Technician’s name: Chris Young
Shop: Dalton Collision Inc.
Location: Blaine, Tennessee
Chris Young is an ASE certified collision repair technician and is I-CAR Pro-Level 3 Platinum certified. Young also attended Car-O-Liner frame school and is aluminum, GMA MIG, silicon bronze and steel structural welding certified. “I’ve always had a passion for working on cars since I was a kid,” Young says. He took auto mechanics in high school and has worked for Dalton Collision since 2011.
1. Car-O-liner CTR12000 Automatic Spot Welding System
“[This tool is] a squeeze-resistant spot welder that auto senses metal thickness and has a variety of interchangeable arm attachments,” Young says.
2. Polyvance Nitro Fuzer Welding System, No. 6059-C
This welding system comes with everything needed to perform fast, strong plastic repairs on virtually any type of plastic, the company says. Young says he uses this system for welding everything from ABS plastics to polypropylene bumpers. Young uses an older version of this tool, the 6057.
3. Pro Spot SP-5 Smart MIG Welder
The SP-5 Smart MIG Welder features a synergic mode where the microprocessor controls optimal arc stability and weld quality, the company says. “It can weld steel, aluminum and silicon bronze, plus stick and TIG weld, all in one machine,” Young notes.
4. Car-O-Liner Vision Electronic Measuring System
This precision measuring device is driven by award-winning software with more than 16,000 data sheets developed in-house. “This system offers pinpoint accuracy when measuring a vehicle’s upper and lower body,” Young says.
5. Snap-on Tools 1/4” MicroLithium Cordless Ratchet, No. CTR725
This ratchet provides a high manual breakaway torque and rotational speeds of up to 350 rpm to remove and install bolts quickly. Young appreciates that this tool makes disassembly and assembly of vehicles faster and fits into hard-to-reach areas.
6. 3M Hookit Sanding Blocks
“I have these in all different shapes and sizes,” Young says. “They fit the contours of most vehicles, and make filler work a lot easier.”
7. Snap-on Tools Heavy Duty Air Hammer, No. PH3050B
The PH3050B includes dual elastomer cushions to absorb shock and vibration, a direct multi-port front exhaust to keep air and debris away from the user and a four-position built-in air regulator to vary power for different applications. Young uses this tool to split spot welds and remove damaged welds on body panels.
8. Wurth Welding Clamp Set
This set is designed as an alternative to conventional vice grips and offers quick fastening and loosening clamps for improved time savings. “It works the same as vice grips, but allows you to shut doors to fit when replacing quarter panels, or deck lids when replacing tail panels, to ensure proper fit before welding,” Young says.
9. 3M File Belt Sander, No. 33575
The File Belt Sander is designed for cutting and finishing work in body repair, and features a rotatable housing that allows the tool to be used in tight spaces. Young appreciates that this tool can cut through spot welds quickly and won’t shower the user with sparks.
10. Snap-on Crud Thug
“This tool strips seam sealers, paint, rust and even double-sided tape on moldings with ease,” Young says. The tool also features a 10-position power/speed regulator for easy rpm adjustment, and a paddle-style trigger for precise speed control.
