April_2022 - 61

Thexton
Circuit Energizer
Reviewed by Brin Kline shop owner/
technician at Assured Auto Works
in Melbourne, Florida.
Q: How did the tool function
as far as saving you time?
A: There are three test lead options that
can be swapped quickly due to the connector
design. Perhaps the biggest benefit is
having three switch positions. The default
position is off but switching between left
and right will allow for reversing polarity
to the component being tested.
Q: How has using this tool impacted
your shop's profitability?
A: Being able to provide battery voltage
and/or a ground path to a component for
testing purposes is not a new concept but
having the ability to swap out between the
three provided test lead options can and
has been a time saver. Efficiency = profitability.
But again, being able to switch
polarity due to the multi-switch position
means not having to change the lead configuration
during the test.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Thexton Circuit Energizer,No.
852, designed to help technicians
diagnose motors, actuators, solenoids
and more. This tool uses a 12V
power source that most technicians
already have, the company says.
The tool allows users to disconnect a
component from the circuit and test
it independently. The tool includes a
set of Female 2.8mm terminal leads,
set of Female .250 " Faston terminals,
two alligator clips, and red and black
back probes.
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Q: What kind of setup was involved
before using the product?
A: No setup is required other than removing
the product from the packaging and
getting familiar with the tool.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: The Thexton Circuit Energizer, No.
852, is very easy to use.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it
come with any accessories?
A: Disposable packaging. The tool came
with three test lead adapters and two alligator
clip/back probes.
Q: Was there a manual included?
A: Yes, it came with a manual. The tool
is self-explanatory so although it's nice to
have the manual, I don't think it would be
required in most cases.
Q: What features did you like?
A: I like the interchangeable test leads and
the ability to change the polarity.
Q: Is there any way you could think
to improve or add to this tool?
A: I would like to see longer battery/power
source leads. The battery/power source
leads are about two feet long.
I'd also love to see Thexton come out
with an upgraded version that can have
an option for pulse width activation as
opposed to just an on and off activation.
Last but not least, it would be a deal
changer if Thexton could add one more
test lead with banana leads. Most test lead
kits have banana leads.
Q: What types of jobs did
you use this tool for?
A: We tested radiator fans, blower motors,
window motors, and even a variable cam
timing solenoid.
Q: How does this tool compare to
other tools you've used like it?
A: I have used similar products that measure
and display circuit activity along with
other test functions. The interchangeable
test leads and the ability to quickly reverse
polarity is what sets this tool apart. Other
tools I've used will reverse polarity to the
test probe but the ground lead is always a
ground lead.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would
you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: 8. There are other component activation
tools on the market but this one does have
some features that make owning one nice.
This is just another great tool to add to
your arsenal.
BRIN KLINE is the owner of Assured
Auto Works in Melbourne,
Florida, an automotive general
repair business with a mobile
diagnostic and module programming
division. Kline also teaches
for Carquest Technical Institute and Trained by
Techs, is a member of the Automotive Service
Association's Mechanical Operations Committee,
and president of the Automotive Service Association
of Florida.
This product was given to the reviewer free of charge from the manufacturer.
www.VehicleServicePros.com APRIL 2022 PROFESSIONAL TOOL & EQUIPMENT NEWS 61
http://www.vehicleservicepros.com http://www.VehicleServicePros.com
April_2022

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