Have an old version? Need to update?

If you have an old version of Mechanic's Toolbox you can upgrade to the latest version without having to download update after update. Email me a note at john.schwaner@gmail.com

Update 4.2.9

anbolt - updated threads showing by adding photograph of the foundation bolt on the Eiffle Tower. Complete re-organization and expansion of metals.

ANFittings - added comment in material about military requirement of using stainless nipple with aluminum nut. Added 2 more brake fittings. Added fitting flare angle picture and identification method. Added tube damage inspection criteria. Added tube material and usage

hose - added fitting flare angle picture and identification method. Added fitting thread ID to hose dash size chart with pictures. Added electrical conductivity discussion. Added hose connection leak troubleshooting. Can now print the window or copy it to the clipboard. Added age control discussion to MIL-DTL-6000 hose.

Launch - Metals - Aluminum - added electrical bonding. Magnesium - added electrical bonding. Added silver annealing, Aluminum L168 alloy. Added note about titanium nitride and the loss of flight 2311 to the metals/gold window. Added temperature material limitations to temperature chart. Added help demos to the Help menu.

rust - added wheel bearing corrosion and inspection. Redesgned several windows. Added save page to clipboard.

CowlFastener - added pictures of Southco stud types.

NPT - Major rewrite and re-organization. Can now copy window to clipboard and then paste into another application as graphic.

AircraftWire - added comment about PVC insulation from MIL-STD-158C.

brakeLinings - added shim application. Added picture difference between organic and metallic to conditioning. Added several notes to disc identification.

fastenerStrength - added demo to help menu

Update 4.2.8

launch - update Titanium with alloy chart and added titanium material properties. Expanded steel numbering system chart. Expanded copper alloy listing. Added "sensitivation" discussion and Lycoming fuel injector lines to stainless steel.

fastenerStrength - re-wrote tensile stress area description. Updates structural screw strength values for CRES. Expanded hydrogen embrittlement discussion.

anfitting - added unknown Lycoming fitting. Added AS fitting numbers (these are replacing AN and MS).

drainValve - added two obsolete fittings, Koehler and AN771 series.

anBolt - updated shear strength for clevis pins, Added additional AN screw strengths, corrected several screw strengths. Added FOD tips to castle nut. Added picture of castle nut on magneto.

part - added note to fitting cross-reference page about changeover from AN and MS to AS numbers. There are now over 37,000 part cross references.

torque - added ms21344 torque values to hose fitting torque chart. Expanded discussion of NPT torque.

WireRope - added tracer filament color to manufacturer reference as an aid in identifying source of wire rope. Added non-military (commercial and international) specifications. Added identifying galvanized from stainless and advantages and disadvantages of each. Comment about non-magnetic grade wire rope

Having update problems? Haven't updated?

Having update problems?

Seems as though I messed up a few updates back and forgot to increment the update counter. This prevents you from updating from one version to another. The software tells you that you have the latest version even though you don't.

The fix is in-

Manually upload the update from the web site. Go to http://www.sacskyranch.com/toolboxupdate/

You will see the file directory. Choose the next update number that you need. For example, if you have 4.2.5 and need 4.2.6 then you would click on the file name: update4_2_6.exe

If you are several updates back then upload each one in order.

Haven't updated?

If you haven't updated in quite some time and would like to easily get your software up-to-date then just download the entire program again using the url listed below.

http://www.mechanicsupport.com/oscommerce/download/setup.exe

The file is large 400+ mb.

You shoulding need to register it again.

I also offer a replacement CD option that contains the latest version for $5.95 plus $1.85 shipping (US only). Order information is at http://www.sacskyranch.com/softwarepurchase.htm

If you are overseas and would like a replacement CD then email me and I will quote you the shipping.

Update 4.2.7

I think you will like this update. A new tool called AircraftFittings has been added. Lots of pictures of fittings plus lots of information and charts. Also, many improvements to drainValves.

bulbs - added picture of 613 obsolete wing tip bulb and expanded description of obsolete bulbs.

part - added another hose assembly mil-spec cross-reference to chart.

rust - graphite dust from carbon fiber structure causing corrosion to stainless steel hoses braid added

drainValve - Added several new drain valves including Franklin oil drain valve

WireRope - added AN665 tie-rod terminals

AircraftWire - added picture of wire insulation stripper and comment.

AircraftFittings - New tool, over 50 different aircraft fittings pictured.

Update 4.2.6

torque - added caution and discussion when using steel nipple against steel hose fitting. Added boss fitting and flange fitting torque charts. Updated tapered pipe thread torque. Combined K factor and What torque wrenches measure into one window. R-wrote K factor.

NPT - improved discussion of using tapered pipe thread fitting in a straight thread boss. Re-wrote port thread window and added a comparison photo of tapered and straight boss.

fastenerStrength - added thread strength. Added hydrogen embrittlement and stress corrosion cracking warning to high-strength bolts. Added prying strength and pack rust. Expanded number of fasteners in strength chart.

gears - discussion of gear alignment inspection criteria added. Added photo of broken gear tooth and inspection method for broken teeth.

Launch - corrected error in thermal conductivity graph.

drainValves - corrected application chart

Anbolt - expanded "adding threads to bolts" window to include pictures of UN and UNJ and UNR threadform and discussion of differences.

wireRope - added picture of scc broken turnbuckle and discussion on stress corrosion cracking of turnbuckles.

Update 4.2.5

Torque - changed definition of proof stress. Added Preload Uncertainty to Torque Method Accuracy, data from NASA Space Shuttle. Vista fix of menu help. Removed torque calculation based on strength - now part of fastener strength.

FastenerStrength - fixed problem in breaking strength where same fastener with two different strengths -wrong one would be selected. Added nut strength chart. Added torque chart. Added picture of poor thread engagement to nut strength page. Added hydrogen embrittlement.

Aircraft Wire - added photo of terminal crimp and crimping tool

Screws - added breaking strength to screw charts.

Update 4.2.4

With this update I have added another tool - Fastener Strength. You can take specification data, such as strength in Ksi, or Mpa and convert it into breaking strength. Easy switch between metric and US units.

Added 500 more cross-reference part numbers. Now over 36,500.

Fastener Strength - new tool - bolt strengths. Computes breaking strength.

AircraftWire - Added metric wire size comparison chart - awg, cma, mm2. Expanded non-insulated terminal chart.

O'rings - updated o'ring specifications and cross-references. Added sizing the O'ring to the groove. Added introduction.

Rivet - expanded rivet installation guide with better descriptions of rivet types. Updated Cleco information.

Screws - expanded screw descriptions and specifications. Added tensile strength discussion.Added pitch diameter chart to thread class.

ANbolt - expanded nut descriptions and specification. Improved clip-nut chart and photograph

Bulb - Added obsolete wing tip navigation bulb chart. Added application chart.

NAS_MS - Added flush-head titanium bolt chart. Pages can now be printed.

Launch - removed help system as not compatible with Windows Vista. Improved main window appearance. Updated hardness. Added thermocouple testing. Added Geometric terms to reference chart. Re-formated and update metals identfication. Added tungsten picture.

Cowlfastener - Add picture of split ring and retainer rings.Expanded camloc and southco information. Added introduction speech. Added cowl mount identification. Expanded Dzus chart, added grommets.

NPT - improved straight thread chart. Added picture of dial caliper.

torque - updated fastener strength information. Rewrote loosening torque and added picture of paint film.

Update 4.2.3

One notable change in this update is the inclusion of solderless terminals. This is part of the
Aircraft Wire tool and is the last tab on the right. There are some nice photographs and discussion on the difference between UL approved and MIL-SPEC solderless terminals. Also, the proper usage of terminals on aluminum wire, with a photograph of a terminal connection that caught fire in the cockpit on a newer business jet.

There are now 36,000 part number cross-references.

AircraftWire - updated inspection recommendations. Added solderless terminal lugs, differences between commercial (ul) and aerospace (MIL). Expanded insulation types.

NPT - added note about difference between NPT and ANPT pipe threads. Added comment about thread class and difference between allowance and tolerance.How to judge thread class. Updated UNR thread abbreviation. Thread Series expanded.

CowlFastener - added picture of camloc retaining ring

Shelf-Life - added battery shelf life. Corrected tire shelf life.

BrakeLining - added picture of brake lining attachment pin - updated attachment pin information. Picture of metallic lining now shows correct pin. Updated pin installation instructions.

Wire Rope - added discussion on proper nicopress crimp and tooling. Updated pulley information.

AircraftRivet - added rivet usage chart with sizes.

Launch - Manuals are now compatible with Adobe Reader 8

Adobe Reader 8 and Manuals

Adobe Reader version 8 will not work with Mechanic's Toolbox before version 4.2.3

Mechanic's Toolbox uses Adobe Reader to display the manuals. Existing versions of Mechanic's Toolbox are compatible with earler versions of Adobe Reader. Before upgrading to Adobe Reader version 8 be sure you have updated Mechanic's Toolbox to at least version 4.2.3

Version 4.2.3 is scheduled for release on March 20, 2007.

Update.4.2.2

New tool added to Mechanic's Toolbox.

bulbNavigation is a visual identification guide to aircraft navigation and recognition bulbs. There are 18 different bulbs and flash tubes pictured. Move the mouse over the picture and bulb information is shown. Handy for identifying bulb part number.

brakeLining- added pictures of measuring methods in disc identification. Adjusted window size for lower resolution monitors.

Launch - added discussion about silver and stainless steel in electrical conductivity chart. Metals properties comparision - re-wrote and expanded.

ShelfLife - added storage condition recommendations

Rivet - under strength - added comments about designing for endurance - strength over time!

Rust - added note about 4130 against 2024T3 aluminum

Update 4.2.1

ANbolt- added 3 more nutplates. Improved nutplate descriptions. Added washer usage discussion. Expanded discussion on re-use of self-locking nuts. Added picture comparison of split-beam and distored thread locknut. Added window on adding threads to bolts. Most windows can not be printed from the top menu bar File Print Page. Added ms20002 washer.

psi - improved appearance

rust -Corrected several spelling errors. Update information on graphite dry film lubricants and corrosion. Added photograph and information on filiform corrosion on aluminum. Note about Boeing Aircraft and stainless steel. Note on aluminum wire and copper terminals including pictures of cabin fire.

accelerationHP - removed as a separate program and added to HP

Velocity - removed as a separate program and added to HP

HP - added acceleration HP and velocity. windows can now be printed

Launch - improved interface

NPT - further discussion on AN fitting thread form.

Update 4.2.0

New tool - BrakeLinings

Cleveland brake lining visual selector and application guide, Includes brake discs.

Windows Vista Update

Install all updates before switching to Windows Vista

Updates previous to 4.2.0 will not install on Windows Vista. The update program does not recognize Windows Vista and will refuse to update.

Starting with update 4.2.0, the update program will recognize Windows Vista and your updates should work normally.

Disc purchased before 4.2.0 and installed on a Windows Vista computer will not update.

If you cannot update because of Windows Vista, contact me and I will send you an updated copy of the software.

Two product updates for February

The first update is a new tool called BrakeLining. Everything you need to know about selecting, installing, and conditioning brake linings for Cleveland Brakes. Included are brake pad and disc wear limits. Especially nice is a brake disc identification guide.

Brake disc identification can be a real problem - especially on Cessna 150's where they used 6 different brake discs and Cleveland did not put any part numbers on the discs!

The only method of identifying some of these discs is by characteristics such as dimensions, # of bolt holes, size of bolt holes, etc. My chart lists every brake disc and all of these characteristics!

Because of the large number of photographs used in BrakeLining the program is rather large. So I'm dedicating one update just for BrakeLining.

The 2nd update will occur shortly thereafter and includes lots of changes. Especially interesting are photographs of an electrical contact fire in the cockpit of a business jet. This is in the RUST tool as it involves galvanic corrosion between dissimilar electrical contact metals.

Update 4.1.9

anbolt - fixed picture - ms21042 - expanded description. Added MS21025 nut. Placing the mouse cursor over a size will display the size in mm or cm. Placing the cursor over a torque value displays the torque in newton-meters. Fixed problem in AN960 washer O.D. and I.D. were switched.

compass - updated pictures to copy or print. updated to windows vista.

wire - Vista enhanced. several small changes.

Shelf-Life - Vista enhanced. Pictures can now be copied or printed.

Part - Vista enhanced, several small changes. Improved drain valve listing.

HP - Can now print our charts or copy charts to clipboard. Vista enhanced.

Horsepower Correction - Deleted - now part of Horsepower

NPT - Vista enhanced. Numerous enhancements to the presentation. Most pictures can now be copied to the clipboard or printed. Updated thread abbreviations. Clarified difference between JIC and AS8879 37 degree flared fitting.

Torque - Updated hose torque values and discussion.

drainValve - New Tool added, Fuel and Oil

Upate 4.1.8

Request: I'm looking for pictures of aircraft corrosion to use as examples in the software. Email me if you have any!.


Updated programs have been optimized for Windows Vista!

Even though programs written for Windows XP work fine on Vista - they can't use some of the new design features. Each updated Mechanic's Toolbox program not only works fine on XP but has been optimized to take advantage of some of the new Vista features.

I'm also making it possible to copy or print the pictures. This feature is being slowly added as I update the programs. Position the mouse over the picture and right-click to display the options menu. If nothing happens it is because the feature has not been added to that picture yet.

rust - added picture of magnesium corrosion. Added picture of galvanized fence next to seashore. Added another picture of crevice corrosion. Picture of paint failure added and improved text on three ways of preventing galvanic corrosion. Added discussion on stainless terminals cracking and leading to flight-contol loss. Added pictures and discussion of nylon jackes over control cable and failure of.

launch - improved aluminum description. Re-wrote copper plus added pictures. Expanded on thermocouple description. Updated brass. Added Tungsten alloys (Stellites). Added fuel tank explosions and silver nuts to silver page. Added metals identification window. Expanded electrical contact material discussion. Added file hardness test to steel identification.

ANbolt - Re-write with extensive changes. Added many new nuts and charts. Added a nutplate visual chart that shows pictures of the common nutplates.

Screws - Added NAS679 nutpart - expanded nut cross-reference chart - added more nut pictures. Added MS51957 and MS51958.

Part - Expanded nut cross-reference. There are ow 35,423 cross references in the database.

Update 4.1.7 released

update 4.1.7 12-12-06

NPT - Thread sealing chart - added note about using tapered pipe fittings in a straight thread port. Added more thread abbreviations.

ANBOLT - added short discussion on disadvantages of lock tabs. Expanded discussion on
threads-showing. Strength chart - nas bolts added psi to figures. Added discussion on bolt strength to bottom of bolt strength chart. Added SAE and ASTM bolts to strength chart. Expanded discussion on hydrogen embrittlement to include Lycoming crankshaft gear bolt.

Horsepower - updated contextual menu to editfields - improved print and copy commands.
Re-wrote description of Full Throttle Power curve.

LAUNCH - added several metals melting points to temperature chart. Improved Silver
description. Improved gold description. Improved description Lithium-Aluminum alloys.

Screws - added Slick and Bendix magneto screws. Discuss difference between thread cuttingand thread forming screws. Re-designed self-tapping screw drill size chart.

Vibration - improved appearance. Added photo of pendulum absorber and discussion.

Part - There are now 35,118 cross references.

Rust - misc. cleanup. Added note on copper electrical connnector attached to magnesium.
Wrought iron corrosion resistance.iron comment. Added metal combinations to use when
electrical bonding.

-----------------------
Projects - The Alternator program is being completely re-written and updated. Several improvements include:
1. Print out charts and pictures
2. Better and more pictures
3. Pictures of regulator connectors so you can see what style connector they have
4. Improved troubleshooting
5. Plane Power alternators will be included.

Keep your suggesions and comments coming. Many of the changes and programs are a result of your suggestions.

Merry Christmas
John Schwaner

Update 4.1.6 released

part - added more mil-spec cross-references. There are now 34,796 cross-references.

ANBOLT - added Jam Nut photo and notation. Added additional bolt head pictures.
Nas_ms_bolts - added several NAS bolt pictures.

Logbook - Added Skins. You can change the cover of your logbook.

Add several features that add log entry accountability to the logbook. Log entries can be locked to prevent tampering. Also, each log entry is date and time stamped. Revisions to log entries are date and time stamped. Log entries can be audited for changes.

Update 4.1.5 released

Torque - Added comment about Lycoming hose fitting torque values under Special Situations. Improved Excel interface. Added Pipe Plug torque values. Added "thin nuts" (shear) torque to discussion and added to chart. Added crush gasket torque values.

Shelf-Life - updated contextual menu to editfields

Mechanic's Logbook - fixed bug in the way the column buttons work

Aircraft Wire - updated to allow printing and export to Word or Excel.

Part - There are now 34,365 cross-references. Approx. 350 more than last update

NPT - updated to allow printing and export to Word or Excel.

Mechanic's Logbook Update 4.1.4

Bug fix this time

Corrected an error in the way the caption buttons work

Mechanic's Logbook Update 4.1.3

Mechanic's Logbook is now bilingual!

You can now switch between English, Spanish, French, and German.

I have also released a professional version.

With the professional version you can access your logbook database over a network. For example, lets say you have a business with 10 facilities in various parts of the world. Each facility uses their Mechanic's Logbook to keep training and safety records. In Germany, the logbook is in Geman, In France it is in French. The home office needs to review these logbooks.

The home office can access and use each of the 10 logbook databases over the network and use them in another language!

Mechanic's Logbook doesn't care where the database is located. And each facility can have as many logbooks as they need - one for each employee for example.

How to print a page?

Here is a tip for using Mechanic's Toolbox or any other windows software

You can use the Print Screen button on your keyboard to print the contents of your computer's monitor.

You may have pushed this key and nothing happened. Well, it's not really a print screen button it is a save this screen to the clipboard key. So after pushing the Prnt Scrn button, open Wordpad and then push Paste and your screen will be displayed in Wordpad. Then you can print your Wordpad document.

- Some software has hyjacked this button for its own purpose and it won't work as described above. Some screen capture software will use this button to launch.

More Manuals added

Several new Southwind heater manuals are now available at:

http://www.mechanicsupport.com/manuals.htm

Download and select run and the installer will add them to your Mechanic's Toolbox software.

Update 4.1.4 Released

All of the progams are being updated to allow printing and export to Word or Excel. Tables can now be printed. The next several updates will add these features to all of the programs.

How to use these new features:

With the mouse cursor inside a table - rigt-click mouse to display menu options.

Update Schedule:

I'm trying to keep to a once-a-month update schedule, usually at the end of the month.

Sneak Preview:

The Spanish language version of Mechanic's Logbook will be in next month's update. You can switch between English and Spanish from within the program. Other languages may be added if there is interest and if you are willing to translate a couple of hundred words and phrases for me.

This month's updates:

launch - Printing & Export. Added Flamemaster quick repair sealant to adhesives.

rivet - Printing & Export.

Cowlfastener - Printing & Export. Fixed text display problem. Expanded information in tables.

Oring - Printing & Export

Screws - Printing & Export

Torque - Printing & Export

Velocity - Added horsepower and velocity discussion and tips on troubleshooting low engine horsepower. Printing & Export

Logbook - Added calender entry. Fixed problems in customization. Improved print. Several logbook templates are now available from website. Printing & Export.

Part - There are now 34,000 part cross-references. Printing & Export

Update 4.1.3 released

There are lots of changes in this month's update - especially in the customization of Logbook. Logbook allows you to change most of the captions, catagories, and even the names of the pages. You can now keep track of time either by minute:hour or decimal (tac) hours, cycles, or training units. Pictures and documents can be added to log entries.

I have spent some time adding more information on using solid and blind rivets as I see lots of strange rivet practices on homebuilt and sport aircraft.

Suggestions: Send them in - don't be shy. Many of the rivet changes this month came from a conversation I had from a Mechanic's Toolbox user.



part - added two lubricants cross-references. Corrected 1 error in circuit breaker reference. Added MS20002 to NASM2002 cross reference chart. Added more cross-references - now over 33,500 cross-references.

logbook - numerous changes. Can now customize most settings.

rivet - added scrollbar on nut plate rivet cross-references. Added Edge Distance data and discussion. Added Minimum Pitch distance. Where to use blind rivets, Ice box rivets, long term rivet storage, "E" rivets, NAS1097AD rivet in thin skins, rivet fatigue strength considerations.

cowl - added several Cessna cross-references to Southco

launch - fixed selection problem in plastics. Added creep temperature for several steel types.

anbolt - added AN340 and AN345 machine nuts

Hose - added part number chart and usage description for conical seals

NPT - updated thread abbreviations with more detail.

Metric hardware - added metric standards organizations.

Update 4.1.2 released

logbook - multiple logbook capability, each can be customized- store documents and pictures.
part - several new ms cross references. Added several manufacturer owner references
There are now 32,748 part cross references

Update 4.1.1 released

ShelfLife has been given a complete re-write. Much better interface and easier to use.

cowlfastener - correct camlock diameters. Changed caption on button from stud to body
logbook - numerous changes and corrections
shelflife - Complete re-write of interface. Much easier to use.
part - more cross-references (of course)
-------------
I have received some great suggestions on the Mechanic's Logbook program so look forward to some enhancements in the future.

Update 4.1.0 released

A new Toolbox program with this update:

Mechanic's Logbook

• keeps track of maintenance and training
• portable- can be installed and run from a usb stick
• designed to be quick and simple
• Its free to Mechanic's Toolbox registered users

editorial: A maintenance log is excellent for developing a resume and showing potential employeers your experience.

Keeping track of training is now a requirement for part 145 Repair Stations. If you work for a repair station (or plan to in the future) you must show objective evidence of training for each task before you can do that task!

If you go to work at a repair station and don't have a training log then they must train you at each task before you begin - EVEN IF YOU ARE OTHERWISE QUALIFIED - their must be evidence of training!

So if you show up at an interview with your own training log - and the other guy doesn't have one - you'll probably get the job as you don't have to be trained and the other guy does.

Many repair stations will keep their own training log for their employees - this is fine for them but bad for you as they keep your training records! You'll need those for your next job.

Other changes included in update 4.1.0

anbolt- added "nut-bottoming" and "shanking" definition and discussion.

torque - added ISO 6789 calibration interval - calibration accreditation - torque wrench adaptation graph and discussion. Re-wrote "what torque wrenches measure" - This is recommended reading for anyone using torque wrenches - and to all those engineers who specify torque but who have never used a torque wrench!

launch - update grease description

Part - Now over 32,000 part cross references

Update 4.0.7 released

part - updated AS3208 and AS3209 cross reference to o'ring listing
part - now has over 31,500 cross references - 1,500 more than 4.0.6!
O-ring updated AS3208 and AS3209 cross reference to o'ring listing
rust - protection methods - added HI-Kote 1
nas bolts - updated cross-reference chart

New Support Website - Podcasts & RSS feeds

I've started a support website for users of Mechanic's Toolbox
www.mechanicsupport.com

From the support website you can RSS subscribe to my Mechanic' s Tips -
The website is also home for my Podcasts that you can also subscribe to.

For a complete listing of past Podcasts:
http://www.mechanicsupport.com/radioShows.htm.com/


For a complete listing of Mechanic Tips:
http://www.mechanicsupport.blogspot

Update 4.0.6 released

npt - added discussion on "class of thread' and taps. Added inspection tip to tapered pipe
thread sealing.
rust - added photos of aluminum fretting. Updated aluminum fretting discussion.
part - now over 30,200 cross references.

Update 4.0.5 released

This is a big update - almost 1,000 more part number cross-references have been added!


shelf-life - added comment about storage conditions in shelf-life definition. Added Aeospace Hose window. Shelf life policy.

Part - added photos of drain valves. added cherry cross-reference chart from file. Added comment about M83461/1 and mS28775 O'ring. Added notation about using MS blind rivets. Over 29,600 cross references.

hose - changed title of window from hose size to hose nipple size. Added masterlist.csv file to project - cherry rivet cross-reference file

o-ring - correct table information - update boss o'ring. Added discussion on AND10050 port. Added comment on M83461/1 and MS28775. Corrected mistake in AN901 gasket chart.

screws - corrected sheet metal screw head style caption. Added text on head styles. Expanded data-plate screw listing. Added usage description to tinnerman screws - expanded tinnerman charts. Added more ms24693bb screws.

rust - added mechanical plating to protection methods.

aircraft wire - added buy button

launch - registration update change to program listing.

anbolt - added eye bolt strengths, clevis bolt strengths.torque - added an bolt tensile strength

Update 4.0.2 released

part - added AC Tech to adhesive cross-references

anbolts - added additional nuts to nut selector. Added jam nut usage. Expanded locking devices window.

Launch - added suggestion box - human factors notice. Added links to support website

Lycoming 2006 prices added to manuals

I've added a pdf copy of the 2006 Lycoming parts prices to manuals. You can download and add to your Mechanic's Toolbox Manual listing


This is in the new Mechanic Support website under manuals