Keep Chuck Keys in Check This isn’t the most high-tech Shop Solution in the world, but it can save you hours of lost time and aggravation. Have you ever wasted time looking for your drill’s chuck key or fought chucking in a bit with the key tethered or taped to the...
"Shopping” Around One of the best ways to increase business is to make personal contact with your customers. Here is a somewhat different approach. A machine shop owner in Missouri started a program last year that he calls “Fat Friday.” Each Friday morning, he drops...
Piston Ring Gapping Tip Some of you may know this ring end gapping tip, but I have never seen it anywhere. Not even in ring package instructions. This has to do with checking the flimsy oil rail gaps. Most conventional size bores are not much of a problem. The rails...
Your Shop’s Rolling Billboard If you need to attract new customers, take a tip from many large, successful companies. Consider wrapping your company truck with advertising. A rolling billboard can create thousands of impressions per mile. Your message will be read by...
Checking Valve Heights in Solid Lifter Heads I have made a simple tool to check installed valve heights in non-adjustable solid bucket cylinder heads. The tool is a short square bar with a dial indicator affixed to the end. This allows you to use the cam journal to...
Keep Parts in Stock for More Sales Keeping popular head gasket sets, head bolt sets, piston rings, bearings and valves in stock is a proven way to make more sales. Contact your supplier and ask him what discounts you can get for placing a large stock order. Ask them...