Patent ID: 7182147

Claim:
A method for controlled tool operation, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tool; providing a driver operatively associated with the tool; providing a controller operatively associated with the tool; providing a cradle for receiving the tool; receiving and retaining information in the tool when the tool is docked in the cradle, the information being for use in at least one torque operation; identifying a torque operation comprising replacing a plurality of lug nuts on at least one tire of a vehicle; providing operational information corresponding to the torque operation; performing the torque operation corresponding to the operational information while recording service information; and storing the service information on the controller, the step of performing the torque operation corresponding to the operational information further comprising: controllably displaying a representation of a vehicle on the display; displaying a tire position indicator corresponding to each of the at least one tire; activating the tire position indicator when an operation is to be performed on that tire.