Mandeville's Musing: Something New
By Denny Mandeville, AAM, Canyon Automotive, Sedona, AZ
http://asaaz.org/canyonauto/

Every now and then a new tool comes around which looks like it might save the world -- or at least the day. And even more infrequently, you get to meet the actual inventor. Today I met Buck Jones, from Payson, who has created a tool, because his own dump trucks were down too long (real expensive) for a fairly common repair: broken axle studs in the hubs. These are not the bolts holding the axle to the hub, as found on light duty trucks, but studs holding the axle to the hub on medium and heavy duty trucks. So, you guys (like me) who only do 3/4 to 1 1/2 ton trucks can tune this out, as his set will not fit any of those axles.

Mr. Jones has created the right jigs to fit all the common axles found on trucks today, allowing a drill bit (supplied) to be centered on the broken stud. It is this centering device which prevents further damage to the hub during the drilling, and removal, of the broken stud(s). I am passing this on to those who do heavy truck repair because it looks slick, looks like it will perform as advertised, and appears to have a level of quality required to hold up to repeated use. Jim Edmonds, of Travelin'' Auto (928-474-1753) can provide a testimonial.

The address, for more information, is Buck Jones Enterprises, 2405 West Graff Dr. Payson, AZ  85541, phone number is 928-474-0832. AND, he has a web site http://www.removestuds.com/.

 Buck is ready to demonstrate his tool to anyone who shows an interest, or need. Give him a call, set up an appointment. Even if you don't work on trucks, but know someone who does, let that someone in on you new-found knowledge. Everyone benefits when we share.

THE ROADRUNNER
Published by the Automotive Service Association of Arizona Inc.