Shop easy, work smart

If you could save just a few minutes of your time by having the right tools for a given job, what would it add up to? Fifteen minutes (sometimes the amount of time it takes just to find a lost screwdriver) a day adds up to about a week over the span of a year. And what’s that time worth to you?

There are hundreds of companies that sell thousands of products to help you work more efficiently. We can’t show you all of them, obviously, but we picked 10 that recently caught our eye. This isn’t an endorsement for the following, nor have the companies paid money or exchanged their products for exposure here. We just think they’re worthy of your time. Literally.

Body workouts made easier

To do the best job restoring a vehicle, you need to take the body off the frame, but how? The BodyMaster from FrameOff Equipment straddles the vehicle from the sides and lifts the body using the same points where the factory lifted, which reduces body flex and stress. So you don’t have to bend over, you can bring the work to you by raising the body four feet (70 inches with an extension) and then tilting it up at the front or back to the tune of 60 degrees. Prices begin at about $3,000. Head to www.frameoff.com for all the details (408-559-3752).

Change oil, not your clothes

The Oil Extractor eliminates the messy process of rolling around on the ground to change your own oil by allowing you to remove the old stuff through the dipstick tube. According to the company, all you have to do is pump the Extractor’s canister a few times to create a vacuum and the oil will automatically begin to flow. The system will hold up to seven quarts and will automatically shut off when full. The product is priced at about $65 (plus shipping) and is available through United Airlines’ skymall.com. You can also call 800-759-6255 to place your order.

Test your metal

Covell Creative Metalworking has created an educational DVD entitled TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) Welding Basics. TIG welding is the standard in welding since it produces very smooth seams with a variety of metals, including aluminum. The 80-minute program was produced by Californian Ron Covell, a serious professional who has spent most of his working life fabricating award-winning show cars, race vehicles and motorcycles. It’s worth the $40 to find out more about this magical, mystical art. You can order your video at www.covell.biz or by calling 1-800-747-4631.

A Quixx fix

To use the Quixx paint-repair system, first rub the affected area for one to two minutes (using pressure and cotton cloth) with Polish Number One. This takes care of the scratch but leaves a dull finish. Wipe off the residue with a damp sponge and go at the area again with Polish Number Two, which brings back the shine. Deeper scratches might first require “wet sanding” (the special sandpaper is included in the kit) and possibly filling the scratch with a touch-up paint pen. You can read all about it and view how-to demonstrations at www.quixx-usa.com (hyphen required). Call 1-305-261-6755.

Mousse for more than style

Multimaster North America sells a variety of cleaning products including Textile Strong Cleaner detergent for stubborn dirt, Textile Protector to prevent fatty-food and oil stains, and Ink Killer that removes ink, pen marks and oil spots. A a new product is Clean and Care Mousse intended to clean dashboard surfaces and maintain the original satin sheen while providing what the company calls “nourishment.” The product is so new that, as of this writing, is not on the company’s Web site. You can, however, visit www.mmna.com to review the company’s other products or call 800-234-8986 for more information.

Add Glare without stopping

Sold by Glare, a company that supplies all types of professional and consumer products to folks who want their vehicles to look their best, the Hurricane Cordless Buffer (not to be confused with the company’s high-speed Hurricane buffer) has a reservoir that holds special Glare polish. When it’s time to spray on more, press a button and the Hurricane electrically sprays it on and you can keep on going. The polisher sells for about $180 from Glare’s Web site (www.glare.com) while the polish sells for about $25. Call 909-594-9610 for more information.

Air-bag jack raises your ride

The Titan Exhaust Air Jack is an airbag that uses the exhaust-gas pressure from your running vehicle to fill it and thus raise the vehicle off the ground. There are three sizes (and lift capacities), starting at about $110, depending on how high you need to lift the vehicle. Just position the deflated bag beneath the vehicle and hold the funnel-like nozzle over the exhaust pipe. Tennessee-based Streamline International says it only takes about 30 seconds to lift a vehicle. The bag is incredibly stable and stays inflated for about 45 minutes and can deflate in as little as five seconds. Visit streamlineimport.com.

Better AXS to your tools

The AXS six-drawer top chest and seven-drawer roller from Craftsman has more than 150 patents pending on its design, construction and features. The first thing you notice is the backlit logo as well as the slide-out LED lights to better help you see what you’re doing. You’ll need a power outlet nearby or an extension cord to get the full benefit of this chest. As well, there are 44 different color combinations including bare stainless steel and a very cool copper look. The side pull handles are fiberglass and the large 5x2-inch wheels make for easy rolling without becoming hung up on small pebbles. AXS pricing depends on the color combo you pick, but begins at a surprisingly reasonable $1,300. Visit www.craftsman.com or call 1-847-286-2500.

Cutting metal the plasma way

The new Powermax30 plasma cutter from Hypertherm Inc. can zip through one-quarter-inch thick steel plate at a rate of 33 inches per minute and is rated to cut metal up to 3/8-inch thick. For working on the project vehicle, metal sculpting or even working on the job site, the 20-pound Powermax30 is a deal with a street price in the $1,200-$1,300 range. An optional carry case and shoulder strap show just how portable this unit really is. The 30 amp unit can actually run on household current or 230 volts, which further enhances versatility. Be sure to head over to www.hypertherm.com for more information and to take a free “Webinar.”