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We recently had a customer call us, that was understandably confused about a Time-Sert thread repair kit. He had purchased a standard M18x1.5 (Kit #1815), assuming that "M18x1.5" referred to the size of the tap needed for his blown-out spark plug hole. Honestly, it’s a very easy mistake to make. If you pull the tap out of a standard M18x1.5 kit, it has M18x1.5 stamped right on the tool. However, there is a massive technical difference between a standard M18x1.5 kit and a specialized Ford " …

Here at WiseAutoTools.com, we usually cover things like spark plug thread repair and other aluminum thread repair, on car engines since aluminum componenets are prone to having failed threads. But recently, we bought a new home in the Florida Panhandle and one of the first big projects was tackling that ugly garage floor. Man, what an eye-sore! We have a few pics of the before (plain, boring, stained concrete with some pretty significant cracks) and after (that shiny, grippy, transformed space). …

A recent customer reached out after installing a rebuilt engine from Jasper Engines in a Chevy. The issue? Stripped threads in the block for the starter bolts—specifically the 3/8-16 size. It's a frustrating spot to find yourself in, especially on a fresh rebuild, where the threads start about 1/2" down into a blind hole with roughly 15/16" of usable thread depth. The starter needs solid hold to avoid any movement or chomping on the flywheel during cranking. Hello, I'm Dennis Bandy, owner …

If you use Time-Sert kits frequently, you might be used to the insert screwing onto the driver almost all the way before meeting resistance. However, we’ve recently had reports from technicians—specifically those using the 11127 inserts—noticing the driver tightening up much earlier than they expected. Whether your driver threads in 90% of the way or only catches one or two threads before it gets tight, both scenarios are completely normal. Here is the technical breakdown of wh …

Hello, I'm Dennis Bandy, owner of Wise Auto Tools and a Master Automotive Technician with many years of hands-on experience in the shop. Over the years, I've fielded plenty of questions from mechanics and DIYers about materials for tools and repairs, and one that comes up often is whether stainless steel is basically carbon steel treated with some kind of rust-preventative coating. Let's set the record straight on this, and I'll explain why understanding the difference can make or break your thr …