Purchased a 640 Ford recently. The VIN made no sense, and the distributor dust cover was chewing up on the underside. Also the rotor was floppy, it's amazing it ran well. Scheduled a 15 minute consult with Dan and he gave me the exact production number VIN clarification--it's a 1955. He also advised they have had a lot of trouble with the electronic ignitions made you know where, which have an almost 100% failure rate in the long run. He made sure I had the correct wires to the distributor. So, I ordered the parts to fix the scuffing and floppy rotor, and a set of reasonably priced parts from Dan to convert it back quickly when the electronic unit fails. He also confirmed the timing can easily be static timed in the field. Thrilled to find such high quality help, and Dan is a great American preserving our heritage as well. Going forward, we intend to use this tractor regularly, and I am very confident we have a friendly expert to call on if we need help.
Stumbled on this doing research on an 8N at a farm I work on that will not start for me. Great video. IMHO our country would be better off with girls wanting to follow the example set by Rachel versus any number of vapid Hollywood celebrities. Great to see a father / daughter team working on old iron together. Bravo!
Rachel Thank you for your videos. Yours on distributors allowed me to find my problem with my 860 ford. Hard to express how much I enjoy your efforts. Your dad must be very proud.
Your info is awesome, I'm a retired double master tech, and now I pick the work I want to do. Will be ordering parts also from your business. Keep up the great work. Dan, you did well with Rachel, she really knows her stuff and can give instructions precisely. It's a joy to see young people have hands-on expertise these days!
One of the best instructional videos I have ever seen. You get right to the project with out a lot of useless chatter. Clear and well organized description of each step. Awesome job!
With these videos I was able to restore my 2N and 8N into good working condition! Thank you for taking the time to make an outstanding series of step by step videos to perform maintenance and repairs on these tractors 🎉
You solved my problem at 18:32! I could not figure out why my recently purchased 8n was giving me so much trouble. After seeing the wire order I checked and sure enough they were laid out 1-2-3-4 instead of 1-2-4-3. Thank you for your videos.
I stuff toil paper in dis to keep screws from failing to dis I was taught this around 12 years old and still working on them Being safe is just smart and saves alot of mistakes Thank You’ll
I'm glad I found your channel. I just spent the last 2 days giving my 1953 8n B. an oil change and tune up for the 1st. Time in 25 years. I couldn't bring myself to pay $ 25.00 for an oil fiter so... I disasembled the NAPA filter canister and replaced the string filter with a roll of Toilet Paper. It took me a couple of hours to get that string out. It was completly solidìfied with metal filings, teflon from myself adding 1/2 quart of Slick 50 when I changed the oil once a year.
Perfect! That’s just what I’ve been looking for! I have an 8N that’s been converted to 12 volt and needs a tuneup.. this will help me do it right! Watching a video is sooooo much better than reading a manual and looking at still photos. Thanks!!!
Thank you for making a great video. I bought your master tune up kit along with the 12v conversion and with this easy step by step video I was able to accomplish everything on my own. My tractor starts and runs great now!
Thank you! This is just what I need. No spark to the plugs on my '48 and feeling overwhelmed trying to figure it out. This helps a ton to get me started.
I have an 1948 8n tractor that went through a flood 6 years ago (long story) . Watching your video gave me such hope in rewiring and fixing it up. I ordered starter and it seems to be heading the right direction. Thank you both for such an awesome technical help support. You both have been a Blessing!!
I just watched one of your videos from two years ago and it was so helpful. You do amazing on your videos and I doubt that anyone could do a better job. Thank you so much Rachel for the great videos that are so well done.👍
I keep a long handled magnet in my tool box in case I drop small parts that lose themselves ... the magnet helps retrieve. You can buy a telescoping magnet or it is easy to make your own. Rachel, you and dad are awesome. Thanks for the well explained information.
We just moved to Goodrich, MI, and have a small farm off Dutch Road. We stopped by the Steiner store in Lennon, Mi, and boy were we disappointed in the rudeness of its sales staff. My husband took a picture of me sitting in the store and the sales clerk said there's no taking photos inside the store! He further went on to say they signed legal documentation to prevent photos from being taken. We were berated and made to feel shame... (We won't be going back there again, and they should have a sign that says no cameras allowed!). Shame on Steiner ....
G R E A T Video as always straight to the point just what we need to know. I either forgot or did not know 8n and ford 600 jubilee etc the distributor turns the opposite way .. Thanks so much...
Another great vido you both put out. I've been tuning up my distributor system for years and just learned a few tricks that I need to sharpen up on the next time. Never too old to learn new tricks, and this is no exception. A must watch no matter what or how long you've owned your treactor. And before you leave TH-cam watchers, don't forget to give the Gingells a THUMBS UP!!! because it takes a lot of effort and time to make "wiseguys" out of us. That's the least you can to support their efforts in rhe hopes they put out more educationall videos for us. THUMBS UP!!!
These two are great as a team. Our family retail shop focused on these style tractors and I actually try to look for inconsistencies or something they left out but I couldn’t find anything. Years ago when I seen one of Rachel’s videos I told my buddy how weird a first date between her and I would be. “ hey I had someone try to put a automotive solenoid on a 601 Ford today and it wouldn’t run, how’s your steak?” Lol, that would be the dialect.
Its nice to see a beautiful woman like yourself that's more than able to mechanic and do things that don't even cross most women's minds. Keep up the great work 👍
I followed your testing directions for the points, sure enough not working , light stayed on, new points and condenser, a shot of start em up fluid and this old ford fired, for a second anyway, now I gotta rig up some kinda fuel tank and try again, first gotta charge the battery that keeps going dead ( brand new). One day this things gonna run, thanks for your videos and info
you make it look so easy! I bought your kit and having a heck of a time installing the condenser. I believe the strap that holds it down could be a touch longer in length.
Good video. Tips: always clean new points with a little brake cleaner or something similar and a piece of card stock or thick paper. There’s oil on new points. Dialectic grease is not for metal to metal connections. It’s for the boots. Dielectric grease is an insulator that doesn’t conduct electricity.
Nicely done you two... I have been remiss with my 8N tractor, and do need to give it a tune-up soon (it is a late model factory 12 volt)... Thank you for sharing... ^~^
Once you pull the points, it is a very good time to get some break parts cleaner on a rag and clean the points cam (Lobes) in the distributor. Old grease becomes one with dust and dirt to form a very rough surface. Not only does that surface wear the points arm prematurely, it causes a variation in spark (dwell) which will cause an uneven idle and reduced efficiency. Clean it and consider polishing it so those points don't have a bouncy ride and your tractor will have the even beat idle you want.
The idea of having points is to tell the decay in performance and they rarely suddenly fail unlike the newer solid state that keeps working until it suddenly doesn't. Next time try a needle nose instead of trying to pry anything off with a screwdriver. I love it no one got their hands dirty, I need to use a freaking scrapper just to find the mount bolt.
Hey Rachel, love your videos they help me so much with my fire 841! So thank you so much for what you and your pops do for all of us ford owner’s. I didn’t realize you guys where out of Michigan and was wondering where in Michigan are you guys from and if you have a service shop?
hey dad... out of my camera spot and i want my own dressing room, better hours... oh and up front tickets to the rolling stones... Now for the "Gingell Tractor Detective". thanks..😊
Hello Rachel! I absolutely love your videos, and they've been a great help on my project tractor. I've a 9n that I'm currently working on that needs a complete transmission rebuild, any chance you could do a video/series on how that's done?
@@johncoleman8793 Did they mention the manufacture or any identifying details? All I ever see are the suitcase weights or the rings, and the occasional half rings.
@@ShainAndrews These are commonly referred to as "pie piece wheel weights". They are more often found on the newer Ford tractors than 8Ns, but certain sets are suitable for the smaller wheels (but not all pie piece weights will fit on this size of wheel--they were available in different sizes).
@@DanGingell Thank you Gingell clan. That probably explains why I have not seen them before. Just don't see anything newer than the 8N in my area. But now that I"ve seen it I bet I see another in 12 months. Just how it works. LOL.
You guys really need to make a video on how to time side distributor. I know you have an old video there but I would like to see better quality and more detail video.
Very Helpful. My 8N has a 12 volt conversion. some issues: mine has a dust cap in the distributor the coil has the built in resistor and an external resistor. Any thoughts?
Hi Dan & Rachel. Love your videos! I have a 1964 Ford 4000. I purchased the tune-up kit from you and will be installing it soon. My question is; do you need to set the ignition timing similar to the timing on vehicles? If so, do you have a video or link that covers this? Thanks so much!
I have a new to me, Ford 8N side distributor, seems to be in really good shape, 12 volt system. I'm changing out points, plugs, plug wires, condenser, cap and coil. Great video, extremely helpful. My question is the distributor oil filler tube, what kind of oil and how much to fill? Thank you from Texas!
Hi Dan and Rachel, I have a 1949 8N and I want to install a water temperature gauge. Where do I install the sensor? Do I have to tap into the cylinder head? Thank you
I'm about to purchase a Ford 8N (1952). It has been restored. It runs and looks great! I wonder if there is anything you have not covered on the 8N in your videos (and if so, can you make those videos?). I'm sure I will have some issues to repair as time goes by. My primary resource for repair tutorials will be your videos! I have the same questions about the Farmall Cub, because my uncle's 1948 model [it might a 1949--I need to get the serial # and find out for sure] is likely to become my Cub in a couple of years. It will need a lot of work because it has been serving as lawn art since my uncle passed in 2015.
Hi Chris, Here's a link to one on Amazon. This isn't the exact one we used in the video but we own this one too and it has worked great for us! amzn.to/39UHkw9
Will you be doing a video on replacing the points with an electronic ignition or do you not recommend an electronic ignition for the side distributor 8N?
Hey Rachel and Dan, I love your videos! I have a question that hopefully you can answer for me! I am having starting issues with my 52, 8n it just won't start. I am using large screw driver to turn my flywheel to check the points gap and I know the rotation is counter clockwise but when I turn the flywheel to get TDC for #1 cylinder the flywheel/crank locks up and will not turn past that point near the TDC! Does this mean that there is an internal engine issue? The engine will still turn over using the starter. I appreciate any help or advice you may have. Thanks
Where are the best 8n forums for troubleshooting? Mine was driving fine and the next day it is blowing out black smoke. I can get it to start, but it won't stay going unless I crank up gas but black smoke billows out.
What's causing my intermittent weak spark? I've set points, cleaned them, changed the cap changed the plug wires still sometimes have spark sometimes don't usually weak when it is sparking
We're working on a 52 8N currently and the distributor HAS a dust cover under the cap. I tried removing it and the cap is loose now. Soooo.... what now?
Purchased a 640 Ford recently. The VIN made no sense, and the distributor dust cover was chewing up on the underside. Also the rotor was floppy, it's amazing it ran well. Scheduled a 15 minute consult with Dan and he gave me the exact production number VIN clarification--it's a 1955. He also advised they have had a lot of trouble with the electronic ignitions made you know where, which have an almost 100% failure rate in the long run. He made sure I had the correct wires to the distributor. So, I ordered the parts to fix the scuffing and floppy rotor, and a set of reasonably priced parts from Dan to convert it back quickly when the electronic unit fails. He also confirmed the timing can easily be static timed in the field. Thrilled to find such high quality help, and Dan is a great American preserving our heritage as well. Going forward, we intend to use this tractor regularly, and I am very confident we have a friendly expert to call on if we need help.
Stumbled on this doing research on an 8N at a farm I work on that will not start for me. Great video. IMHO our country would be better off with girls wanting to follow the example set by Rachel versus any number of vapid Hollywood celebrities. Great to see a father / daughter team working on old iron together. Bravo!
Rachel
Thank you for your videos. Yours on distributors allowed me to find my problem with my 860 ford. Hard to express how much I enjoy your efforts. Your dad must be very proud.
Your info is awesome, I'm a retired double master tech, and now I pick the work I want to do. Will be ordering parts also from your business. Keep up the great work. Dan, you did well with Rachel, she really knows her stuff and can give instructions precisely. It's a joy to see young people have hands-on expertise these days!
One of the best instructional videos I have ever seen. You get right to the project with out a lot of useless chatter. Clear and well organized description of each step. Awesome job!
With these videos I was able to restore my 2N and 8N into good working condition! Thank you for taking the time to make an outstanding series of step by step videos to perform maintenance and repairs on these tractors 🎉
You solved my problem at 18:32! I could not figure out why my recently purchased 8n was giving me so much trouble. After seeing the wire order I checked and sure enough they were laid out 1-2-3-4 instead of 1-2-4-3. Thank you for your videos.
How many people here dont own a tractor but Rachel makes you want to?
I own one and she helps me be a better mechanic 😆
Seriously, a breath of fresh air
I stuff toil paper in dis to keep screws from failing to dis
I was taught this around 12 years old and still working on them
Being safe is just smart and saves alot of mistakes
Thank You’ll
I'm glad I found your channel. I just spent the last 2 days giving my 1953 8n B. an oil change and tune up for the 1st. Time in 25 years. I couldn't bring myself to pay $ 25.00 for an oil fiter so... I disasembled the NAPA filter canister and replaced the string filter with a roll of Toilet Paper. It took me a couple of hours to get that string out. It was completly solidìfied with metal filings, teflon from myself adding 1/2 quart of Slick 50 when I changed the oil once a year.
You're the prettiest mechanic I ever watched
Thank you. Dan, my son would be lucky to find a lady as awesome as your little girl. My hats off to you sir. Good job!!
Perfect! That’s just what I’ve been looking for! I have an 8N that’s been converted to 12 volt and needs a tuneup.. this will help me do it right! Watching a video is sooooo much better than reading a manual and looking at still photos. Thanks!!!
Yes these videos on anything helps me alot thank you all for making it possible
Thank you for making a great video. I bought your master tune up kit along with the 12v conversion and with this easy step by step video I was able to accomplish everything on my own. My tractor starts and runs great now!
Thank you! This is just what I need. No spark to the plugs on my '48 and feeling overwhelmed trying to figure it out. This helps a ton to get me started.
I have an 1948 8n tractor that went through a flood 6 years ago (long story) . Watching your video gave me such hope in rewiring and fixing it up. I ordered starter and it seems to be heading the right direction. Thank you both for such an awesome technical help support. You both have been a Blessing!!
Thank you so much for posting this great tutorial. Such a pleasure to follow
Rachel's well presented instructions in repairing my old NAA tractor!
I just watched one of your videos from two years ago and it was so helpful.
You do amazing on your videos and I doubt that anyone could do a better job.
Thank you so much Rachel for the great videos that are so well done.👍
8n one of the best small tractors of all time.
I keep a long handled magnet in my tool box in case I drop small parts that lose themselves ... the magnet helps retrieve. You can buy a telescoping magnet or it is easy to make your own. Rachel, you and dad are awesome. Thanks for the well explained information.
Stuff opening with toil paper and it can’t go into bottom of dis
Thank you both for the work you put into these really useful videos.
Thanks so much for the clear instructions to the newbies among us.
Your dad & you are awesome! You explain things so well!
I think I'm in love...with more than my 8N! Great video!
Simply amazing videos! Wish you all could make more.
We just moved to Goodrich, MI, and have a small farm off Dutch Road.
We stopped by the Steiner store in Lennon, Mi, and boy were we disappointed in the rudeness of its sales staff.
My husband took a picture of me sitting in the store and the sales clerk said there's no taking photos inside the store! He further went on to say they signed legal documentation to prevent photos from being taken.
We were berated and made to feel shame... (We won't be going back there again, and they should have a sign that says no cameras allowed!). Shame on Steiner ....
G R E A T Video as always straight to the point just what we need to know. I either forgot or did not know 8n and ford 600 jubilee etc the distributor turns the opposite way .. Thanks so much...
Another great vido you both put out. I've been tuning up my distributor system for years and just learned a few tricks that I need to sharpen up on the next time. Never too old to learn new tricks, and this is no exception. A must watch no matter what or how long you've owned your treactor. And before you leave TH-cam watchers, don't forget to give the Gingells a THUMBS UP!!! because it takes a lot of effort and time to make "wiseguys" out of us. That's the least you can to support their efforts in rhe hopes they put out more educationall videos for us. THUMBS UP!!!
These two are great as a team. Our family retail shop focused on these style tractors and I actually try to look for inconsistencies or something they left out but I couldn’t find anything. Years ago when I seen one of Rachel’s videos I told my buddy how weird a first date between her and I would be. “ hey I had someone try to put a automotive solenoid on a 601 Ford today and it wouldn’t run, how’s your steak?” Lol, that would be the dialect.
New vid is great Rachel! Thank you both.
As of October 15, you are sold out of 8N coils learning that after writing to your website.
Love your show. '54 Jubilee.
Just came across your channel and have learned some new things, great channel keep up the good work
Rachel, you did it again, GREAT JOB
Its nice to see a beautiful woman like yourself that's more than able to mechanic and do things that don't even cross most women's minds. Keep up the great work 👍
Very proud of your daughter she knows what she will make somebody a great wife😊
One day I'll own a tractor and these lessons will be so valuable, very well presented information !
Always an interesting tech session
she is a awsome lady.dad has to be proud.
I followed your testing directions for the points, sure enough not working , light stayed on, new points and condenser, a shot of start em up fluid and this old ford fired, for a second anyway, now I gotta rig up some kinda fuel tank and try again, first gotta charge the battery that keeps going dead ( brand new). One day this things gonna run, thanks for your videos and info
Well, Delco is an important thing in the engine, you are great and Daddy is great, thanks
Good 👍
I ordered parts from your website and they came fast and were packaged beautifully.
you make it look so easy! I bought your kit and having a heck of a time installing the condenser. I believe the strap that holds it down could be a touch longer in length.
I had that same problem, just swapped it for the old one on the old condenser
So cool to watch y'a'll do this work. Reminds me of my youth, tearing farm machines apart, fixing them, and putting them back together. \
Well done.
You guys are fantastic! thanks for the video... very helpful in trying to get my John Deere 2010 up and going.
Good video.
Tips: always clean new points with a little brake cleaner or something similar and a piece of card stock or thick paper.
There’s oil on new points.
Dialectic grease is not for metal to metal connections. It’s for the boots. Dielectric grease is an insulator that doesn’t conduct electricity.
Very helpful...1958 ford 601 workmaster....needs fire to the cylinder...pop pop...backfired...rebuild kit tomorrow
Such a great video. Thank you.
Nicely done you two... I have been remiss with my 8N tractor, and do need to give it a tune-up soon (it is a late model factory 12 volt)... Thank you for sharing... ^~^
I love your videos. Just wish you guys helped out us Massey Ferguson guys.
Once you pull the points, it is a very good time to get some break parts cleaner on a rag and clean the points cam (Lobes) in the distributor. Old grease becomes one with dust and dirt to form a very rough surface. Not only does that surface wear the points arm prematurely, it causes a variation in spark (dwell) which will cause an uneven idle and reduced efficiency. Clean it and consider polishing it so those points don't have a bouncy ride and your tractor will have the even beat idle you want.
Great video keep them coming
Thank you very much that was very informative and helpful !!!!
Excellent video! Thanks!
The idea of having points is to tell the decay in performance and they rarely suddenly fail unlike the newer solid state that keeps working until it suddenly doesn't. Next time try a needle nose instead of trying to pry anything off with a screwdriver. I love it no one got their hands dirty, I need to use a freaking scrapper just to find the mount bolt.
Hey Rachel, love your videos they help me so much with my fire 841! So thank you so much for what you and your pops do for all of us ford owner’s. I didn’t realize you guys where out of Michigan and was wondering where in Michigan are you guys from and if you have a service shop?
hey dad... out of my camera spot and i want my own dressing room, better hours... oh and up front tickets to the rolling stones... Now for the "Gingell Tractor Detective". thanks..😊
Hello Rachel! I absolutely love your videos, and they've been a great help on my project tractor. I've a 9n that I'm currently working on that needs a complete transmission rebuild, any chance you could do a video/series on how that's done?
Interesting rear wheel weight setup. Don't believe I have seen that before.
Saw someone selling this weight setup on Craigslist recently. Agree, interesting…
@@johncoleman8793 Did they mention the manufacture or any identifying details? All I ever see are the suitcase weights or the rings, and the occasional half rings.
@@ShainAndrews These are commonly referred to as "pie piece wheel weights". They are more often found on the newer Ford tractors than 8Ns, but certain sets are suitable for the smaller wheels (but not all pie piece weights will fit on this size of wheel--they were available in different sizes).
@@DanGingell Thank you Gingell clan. That probably explains why I have not seen them before. Just don't see anything newer than the 8N in my area. But now that I"ve seen it I bet I see another in 12 months. Just how it works. LOL.
Thank you so much for another great video
Good information Rachail man👌👍🇮🇳🚜🚜😃😃
Great video
Spark plug inspiring around the head whenever it is cranked up
You guys really need to make a video on how to time side distributor. I know you have an old video there but I would like to see better quality and more detail video.
Love your videos , you make it easy to understand . I have an early 8N , i think my points are set at 15 thou. , is 25 now recommended ?
very helpful, thank you.
What about spark timing?
Very Helpful.
My 8N has a 12 volt conversion.
some issues:
mine has a dust cap in the distributor
the coil has the built in resistor and an external resistor.
Any thoughts?
Hi Dan & Rachel. Love your videos! I have a 1964 Ford 4000. I purchased the tune-up kit from you and will be installing it soon. My question is; do you need to set the ignition timing similar to the timing on vehicles? If so, do you have a video or link that covers this? Thanks so much!
Very informative.
I have a new to me, Ford 8N side distributor, seems to be in really good shape, 12 volt system. I'm changing out points, plugs, plug wires, condenser, cap and coil. Great video, extremely helpful. My question is the distributor oil filler tube, what kind of oil and how much to fill? Thank you from Texas!
Excellent!!!
Hi Dan and Rachel, I have a 1949 8N and I want to install a water temperature gauge. Where do I install the sensor? Do I have to tap into the cylinder head? Thank you
Just ordered set of plug wires from y’all. At which connectors do I put ohm meter leads to check coil resistance?
Hello! Is there a way to reach you guys about some 8N Q,A? I need some help! Lol
I'm about to purchase a Ford 8N (1952). It has been restored. It runs and looks great! I wonder if there is anything you have not covered on the 8N in your videos (and if so, can you make those videos?). I'm sure I will have some issues to repair as time goes by. My primary resource for repair tutorials will be your videos! I have the same questions about the Farmall Cub, because my uncle's 1948 model [it might a 1949--I need to get the serial # and find out for sure] is likely to become my Cub in a couple of years. It will need a lot of work because it has been serving as lawn art since my uncle passed in 2015.
When will you have the 6 Volt coil back in stock?
Where do I find a spark plug tester just like that one?
Hi
What type of grease did you put on the distributor before installing the condenser and the rotor?
What is that spark analyzer tool called? I'd like to order one. I tried searching but I'm not seeing a model that looks like this one. Thanks.
Hi Chris, Here's a link to one on Amazon. This isn't the exact one we used in the video but we own this one too and it has worked great for us! amzn.to/39UHkw9
@@DanGingell Ordered, thanks!
thank you so much.
Great videos, could you do a video on hand crank start, 8n, and an electronic ignition up grade....
Thank you 😊 when you say 600 dose that include 641 ?
Can't say I've ever been poked by an ignition system. I have plenty of teeth marks though.
Outstanding
Will you be doing a video on replacing the points with an electronic ignition or do you not recommend an electronic ignition for the side distributor 8N?
How do I get to top dead center , got an 8N from a friend , number 1 plug wire is on bottom of distributor instead of top toward # 1 plug
Hey Rachel and Dan, I love your videos! I have a question that hopefully you can answer for me! I am having starting issues with my 52, 8n it just won't start. I am using large screw driver to turn my flywheel to check the points gap and I know the rotation is counter clockwise but when I turn the flywheel to get TDC for #1 cylinder the flywheel/crank locks up and will not turn past that point near the TDC! Does this mean that there is an internal engine issue? The engine will still turn over using the starter. I appreciate any help or advice you may have. Thanks
How do I order the clip on the end of the distributor shaft on a 1952 jubilee
Where did you get that tool
What's the timing on an 8N ?
Can you please make more videos about the ford 601 701 workmaster 801 and 901 powermaster series please.
Where are the best 8n forums for troubleshooting? Mine was driving fine and the next day it is blowing out black smoke. I can get it to start, but it won't stay going unless I crank up gas but black smoke billows out.
My 2N will start and run but is not making any power. What would be the first thing you would look at?
My 960's distributor has a dust cover between the rotor and the points. Is it normal for an 8N to omit that?
What's causing my intermittent weak spark? I've set points, cleaned them, changed the cap changed the plug wires still sometimes have spark sometimes don't usually weak when it is sparking
We're working on a 52 8N currently and the distributor HAS a dust cover under the cap. I tried removing it and the cap is loose now. Soooo.... what now?
I just got a jubilee and it needs care ty
Would like to see a video on a 600 Ford tractor solenoid wire up
Where can I get the tool to check the points opening and closing?