FAQ's (28)

• Central, STORM™, King & Moody product lines

• 1. How can I obtain a catalog?

  Printed catalogs are no longer available.  Our website is our electronic catalog.

• 2. How do I contact Central Tools?

  Phone: (401) 467-8211

  Toll Free: (800) 866-5287

  Fax: (401) 461-5670

  E-mail: info@centraltools.com

• 3. What is your shipping address?

  Central Tools, Inc.
  456 Wellington Avenue
  Cranston, RI 02910
  Add Attn: Repair Dept for repairs/returns

• 4. Where can I buy your products?

  All of our Central/STORM products can be purchased through automotive wholesale distributors and most wagon jobbers. King products are available through industrial or welding distributors. Moody products are available through industrial and wholesale distributors. Please contact us at info@centraltools.com or call Customer Service at 800-866-5287 to find distributors servicing your area. You can also purchase all product online on this website.

• 5. What is your warranty policy on tools?

  Central Tools/STORM™/King
  Central Tools, Inc. will repair or replace, at its option, any product if it proves defective in workmanship or materials within one (1) year from date of purchase. This warranty does not cover abuse or misuse of the tool.  Bounce Lites have a 90 day warranty period.

  Moody
  We offer a limited, lifetime, No Hassle warranty on all of our Moody products with the exception of blades that become dull due to normal wear. Replacement blades can be purchased individually on this website.

  All implied warranties including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are hereby limited to the same as the expressed Limited warranty above.

  In no event will Central Tools, Inc. be liable for consequential, incidental, or special damages resulting from or in any manner related to the product, its design, use, or inability to use same. The sole and exclusive remedy with respect to defective product shall be the repair or replacement thereof.

  Defective products should be adequately packaged and returned with freight prepaid to Central Tools, Inc.

• 6. What is the procedure for sending in a tool for repair?

  In the U.S., defective products should be adequately packaged and returned with freight prepaid to Central Tools, Inc. Include a full contact person’s name, a daytime telephone # and a complete return address. If requesting warranty service, include a copy of your proof of purchase/sales receipt. An RGA/RGN is not needed to return any product for repair service.

  Central Tools torque wrenches and multipliers should be sent to one of our authorized repair facilities listed below.

  US Torque Repairs

  Angle Repair Service, Inc.**
  175 Angle Drive
  Beckley, WV 25801
  304-253-5729

  Team Torque, Inc.
  1231 Park Avenue
  Bismarck, ND 58504
  701-223-4552

  Power Tool Repair
  371 West Avenue
  Tallmadge, OH 44278
  330-630-0022

  ** not a warranty center for multipliers

  STORM™ torque wrenches should be adequately packaged and returned with freight prepaid to Central Tools, Inc. Include a full contact person’s name, a daytime telephone # and a complete return address. If requesting warranty service, include a copy of your proof of purchase/sales receipt. An RGA/RGN is not needed to return these torque wrenches.

  In Canada, defective products should be adequately packaged and returned with freight prepaid to the appropriate repair facility listed below. Include a full contact person’s name, a daytime telephone # and a complete return address. If requesting warranty service, include a copy of your proof of purchase/sales receipt. Contact the appropriate facility if you have any further return questions.

  Canada Torque Repairs

  Diversified Power Applications
  379 Oakdale Rd
  Downview, ON M3N 1W7
  416-741-5467

  McCann Equipment
  9501 Cote De Hesse Rd
  Dorval, QC H9P 2N9
  514-636-8190

  Allan’s Automotive Electronics
  9416 27th Avenue
  Edmonton, AB T6N 1B2
  780-469-8060

  Canada Tool Repairs

  SLC Metrology, Inc.s
  102A 5E Avenue
  Pincourt, QC J7W 5K9
  514-646-2144
  877-442-2144

• 7. What is the repair turn-around time

  In-house turnaround time is approximately 2 weeks. This does not include shipping time. We do experience peak periods, which can extend the turnaround time. Every effort is made to return your tool as quickly as possible so that your downtime is minimized.

  If a tool is sent to one of our authorized repair centers, contact the individual repair center to inquire about turn-around time. Contact information can be found under Question 6.

• 8. What is your repair warranty policy?

  Central Tools, Inc. will warranty any tool repair for 90 days from date of repair. Remanufactured The Brake Force® tools carry a full one-year warranty. All repair warranties will follow the same policy as set in Central Tools limited warranty.

• 9. Do you have photos showing the replacement parts of the tools?

  Yes, photos for all product lines are available on this website for those items with available replacement parts showing the part numbers. Replacement parts can be ordered through your local distributor or online on this website.  If you cannot find your part on our website, please contact us.

  Because the entire STORM™ line is imported, there is a very limited number of replacement parts available. The battery cover for any STORM™ electronic digital product is available free of charge. Please contact our Customer Service dept. at 800-866-5287 or at info@centraltools.com and we will be happy to send a cover to you. When sending us an e-mail, please include your full name, complete mailing address and the tool part #.

• 10. Can I send my tool in for calibration?

  Central branded tools can be sent in for calibration by following the procedures for sending in a tool for repair at Central Tools. Tools that are sent in for repair and that are also in need of calibration will be calibrated as part of the repair service. Calibration is not available on STORM™, King or Moody products.

• 11. Does Central Tools provide a certificate of conformance?

  Yes, a certificate of conformance for Central branded product only can be obtained in two ways:

  1. At the time an order is placed, a note should be added to the order requesting a certificate of conformance.  This is not required for torque wrenches.  Now all Central Branded torque wrenches come with a certificate.                                      
  2. If a tool is already in your possession and requires a certificate of conformance, the tool must be sent to us so that it can be inspected to ensure it meets the requirements set for conformance. Once the tool has passed inspection, a certificate will be issued.

  There is a charge for the certificate of conformance. This charge is in addition to the initial price or repair charge. Under no circumstances will a certificate of conformance be issued without Central Tools’ inspection of the tool.

  A certificate of conformance is not available on any tool in the STORM™ line.

• 12. Why doesn’t my dial indicator zero out?

  If the large pointer on your dial indicator does not point to "0" in its free state, this is not a problem, it is completely normal. When using a dial indicator to perform a measurement, the plunger must be "pre-loaded". This means the setup must allow the indicator to push against the work piece, deflecting the needle from its rest position. The bezel may be rotated to realign the pointer with the "0".

• 13. Do I need to send in my Central branded micrometer if the anvil is broken off?

  Yes, anvils are a critical part of your Central branded micrometer. They need to be replaced and secured by our experienced technicians. After the anvil has been replaced, our technician will also recalibrate the micrometer to ensure accuracy. Anvils are not sold separately as as they are not a field-serviceable item.  Unfortunately we are not able to repair STORM branded micrometers.

• 14. What size battery fits the Central digital caliper (6425/6425A) and how is it replaced?

  The electronic digital caliper is equipped with a button battery – #CR2032. It can be purchased at any local retail store. When the low battery indicator appears on the display, the battery should be replaced.

  1. Carefully pry off the 2 slender rectangular rubber plugs on the upper surface of the display cover.
  2. Carefully remove the battery using the accessory tool provided or a jeweler’s screwdriver.
  3. Insert the new battery, ensuring that the (+) pole is positioned at the top. An inverted (+) pole will not damage the electronic unit, it will simply not function.
  4. The gage will automatically reset itself – the word “rESEt” will flash very briefly on the display.
  5. Replace the two rubber plugs.
• 15. What size battery fits the STORM™ digital calipers and how is it replaced?

  The 3C301, 3C302, 3C312, 3C350, and 3C351 electronic digital calipers are equipped with a button battery, the SR44/Eveready 357. This battery can be purchased at any local retail store.

  1. Remove the battery cover on the front of the gage by simply lifting up.
  2. Carefully remove the battery.
  3. Insert the new battery.
  4. Replace the battery cover.
• 16. What size battery fits the STORM™ electronic digital products?
  • 3B530-3B631
  • 3D105 - 3D106
  • 3M335 – 3M431
  • 3M746
  • 3S401-3S402A
  • 3S508

  • CR2032
  • CR2032
  • SR44/Eveready 357
  • CR2032
  • CR2032
  • 9V

  These batteries can be purchased at any local retail store.

• 17. What size battery fits The Brake Force® rotor/drum gage and how is it replaced?

  The The Brake Force® gages are equipped with a button battery – #CR2032. These batteries can be purchased at any local retail store.

  To replace the rotor gage battery:

  1. Remove the battery cover.
  2. Carefully remove the battery.
  3. Insert the new battery, ensuring that the (+) pole is positioned at the top. An inverted (+) pole will not damage the electronic unit, it will simply not function.
  4. Reset the module by carefully activating the button through the reset port with the "zero" setting pin or with a pointed object
  5. Replace the battery cover.
  6. Recalibrate your gage.

  To replace the drum gage battery:
  When the low battery indicator appears on the display, the battery should be replaced.

  1. Carefully pry off the 2 slender rectangular rubber plugs on the upper surface of the display cover.
  2. Carefully remove the battery using the accessory tool provided or a jeweler’s screwdriver.
  3. Insert the new battery, ensuring that the (+) pole is positioned at the top. An inverted (+) pole will not damage the electronic unit, it will simply not function.
  4. The gage will automatically reset itself – the word “rESEt” will flash very briefly on the display.
  5. Replace the two rubber plugs.
• 18. How do I calibrate The Brake Force® rotor gage?
  1. With the display showing SET mode, simply slide the moving arm so that the flat and pointed anvils are in contact making certain that the anvils are clean and free of foreign matter.
  2. Depress the zero button. Your gage is now calibrated.
• 19. How do I calibrate The Brake Force® drum gage?

  This gage will have arms that point downward. Calibration should be checked each time before using your gage. The battery is a CR2032, which is the approximate size of a nickel.

  To calibrate this gage:

  1. With the display in inches and showing “SET” mode, simply slide the moving arm to the left so that it engages the positive stop on the fixed arm. Depress the zero button. Open the arms and set the pointed anvils onto the gaging surfaces of the calibration gage. The display should read 7.000” +/- .0005”. If it does your gage is calibrated. If it does not, follow the steps below.
  2. In order to adjust the mechanical calibration, place the pointed anvils onto the gaging surfaces of the calibration gage and depress the zero button. Slide the moving arm to the left until it engages the positive stop on the fixed arm. The reading on the display will now be a negative value, approximately –7.
  3. Using the hex wrench provided, loosen the setscrew on the positive stop. Turn the positive stop in or out as required until the display reads precisely –7.000 (+/-.0005”). Press the zero button to zero the display.
  4. Open the arms and insert the anvils back into the calibration gage. The reading should now be 7.000” +/-.0005”. If not, repeat steps 2 & 3. When the reading is correct, tighten the calibration set screw to lock in the calibration setting.
  5. Use a light but firm gaging pressure to hold the anvils against the piece being measured. Consistent gaging pressure will result in repeatable measurements.
• 20. Why won't my The Brake Force® drum gage zero out?

  One version of the Central Tools The Brake Force® drum gage was designed with a minimum spacing of 2.400” between the measuring anvils. It is physically impossible to get the anvils any closer together, and thus this type of gage will not “zero out”. Instead, it is calibrated to provide the proper 2.400” reading as required.

  In other types of tools, a problem with zeroing indicates a malfunction of the digital read-out unit. This malfunction would require factory repair service for the tool.

• 21. Why won't The Brake Force® gage shut off? Where's the off button?

  One version of the Central Tools The Brake Force® drum gage was designed with a minimum spacing of 2.400” between the measuring anvils. This allows both measuring anvils (pointed parts that touch the drum) to remain in a single line, and removes slight geometric errors that are introduced in the case where the anvils are mounted out of line. The gage will not shut off as a convenience feature for the user. Shutting it off would require resetting to 2.400” each time it is turned on. Typical battery life in the constant-on mode is up to 15 months.

• 22. What torque do I set my torque wrench to when I am using a torque multiplier?

  A torque multiplier is based upon a simple, robust planetary gear train. However, as with any gearing, there is some loss of efficiency due to friction. Testing shows a typical friction loss on the order of 10% to 20%. For the purpose of calculation, we recommend 15%. This means that 15% more torque must be applied to achieve the desired output. Calculate as follows: take the desired output torque value and divide by the ratio for the particular model torque multiplier. Now multiply by 1.15 to arrive upon the input setting. For example: #6380 has a ratio of 4:1. Assume the desired output is 800 ft-lb. 800 divided by 4 gives 200 ft-lb, which is then multiplied by 1.15 to arrive at 230 ft-lb which would be the proper setting for the torque wrench on the input.

• 23. How do you use the Pinion Depth Setting Gage (6470)?

  The 6470 Pinion Depth Setting Gage is a tool that is designed to measure pinion depth on a variety of OEM and aftermarket differential gearsets. The instructions included with the 6470 detail the use of the tool. However, these instructions are not intended to teach specifics of differential repair; they are merely intended to explain the use of the 6470 to people who are already familiar with the task of setting pinion depth.

• 24. What does ESD mean?

  ESD stands for Electro Static Discharge. ESD -safe materials discharge static electricity safely, protecting sensitive electronic equipment.

• 25. What is the difference between Phillips and JIS?

  These cross-point drivers appear deceptively similar to one another. Phillips is the type with which most people are familiar. JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) drivers will always fit Phillips fasteners, but because of slight design differences, Phillips drivers may not fit JIS fasteners.

• 26. How do I use the screw extractor (Part #58-0670 & 58-0675)?

  These screw extractors are designed to remove miniature broken or damaged screws. The screw extractors are of various diameters to suit a range of fasteners sizes. The tips of these screw extractors have “V” shaped ends to engage the irregular ends of the broken or damaged fasteners. We often describe the end as looking like a King’s crown.

  It is not necessary to drill a hole in the center of the fastener. As these fasteners are very small this would be very difficult perhaps resulting in many broken drills.

  The preferred method for removing the broken or damaged fastener is to apply the screw extractor to unbroken end of the fastener. Apply hand pressure and rotate the fastener in a clockwise direction. If the unbroken end of the fastener is not accessible (perhaps it is in a blind hole) apply the screw extractor to the broken end, apply hand pressure and rotate counterclockwise.

  Please note that this item is not guaranteed to remove every broken or stripped screw. It is best used when other methods have failed.

• 27. What is your shipping policy?

  Shipping & handling charges for orders shipping outside the continental USA are calculated based on weight and ship-to location.  Orders totaling $100 or more ship free within the continental USA.  Orders under $100 ship at a flat rate of $13.

• 28. What is the accuracy of your micrometers?

  Central Tools/Storm Micrometer Accuracy Specifications
  
  English Applicable to 0-1" micrometer, English measure:
  
  -Indicated measurement, max error: 0.0001"
  -Measuring faces, Flatness, max error: 0.00005"
  -Measuring faces, Parallelism, max error: 0.00005"
  
  Metric Applicable to 0-25mm micrometer, metric measure:
  
  -Indicated measurement, max error: 0.004mm
  -Measuring faces, Flatness, max error: 0.0012mm
  -Measuring faces, Parallelism, max error: 0.0012mm