Pat Askren

Contributing Columnist Pat Askren is a retired Fire Chief who spends his free time building custom cars, repairing appliances and an assortment of home improvement projects. He has extensive experience using an assortment of tools from each of those categories. Pat is a text book Do-It-Yourselfer who loves getting his hands dirty and finding the right tool for the job!Pat recently opened his own "hot rod" shop where he builds and restores custom cars with friends and family. His new shop is the perfect place to test tools especially ones focused on the auto industry.In his free time he enjoys fishing and spending time with his four grandchildren.

All posts by Pat

DEWALT Air Tools Preview

DEWALT Air Tools – Designed for Automotive and Industrial Tradesmen DEWALT announced a new line of air tools for the automotive and industrial market including five new tools. We recently had a chance to take these new pneumatic tools for a “test drive” in the shop. The new tools include the following: 3/8″ Reversible Drill […]

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Proto® 1/2″ Drive Air Impact Wrench Review – Model J150WP

Proto 1/2″ Drive Air Impact Wrench J150WP Impact wrenches are one of those essential shop tools that get used and abused daily and often get taken for granted. That’s why having a powerful, reliable, comfortable air impact driver is absolutely at the top of most mechanics must have lists. We recently had the pleasure of […]

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Bosch 18V Die Grinder – Model DGSH-181 – Review

Bosch 18V Cordless Die Grinder – Model DGSH-181 As Bosch continues to expand their ever popular 18V cordless line of tools they continue to pressure the market with incredible tools. They recently sent us their all new 18V cordless die grinder, model DGSH-181. At first I was extremely skeptical about how a cordless tool would […]

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Channellock #87 Rescue Tool Review

Shorter, Lighter Design Offers First Responders Pocket-Size Rescue Tool The new Channellock #87 Rescue Tool fits a nitch that other tools in the industry don’t. This tool fits nicely in a firefighter’s turnout pocket and light enough not to hinder movement. In addition to the lighter, smaller design the following features including: The cutting tool […]

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IRWIN Vise-Grip GrooveLock Pliers Review

IRWIN Vise-Grip GrooveLock Pliers Irwin recently introduced Vise-Grip GrooveLock Pliers in three different models including the Straight Jaw, V-Jaw and Smooth Jaw. Irwin recently sent us a pair of the Straight Jaw pliers to test and share our thoughts with all of you. Features Simple push of innovative press-n-slide button adjusts lower jaw 2X faster […]

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