Wisconsin Automotive News Fall 2015

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 1

The Official Publication of the Wisconsin Auto Collision Technicians Association Ltd.

Fall 2015

PLUS:

www.grecopublishing.com

Freedom High School Auto Repair Education Update 2016 WACTAL Spring Conference Information

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 2

2

Fall 2015

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 3

2014-2015 WACTAL BOARD of DIRECTORS President Larry Terrien MJ Collision Center larry@mjcollisioncenter.com Vice President Mark Williams Williams Auto Body mark@williamsautobody.com Secretary/Treasurer Ronnie Goss Goss Auto Body, Inc. ronnie@gossautobody.com Directors James Bryhan Bryhan's Body & Paint Specialists Eileen Haberman Glen's Auto Body, Inc.

Fall 2015

Vol. 3 Number 1

CONTENTS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ........................................................5 It’s a Great Time to Be a WACTAL Member

by Larry Terrien

WACTAL “RECRUIT-A-MEMBER” PROGRAM ..................................5 LOCAL NEWS ....................................................................7 Updating Automotive Repair Education at Freedom High School

by Jacquelyn Bauman

WACTAL SPRING 2016 CONFERENCE INFORMATION ..........................9 Randy Johansson FinishMaster Art Krolikowski Reedsburg Auto Body Inc. Mike Miyagawa M & M Auto Body Inc.

FEATURE STORY ................................................................10 An Industry in Crisis? A WACTAL Round Table Discussion

by Jacquelyn Bauman

WACTAL MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ................................................13 Aerco Collision, Altoona, WI

Michael Taylor Zimbrick Chevrolet-Sun Prairie

by Jacquelyn Bauman

Tracy Black Dean’s Auto Body, Inc.

TALKING TECHNICAL ................................................................14 Torque Wrench Use and Maintenance

Association Administration Sue Peterson wactal@execpc.com / info@wactal.com (800) 366-9482 Lobbyist Jolene Plautz jplautz@aol.com

by Larry Montanez III, CDA & Jeff Lange, PE

WACTAL BENEFIT PROGRAM ..................................................17 WACTAL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION ........................................18

SAVE THE DATE!

2016 WACTAL Convention & Trade Show PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 244 Chestnut St., Suite 202 Nutley, NJ 07110 PHONE: 973-667-6922 • FAX: 973-235-1963 ADVERTISING: 973-667-6922 • alicia@grecopublishing.com PUBLISHER: Thomas Greco (thomas@grecopublishing.com)

February 26-27, 2016 Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells (More information on page 9)

DIRECTOR OF SALES: Alicia Figurelli (alicia@grecopublishing.com) MANAGING EDITOR: Jacquelyn Bauman (jacquelyn@grecopublishing.com) EDITOR: Joel Gausten (tgpjoel@verizon.net) ART DIRECTOR: Lea Velocci (lea@grecopublishing.com) OFFICE MANAGER: Donna Greco (donna@grecopublishing.com) www.grecopublishing.com Wisconsin Automotive News is published quarterly by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc., 244 Chestnut Street, Suite 202 Nutley, NJ 07110. Distributed free to qualified recipients; $48 to all others. Additional copies of Wisconsin Automotive News are available at $5 per copy.

Reproduction of any portions of this publication is specifically prohibited without written permission of the publisher. The opinions and ideas appearing in this magazine are not necessarily representations of Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. or of WACTAL. Copyright © 2015 by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. Cover image © www.istock.com

Fall 2015

ADVERTISER’S INDEX Axalta Coatings........................................OBC Morrison’s Auto Parts ..............................IFC Body Shop Supply ..................................4 P&L Consultants......................................15 Buerkle Hyundai ......................................8 Steck Manufacturing ................................16 Dentsmart ................................................15 Straight and Square ................................12 International Autos Waukesha..................8 West Bend Mutual Insurance ..................6 LKQ..........................................................IBC Zorn Compressor & Equipment ..............12 3

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 4

4

Fall 2015

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 5

President’s MESSAGE

It’s a Great Time to Be a WACTAL Member

There are many new and exciting things happening at WACTAL. First, our new website is up and running (wactal.com). Please check it out and let us know what you think! If you find any corrections that are needed or have suggestions for additions or improvements, please let us know.

We are making headway on legislative issues. Our steering bill has passed unanimously in the Senate and is now awaiting an Assembly hearing. Progress is also being made on the vehicle information label issue. We have had several positive talks with representatives of the Department of Transportation and the State Patrol. There will be more news on this in the next issue.

The most tangible, money-saving benefit available to WACTAL members is the business insurance through West Bend Mutual Insurance. This program offers a premium discount and some enhanced

Member Program

coverage. With the average savings of more than $600, this more than covers the cost of membership.

One of the newest WACTAL benefits, the Personal Concierge Program, is also now available and going well (see page 17). This is a great tool to “steer” customers to your shop before they contact someone else.

Along with other issues on the horizon (consolidators, mandated parts procurement, steering, etc.), it is now more imperative than ever for you to get involved and stay informed. It’s a great time to be a WACTAL member!

Larry Terrien President Wisconsin Auto Collision Technicians Association Ltd. (WACTAL)

WAN

“Recruit-a-Member”

For each member an existing WACTAL member recruits, the sponsoring (existing) member will receive a one-time $50 credit toward their membership dues.

There is no limit on the number of members an existing member can recruit.

If the dollar amount of the credits exceeds the sponsoring member’s annual dues, the excess amount will carry forward to subsequent years.

No monies will be paid out and credits cannot be cashed out.

Credits cannot be split amongst multiple members.

The sponsoring member’s individual and business name must be listed on the new member’s Application for Membership as the sponsoring member.

If the new member had been a WACTAL member during the prior calendar year, no commission will be allowed.

Fall 2015

This program can be rescinded or amended without prior notice. In the event the program is rescinded or amended, credits for applications received after the change will be processed under the new program. No credits will be issued if the program is rescinded.

5

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 6

6

Fall 2015

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 7

Updating Automotive Repair Education at Freedom High School In the automotive repair industry, one of the greatest goods is preparing the next generation of repairers. Yet just as the industry is ever changing, the education to create future technicians must evolve as well.

At Freedom High School in Freedom, WI, Automotive Collision Instructor Jay Abitz is struggling to properly prepare his students for the current automotive repair field when the only spray booth he has at his disposal is a cross draft spray booth that was purchased in 1972 during his father’s (Bob Abitz) tenure as an instructor. (Bob Abitz was an instructor at Freedom High School for 35 years, a fact which Jay cites as the spark for his passion towards the program.)

“The spray booth is older than I am,” Jay Abitz jokes. “It works, it’s efficient and there’s nothing wrong with it, but my kids deserve better.”

Local

NEWS

by Jacquelyn Bauman

booth have to be rerouted and moved around. Plus, the new booth is a little wider and longer than the one we currently have.”

Although the physical rearranging necessary to suit this project may sound daunting, Abitz notes that the progress is already ahead of schedule.

“When I first set out to acquire a new booth for my students, my timeline was to have it finished in 10 years,” he says. “While I’m a bit more open-ended about it now, I think we could have one within the next one to two school years.”

Every year, Abitz applies for the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s Ultimate Collision Education Makeover Grant, and according to Abitz, he has been close on a number of different occasions.

The Freedom High School collision repair program, which typically sees between 120-150 students per year, is a full program open to all students from their sophomore year forward. It is the one of the few extensive collision repair programs that is part of a general education high school as opposed to a vocational technical school.

“Our collision repair education really stands apart, in my opinion,” Abitz says. “We have a full collision repair program, in which we do

Abitz’s students currently use solvent-based paints to gain experience.

Currently in the process of making the transition to waterborne (and already equipped with a waterborne mixing system, courtesy of Sherwin-Williams), Abitz is hoping to raise the funds necessary to install a new, waterborne capable semi-downdraft spray booth in his school.

“Installing this spray booth would give my students the quality of equipment they deserve. When they go into their first job, I don’t want them to see something better than what they were trained on. I want them to be prepared and waterborne matches the standard in the industry. In the spray booth we currently have, my students are using solvent-based paints, getting experience with that process of spraying and drying.”

Abitz has been working to raise money for the new spray booth for the past five years through programs such as golf outings, car shows, soliciting businesses and more. Thanks to a donation from the Fox Valley Auto Body Association, Freedom High School is $3,000 closer to their purchase, putting them at halfway to their goal.

“With this donation, the price of the spray booth is almost completely covered,” Abitz explains. “However, the expensive part of the process is the installation. We have to take the old booth down and some heating, electrical and lighting components above the potential

Fall 2015

In addition to collision repair, students learn restoration and custom work. hands-on training on simulated repairs, and yet we do live work as well.

We work on the students’ cars, on faculty cars and on cars in the community. This teaches students how to repair the vehicles to get back out on the road. To do that kind of work in this setting is amazing. Plus, we also do restoration, custom work and more. I try to expose them to a lot of different facets of this industry.”

The program and the after school auto club at Freedom High School have both been featured from February to July in Popular Mechanics (popularmechanics.com/cars/a16861/the-freedom-highauto-club/).

For those that are interested in helping to advance the goals of Freedom High School and who might like to donate, contact Jay Abitz at (920) 788-7940 extension 1355 or email him at jabitz@freedom schools.k12.wi.us.

WAN

7

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 8

8

Fall 2015

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 9

WACTAL Spring 2016 Conference

February 26-27, 2016 Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells S3214 County Road BD Baraboo, WI 53913 (800) 746-2486

Thanks to our sponsors!

BASF Morrison’s Auto Parts (morrisonsauto.com) Motors Service & Supply (motorsservice.com) I-CAR classes being held are as follows: NEW16-Vehicle Technology and Trends 2016 APR01-Aluminum Exterior Panel Repair & Replacement FOM01-Automotive Foam CPS01-Corrosion Protection WKR01-Hazardous Materials, Personal Safety & Refinish Safety CYC01-Overview of Cycle Time Improvements for the Collision Repair Process Featuring our speaker program, “Building Relationships”

by Bill Morrison, owner of Morrison’s Auto Parts

Have you felt like you have lost control of your company?

Have you felt like you no longer know what to expect day by day from your company? If so, and you have a couple of hours to spend, we have the answer for you. This two-hour session will be based around OUR words to build sales and run more efficiently in 2016.

The first segment will focus on building customer relationships and understanding what your customers’ expectations are from your company.

The second segment is about building vendor and team relationships, teaching you how to understand what your vendors and team members expect from you and what you should expect from them.

Fall 2015

Morrison’s Auto Parts is a Wisconsin family-run auto-recycling business.

Bill is a hands-on day to day operations owner. He believes what he has learned over the past 30 years applies to the body shop industry, as well as the auto-recycling industry. With over 60 team members at Morrison’s Auto Parts, he faces the same challenges and feels every day offers a new learning experience.

9

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 10

Feature

STORY

By Jacquelyn Bauman

An Industry in Crisis?

A WACTAL Round Table Discussion

The state of the Wisconsin automotive repair industry is currently at a precipice. With the height of insurer interference in daily business, multi-shop organizations and franchises on the horizon and rapidly updating vehicle technology, many in the local automotive repair field are feeling tumultuous. Wisconsin Automotive News recently sat down with WACTAL Board members Larry Terrien (president), Mark Williams (vice president), Ronnie Goss (secretary), Art Krolikowski and Michael Taylor to discuss some of the major events happening in the industry and what might be done to improve the things that need fixing.

Wisconsin Automotive News: What would you say is the current state of the Wisconsin automotive repair industry?

Michael Taylor: I think this is a difficult question in a broad sense to answer because Wisconsin is a big area. What happens in Madison is very different than what might be happening in Milwaukee. The one thing I think is common is that no matter what, the industry is very competitive.

Art Krolikowski: Personally, I think our industry is in dire straights and headed for disaster. Insurance companies are not paying us what they should and it’s a huge problem in our field. Mechanical guys are getting well over $90 an hour for their work, yet us collision repairers are struggling to get close to $60! Why is that? Insurer interference. Not only do they refuse to pay a reasonable Labor Rate, but they often don’t pay for necessary procedures to properly repair a vehicle. It’s almost impossible to make any sort of a profit, let alone the kind of money necessary to train your technicians, properly pay them or update your equipment and tools for the more sophisticated cars coming out on the road. It’s a big problem.

Mark Williams: I definitely do think that the overall industry in Wisconsin is probably behind the rest of the country. I serve on the ICAR National Board, I attend NACE and I talk to shops across the country and the things happening in Wisconsin are way behind what they’re doing in other states. Everything from education to vehicle trends to consolidators. We’re way off mark right now.

Larry Terrien: Most of the more rural areas of the country like us haven’t gotten hit with the high volume MSO shops as much as the higher populated areas of the country have because the culture of the rural Midwest values personal relationships and quality craftsmanship.

People out here like the feel of a smaller, local business, knowing they’re treated like family and not just as a number. The industry overall 10

has gotten better as far as quality repairs due to consumer awareness, social media and technician training. Unfortunately, as far as shop rates and technician salaries, they haven’t kept up with the increases that we see in other industries. Shop rates and technician pay have increased but only at a slow pace, being aggressively suppressed by insurance companies.

Ronnie Goss: I think the repair industry in Wisconsin is holding on, just like our economy. We are working harder trying to get more done with less; the cash flow just isn’t there to buy all the equipment one might want. I think the quality of the repair has gotten better through education of the technician and the insurance company; however, there is still room for improvement. With that being said, how can we put aftermarket parts on a car that still has a warranty, or on a lease vehicle?

WAN: What would you say is the biggest challenge currently facing automotive repairers in Wisconsin?

MW: Without a doubt the biggest challenge is insurance companies. It’s difficult getting them to do the right thing for the customers, which is hard with the way they’re taking advantage of shops right now. Many of the things we’re facing in Wisconsin aren’t happening in other states and I think legislation has a lot to do with it. As an association, we’re actively pursuing legislation to deal with what insurers are ramming down our throats.

AK: I agree that insurers are our biggest problem. Everything stems from their inability to pay us sufficiently for the work that we do. If there’s an issue with training it’s because we can’t afford it. If there’s an issue with getting new technicians into the field, it’s because salaries are low. If we’re improperly tooled or equipped, it’s because we can’t make any investments in the new products on the market. It all comes down to not getting paid what we deserve. At my shop, we’ve come to terms with the fact that our Labor Rate isn’t going to be fair, so we’ve put a lot of our focus on just arguing to get paid for the necessary work that we do. Even that is a challenge.

LT: I don’t think there’s anyone who would disagree with the fact that insurance companies are the biggest thorn in our sides right now. Many don’t pay for what needs to be done to repair a vehicle back to precrash condition. We are usually able to get close to our initial estimate in the end, but it takes many hours of administrative work and sometimes arguing to get paid for obvious procedures that are required.

Fall 2015

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 11

RG: This was by far the easiest question. The Labor Rates are definitely the biggest challenge. Without an increase in Labor Rates, there is no new equipment, there are no new technicians, no new, young shop owners, etc., which the industry needs. The industry is working so hard though that people don’t take the time to tackle these issues together.

Our field is the path we all chose in life, yet all I hear is people complaining. Let’s try to make it better! This is where the association can Our association is only as strong as our membership, and we could use some help.

MT: I think there are a lot of different pressures being applied to us.

Regardless, the shrinking profits are causing difficulty in employee retention, the ability to invest in equipment and training, maintaining a facility and more. That has a direct effect on repair shops.

WAN: What has been the impact of the aluminum-intensive 2015 Ford F-150 now that it’s been out on the roads for a year?

LT: The impact has been negligible at this point. There was a lot of hype with the introduction of the F-150, but we’ve been working on aluminum panels for years. I just see this as a gradual transition. Some shops have jumped in with both feet and are now just waiting for the aluminum work to come in the door, but most shops are converting little by little or taking a wait-and-see approach.

RG: I don’t know of any independent shops that have made this investment. The local dealerships near me had to, however.

AK: Even my local Ford dealership isn’t going to do it. He’s planning on subletting the work because even he doesn’t have the money to invest the training, tools and equipment. I’m in truck country so I’m worried about it. They haven’t come through my doors yet but I know I’ll have to turn them away if they do.

MT: I think a few shops have made the investment into repairing aluminum. It’s going to take a few years to get a return on the investments.

MW: Over the one-year period that the vehicle has been out on the road, not much has changed.The cost of equipment has to come down before we jump onto those purchases. Structural repairs on aluminum are so few and far between that it doesn’t pay to invest in that equipment until the price comes down.

WAN: Where do you see the industry in the next 10 years or so?

MT: Generally, I think we’re going to get more involved with the OEMs. I think we’re going to need repair procedures from them and there will be a lot of certification from each manufacturer. Plus, I see a lot of consolidation of both body shops and suppliers. That’s my perception at this point.

AK: I don’t see it looking good. It’s not fun being in this industry anymore. I have to fight every day to get the bare minimum of what I deserve. I think down the road, MSOs and franchises are going to swallow up the little guy.

MW: I’m a little more optimistic about it. I think it depends on what happens with legislation that we currently have proposed in the state that will hopefully be approved. In the short term, it’s hard to see what the future of the industry could be. These two pieces of legislation – one on Fall 2015

steering and one on replacing VIN labels – could have drastic implications if both pass or if one of them passes and not the other. At the worst, we remain at the status quo. Our legislation on anti-steering passed the Senate and will be in the Assembly in November. It’s the first step in the battle.

RG: If the industry stays on course, we will see fewer shops. There will be less technicians and more total losses. Think about it. When was the last time you called a TV repairman?

LT: I think the industry will continue to see an expansion of MSOs, especially in larger cities. We will continue to see attrition of smaller shops that cannot or will not keep up with the training and equipment necessary for repairing newer vehicles. As vehicles become more complex, continued training will be increasingly important, both for front office staff and shop technicians. The industry will perform more parts replacements than repairs as cars become more modular and parts become more fragile, breaking in accidents instead of bending as they do with things like carbon fiber, aluminum, etc.

WAN: What are you doing, both personally and as an association, to improve the status of the Wisconsin automotive service industry?

LT: We communicate with other shops through local relationships and the association, as well as through social media such as Facebook and LinkedIn groups. Shops need to view each other as colleagues, not competitors. It’s important to keep positive communication with our partners in the industry.

MT: On a shop level, what we’re doing to improve the industry is hiring vocational school students to mentor them and get them ready for the market. They might not end up working here, but we’re working to contribute to their education. Everyone in the industry needs technicians, and if we can grow them, that’s important.

MW: Personally, I am trying to get information from other states by serving on other boards, and I’m bringing back the information to let the WACTAL Board know what’s happening. As an association, we work to get different speakers and events to get the information out. We talk to other shop owners, let them know what they’re missing and what’s going on in the industry at large. We try to disseminate the information through these events, but we’re trying to get more people to attend.

There’s no harm in being educated. It can only help you.

AK: Exactly. We put on seminars every year, but the problem we’re having is getting shops to participate. Of course, people show up, but not at the amount they should be. I don’t know why. We’re trying to make the industry better, but without the participation of our members, it’s difficult.

RG: I’m a second-generation shop owner and my dad always told me things get done by people who show up. That’s why, when he retired, I took his position as a WACTAL director, and now I’m an officer. I donate my time to the local I-CAR committee and I’m on the local technical college advisory board. This industry is tough and all we hear is negativity.

However, if you were to ask people who have retired from this industry or spent any time in it, I think you would find they are very proud of it. I know I am.

WAN 11

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 12

12

Fall 2015

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 13

Aerco Collision Altoona, WI

Recently under new management, Aerco Collision has been through quite a bit in the past few months. Wisconsin Automotive News caught up with new owner Shawn Kloss to find out about the business and what the future holds for this Altoona-based shop.

Wisconsin Automotive News: How did you get involved in automotive repair?

Shawn Kloss: My uncle, John Kloss, did work out of his garage for friends and family, and I had spent a lot of time at his house in the summer. In my early teens, I helped him with sanding and prepping and just loved it. That was how I got involved at a young age, doing work for my uncle at his garage. When I was 17, I dropped out of school and turned to washing dishes to support myself, but when I got sick of that, I got a job in a body shop. It was the first time I was prepping cars and getting a paycheck for it.

Remembering back to that time working with my uncle helped spark my passion for this. I worked in and out of different shops for years when I moved out to New Mexico, but when I came back to Wisconsin, no one knew me so I had to start from scratch. I started attending Chippewa Valley Technical College when I was 21, and got an apprenticeship at a CARSTAR part time while I went to school. I was in and out of body shops again for a bit before settling at a different CARSTAR location. I was a full blooded combo man there, doing both body and paint work, but I wanted to learn more. My opportunities there were limited.

After five years of employment, I met the current owner of Aerco Collision, Rod Koplitz, at an airbrush clinic in town that I had attended.

When I met him, I didn’t know he was there looking for a painter. My ambition and desire to learn more made my decision in coming on board at Aerco. I started as a lead painter, but I wanted to get more into the business in general. Slowly, I worked to learn more and more, and Rod gave me plenty of opportunities as well. An estimator Fall 2015

WACTAL MEMBER

SPOTLIGHT

by Jacquelyn Bauman

here moved on so I learned that and took over that role, eventually becoming shop foreman several years later. I became a leader and worked my way into my very recent past position as manager, which has helped me to achieve my lifelong dream of owning my own shop.

WAN: You took over the shop from Rod Koplitz on September 29. What are your goals as new owner of Aerco Collision?

Back row: Travis Jenson, David Pritzl, Dave Johnson, Bruce SK: I want to focus on giving Konkel; front row: Jerry Chang, Holli and Dani Kloss (Shawn’s back to the community, as well wife and daughter), Shawn Kloss and Jessica Headley (office as on the people we have here manager) moving forward. I’m a firm WAN: What’s your favorite thing about the believer that if we focus on the people in the work that you do? building, then the cars and customers coming SK: The people that I work with. I get the most in are properly taken care of. One day, I’d like enjoyment out of watching the people around to open another location; the possibilities are me grow. I had a previous employee here for endless. But first and foremost, I want to work eight years named Dave Pritzl. He started on getting our technicians involved in the com- here as an apprentice while he was studying munity and doing what we can for the people at a tech school. Now he’s a full-blown body around us. repair technician. He had left the shop a while

WAN: What do you think sets Aerco Collision apart from other shops in the area?

SK: Our customer service, for one. We currently have eight employees and we’re looking to grow and add a couple soon. We’re not a huge shop and we’re not a small shop, either we’re right in the middle when it comes to our size - but our employees and our business tend to be more willing to accommodate customers for certain types of repairs. We have the ability to work with customers for what they’re looking for, and we do more than just collision repair. If a car comes in for repairs, we might also change their oil, for instance.

That’s how we get so much repeat business.

We thrive off families who are customers who come back and recommend us to their kids or family members.

back, but came back to employment with us when he found out I was taking over as the owner. I watched him improve professionally and seeing him go from a single guy to having a baby, raising a family and buying a house is so rewarding. I love seeing people grasp new things and grow both personally and professionally. Plus, I also love helping the customers and doing everything I can to put a smile on their faces.

WAN: What would you say have been some of your biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?

SK: Being in middle management was the biggest challenge for me. I’m outspoken and ambitious and keeping the ideas that I had to myself and keeping them contained was hard.

continued on page 16

13

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 14

Talking

TECHNICAL

By Larry Montanez III, CDA and Jeff Lange, PE

Torque Wrench Use and Maintenance

We hear a lot about aluminum repair and procedures. Many of us have been repairing steel vehicles (and even some composite vehicles) for years. One thing we see overlooked 99 percent of the time is torque wrench usage when installing body and structural components. It seems that most technicians know that a torque wrench is required for steering, suspension and engine repair, but many do not realize the importance of using torque wrenches for body repairs. Aluminum components such as (but not limited to) doors, deck lids, hoods and bumper reinforcements can all be damaged from over-tightening during installation. Following the OEM’s torque ratings and procedures is paramount to ensuring the aluminum panels do not become damaged, warped or embedded into steel components, which will cause galvanic corrosion. Many of today’s steel-intensive vehicles contain aluminum bumper reinforcements and hood panels. Additionally, many may also have aluminum deck lids and door assemblies, so care must always be taken during the installation process. When you finally decide that the proper thing to do is to use a torque wrench, you will need to understand their operational use and maintenance. Let’s take a look at some torque wrench information.

A torque wrench is a precision instrument designed to apply a specific amount of force to a fastener (nut or bolt) to ensure it stays in place and does not back off or become loose.

Whether tightening head bolts on an automobile engine, attaching engine accessory components, replacing or adjusting steering and suspension components (or lugs for tire and rim installation), inspecting fastener tolerances on high-performance equipment or fastening aluminum or composite body components, it is extremely important that proper care is used and you adhere to tolerances.

Guidelines noting acceptable torque ranges, the order in which specific fasteners are tightened and the number of times a fastener must be tightened and loosened to ensure uniform torque application are typically provided. In some cases, a fastener may 14

require a torque to angle or a combination of a torque to value/torque to angle followed by another torque to value. Failure to properly torque fasteners can lead to equipment damage, personal injury or – worse – a component failure.

It is important to follow acceptable maintenance and use practices, such as (but not limited to) the following: Safety glasses or goggles and gloves should be worn at all times when using any hand tool.

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding torque direction, proper force, torque pattern/sequence, use or non-use of lubrication on fasteners, torque “tighten/release” cycles and torque to angle values.

Do not exceed the recommended working range of the torque wrench. Reliable measurements are based on a percentage of the working range. In general, most mechanical wrenches have a useable range from 20 percent to 100 percent of full scale. Most electronic wrenches have a useable range from 10 percent to 100 percent of full scale. Read all instructions prior to operating the torque device.

Do not use accessories or handle extensions unless specifically allowed by the torque wrench manufacturer.

Always take the time to inspect the tool and check for worn or cracked sockets. Remember to properly lubricate and replace any worn or inoperative torque wrench components.

Avoid dropping, sliding or striking a torque wrench. Dropping a torque wrench on a hard surface can cause the instrument to lose reliable calibration. If you suspect that a wrench has been dropped, have the tool inspected by the manufacturer or reputable calibration service. Additionally, never use a

torque wrench to “break free” corroded fasteners.

Always store a torque wrench in a protective case and/or location when not in use.

Avoid exposure to temperature extremes, high humidity, fluid immersion and corrosive environments. Never clean the tool with caustic fluids such as lacquer thinners or gasoline.

If using a click-type torque wrench, always store it at the lowest level on the scale to prevent loading the spring.

Avoid marking, etching or placing labels on torque wrenches.

Use a torque wrench to apply a specific torque value during the final assembly process. Do not use a torque wrench as the primary means of tightening or loosening fasteners; that’s what breaker bars and ratchets are intended for.

As most torque wrenches are length specific, always grasp the torque wrench in the center of the handle. If two hands need to be used, place one hand on top of the other.

Make sure the tool does not slip and cause you to fall off balance and impact your hands.

Apply torque in a slow, methodical manner and avoid sudden, “jerking” type movements or forcing the wrench to tighten a stubborn fastener.

When the wrench signals (by clicking, beeping or lights) that a specific torque has been reached, stop applying force immediately.

Snap-On warns that “after 5000 cycles or up to one year of use, whichever comes first, have your torque wrench inspected and recalibrate by the manufacturer or reputable calibration service.”

Fall 2015

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 15

With proper care, a high-quality torque wrench should provide accurate measurements for many years, if you adhere to what is in this article. Remember that torque wrenches are precision instruments; care must be taken not only in their use, but also in their applications, storage and maintenance.

HOT TIPS Calibration: Torque wrenches come from the factory calibrated, but almost every manufacturer recommends checking the calibration once every year. There are testers that you can purchase to ensure your torque wrench is accurate.

Storage: All torque instruments should be stored in their original cases. This will prevent them from becoming damaged and will keep them dry and dust/moisture free. “Clicker� type wrenches must be stored with the lowest possible setting.

Usage: Inspect the tool visually before and after every use. Look for any signs of corrosion, bends or wear. Also check for any binding or rough operation.

COMMON REASONS FOR FAILURE Use and abuse: The more use and wear, the more maintenance that it will require.

Dropping the wrench will damage it and change the calibration. Never use a pipe extension or hit the wrench with a hammer.

Improper storage: Storing the wrench in a drawer without its case will cause other tools to impact it during the opening and closing of the drawer. Additionally, technicians have a tendency to toss some tools in their drawers, and this could impact the wrench.

Moisture is always an issue.

Fall 2015

continued on page 16

15

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 16

WACTAL Member

Talking

SPOTLIGHT

TECHNICAL

continued from pg. 13

continued from pg. 15

You have the owner on one end of you and the technicians on the other, which makes it tough to balance. It’s a fine line. But taking input from both the ownership and the people you’re managing helps.

Going through their eyes and seeing myself as they see me has made me better at what I do. I value that constructive criticism on both ends because it helped me get to where I am. It’s not always easy to hear what they have to say, often it’s stuff you don’t want to hear, but ultimately it helps you improve.

WAN: Where do you see the industry going in the next 10 years or so?

SK: Honestly, it can go in so many different directions. With the new technology going into cars, the electronics and aluminum, there is so much to have to keep up with. Even on the technical end with things like waterborne, things change so quickly and people have to try to keep up with what’s coming. There are MSOs on the horizon and franchises coming in and buying out the little guys. We personally hope to maintain a steady stream of growth and expansion on our end to keep someone from coming in and buying us out. It’s hard to say where the industry is ultimately going to go; there’s always something coming up to surprise you. GM’s MyPriceLink.com initiative (where they are going to stop including list prices)... that came out of nowhere. Not many of us saw that coming. You just have to be able to adapt quickly, which is true of any industry.

Improper maintenance and care: Failure to properly store and calibrate your torque wrench will lead to incorrect readings. You should never fail to repair the wrench when it is not operating properly.

We hope this article has explained the proper way to use torque wrenches, maintenance and applications. As always, feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Larry Montanez III, CDA is co-owner of P&L Consultants with Peter Pratti, Jr. P&L Consultants works with collision repair shops on estimating,production and proper repair procedures. P&L conducts repair workshops on MIG & resistance welding, measuring for estimating and advanced estimating skills. P&L also conducts investigations for insurers and repair shops for improper repairs, collision repairability and estimating issues. P&L can be reached by contacting Larry at (718) 891-4018 (office), (917) 860-3588 (cell), (718) 646-2733 (fax) or via email at larrygoju@aol.com. The P&L website is www.PnLEstimology.com.

Jeff Lange, PE is president of Lange Technical Services, Ltd. of Deer Park, NY www.LangeTech.net. Jeff is a Licensed New York State Professional Engineer who specializes in investigating vehicle and component failures. Lange Technical Services, Ltd. is an investigative engineering firm performing forensic vehicle examinations and analysis for accident reconstruction, products liability and insurance issues. Jeff can be reached at (631) 667-6128 or by email at Jeff.Lange@LangeTech.net.

WAN

WAN: What do you like to do in your spare time away from the shop?

SK: My wife, Holli, and I love spending time with our four-and-a-half year old daughter, Dani. We’re an active family so we spend a lot of time outside. Right now, Dani is learning how to ride a bike and she’s enrolled in gymnastics. My favorite thing is watching her grow up. We also like to snowmobile in the winter time as a family and spend time on the water in the summer. I go duck and pheasant hunting in the fall. We go to church on Saturday mornings and on Sunday evenings, and we work on giving back to the community through that. We live a simple life; we’re not looking to get rich in this business. We just want to give back to the community by owning a business. I think that helps to set us apart.

WAN: Who have been some of your biggest influences, personally and professionally?

SK: The biggest influence is my stepfather. The way he carries himself as a person and as a professional has had a profound impact on my life. Plus, I’m greatly impacted by my wife and my daughter’s support. I couldn’t have done this without them.

WAN

16

Fall 2015

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 17

Fall 2015

17

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 18

WISCONSIN AUTO COLLISION TECHNICIANS ASSOCIATION, LTD. W226 S1742 State Road 164 S Waukesha, WI 53186 PH: 262-542-7707 or 800-366-9472 FAX: 262-542-0906 info@wactal.com

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP Business Name ______________________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________________________ City ______________________________________

State ______________Zip ______________________

Contact ____________________________________

Title__________________________________________

Phone ____________________________________

Fax __________________________________________

Email ______________________________________________________________________________________ Preference for communications from WACTAL: Number of Employees (including owners):

Number of years in business: __________________

Email

Fax

Technicians______

Mail

Office______

Date of Application: ____________________________

I hereby apply for membership in the Wisconsin Auto Collision Technicians Association, Ltd. I promise to abide by the association’s By-Laws and Code of Ethics. I understand that any signs, decals or emblems provided by the association remain the property of the association, and I agree to return them to the association upon termination of membership. I understand that the use of the association logo and identification is authorized only as long as my membership is maintained.

Authorized Signature __________________________________________________________________________ DUES: Membership dues are based on the number of employees, including active officers, partners & owners.

Part-time employees count as 1/2. Annual dues schedule is as follows:

Sole Owner, No Employees 2-4 Employees 5-9 Employees

$145 $235 $275

10-15 Employees 16-19 Employees 20-29 Employees

$325 $375 $445

30+ Employees Associate Member School Member

$495 $250 $250

WACTAL accepts Mastercard & VISA. Contact the WACTAL office if you wish to make payment with Mastercard or VISA.

Sponsoring Member __________________________________________________________________________________

03/2013

18

Fall 2015

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:57 PM Page 19

Fall 2015

19

WAN Fall 2015 1-20.qxp_* December AASP 10/26/15 6:58 PM Page 20