Clear Impact: Atf's Guide To Wrench Use

An air impact wrench is a power tool that uses compressed air to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. It is important to oil an air impact wrench regularly for better performance. The air gun has two main parts that need to be oiled: the vane motor and the rotating hammer mechanism. For the cleansing and oiling process, you will need a few ingredients, including an old air impact wrench, air tool oil (or a substitute such as automatic transmission fluid or ATF), motor oil, petrol or another spirit, and a compressed air supply. The cleansing process involves removing the rubber jacket, backplate, alignment rod, back bearing, air motor, vanes, air motor housing, front bearings, hammer assembly, and anvil. After cleansing, the oiling process can begin, which involves lubricating the air motor and distributing the oil by running the air impact wrench for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Using ATF in air tools

Air tools require lubrication to function optimally. While there are dedicated air tool oils available, Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is a common alternative used by many. ATF is a lubricant that generally allows air tools to work as intended. It contains several useful additives, including anti-oxidation additives, detergents, and anti-foam compounds. It is also inexpensive and easily accessible.

When using ATF in air tools, it is important to ensure compatibility with your specific tool. While ATF can be a suitable substitute, it is always recommended to refer to the tool's manual for the manufacturer's guidelines on lubrication. Additionally, proper oiling procedures should be followed to avoid adding too much or too little oil, which could potentially damage the tools.

Some people have expressed concerns about using ATF in air tools, suggesting that it may not be the ideal lubricant for certain applications. There are also reports of some air tools specifically stating that using ATF will ruin the tool. However, many users have shared their experiences of using ATF in their air tools for many years without any negative effects.

It is worth noting that air tools require regular lubrication to maintain their performance and prolong their lifespan. The frequency of lubrication depends on the usage of the tools, and it is recommended to follow a set schedule for oiling to ensure optimal performance.

In conclusion, while ATF can be used as a substitute for dedicated air tool oils, it is essential to refer to the tool's manual and follow proper oiling procedures to ensure the best results and avoid any potential damage to your air tools.

Pros and cons of ATF vs air tool oil

Using ATF in an impact wrench or other air tools is a common practice, especially in a pinch when a dedicated air tool oil is not available. However, there are differing opinions on whether ATF is a suitable long-term substitute for air tool oil.

Pros of ATF:

• Some people have used ATF in their air tools for many years without any issues and believe it is a suitable substitute.
• It is readily available and often already on hand, especially for those who work with cars and other vehicles.
• It can help keep the tool clean due to its detergent properties.
• It may be better than not using any lubricant at all, as dryness can cause issues with air tools.

Cons of ATF:

• Some manufacturers specifically state not to use ATF in their air tools, as it may ruin them.
• It may not lubricate as well as air tool oil and could wear off more quickly.
• It can cause weird foaming in the tools and swelling of cylinder seals.
• It is not designed for use in tools that will be used in painting applications, as it can cause issues with paintwork.
• It may contain detergents and solvents that could damage certain seals in the tools.
• It is not designed to be breathed in, and the fumes may be harmful.

Precautions:

• Always check the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific tool before using any type of lubricant.
• Using an inline lubricator with the correct air tool oil is the best way to ensure proper lubrication and tool longevity.
• Regularly oiling your tools is essential to keep them in good working condition.

In conclusion, while ATF may work in a pinch, it is generally recommended to use a dedicated air tool oil for the best performance and longevity of your impact wrench or other air tools.

How to oil an air impact wrench

Air impact wrenches are very handy tools for home maintenance tasks and for your workshop. Tight, rusted bolts are very tedious to work on, but an air impact wrench loosens them with ease. Most impact guns come pre-oiled from the manufacturer, but the rotating parts in your wrench will need to be lubricated properly to give you a smooth performance.

There are two things that need to be oiled in your air impact wrench: the air motor and the rotating hammer.

Oiling the Air Motor

To oil the vane motor in your air impact wrench, you will need to use an air tool oil, which is available from most air impact gun manufacturers.

Oiling the Rotating Hammer

The hammer that drives the force from the air motor to the anvil needs to be oiled using a motor oil of appropriate weight. Castrol SAE 30 motor oil is recommended for this purpose.

As the impact wrench gets old, the oil evaporates due to the heat and also gets contaminated with small metal chips, resulting in your air impact wrench not giving an optimum performance. The air impact wrench in such a scenario makes absurd clicking sounds when you use it and also does not give a smooth performance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Oiling an Air Impact Wrench

• Remove the oil plug nut present over the oil port using a 4mm align key.
• Insert about 1 ounce (approx 29ml) of 30 weight motor oil inside the oil port to lubricate the air impact wrench hammer mechanism. You can use a syringe for this purpose.
• Insert about 6-7 drops of air tool oil inside the air port of the impact wrench to lubricate the air motor and vanes of the wrench.
• Put in the air supply and rev up your tool for around 30 seconds to 1 minute. This will cause the lubrication to be properly distributed in the hammer and air assembly.
• Open up the oil plug again and drain the excess oil onto a container.
• Put on the rubber jacket over the air impact wrench.

Other Tips

• It is recommended to oil your air impact wrench after each use/before storage. This will help to keep it from corroding while not in use.
• You can use ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) as a substitute for air tool oil in the air stream, but it is not recommended for lubricating the impact mechanism.
• It is important to use a non-detergent oil when oiling your air impact wrench. Detergent oils can cause o-rings to swell.

How much oil to use

The amount of oil to use when clearing an impact wrench with ATF depends on the type of wrench and the viscosity of the oil. It's important to note that some manufacturers explicitly state that ATF should not be used in their tools as it may ruin them.

For an Ingersoll Rand 1/2 inch drive air impact wrench, two teaspoons of ATF or 30 weight motor oil can be added to the fitting. If the wrench hasn't been oiled in a while, you can use a bit more. However, keep in mind that excess oil will be blown out through the exhaust.

For a cheap 1/2" impact wrench, you can add about 2/3 oz of 30 wt. oil to the clutch, checked monthly. Additionally, a 10 wt. oil should be added to the air inlet every time the wrench is used—about 2 drops if there is no auto oiler setup.

Some people also recommend using an inline oiler or an in-line oil mister to deliver the oil through the air intake. This can be done by adding a few drops of oil into the coupler or using a small fitting attached to the air hose that holds a small amount of oil and fogs it into the tool.

It's important to oil your impact wrench regularly, especially after use and before storage, to prevent corrosion and keep the tool in good working condition.

How often to oil an air impact wrench

The frequency of oiling an air impact wrench depends on the tool's usage and maintenance schedule. It is recommended to lubricate the tool before each use and before storage to prevent corrosion. If the tool is used for extended periods without an inline lubricator, it is advised to reapply oil after a few hours of use. Additionally, the impact mechanism should be lubricated after every 48 hours of runtime.

To ensure optimal performance and durability, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for lubrication, which can be found in the product information manual. The manual will specify the type and amount of oil or grease required for the specific tool.

It is worth noting that inadequate lubrication can lead to a decrease in the impact mechanism's durability and overall tool performance. Therefore, regular maintenance and lubrication are essential to keep the tool in good working condition.

Some additional tips for oiling an air impact wrench include:

• Using high-quality air tool oil or grease, such as a 20 or 30 weight oil recommended by most manufacturers.
• Preparing the workspace by clearing a spot on the workbench and laying down protective coverings to prevent spills.
• Disconnecting the air supply or power source before lubricating to avoid accidental activation.
• Locating the oil inlet, which is usually a small hole or port on the tool's body, and adding the recommended amount of oil.
• Wiping away any excess oil with a clean cloth to maintain a tidy workspace.
• Sticking to a schedule and making it a habit to oil the wrench after each use or at least once a week for frequent users.
• Using the correct type of oil or grease specifically designed for impact wrenches to avoid performance issues and potential damage.

Frequently asked questions