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By NAPA
5 Must-Have Tools You Can Use Outside the Garage
It’s true: NAPA boasts nearly 6,000 Auto Parts stores and more than 17,000 Auto Care centers. With America’s largest network of aftermarket automotive parts and auto service, it might come as a surprise that NAPA also specializes in equipment and expertise outside the garage. That’s right, NAPAonline.com carries a huge range of tools from the smaller
link hidden, please login to view like measuring tape, screwdrivers and extension cords to large power tools for serious home repair like pressure washers and cordless or corded power drills. Shop for all the best tools from top brand names like DeWalt,
link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view, Craftsman and more. These compact tools work great inside and outside the garage, around the home or even on the road. From full home renovation projects like siding replacement, hardwood floor installation and plumbing upgrades to small jobs like fixture installation or adding window treatments, a great home improvement journey starts at NAPA. Shop for Hand Tools at NAPAonline link hidden, please login to view
Even the most complicated at-home projects require those small toolbox staples like a reliable measuring tape. This
link hidden, please login to view features magnetic hooks that cling to steel, as well as a reduced blade arc for a straighter standout. For outdoor projects and surveying, larger units can span up to 300 feet, such as this link hidden, please login to view. A link hidden, please login to view is a great addition in any link hidden, please login to view to use for scale reference in accident photos. Nothing kills the excitement of a home-improvement odyssey like a lack of electrical outlets or worse, a too-short extension cord. Keep a UL Listed basic
link hidden, please login to view on hand for electrical access or upgrade to a link hidden, please login to view for maximized length. These cords are durable, insulated for use with power tools and remain flexible in temperatures down to -40 degrees F. This link hidden, please login to view features four grounded outlets and a safety circuit breaker, plus the built-in cable management eliminates twisting. Best of all, the spool design has a rewind handle for fast and tidy pack-up and storage. The humble screw is an ancient design. It’s the fastener that holds our world together, so never underestimate the tool that drives it. In all shapes and sizes, both Phillips head screwdrivers and flat-head screwdrivers are critical tools for any basic tool kit and are used everywhere. This durable
link hidden, please login to view is a great way to make sure you always have the right size screwdriver. For a space-saving option, go with a multi-head device like this link hidden, please login to view. Different types of specialized screws require specific kinds of screwdrivers, such as these link hidden, please login to view for torx security screws. Also, consider this link hidden, please login to view, which includes a #00 size for small tech repairs. Powerful Tools for Every Project link hidden, please login to view
One of the simplest ways to improve your home is a good, old-fashioned scrub down! As time passes, ultraviolet rays, dust, insects and even algae and smoke can build up on and stain siding, outdoor furniture and concrete driveways. The garden hose is rarely sufficient for a quality clean and the cost of hiring a service racks up quickly. Shop NAPAonline.com for a personal pressure washing system, so you can keep the outside of your home looking great and free of damage.
These versatile tools are powered either by electricity or gas and come in a variety of psi ratings that you can use to clean more than just siding and driveways. If you only need a
link hidden, please login to view, this link hidden, please login to view offers 1300 psi and a quick connect multi-directional nozzle. For a more robust, gas-powered cleaning, try this link hidden, please login to view with a 208cc gas engine and brass head axial pump with a preset unloader valve for low-maintenance use. No home improvement kit is complete without a reliable power drill. Choosing the best option may take some research, but these days, many power tool systems are designed to utilize one common type of battery. Both
link hidden, please login to view and link hidden, please login to view offer combo kits that feature multiple tools, as well as charging bases so you never get stuck with a dead battery. Additionally, consider a uniquely designed link hidden, please login to view for drilling in tight corners and hard-to-reach spaces. Shop at your
link hidden, please login to view and check off your home improvement to-do list! When you sign up for link hidden, please login to view, you get access to our members-only offers and special promotions. Get 1 Point for every $1 you spend. When you collect 100 points, you’ll automatically receive $5 off your next purchase. Photo courtesy of
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By NAPA
You’ve Got the Power to Clear the Powder link hidden, please login to view
link hidden, please login to view is a great way to get inches or even feet of snow cleared out of your way when you need without waiting around for a municipal or private service to arrive. People who live in snowier parts of the country know that the saying is correct: “If you want something done, do it yourself!” It’s especially beneficial for those who live in rural areas or may need a clear route in an emergency. Many truck owners with added-on aftermarket snow plows also choose to offer their services to neighbors or set up small businesses during wintertime. Let’s face it, many truck, SUV and Jeep owners forego installing and operating
link hidden, please login to view because of the risk to their vehicles. But most of those snow-laden horror stories usually originate from poor maintenance and improper installation. Fortunately, the experts at NAPA Auto Parts have all the right link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view and link hidden, please login to view to ensure your rig can handle the next big blizzard or nor’easter. How to Use a Snow Plow on a Truck
Before getting your rig out in the downy flakes, it’s important to consider a few things:
How much snow will you plow and where? Will you install the plow mechanism only once or twice every winter? Will you focus on a driveway or will you clear larger areas? What kind of terrain will you clear? Roads? Fields? Answering these questions can help you determine link hidden, please login to view: a for light-duty snow clearing, a v-plow for breaching large drifts and depositing snow on either side or a box plow for moving large amounts of snow. Once you find the right plow, you need to install it correctly. Carefully study your vehicle owner’s manual, as well as the manual for the plow, so you know the right tools to use and what precautions to take. Get familiar! Study the terrain prior to a snow event and never plow unfamiliar terrain. Hidden boulders, ditches, stumps and retaining ponds can spell disaster for a truck, so make sure you know where you’re going and what’s below the snow. To minimize the chances of engine trouble while you’re plowing, set aside some time to do a full tune-up on your rig before you start. Check your tire pressure and fluid levels, change the oil and the oil filter. Replace any headlights or taillights that are dim or out completely. Replace wiper blades if they are worn and consider upgrading to a model that’s suited for winter use like the
link hidden, please login to view or link hidden, please login to view. Transmission issues are common problems that can arise from plowing with a truck, but you can avoid undue stress to your gearbox by doing your research and adhering to a mindful maintenance schedule during the winter months. Check your transmission fluid frequently. Smell it for a burning odor that could indicate overheating. Consider installing a
link hidden, please login to view and pause plowing if the temperature goes above 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Putting Safety First Comes with Rewards
Winter driving can get risky, especially when you’re plowing with your truck, SUV or Jeep, so make sure you are prepared for any possible emergency situations. Along with keeping your truck stocked with a good
link hidden, please login to view, keep a link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view, energy bars and bottled water in case you become stranded overnight. Retrieval equipment like
link hidden, please login to view, link hidden, please login to view and can come in handy in case you come across a stranded driver. Visibility on the road is always important, but the bleak, dim days of winter make visibility crucial. Equip your rig with a fully-functional link hidden, please login to view before you begin so that everyone else on the road can see you and you can see them. From windblown drifts to a few inches in the driveway, let NAPA Auto Parts help you prepare for the powder this winter! We also offer a great selection of smaller plowing options if you want to plow with something other than your pickup. Turn your UTV,
link hidden, please login to view or even your into a small plow so you can leave your ride in the garage. Start reeling in the points when you join the
link hidden, please login to view program this winter—sign up now and get $5 automatically! Featured image courtesy of
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By NAPA
A dead battery is never a good way to start the day. Maybe the cold weather got to your weak battery, or maybe an interior light was left on overnight. Regardless of what caused it, the dead battery doesn’t have enough juice to start the engine and something needs to be done. You can reach for a pair of jumper cables, but a car battery jump starter may be more convenient. Let’s take a look at what makes a
link hidden, please login to view worthy of a spot in your trunk, and how to jump starter a dead battery using one. What Is a Car Battery Booster Pack? link hidden, please login to view
In its simplest form a battery booster pack (sometimes called a jump starter) is a portable power source with sufficient electrical capability to start a car, truck, or SUV engine. There’s really no difference in booster pack vs jump starter when it comes to the name. Most commonly these units contain an internal jump starter battery connected to a pair of cables with alligator clamps. Just like a normal jumper cables there is a positive and a negative connection. Battery booster packs usually have a 12-volt sealed lead acid (SLA) battery inside, but advancements in technology have led to smaller lightweight units that use
link hidden, please login to view. A traditional SLA powered booster pack weighs several pounds and takes up almost as much room as a car battery, while the newer link hidden, please login to view can fit in a glovebox or console. When To Use a Booster Pack
Any time when you would normally use a pair of jumper cables you can use a battery pack jump start. But there are certain situations when a car battery jump start pack shines. The most obvious example is when there is simply no other vehicle around to supply a jumper cable boost. Jumper cables require a second car and if one isn’t around, they are basically useless. This can be true in a home driveway or off in the wilds on an off road adventure.
Another handy use is when the dead vehicle is stuck in a parking spot that can be accessed by another vehicle. Maybe the dead vehicle is pulled into a single car garage or stuck in an awkward spot in the parking deck. Yes there are
link hidden, please login to view, but those aren’t nearly as common as the shorter versions. Having a portable booster pack means you only need to access the dead battery to get back on the road. How To Boost a Car Battery
The best thing about a portable battery jump starter is ease of use. First off you should read the directions on your booster back before you attempt to jump start a car battery with it. This will help you get familiar with its operation in case it has any special steps. Here is a generic dead battery jump start procedure for most booster packs:
Turn off all electrical accessories (light, radio, fan, etc.). Locate the battery. Uncover the battery terminals (the positive terminal is usually shielded). Attach the positive and the negative alligator clamps from the booster pack to the corresponding battery terminals. Switch on the booster pack. Wait 30 seconds to allow for a small charge to be transferred to the dead battery. If you have a capacitor powered jump starter, wait the amount of time specified in the user manual. Crank the vehicle. If the vehicle does not crank immediately turn off the ignition key and repeat step #6. Once the vehicle is running, switch off the booster pack and remove the alligator clamps from the battery terminals. With the vehicle now running, drive normally to your destination. Now is a great time to have your battery tested by your
link hidden, please login to view or link hidden, please login to view. Other Battery Booster Pack Uses
Most car battery jump start packs have extra features built-in like a 12-volt power source, USB outlets, air compressor, even a light. If you need to recharge your phone on a camping trip or power a light, a booster pack can handle it with ease. It is the ultimate battery bank for the outdoors with as many uses as you need power. Just remember to plug it back in when you get home. The best portable car battery jump starter is one that is fully charged when you need it!
At-Home Jump Starter
There are also car battery charger jump starter units which can be used at home. These
link hidden, please login to view plug into a 110-volt outlet and can not only recharge a car battery but they can also provide a car battery jump start kick. Operation is the same as cordless battery pack but without the need to recharge itself after use. Check out all the
link hidden, please login to view available on link hidden, please login to view, or trust one of our 17,000 link hidden, please login to view for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on how to choose the best battery jump starter, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your link hidden, please login to view. Photo courtesy of
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By Counterman
Business Alabama Magazine recently named BBB Industries one of the Best Companies to Work for in Alabama.
The magazine recognized BBB at a Dec. 1 awards ceremony in Birmingham.
“With 75% of the selection criteria being focused on employee feedback and the employee experience, it makes us particularly proud to be named one of the Best Companies to Work for in Alabama,” BBB CEO Duncan Gillis said. “Our company and our culture are special, and we are honored to receive this recognition.”
To learn more about BBB’s culture and career opportunities, visit the BBB Careers Page.
Created by Business Alabama magazine and Best Companies Group, the annual program is in its 13th year. The Best Companies Group survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in Alabama, benefiting the economy, workforce and businesses. Working environment, role satisfaction and the opportunity to contribute to the company’s overall success were among the characteristics most often mentioned in BBB’s employee survey.
Companies from across the state entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Companies to Work for in Alabama. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation.
The combined scores determined the top companies and the final rankings. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process in Alabama, analyzed the data and determined the final rankings.
Daphne, Alabama-based BBB Industries is an industry leader in the sustainable manufacturing of starters, alternators, hydraulic and air disc-brake calipers, hydraulic and electronic power-steering products and turbochargers for the OEM, passenger, industrial and commercial-vehicle aftermarket industries. Through Industrial Metalcaucho S.L.U., BBB also supplies the automotive aftermarket with an assortment of rubber, metal and rubber-to-metal products across more than 64 countries.
Visit
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By NAPA
Losing traction in the snow is no one’s idea of a good time. Even in areas not known for abysmal snowstorms, winter can create icy and hazardous road conditions that drivers must be prepared to deal with. Luckily the solution of adding snow chains for tires used on vehicles that need to brave the wintery roads. Adding
link hidden, please login to view for cars can be a workable solution to get you where you need to go when the roads are not your friend — but they can also be a pain. Knowing when you should be putting chains on tires can help you get out of a slippery situation, but you have to know what you’re doing first. Here’s how to tell if it is time to use snow tire chains on your vehicle. Technically Speaking
While tire chains are legal in all 50 states different
link hidden, please login to view regulate chain usage in different states. Even Hawaii has a law on the books for tire chains (only if you are driving on on Mauna Kea though). Before you invest in a shiny new pair, make sure you know whether chains are allowed, permitted or even required in some cases. Generally, a chain “requirement” means you must have them in your vehicle if you want to pass certain checkpoints that pop up in inclement weather. Some go as far as requiring tire chains to be installed when road conditions reach a certain point with fines and penalties for non-compliance. Places where chains are permitted usually come with some disclaimer that restrict their usage, so make sure you know the law and follow it. There may even be different tire chains laws for passenger vehicles versus commercial trucks. Most tire chain laws are meant to help protect the roadway surface from damage caused by using chains without enough snow coverage. Leaving snow chains on tires when the conditions don’t warrant it can also damage your tires. The other important factor to consider is whether your vehicle is suitable for chains. You can find chains for most tire sizes, but there must be enough clearance for them to fit on without causing damage to the body, undercarriage or brakes. Make sure to check clearance around the front tires with the steering wheel turned fully to each side to make sure nothing rubs. If clearance is tight you may want to consider
link hidden, please login to view, which sometimes have a lower profile. Consult your owner’s manual for tire chain specifications and allowances. Be Prepared link hidden, please login to view
Because chains are something you will likely need to take on and off at least once per trip, and because the conditions surrounding their use are usually cold, soggy and snowy, it’s best to practice installation first, ideally when the weather is still nice. Without driving the car anywhere,
link hidden, please login to view and take them off a couple of times to get the hang of it so that when you do eventually need them, you aren’t stuck fumbling and trying to figure out how to get them on with freezing fingers. Also, if you’re carrying car tire chains, pack a safety vest as well. There’s a good chance you’ll have to pull onto the side of the road at some point to adjust or remove them, and if it’s snowing, visibility will be low. Using Chains For Tires Under The Right Conditions
Tire chains for cars should only be used if there is a layer of snow or ice on the road. Using chains on bare pavement can cause substantial damage to both your tires and the road itself. If you turn onto a road that’s clearly been plowed and salted, pull over and remove the chains.
It always pays to be
link hidden, please login to view, but chains require a whole new level of attention and care. Snow chains for car, truck and SUV applications all work the same way to increase grip but there are limitations. When on, the car should not be driven above 30 miles per hour and you have to be mindful of curbs when parking. On two-wheel drive vehicles, chains must be attached to wheels on the drive axle, but ideally you get them on all four. If installed only in the front there will be a tendency to oversteer and a tendency to understeer if they’re only in the back. Four-wheel drive vehicles should have chains installed on all tires. Once the tire chains are installed drive a block or two and tighten them again. Some vehicles with selectable driving modes may need to be in the appropriate mode when using snow chains, so check your owner’s manual just in case. Once you get to an area of clear roadway, take off the chains. The aggressive traction that make tire chains so effective can also cause increased tire wear, so only keep them on when you need them. Though they can be cumbersome, snow chains make a real difference in winter weather when you need to get somewhere without mother nature’s permission, but only if they’re being used safely and effectively. Otherwise, you’ll just be spinning your wheels. Once you are done using your snow chains inspect them for any breaks, corrosion, or physical damage before putting them away. Give them a good spray with WD-40 so they will be ready for next season.
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link hidden, please login to view available on link hidden, please login to view or trust one of our 17,000 link hidden, please login to view for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on tire chains for cars, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your link hidden, please login to view. Photo courtesy of
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