Troubleshooting An Air Impact Wrench That Won't Stop Running

If your air impact wrench won't stop running, there are several potential causes and solutions. One common issue is that the O-ring on the trigger mechanism may be leaking, requiring replacement. Alternatively, the trigger mechanism may be stuck due to rust or corrosion, which can be freed by applying lubricant and working the trigger. Additionally, the air hose may be the source of the problem, either due to a blockage or a leak, which can be addressed by cleaning or replacing the hose. In some cases, the rotor blade or ball bearing in the motor may be worn out, necessitating replacement. Proper lubrication of the tool before and after use is essential to prevent such issues.

Try oiling the tool

If your air impact wrench won't stop running, one solution is to try oiling the tool. Air impact wrenches are handy tools for home maintenance and workshops, but they can develop issues with their rotating parts.

Oiling your air impact wrench can help it run smoothly and prevent issues caused by a lack of lubrication. It is important to use the correct type of oil for your tool. The air motor requires air tool oil, which is usually available from air impact gun manufacturers. The rotating hammer, meanwhile, needs to be lubricated with a motor oil of appropriate weight, such as Castrol SAE 30 motor oil.

To oil your air impact wrench, follow these steps:

• Remove the rubber jacket, if your tool has one.
• Take off the back plate by unscrewing the nuts with a 4mm align key. Keep the gasket at the bottom of the plate safe.
• Remove the alignment rod.
• Tap the anvil with a punch tool and hammer to remove the back bearing.
• Take out the air motor, which will be visible after removing the back bearing. Clean the vanes in the grooves of the air motor after disassembling.
• Tap the anvil from the front to remove the air motor housing and front bearing.
• Remove the hammer assembly by pushing the anvil from the front, which will also remove the hammer.
• Separate the hammer and anvil, which are held together by a round gasket. Carefully remove the gasket with a screwdriver.
• Clean the internal parts with petrol or another spirit to remove any old oil or metal chips.
• Reassemble the tool by reversing the above steps.
• Attach the anvil to the hammer using the gasket.
• Put the hammer assembly inside the air impact wrench body, followed by the front bearing and air motor casing.
• Align the air motor and place it inside the air motor casing. Apply air tool oil to the vanes.
• Put back the back bearing and align them with the alignment rod.
• Put the gasket and back plate in place, tightening the 4mm nuts to secure the back plate.
• Remove the oil plug nut, which is located over the oil port, with a 4mm align key.
• Insert approximately 1 ounce (29ml) of 30 weight motor oil into the oil port to lubricate the hammer mechanism.
• Add 6-7 drops of air tool oil to the air port to lubricate the air motor and vanes.
• Connect the air supply and run the tool for around 30 seconds to distribute the oil.
• Drain the excess oil by opening the oil plug.
• Put the rubber jacket back on the tool.

By following these steps, you can effectively oil your air impact wrench, ensuring smooth performance and preventing issues caused by a lack of lubrication.

Check the O-ring on the trigger mechanism

If your air impact wrench won't stop running, one of the possible issues could be a damaged O-ring on the trigger mechanism. The O-ring is a small, flexible seal that helps to contain pressurised air within the tool, allowing it to function properly. Over time, this O-ring can become worn, brittle, or damaged, leading to air leaks.

To check the O-ring on the trigger mechanism, follow these steps:

• Disconnect the air impact wrench from the air supply and set it on a flat surface.
• Locate the trigger mechanism, which is usually found near the handle or grip of the tool.
• Inspect the O-ring carefully. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks, splits, or missing pieces.
• If the O-ring appears damaged, it will need to be replaced. You can find replacement O-rings at most hardware stores or online.
• Before installing a new O-ring, clean the area thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, or debris.
• Lubricate the new O-ring with a small amount of silicone lubricant or grease compatible with the O-ring material.
• Install the new O-ring, ensuring it is seated properly in the groove of the trigger mechanism.
• Reattach the air supply and test the air impact wrench to see if the issue has been resolved.

It is important to note that working with air-powered tools requires proper safety precautions. Always wear safety goggles and protective gloves when working with compressed air and air-powered tools. Additionally, regular maintenance and lubrication of your air impact wrench can help prevent issues and prolong the life of the tool.

Check for grits or gum in the tool

If your air impact wrench is running slowly or not working at all, it may be due to the presence of grits or gum in the tool. To address this issue, follow these steps:

Step 1: Flush the Tool

Start by flushing the tool with a suitable solvent, such as oil or a gum solvent. This will help to loosen and remove any grit or gum buildup within the impact wrench. Gently remove the debris from the tool to ensure it doesn't cause further issues.

Step 2: Lubricate the Tool

Once the tool is clean and free of grits and gum, it's important to lubricate the impact wrench. Apply lubrication before and after using the tool. This will help keep it in optimal condition and prevent future malfunctions.

Step 3: Check the Rotor Blade and Ball Bearing

In some cases, a slow-running impact wrench could be due to a worn-out rotor blade or ball bearing in the motor. After lubricating the tool, if it still doesn't function properly, consider replacing these parts. Test the impact wrench after replacing the worn-out components.

Step 4: Inspect the Air Pressure Gauge

If the impact wrench continues to run slowly or not work at all, check the air pressure gauge. Insufficient air pressure can affect the performance of your tool. Ensure that the air hose is securely attached to the impact wrench and check for any leaks. If you're using multiple air hoses, remove the extra hoses, as they can also impact the tool's performance.

By following these steps, you can effectively address the issue of grits or gum in your air impact wrench and improve its performance. Remember to maintain your tool regularly and keep it well-lubricated to prevent future malfunctions.

Check the air pressure gauge

If your air impact wrench is malfunctioning and won't stop running, one of the first things you should do is check the air pressure gauge. An impact wrench that is running too slowly may be doing so because of a lack of pressure. Make sure that the air hose is attached securely to the impact wrench and that there are no leaks. If you are using multiple air hoses, try removing the extra ones, as this can affect the performance of your tool.

To check for leaks, you can try applying soapy water to the hose connection and looking for bubbles. If you find any, the hose may need to be replaced. Another way to check for leaks is to use an ultrasonic leak detector or a stethoscope.

If your air impact wrench is not getting enough pressure, it could be because the air compressor tank is not set to the correct pressure. Check the air compressor's gauge and adjust the pressure as needed. Ensure that the tank is not empty and that the compressor is working properly.

It is also important to ensure that the air filter is clean and free of debris, as a clogged air filter can restrict airflow and affect the performance of your impact wrench.

By checking the air pressure gauge and ensuring that your air compressor and air hoses are functioning properly, you can help identify and resolve issues with your air impact wrench not stopping running.

Check for water in the air compressor tank

If your air impact wrench won't stop running, there are a few potential causes and solutions you can try. Firstly, check if the wrench has been oiled regularly, as a lack of oil can cause internal rusting or the trigger pin to stick. Try oiling the wrench and working the trigger to see if that solves the problem. If not, you may need to dismantle and clean the pin assembly.

Another potential issue could be with the O-ring on the trigger mechanism. If it is leaking, it may need to be replaced. Additionally, check if there is something stuck under the valve, such as desiccant from a cheap air dryer, and ensure that your air hose is not damaged.

Now, onto the topic of checking for water in the air compressor tank. Water in the air compressor tank is a common issue that can occur due to the presence of water vapour in the atmospheric air that fills the tank. While a small amount of water is normal and acceptable for many applications, it is important to prevent excessive water buildup as it can cause damage to the internal structure of the compressor and affect its performance. Here are some detailed instructions on how to check for and address water in the air compressor tank:

• Daily Basis Check and Drain: It is recommended to get into the habit of checking and draining your air compressor tank on a daily basis. Locate the drain valve by referring to your model's manual. Ensure that the compressor is turned off and unplugged for safety. Completely open the drain valve and leave it open until the tank is empty to ensure all water is removed.
• Use of Automatic Drains: To make the task of draining your tank easier, you can install automatic drains on your compressor. These will automatically drain the water that accumulates, reducing the risk of corrosion and prolonging the life of your air compressor.
• Install Aftercoolers: Aftercoolers are devices that help to cool down the compressed air, which can increase the amount of water vapour it can hold. By installing an aftercooler, you can reduce the amount of water that condenses and accumulates in your air compressor tank.
• Utilise Filter Regulator Lubricators (FRLs): FRLs can also aid in water removal, although they are not as effective as aftercoolers. They offer additional benefits such as filtering solid contaminants, removing oil vapours, regulating pressure, and lubricating the compressed air.
• Refrigerated Air Dryers and Absorption Air Dryers: For applications that require exceptionally dry air, consider investing in refrigerated air dryers or absorption air dryers. These specialised dryers are designed to effectively remove moisture from the compressed air before it enters the air compressor tank.
• Follow Manufacturer's Guidelines: Different air compressor models may have specific guidelines for draining the air receiver tank. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions to determine the recommended frequency and procedure for draining the tank to prevent water buildup.
• Comply with Government Regulations: In some cases, government regulations may dictate when and how often the water in the air receiver tank must be drained. For example, OSHA has guidelines regarding the frequent draining of the air receiver tank to prevent excessive liquid accumulation.

Frequently asked questions