
Air impact wrenches are power tools used to loosen and tighten nuts, fasteners, and screws. They are commonly used in the automotive industry and by owners of four-wheelers. Like all power tools, air impact wrenches can malfunction. Common problems include the wrench refusing to run or starting slowly, emitting moisture, and failing to deliver enough impact to loosen or tighten screws. To troubleshoot these issues, users can check the air compressor pressure, clean the wrench of any dust or grit, lubricate the motor, and drain water from the air compressor tank.
What You'll Learn
The air impact wrench always spins at low RPM
If your air impact wrench always spins at a low RPM, there are several possible reasons for this. Firstly, check if the air compressor is taking in enough airflow. Insufficient air pressure can cause the wrench to operate slowly or not at all. Ensure that the air hose is connected securely and properly to the compressor. If there is a leak in the hose, replace it. Refer to the manual to determine the correct air pressure for your impact wrench.
Another potential cause is a build-up of grit, dust, or gum in the tool. To address this, flush the tool with oil or a gum solvent, gently removing any debris, and then lubricate the tool before and after use. Additionally, the slow running of the wrench could be due to worn-out parts, such as the rotor blade or ball bearing in the motor. In this case, you would need to replace these parts and test the wrench afterward.
If the wrench is well-oiled but still not functioning properly, adjust the tool regulator to the maximum setting and run the impact wrench. It is also important to regularly lubricate the motor and impact mechanism to maintain optimal performance and prevent rust and corrosion, especially if the tool has not been used for an extended period.
If the issue persists, there may be a problem with the fitting. Try using the tool with a different airline to determine if the issue lies with the fitting. If the O-ring on the trigger mechanism is leaking, the tool will need to be oiled, and the O-ring may need to be replaced.
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The O-ring on the trigger mechanism is leaking
If your air impact wrench is leaking air from the trigger, it could be that the O-ring on the trigger mechanism is leaking. This is a common issue with impact wrenches. The O-ring may be ripped, causing air to leak and the trigger to flop around.
To fix this, first try oiling the tool. If this doesn't work, you will need to replace the O-ring. You can purchase a rebuild kit for your impact wrench, which should include a new O-ring and any other necessary parts.
- Disassemble the trigger mechanism, following any available instructions or diagrams for your specific model.
- Clean all parts thoroughly, using rags, a toothbrush, and Q-tips.
- Inspect the O-ring for any damage, such as rips or cracks. If the O-ring is damaged, replace it with a new one from your rebuild kit.
- Reassemble the trigger mechanism, ensuring that all parts are properly aligned and no foreign objects are stuck under the valve.
- Test your impact wrench to ensure it is now functioning properly.
If you are unsure about disassembling your impact wrench or cannot identify the issue, it is recommended to consult a professional or an air tool service centre. They will be able to diagnose and fix the problem for you.
Remember to regularly oil and maintain your impact wrench to prevent future issues and ensure its longevity.
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The trigger is stuck due to rust
If the trigger of your air impact wrench is stuck due to rust, you can try the following:
Firstly, check if the trigger spring and valve are intact and clean. If they are, the issue could be with the push rod from the trigger to the valve, which may be stuck due to debris or rust. Removing and cleaning it might solve the problem.
If the trigger spring and valve are not intact, or cleaning the push rod does not work, you may need to replace the trigger. To do this, place the wrench on a solid work surface and remove the pin that acts as a pivot. Use a 1/16-inch punch and a hammer to loosen and remove the pin. Take out the broken trigger and insert a new one. Reinsert the pin carefully and test the trigger.
If you are unable to fix the trigger, you may need to take the wrench to a repair centre or buy a rebuild kit.
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The air tank is filled with water
If your air impact wrench stays on, there are a few potential issues that could be causing this. Firstly, check if there is any moisture coming from the tool. If there is, this indicates that there is water in the air compressor tank or the air lines/hoses attached to your tool. To resolve this issue:
- Open the air compressor tank and drain the water.
- Apply oil to your tool and run it for a few minutes until no more moisture comes out.
- Install a water filter or separator on the hoses to prevent water from entering your air lines or hoses.
- Install an air dryer to reduce moisture absorption during operation.
Another reason why your air impact wrench may stay on could be due to issues with the rotor blade or ball bearing in the motor. If these components are worn out, they will need to be replaced. Additionally, ensure that your tool is properly lubricated before and after use to maintain its performance.
Now, if the air tank in your air compressor is filled with water, this can be problematic. The presence of water in the air compressor tank is often due to not draining the air tank properly. Over time, water vapour accumulates and fills the tank. To address this:
- Open the air compressor tank and pour out the water. There should be a drain valve for this purpose.
- Apply oil to the tool and run it for a couple of minutes to eliminate any remaining moisture.
It is important to keep your air compressor tank free of water to prevent damage to the impact wrench. Water in the tank can lead to rust and corrosion, affecting the performance and longevity of your tool.
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The air hose is not connected properly
If your air impact wrench stays on, one of the possible reasons could be that the air hose is not connected properly. Here are some steps you can take to address this issue:
Firstly, check if there is a problem with the fitting. Try using the tool with another air hose to see if the issue persists. If the wrench functions properly with a different hose, then the problem likely lies with the original hose's fitting.
Next, inspect the air hose for any leaks and ensure it is attached securely to the impact wrench. It is important to make sure that there are no leaks in the air hose and that it is tightly connected to the wrench. If you are using multiple air hoses, remove the extra hoses from your wrench, as they can affect the performance of your tool.
Additionally, check the air pressure gauge. Insufficient pressure can cause your impact wrench to malfunction. Make sure that the air hose is securely attached and that there is enough pressure for the tool to operate effectively.
If the issue persists, there could be a blockage or obstruction in the valve. Remove the fittings from the bottom of the gun and dismantle the pin assembly. Clean the assembly and then reinstall it. This can help dislodge any debris or build-up that may be causing the valve to stick.
Finally, if the above steps do not resolve the issue, consider seeking professional assistance. Contact your local tool repair shop or the manufacturer's service center for further guidance or repairs.
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Frequently asked questions
This could be due to a faulty O-ring on the trigger mechanism. Try oiling the tool and if that doesn't work, you may need to replace the O-ring.
Check if the air hose is connected properly to the compressor. If it is not connected properly, this could lead to weak pressure supply. If there is a leak in the hose, you will need to change it.
Check the regulator that is responsible for maximising the impact. The setting should be made so that you can have the most impact out of it. Turn the regulator to maximum if you haven't done that yet.