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Professional Tool & Equipment News (PTEN) Announces 2009 Innovation Award Winners

FORT ATKINSON, Wis., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Professional Tool & Equipment News (PTEN), the only publication that exclusively serves the tool and equipment market, announces the PTEN 2009 Innovation Award Winners. Winners were selected by a panel of active technicians, shop owners and tool distributors who rated products used in their repair shops according to innovation, problem solving, ease of use, uniqueness to a specific repair, and whether it improved on a current tool.

"These winners were chosen by their customers, so the honor is even more reflective of how important these tools or equipment are to the industry," says Editor Brendan Dooley. "The proper tool can increase revenue and have a direct impact on sales. Doing a task more quickly and more efficiently is key to success in our business."

Winners were chosen in 30 categories. Snap-On Tools took top honors with the Dodge Hub Removal Adapter, earning the 2009 PTEN Innovation Award Tool of the Year in the Specialty Tool category.

"The Dodge Hub Removal Adapter was the highest-rated tool by the judges, regardless of category, for its new approach," adds Dooley.

The October issue of PTEN is available now and includes a section dedicated to products that increase productivity and simplify tasks in the repair bay. Winners will be honored during a special presentation at the upcoming AAPEX Show November 3-5 in Las Vegas. For information about the awards or to learn more about PTEN, visit PTEN.com.

Professional Tool & Equipment News (PTEN) is distributed throughout the automotive repair industry to more than 100,500 hard-working professionals who turn its pages to obtain the latest tool and equipment information. PTEN's eInquiry service allows readers to access more data on up-to-date high quality tools and equipment.

PTEN and PTEN.com are published by Cygnus Business Media, an internationally-recognized business-to-business media company. Its diverse portfolio serves 13 market categories with print and interactive products, and live events. Through its media, the company reaches more than 1.5 million print subscribers, nearly 1 million industry professionals via its Custom Marketing services group and expositions, and attracts 2 million unique visitors to its websites monthly. Cygnus Business Media provides comprehensive, integrated advertising and marketing programs for some of the world's strongest business-to-business brands. For more information, visit www.cygnusb2b.com.

WINNERS' LIST FOLLOWS

                        PTEN 2009 Innovation Award Winners

    1.  A/C tools and equipment:    NAPA Balkamp        Lighted A/C manifold
    2.  Battery testers, chargers:  Techno Tools Corp.  B500IR
    3.  Brake service               Pro-Cut Intl        Pro-Cut GYR
    4.  Chemicals                   Bar's Leaks         DIFM Head gasket
                                                        Repair kit
    5.  Diagnostics                 Ok Spark            Spark plug sensor
        a. Runner up                Launch Technology   CReaderV
    6.  Electrical system tools     Electronic          Max Fuse Buddy
                                    Specialties
    7.  Hand tools                  Durston             Speed T-handles
        a. Runner up                SP Tools            Magnetic Washer
                                                        Remover
    8.  Inspection tools            Ullman              HTC-2LT lighted mirror
    9.  Jacks and stands            NAPA Balkamp        Blue Steel swivel jack
    10. Leak detectors              Redline Detection   Smoke Pro Total-Tech
    11. Lifts                       Stertil Koni        EarthLift
    12. Misc shop equipment         Posi Lock Puller    One-handed grease gun
                                                        applicator
    13. Parts cleaners              DentFix             Tornador Pulse gun
    14. Parts washers               Safety-Kleen        AQ-1 parts washer
    15. PBE                         DentFix             Sand Box dispenser
    16. Personal gear               SAS Safety          LED inspectors
    17. Power tools - cordless      Snap-on Tools       CTT4410 3/8" impact
    18. Power tools - pneumatic     Matco Tools         MT2858 Pit Bull
                                                        ratchet
    19. Preventative maintenance    Fluid Rx            Instant lubricant
                                                        diag strips
    20. Repair info sources         Equus Products      OBDFix.com
    21. Safety equip                Prevost             PrevoS1
    22. Shop environment            ShopVac             Professional
                                                        wall-mount vac
    23. Specialty tools             Snap-on Tools       Dodge hub
                                                        removal adapter
    (2009 PTEN Innovation Award
    Tool of the Year)
        a. Runner up                Durston             Universal joint
                                                        sockets
    24. Suspension tools            SP Tools            Honda/Acura Xtractor
    25. Tire service                Advntg Wheel Align  Portable
                                                        wheel align system
        a. Runner up                Hunter              Auto34 Tire Changer
    26. Tool accessories            Silvertronic        Auto Diagnostic kit
    27. Tool storage - organizers   SP Tools            OrganizeAIR
    28. Tool storage - carts        Snap-on Tools       Ironhead tool-utility
                                                        vehicle
    29. Tools storage - toolboxes   Snap-on Tools       EPIQ toolbox
    30. Work lights                 Lujan USA           MiniPOD

SOURCE Professional Tool & Equipment News