Best Grease Options For Your Cordless Impact Wrench

Proper lubrication is essential for the performance and longevity of your cordless impact wrench. Inadequate lubrication can lead to decreased durability and premature tool failure. To ensure optimal performance, it is important to lubricate both the motor and the impact mechanism of your wrench. The motor requires regular lubrication with a specific airline lubricator added to the FRL or directly at the air inlet. The impact mechanism, on the other hand, can be lubricated using either a grease or oil bath system. Grease lubrication involves applying grease to the contact points between the anvil and hammer, while oil lubrication submerges the entire front part of the impact wrench in oil. Regular maintenance and lubrication can help improve the durability and performance of your cordless impact wrench, and it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's advice on lubrication frequency and type of grease or oil to use.

Lubricating the impact mechanism

The impact mechanism is one of the two main parts of an impact wrench that needs to be lubricated regularly. The other is the motor. Both systems are independent and must be lubricated separately. The impact mechanism should be lubricated to minimise friction between the impact contact points of the anvil and hammer, keeping the wrench in excellent condition.

There are two types of lubrication systems for the impact mechanism: grease and oil. In the grease system, grease is applied only to the contact points between the anvil and hammer to prevent friction between them. Over time, the grease will move from the contact points to the outside of the hammer due to inertia, so regular replenishment is required.

In the oil bath system, the entire front part of the impact wrench is submerged in oil, so lubrication is always present on the contact points, requiring less maintenance.

To lubricate the impact mechanism properly, open the tool and add grease carefully with your hands or a brush to the contact points: the anvil (the area in contact with the hammer) and the hammer's inner area. Most pneumatic tools have multiple grease fittings, and if it isn't possible to lubricate the impact mechanism as described above, grease can be added through these holes. Always remove old grease before adding new grease, and only use cleaners and grease recommended by the manufacturer.

The frequency of lubrication checks depends on usage and maintenance schedules, so it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's advice.

Lubricating the motor

Firstly, it is important to choose the right lubricant. Always refer to your tool's manual to identify the recommended lubricants and cleaners. Using products that are not recommended by the manufacturer can cause damage to your tool. For example, Ingersoll Rand recommends their IR #10 Air Tool Oil for the air motor lubrication of their impact tools.

Before lubricating, ensure that you have drained and purged your entire air system, including the compressor and tools, to remove any water or contaminants. This will help prevent damage to the polished surfaces of the motor. Additionally, always use a clean hose coupler to avoid transferring dirt, grease, or dust into your motor.

Now, let's go through the steps of lubricating the motor:

• For air motor lubrication, it is recommended to use an inline lubricator or manually lubricate the tool through the air inlet.
• Before each use, add 10-15 drops of the recommended oil into the air inlet.
• Run the tool for a few seconds to distribute the oil evenly through the motor.
• If you are using the tool for an extended period without an inline lubricator, reapply oil after every few hours of use.
• Before storing your tool, remember to lubricate the motor to prevent corrosion.

By following these steps and maintaining a regular lubrication schedule, you can help ensure that your cordless impact wrench operates at peak performance and experiences reduced wear and tear.

Recommended frequency of lubrication

The frequency of lubrication for an impact wrench depends on the usage and maintenance schedule. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's advice for the specific tool. However, some general guidelines can be provided for the motor and impact mechanism.

Motor lubrication

The motor of an impact wrench should be lubricated before each use and before storage to prevent corrosion. This can be done by adding 10-15 drops of oil in the air inlet, followed by a few seconds of running the tool to distribute the oil through the motor. If the tool is used for extended periods without a lubricator, oil should be reapplied after every few hours of use.

Impact mechanism lubrication

The impact mechanism of an impact wrench can be lubricated in two ways: through a grease fitting or by manually greasing the hammer case. The frequency of lubrication depends on the usage and maintenance schedule, but it is generally recommended to lubricate the impact mechanism after every 48 hours of tool runtime.

Signs that your impact wrench needs lubrication

• Unusual noises, such as persistent scratching, indicating friction between two metals.
• A burning scent, indicating potential damage to vital components due to overheating.
• Excessive heat, which is often a consequence of insufficient lubrication.
• Black dust on the wrench, indicating a lack of lubricants.

How to lubricate the impact wrench

To ensure your impact wrench is working at its best, it's important to keep it well-maintained and lubricated. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to lubricate your impact wrench:

Step 1: Understand the Different Parts of the Wrench that Need Lubrication

The impact wrench has two main parts that require lubrication: the motor and the impact mechanism. The motor is lubricated through the air inlet or with an airline lubricator, while the impact mechanism can be lubricated with either grease or oil, depending on the system.

Step 2: Prepare the Necessary Lubricants and Tools

Before you begin, make sure you have the correct lubricants and tools. For the motor, you will need air tool oil, such as IR #10 Air Tool Oil. For the impact mechanism, you will need grease or oil, depending on your wrench. You can find the recommended lubricants and grease types in your product manual. Additionally, you may need tools like a grease gun or a brush for application.

Step 3: Lubricate the Motor

To lubricate the motor, add 10-15 drops of air tool oil into the air inlet of the wrench. Then, run the tool for a few seconds to distribute the oil throughout the motor. This should be done before each use and before storing the wrench to prevent corrosion. If the wrench is used for extended periods without an inline lubricator, reapply oil after every few hours of use.

Step 4: Lubricate the Impact Mechanism

The impact mechanism can be lubricated in two ways, depending on your wrench. One method is to use a grease gun to apply grease through the flush-mount grease fitting. Alternatively, you can manually lubricate the impact mechanism by removing the hammer case and greasing the contact points between the anvil and hammer. This should be done carefully, ensuring that the grease is applied evenly to these critical areas.

Step 5: Maintain Regular Lubrication

Regular lubrication is essential to keep your impact wrench in good condition. For the impact mechanism, it is recommended to lubricate after every 48 hours of tool runtime. As for the motor, follow the manufacturer's advice on how often to lubricate, and remember to lubricate in the morning, afternoon, and before leaving work for the night to prevent condensation and rust.

Step 6: Clean and Store Your Wrench Properly

After each use, clean and store your impact wrench in a dry, enclosed space. This will help prevent water contamination and keep your wrench running efficiently. Remember to always refer to your product manual for specific recommendations and instructions for your impact wrench.

Impact wrench maintenance

Lubrication

One of the most important aspects of impact wrench maintenance is lubrication. Lubricating the airline and impact mechanism of your impact wrench will improve its durability and longevity. There are two parts of the wrench that require lubrication: the motor and the impact mechanism.

The motor is lubricated by adding a specific airline lubricator to the FRL or directly at the air inlet (at the tool). The impact mechanism, on the other hand, can be lubricated in one of two ways: with grease or with an oil bath.

Grease Lubrication

In this system, grease is applied only to the contact points between the anvil and hammer to prevent friction between them. It is important to regularly replenish the grease, as it will move from the contact points to the outside of the hammer over time due to principles of inertia.

Oil Lubrication

In an oil bath system, the entire front part of the impact wrench is submerged in oil, ensuring constant lubrication of the contact points. This system requires less maintenance but can be trickier to maintain.

To lubricate the impact mechanism properly, open the tool and add grease with your hands or a brush to the critical contact points: the anvil (the area in contact with the hammer) and the inner area of the hammer. Most pneumatic tools have multiple grease fittings, so if lubrication is not possible through the contact points, grease can be added through these holes. Always remove old grease before adding new grease and be sure to use only lubricants and grease that have been recommended by the manufacturer.

Water and Condensation

Water contamination is the greatest enemy of your impact wrench. Many people believe that draining the air supply tank in your air compressor of excess water is enough to protect your wrench from water damage, but this only prevents rust damage in the tank. The air outlet is generally at the top of the tank, so the water at the bottom does not reach it. However, water can still enter your air lines and damage your tools through condensation.

To prevent water damage, install a water filter in your air hose, preferably midway down the hose so that it stays out of the way when you're working in tight spaces. This small investment will go a long way in prolonging the life of your impact wrench and other air tools.

Dirt, Grit, and Sawdust

Contamination of dirt, grit, and sawdust is the second greatest threat to your air tools. Hose couplers are often the weak link, allowing contaminants to enter your air hose and damage your tools. To prevent this, use an air hose reel instead of loose air hoses to keep them clean and out of the muck.

External Lubrication

In addition to internal lubrication, it is important to routinely lubricate the hammer case grease fitting externally. A well-lubricated impact wrench will deliver more torque, last longer, run quieter, and increase productivity.

Frequently asked questions