in a suitable welding kit. Be careful with the type of welding machine that you choose for the trade. Check for user-friendliness, durability, and a favorable cost. Other essential equipment include miter clamps, chipping hammer, and an angle grinder, among others.

3. Stay safe

The sparks, heat, and light generated when welding is not always safe, but you already know that. Therefore, wear an auto-darkening helmet and other protective clothing so that you may be safe and healthy to continue being productive. A non-flammable apron and heavy-duty gloves will come in handy when welding different pieces of metal.

4. Preparing for welding

You must prepare adequately before you start welding. Keep in mind that welding generates gases that may not be too harmless when inhaled. Therefore, be in a well-ventilated area, and make sure everything is in working condition. Inspect the connections, wires, and hoses and replace any damaged parts.

Any dirt, paint, or rust creates insulation against the electrical current generated by the welder, and the process may not be as productive as you want it to. It is, therefore imperative that you clean the metal surface before you get down to work. Scrap off the paint and the corrosion to make sure the surface is metallic shiny. That way, your final welds will be something to be proud of. If necessary, use acetone to clean the surface of the metal further, and don't forget to dry it with a clean rug.

5. Using the multi-process welder

Once you begin welding, it would be a good idea to limit your movements. Check the condition of the torch or welder and use tack welds to connect the metals. Slowly add the tack welds and start the welding. It is recommended that you start with beginner projects such as flower base to fine-tune your skills.

Remember that we all start somewhere, and a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Don't be hasty to learn everything within a short period. Welding is an art, and you should give yourself time to learn the ropes, and perfect it. Enjoy!

June 29, 2018by Josh Mitchell Josh Mitchell No Comments

Are Today’s Cars Too Complicated For Home Mechanics?

If you’re interested in fixing and repairing cars and getting your hands dirty under the hood, you may have noticed that cars have become more complicated in the last few years. There are significant differences between modern engines and older models, but does an increase in complexity mean that it’s no longer possible for enthusiastic amateur mechanics to give home repairs a go?

Is It Still Possible To Repair And Fix Up Your Own Car?

If you broke down on the side of the road, what would you do? Most people would at least take the time to pop open the hood and have a look. Even if you’re not well-versed in mechanics, you may feel that it might be possible to spot something out of the ordinary.

The key lies in the next step. Do you try and fix the problem yourself, or do you enlist the help of the pros?

In years gone by, we tended to be much more self-reliant when it came to cars. With the help of a manual and a hearty dose of intuition, it was possible to repair most issues. Today, society as a whole is less inclined to go down the DIY route.

This could be down to the fact that modern cars are more complex, but time, effort and convenience may also play a role. Many people don’t have the time or the inclination to give it a go, and it’s not hard to find somebody who can help in this day and age. One call on your mobile, and you can enjoy peace of mind that a proverbial knight in shining armor is on the way.

If you’re approaching a problem with the engine, transmission, or suspension with an untrained eye, it’s natural and recommended to call for help. You want to get moving as quickly as possible, and you’re probably fairly confident that you won’t be able to fix the issue yourself.

If you are interested in cars, however, are you still inclined to have a go, or have you been put off by the evolution of cars and the cutting edge technology that underpins their inner workings? Has continual technological and design development made it impossible for keen amateurs to indulge their passion?

It’s difficult to provide a solid answer to this question, but it’s probable that most eager home mechanics would still make a good fist of working on their own vehicles. If there’s an odd noise or a slightly suspicious smell, there’s no harm in having a look, seeing what’s what, and trying to figure out a solution.

In fact, today, it may even be easier to carry out home repairs or improvements as a result of the availability of resources like video tutorials and troubleshooting websites and developments in technology and tools used for repairs.

Tips For Home Mechanics

If you’ve got an old-school mindset, and you’re not willing to give up the ghost just yet and rely on trained, experienced mechanics, there’s a wealth of useful information and resources that can benefit amateurs.

The Internet is an amazing font of information for those who have an interest in working on cars. If you’ve got a question or a query, you can use a search engine to find answers in a matter of seconds. You can access vehicle information provided by manufacturers, but you can also engage with other home mechanics online via forums. This can be incredibly useful if you’re looking for advice on how to tackle a specific project. If you type an entry into an online forum, you may stumble across somebody who has already been in that boat, or you can interact with others who have pearls of wisdom they want to share.

It’s also possible to follow online tutorials via sites like YouTube, which are great for practical repairs. It’s much easier to understand what needs to be done by watching a video than reading a page full of text or trying to decipher a series of complex images.

Advances in technology and the availability of tools also helps enthusiastic amateurs. While some jobs may be off-limits for those with the relevant experience and qualifications, if you’ve got the right tools and access to the right information, there’s no reason why you can’t continue to work on your car at home.

Modern cars are undoubtedly more complicated than the models of old, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are off limits for home mechanics. If you enjoy working on cars, with the right tools and access to information online, there’s no reason why you can’t continue to indulge your interests.

November 11, 2019by Josh Mitchell Josh Mitchell No Comments

Must Have Tools for Mechanics: Home Garage Essentials

A mechanic is only as effective as his tools and this saying has been true for a very long time and especially now when both the tools and technology have become more advanced and by contrast a lot more important.

There are any number of issues that can arise in a home work space. Your automobile may require work, a home appliance or even garage door issues.

Here are some must-have tools for mechanics.

What Tools Does Every Garage Need?

Hammer: This is a basic and one of the most important tools you will need in a garage that is used for a lot of things from nailing things to the wall to flattening unwanted bumps.

Level: They help keep something perfectly horizontal, vertical or at a 45-degree angle by using a unique system that indicates level using bubbles inside.

Wrenches: Used to grip and provide enough torque to turn certain objects. This is usually done to remove or secure them in place which is done very often in a garage.

Measuring tape: Very important for getting accurate readings on the sizes of various materials one would be working on.

Entry-Level Mechanic Tool List

Screwdriver: A basic tool used for screwing in and unscrewing to secure or remove certain parts.

Pliers: Used for gripping, twisting or cutting wire with minimal force and much-needed accuracy.

Ratchet wrench: It is used to pull or push a bolt in one direction to loosen or tighten it.

Mechanical Jack: Makes use of a screw thread to lift heavy machinery that is otherwise impossible for humans to access.

Pry bars: These are used as levers for various purposes like lifting an object off the surface, separating two heavy objects or even removing a nail.

Must Have Diesel Mechanic Tools

Aligning bar: These are used to properly and accurately align things like bolts or screws so that the object in question is perfectly secured on both sides.

Stripper tool: it is used to remove the outer layer of a wire or a small fuel pipe and then replace it.

Wrench gun: This gun produces high torque which lets the user instantly remove lug nuts with minimal exertion.

Mini hook and Picks: These are used to remove seals, split pins or ‘O’ rings usually in an automobile but they have other use cases too.

Top Auto Mechanic Tools

Digital torque wrench: This can be used to exert an exact amount of torque to the specified target.

Hydraulic jack: This uses liquid to create immense pressure in the hydraulic chamber and this allows it to lift very heavy objects such as automobiles.

Air ratchet: This tool makes use of an air motor to run the socket drive and is used for tightening or losing the bolts in automobiles.

Extension bars: These are incredibly handy when you’re working in confined or cramped spaces. They can help reach your ratchet into otherwise inaccessible areas.

Must Have Specialty Mechanic Tools

Air compressor: These are used to pump in high-pressure air which is necessary for the functioning of certain tools like gas cylinders or tires.

Pressure tester:

Laser thermometer: This is used to measure the temperature of a particular spot by using a laser to aim at the subject and read the heat output without the need for actual contact.

Heat gun: This device emits hot air that is used to melt thin sticky layers that are otherwise tricky to remove with brute force.

Socket adapters: These tools are used to turn an otherwise incompatible socket functional with your tools by adding an intermediate layer.

Conclusion

All these must-have tools for mechanics that are very important for day to day tasks and smooth operation of various equipment in the mechanic’s garage. If you’re someone who is new to being one or aspiring to be one, this would be a good place to start gathering the tools necessary for you to begin your career.

November 13, 2019by Josh Mitchell Josh Mitchell No Comments

What Does A VIN Number Tell You?

A VIN number or vehicle information number is so special and very important considering your car. It can tell people a lot about your car.

What is the VIN Number?

VIN is a 17-digit sequence of numbers and letters that serves as the car’s identification mark.

Often referred to as the body number, the VIN number is unique to every car and cannot be changed like the registration number or other codes.

The Vehicle Identification Number is stamped into the chassis of the car before it leaves the factory. It is the manufacturer who issues the VIN. The number could be placed in different parts of the car. The common places you can find VIN are the driver’s side dashboard, the driver's side door frame, owner manual, vehicle title, etc.

What all Data VIN gives you?

A lot of necessary information on a specific car or recreational vehicle is contained in this random string of numbers and letters. When you decode a VIN number, you are unlocking the precise meaning attributed to it.

The first part (three units) is WMI. It is the sequence used to identify the country and the manufacturer. The second part, i.e. 4 to 8, is the vehicle description including the features like what kind of parts are used, airbags are there or not, are the seat belts fitted, type of class of the car and so on. The coding of this part may vary according to the manufacturer.

The remaining part is the unique validation VIN character, being the identifier. 10 to 17 of the sequence is used to identify the car type, a model of engine, mode of the car and its accessories.

Why the VIN is Important?

A vehicle’s VIN is unique and like its fingerprint. It helps you to figure out the accurate identity of a car and its history. You should know your vehicle’s VIN number and look for it on any vehicle you are planning to purchase. Car manufacturers and vehicle registration companies count on VIN numbers to identify and validate the car incisively and keeps the database with these numbers with them. Here are the best reasons why VIN is crucial regarding cars.

Purchasing used car

When you think about buying a used car instead of a new one, especially from a third-party owner, you must run a VIN check for the vehicle to ensure you are not buying a defective car. VIN gives you details on the car’s history. Car-buying websites like Carfax and AutoCheck or car dealerships may provide you with vehicle history reports. You can make sure whether the third party is upfront about the condition of the vehicle he is selling. You can also easily verify whether the vehicle had any accident history or any recalled parts have been replaced or not, or have a salvage title using the VIN number.

Safety recalls

VIN keeps records of all the vehicle recalls in its large database and can easily find out whether any parts of the vehicle have been recalled in the past. This can assist you in ensuring the safety of your vehicle as possible. Having sufficient knowledge of recalls specific to your car prevents you from accidents or injuries associated with defective parts and also protects the car manufacturer from being tangled in many lawsuits. After all, recall notices are not always sent to the right people.

Larceny or theft

What if someone stole your vehicle or any parts of it? Knowing the VIN number can be helpful as it enables you to report to the authorities and receive an immediate result. You can’t change the VIN number on a car without any troubles. Even the stolen vehicle will not carry the correct license plate with it. Furthermore, the thief may neglect the secret places where the VIN is stamped. So, identifying your vehicle and recovering it turns out to be easy with VIN number.

Insurance and Warranty Claims

While applying for an insurance quote, VIN can pull up the specificities of your vehicle. The more you know about the vehicle, the more accurate your insurance quote will be. If it is used in a car, VIN gives access to the previous insurance records and the status changes.

November 13, 2019by Josh Mitchell Josh Mitchell No Comments

6 Must-Have Emergency Tools for Your Car

Having a car is a nice thing as you get to move around from place to place quickly and with a lot of ease.

As you drive around in your vehicle, some things may arise, and you are left stranded and troubled as you have no tools to help you deal with the situation.

Such instance is what we call emergencies, and when they arise, you need to be prepared. That is why you should always keep a set of tools in your car. Here are some of the must-have emergency tools in your vehicle.

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1. First-Aid Kit

One of the most important things to keep in your car is the first aid kit. The kit comes in handy when you are on a long journey, and one of the passengers accidentally bruises or cuts himself/herself. Using the components, you can easily clean the wound, dress it, and even close it as he/she waits to see a doctor.

2. Car Jump Starter

Do I need a jump starter in my car? Well, this is one of the most common questions that car owners ask themselves, especially if their car battery has never had any failure. The best answer to this question is yes. A car jump starter is one of the essential tools to have in your car as you never know when your battery will lose power. The worst part is being stranded on the highway, and there is nothing you can do.

3. LED Torch

One equipment that should not miss in your car trunk is an LED torch. Mechanical issues with your car are bad enough; when they occur at night in the middle of nowhere, the situation gets worse. Therefore, you should try as much as possible to have a flashlight in your car to help you see in the dark and repair your car faults with ease.

4. Fix a Flat

When talking about emergency car tools, you cannot skip past fix a flat. Have you ever had a flat tire in the middle of the road, and there is no petrol station anywhere close nor any source of help? Well, this is where the fix a flat tool comes in handy. This survival tool helps you fix a flat tire in minutes. All you have to do is spray its contents on your flat tire, and it will seal any leak that is inside the tire, and you will be set to continue to your destination.

5. Shovel

One crucial vehicle emergency tool is a shovel. Having a shovel in your trunk comes in handy when you are in muddy terrain or when there is snow. With a proper shovel, you can easily dig out your vehicle tire once it is stuck in either mud or snow and continue with your journey.

6. Emergency Gas Container

If you are going for a long journey or to somewhere you have never been before, you are never sure of how much gas you need nor what amount will be enough. Therefore, you should always carry an empty emergency container so that you can fill up your tank in case you run out of gas in the middle of the highway.

Conclusion

Everybody talks about the perks of having a car, and yes, there are massive benefits that come with owning one. If you are in Canada, and you need to purchase one, contact Maritime car loans as they are skilled in car loans Canada related issues. However, you should know that not every day is a sunny day in paradise, as emergencies may arise at any time.

An effective way of preparing for emergencies is having the right tools in your car. One thing that you should not miss in your car is an emergency gas container to help you fill your gas tank when you run out, and there are no petrol stations close-by. Furthermore, you should always have a car jump starter, shovel, fix a flat, and first aid kit.