PTEN_0821 - 8

Keep holding on
Why can't we just let go of certain items,
whether it be our cars, a tool, or a Slap-Chop?
By Amanda Silliker, Editor
ASilliker@EndeavorB2B.com
I
recently walked into a small
local automotive repair shop
and felt like I took a step
back in time. Some of the tools
around the shop looked like they
were out of a museum, the signs
on the wall could have been on a
'60s movie set, and the cars in
the bays were both at least 15
years old. Now, I'm a sucker for
nostalgia, especially anything
to do with cars, and a lot of the
stuff in this shop was actually
pretty cool. But it did get me
thinking: Why do people hold on
to their stuff for so long?
Having recently spent the weekend
unpacking into my new home, I came
across many items that I have been holding
on to for too long, but I just can't let
go. Some things hold sentimental value
and I can't imagine getting rid of, such as
my late grandfather's favorite baseball cap,
but other items are a head-scratcher as to
why I keep them, such as a Slap-Chop I got
at a Christmas gift exchange. What have
you been holding on to for too long? Is it a
particular tool that's not quite up to snuff
anymore but that you just can't part with?
Is it a random item that is just collecting
dust in your closet but you can't seem to
let it go? Or is it your own vehicle that you
have spent countless hours repairing, but
really is nearing the end of its lifespan?
If it's the latter, you're not alone. We
know people are holding on to their vehicles
longer nowadays, but why? Of course
there's the argument that it's because of the
pandemic and people are not driving as
much, so why would they need a new car?
But is there something more to it? Are we
holding on to our vehicles because they are
filled with great memories from road trips
with friends and family and they provide
some much-needed familiarity in these
uncertain times?
While we might all have different reasons
for holding on too long, or not ever
really know ourselves why we can't part
with something, I say it's a great trend for
technicians and shop owners - older cars
simply need more repairs. And doesn't that
mean you likely need a new tool (or two) to
get these jobs done? Take a look at the new
products on page 10 and see if something
sparks your interest.
On page 52, we are highlighting the
power tools and air tools that have come
across our desks this year. It's hard to say
no to a new power tool!
Also in this issue, we are announcing
the winners of our annual Innovation
Awards whose stand-out products
increase a technician's productivity on
the job. Congratulations to all the winners!
(See page 20.)
In his Diagnostic Tech column on
page 16, Scott Brown explores the pros
and cons of both OEM and aftermarket
scan tools. A scan tool is a big purchase,
so take the time to make the right
decision. If you haven't already, download
our Scan Tool Spec Guide (www.
VehicleServicePros.com/21223134) to
help you compare and contrast the features
offered by many scan tools on the
market today.
PTEN EDITORIAL
ADVISORY BOARD
TECHNICIANS
JOHN HARRIS,
Brooks-Huff Goodyear, Timonium MD
ERIC MOORE,
DeMary Trucks, Columbus, OH
LOU FORT,
K.A.R.S. Inc., Huntingburg, IN
SHOP OWNERS
TANNER BRANDT,
CEO of Autodiag Clinic, Welford, SC
PHIL FOURNIER,
Phil's Auto Clinic, Hemet, CA
JD GOAD,
Goad's Body Shop, Lexington, VA
EDWIN HAZZARD,
Southeast Mobile Tech, Goose Creek, SC
BARRY HOYLAND,
VSSCA, Camarillo, CA
PETE RUDLOFF,
Pete's Garage Inc., Newark, DE
EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS
CHAD SCHLEY,
FACEBOOK
facebook.com/
ptenmagazine
TWITTER
@VehicleSrvcPros
LINKEDIN
linkedin.com/company/
professional-equipment-tool-news
INSTAGRAM
@ptenmagazine
YOUTUBE
youtube.com/user/
vehicleservicepros
Schley Products/SP Tools
JIM O'HARA,
Clore Automotive
8 PTEN AUGUST 2021 VehicleServicePros.com
http://www.VehicleServicePros.com/21223134 http://www.instagram.com/ptenmagazine http://www.youtube.com/user/vehicleservicepros http://www.twitter.com/VehicleSrvcPros http://www.linkedin.com/company/professional-equipment-tool-news http://www.facebook.com/ptenmagazine http://www.VehicleServicePros.com
PTEN_0821

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