There is no doubt that air impact wrenches are quite a handy and reliable tool. However, the performance of this nifty tool can go south real quick if it does not receive proper maintenance. Therefore, if you want to keep your impact wrench around for longer learn how to oil it properly.

Oiling an impact wrench is a critical part of maintenance. A few drops of oil used the right way can revive the performance of an air impact wrench. However, the condition is to use those few miraculous drops the right way and in the right place; otherwise, you are asking for trouble.

Do not fret, instead of leaving you to fend for yourself and search for oiling procedures, I come bearing great news. I have jotted down the entire process of how you can oil an air impact wrench in layman’s terms in the article below. So, a single read of a few minutes will give you all the information you need to take care of your precious tool.

How To Oil Air Impact Wrench

The steps listed below will teach you how to oil an air impact wrench.

Preliminary Steps

Before we dive into the procedure of oiling an air impact wrench, you need to do a few preliminary steps. Make sure that you have disconnected the air impact wrench from the air compressor, and turned off the pressure of the compressor. Furthermore, remove the air hose from the impact wrench. Make sure to take out the connector along with the air hose.

Process Of Oiling Air Impact Wrench

The procedure of oiling an air impact wrench is quite simple, you are only going to need the lubricant bottle and a screwdriver.

Step 1

The first step of oiling an impact wrench requires you to have your impact wrench in a well-lit place. Take your impact wrench and remove the hammer head from the body of the tool. You are going to need a screwdriver for this, as the hammer head is attached to the body with a couple of screws. There are present either at the front, above the trigger or at the back of the head. Make sure to take all of the screws out and then place them in a secure place so you do not lose sight of them.

Step 2

Once all the screws are out of the head, hold your thumb on the anvil to keep it in its place and then lift the head off the tool’s body. Place it on the table and now you need to remove the anvil. The anvil can not be removed by simply lifting, you need to rotate it to remove it from the body of the impact wrench. Once the anvil is also eliminated from the body, it is time to disassemble the remaining part, i.e., the hammers. Take them out of the body, and remove the hammer pins to disassemble the entire design. A critical step here is to place every bit that comes out of the air impact wrench carefully on the table.

Step 3

Take a small piece of lint-free cloth and wipe down all of the parts that just came out of your impact wrench. Now take the oil bottle, and add a few drops to the hammers. Make sure to only add a maximum of 2 drops to each hammer, and place them back in their frame with the pins. Now take the anvil and add oil to it. Unlike the hammers, you can oil the anvil quite generously, especially the part that goes inside the hammer frame.

Step 4

Put the anvil back in its place and then take the re-assembled parts and put them back onto the tool. Take the last piece of the air impact wrench i.e., the hammer head and add a few drops to it as well. Place the head back on the anvil and tighten it in its position with the screws. You can wipe the exterior of the air impact wrench with a clean cloth in case there are a few drops of oil on it.

Importance Of Oiling Air Impact Wrench

Oiling an air impact wrench makes sure that the anvil and the hammers present inside the head move smoothly. Therefore, there will be no hindrance during the usage of the tool. Oiling after a couple of uses keeps all the parts well-lubricated, so they do not endure any damage or have their lifespan shortened.

Conclusion

An air impact wrench is a must in the garage of every person who loves working on automobiles or projects around the house. However, to keep the performance of the tool trouble-free, you need to make sure to oil it after a couple of uses. But only the proper way of oiling will revive your tool, so read the article above carefully to find out how you can oil your air impact wrench.

 

There is nothing more difficult than trying to purchase a decent impact wrench for yourself. With the abundance of different options on the market, it has become impossible to pick one model. However, if you keep a couple of factors in mind, then you will learn how to choose an impact wrench from a wide range of choices.

 

Even though the basic job of this handheld tool is the same, the presence or absence of smaller features makes it either a hit or a miss. There is more to look for than merely how the tool looks. For starters, you need to be aware of how much power your project requires and then search for models that offer the required range.

 

Trust me when I say I feel the pain of every novice out there who is looking at ten different models and can not decide which one is perfect for them. This is why every single factor that can help in picking the perfect impact wrench has been listed in this article.

How To Choose Impact Wrench

With the help of the points shared below, you will learn how to choose the perfect impact wrench for yourself.

Factors To Keep In Mind While Choosing

An impact wrench does not come at a low cost. So, throwing money on the first model you see will waste your money and time. Instead, keep the below-stated factors in mind, and watch how you land on the most perfect impact wrench.

Power

The first feature to always check in a tool is the maximum power it delivers. The power of an impact wrench is usually measured by its torque output. The higher the torque a model delivers, the more power it yields. Therefore, if you are working on a project that needs low torque, then choosing an impact wrench of 400 ft/lb torque will be nothing short of a disaster. You need to opt for a model that offers 70-100 ft/lb. Similarly, if your work needs medium to high torque, such as lug nuts, then you need to go for an impact wrench that provides at least 250 ft/lb torque or above.

Weight

Many users deem this feature unimportant which is a grave mistake. Every model of impact wrench has a different weight range. Considering the fact that this tool needs to be held in hand for longer durations, you must keep its weight in mind. Purchasing a heavy-weight impact wrench for occasional use is not a big deal. However, for regular use, you need a lightweight model that will not cause any strain.

 

Type Of Impact Wrench

This is a very major factor to take into consideration. There are a few different types when it comes to impact wrenches. You will find cordless models, corded/electric models and pneumatic/air-powered impact wrenches. The performance of each one of these types is exceptional, but they are not suitable for every user out there. Before you pick one, you need to be aware of where you are going to use the tool.

 

For instance, if you need to carry the impact wrench with you all the time, then a cordless model will be ideal for you. Similarly, if you are going to work in your garage and need high power, then a pneumatic impact wrench is your best option. An electric-powered impact wrench is suitable for people who need to work in different places around the house or garage and always have a power outlet nearby.

Anvil Size

Another feature which becomes a deal breaker quite often is the size of the anvil. The anvil is the front part of the impact wrench where the socket is attached, hence it is quite important. You can find models that come with as small as ⅜ inch anvils and ones that come with even 1-inch wide anvils. Before picking one anvil size, keep in mind all the projects that you will be using the power tool on. If you need to attach larger and wider sockets, then it is best to opt for ½ inch or 1-inch wide anvil.

Comfort And Durability

I have seen quite often that when users are picking impact wrenches for themselves, they ignore these two factors. They may seem useless or unimportant compared to other features of an impact wrench. However, the comfort and durability of a tool are of utmost importance. If it is not comfortable to hold, the user will get annoyed by the mere thought of using that impact wrench. Therefore, make sure to pick a model that comes with a rubber coating on the handle which has proven to provide users with comfort and better grip.

 

Similarly, the durability of an impact wrench is not something that should be taken lightly. If a model hits all the marks of torque and weight but comes with a low-quality design, it will be a waste of money. The tool will not stick around for a long period, and after a while, you will have to search for another model. So, instead of wasting your precious bucks, always check the construction of an impact wrench. Make sure that it comes with a solid body that can stick around for longer, even with regular use.

Importance Of Picking The Right Impact Wrench

Picking the right impact wrench will not only make your job easier, but it will also make it simpler to operate the tool. The power meets all the requirements, so you will not need any assistance to use it for projects. Whether it is tightening or loosening of nuts, the perfect model will do it in no time.

Conclusion

No matter what type of power tools you are searching for, picking the perfect one according to the work is critical. Especially, if this is your first time looking for impact wrenches, you need to be extra careful. Take out a few extra minutes, and read the article above as it contains all the information that will guide you in choosing the best impact wrench.

 

Purchasing the right pneumatic impact wrench is the first critical step. For ensuring the smooth performance of the said tool, you need to make sure it is connected to the air compressor the correct way. Hence, it is critical to be aware of precisely how to connect your impact wrench to the air compressor.

 

A lack of knowledge regarding how to connect the impact wrench to the air compressor can lead to connecting the hose incorrectly. So, there is a huge possibility that it may come off while you are working. It will not only cause waste of compressed air but can also lead to damage to your impact wrench.

 

Therefore, instead of risking your tool or your own safety, learn how to connect an impact wrench to an air compressor. The simple steps shared in the article below will help you get this task done in no time.

How To Connect Impact Wrench To Air Compressor

The answer to the nagging question ‘how to connect impact wrench to air compressor’ is present in the steps below.

What Do You Need?

Before we start pushing the impact wrench and air hose together, you need to gather a few small tools first. It will help you greatly when all your required equipment is in one place. You are going to need two connectors, an air hose, a manual wrench, your impact wrench and the air compressor. The length of the air hose depends upon the space where you will be using the power tool. In addition to that, make sure that the connectors you pick should be of solid construction.

Connecting An Impact Wrench To Air Compressor

Once you have gathered all your pieces of equipment in one place, it is time for you to get down to business.

Step 1

Connectors come with two corners, one side is wider and the other end is narrower. The wider end comes with a coil opening, while the other has a flat surface. Take your first connector and the air hose and connect them together. Push the wider end of the connector to the opening of the air hose and weave it tightly over the opening. Make sure to use a manual wrench to tighten the connector securely in its place, as a loose fit will mean leakage and we do not want to have any leakage.

Step 2

Once the wider end is secure, then move the air hose to the air compressor. Hold the narrower end of the connector that is protruding from the edge of the air hose and push it into the opening of your air compressor. The opening of an air compressor is usually present near the pressure knob. Also, make sure to lower the pressure of the air compressor before you connect the air hose to it.

Step 3

Now take the second connector and connect that to the other end of the air hose. Push it onto the second end of the hose similarly to how you did it to the first end. Once the second connector is secure in its place, take the other end of the connector and push it through your impact wrench. You need to make sure that both of the connectors are secure in their places and do not have any leakage. Lo and behold, you have successfully connected your impact wrench to the air compressor.

What To Keep In Mind?

Even though the procedure of connecting your impact wrench to the air compressor is quite simple, there are a few things that you should always keep in mind. The first thing is to always use connectors of high quality. Using poor-quality connectors can end in a disaster which can jeopardize the safety of the tool as well as the user. In addition to that, before you connect the air hose to the impact wrench, always check for leakage. This can be done by turning the pressure of the air compressor on a little bit. If the air is coming out of the opening of the hose only, you are good to go. Lastly, if you are going to be working in a larger space, use an air hose that is long enough. Stretching the air hose from one corner to the other of the garage can lead to either the hose tearing or coming off completely from the air compressor.

Conclusion

When you are working with impact wrenches and air compressors, you need to take care of even the smallest details. Even a minor mistake can cause aggravation, especially when you are working on important projects. Therefore, read the article above and minimize any chances of accidents by learning how to connect an impact wrench to an air compressor.

 

As handy of a tool as an air impact wrench is, every user is aware of the fact that it applies too much torque. Unless the torque is adjusted and controlled, using this tool for various nuts and bolts in your garage can become difficult, not to mention hazardous.

 

Simply learning how to adjust the torque on your air impact wrench can save you from cracked nuts and overly tight bolts. Trust me when I say that a little tinkering with torque will go a long way. I had to learn my lesson after dealing with the two above-mentioned issues.

 

Therefore, instead of following in my footsteps, do not use the tool on different nuts with the same torque. Read the article to learn how to adjust the torque of your tool for different projects. I have shared different methods of doing this so it is possible for you to alter the torque without needing any professional help.

How To Adjust Torque On Air Impact Wrench

You will learn how to adjust the torque on the air impact wrench in multiple ways in the article below.

An Air Impact Wrench

An air impact wrench is one of the types of an impact wrench. As the name of the tool implies, it operates on air that comes from an air compressor. The impact wrench gets hooked to the compressor with a hose. As the air comes from a large tank, the airflow level is quite high. This in turn causes the torque and force to be higher as well. Therefore, the unmatched torque and force of an air impact wrench come from the compressor.

Adjusting Torque Of Air Impact Wrench

As the torque of an air impact wrench is higher than an electric impact wrench, it is critical to keep it under control. Otherwise, instead of loose nuts, the garage will be full of cracked and busted nuts and bolts. Normally, impact wrenches do not come with torque adjustment settings, but these days, many air impact wrenches have this nifty feature. There are multiple other methods of gaining control over the torque of your tool. The different methods are presented below.

With The Control Ring

The first method of controlling and adjusting the torque of your air impact wrench is with the control ring. There are many air impact wrenches that come with torque settings control. It is in the form of a ring which is present right behind the head of the tool. The ring comes with different numbers engraved on it. These numbers are the torque levels, and by moving the ring, you can adjust the torque. The number that is at the front, right over the anvil is how much maximum torque your tool will apply on the nuts.

 

With An Air Pressure Regulator

The second method of controlling the torque of your air impact wrench is with the help of an air regulator. This is a small accessory that you need to add between your impact wrench and the hose. Therefore, instead of the hose connecting to the toll directly, it gets connected via the pressure regulator. This regulator controls the air pressure. So even if the air pressure coming from the compressor to the hose is high, the regulator will lower it significantly. This will decrease the torque output of the air impact wrench.

With The Trigger

Another simple way of adjusting the torque is via the trigger of the impact wrench. This method is perfect for people that do not want to invest in any accessory for their tool. If you press down on the trigger of the tool too hard and too fast, it will apply more torque to the nuts. However, keeping your finger hovering softly over the trigger can decrease the torque a little bit. This method is not as reliable as the others, but as you do not need any additional accessories for it, it is suitable for beginners.

With The Line Pressure Regulator

The last trick for adjusting the torque of your air impact wrench is by adjusting the line pressure of the air compressor. A regulator is added between the compressor and the air hose. This method is different from the pressure regulator, in that, you are adjusting the air pressure that enters the tool. However, in line pressure, you are decreasing the pressure of the air that comes to the air hose.

Importance Of Adjusting Torque

This goes without saying that adjusting the torque of an air impact wrench is a very critical step in using this tool. Every nut and bolt needs different torque, whether you are tightening it or loosening it. As an air impact wrench applies higher torque than its competitors, you need to be aware of how much force your project needs and exert that required amount of force. If the torque is not adjusted, you will be facing a litter of broken and cracked bolts and fasteners.

Conclusion

Before you take out your air impact wrench from the garage and start busting those stubborn nuts, adjust the torque of the tool. Not having control over the torque output can create hazardous situations, especially for novices. Lucky for you, I have listed various ways of adjusting the torque of your tool in the article above.

 

Picking a model of a pneumatic impact wrench is not the only difficult decision you will need to make. Right after buying the power tool you also need to pick an air compressor for it. Therefore, you should be aware of how big of an air compressor is suitable for an impact wrench.

 

Similar to power tools, when you search for air compressors, a flood of different options will greet you. It is enough to puzzle any buyer, but knowing the perfect size of air compressor your impact wrench needs is the small bit of information that can turn the situation around quickly.

 

Lucky for you, there are a few factors that can help in finding the best size. For your ease, I have jotted down every last bit of information that helped me in the article below. Therefore, read it carefully, as it will help you find out how big of an air compressor will be suitable for your impact wrench.

How Big Of An Air Compressor For Impact Wrench

If you are eager to find out how big of an air compressor you need to invest in, then the points below will help you determine that.

Ideal Size Of Air Compressor

A pneumatic impact wrench can not function without an air compressor, even rookies know that. However, what most users do not know is that you need to pick an air compressor very carefully. Buying just any large gallon you see in the market, and connecting it to your tool will not give you smooth operation. The ideal size of an air compressor varies from one model of an impact wrench to the other. However, if I have to pick one size suitable for every model of impact wrench, then it would be an 80-gallon air compressor. The tanks of these models are large enough to power smaller as well as larger impact wrenches.

Factors That Determine The Right Size

Even though an 80-gallon air compressor will work for every model of impact wrench out there, there is no harm in finding a perfect and specific fit for your impact wrench. In order to do that, you will need to keep the following factors in your mind during your search.

Size Of The Impact Wrench

The first factor that is important in finding a suitable air compressor is the size of the impact wrench itself. If you are using a smaller pneumatic impact wrench, you can easily power it through a 10-gallon to 20-gallon air compressor. However, for a bigger impact wrench, you are going to need an air compressor that is also big enough.

Determine The Required CFM And PSI

This is a technical feature which can also become a deal breaker, if not considered. Every model of impact wrench needs a different level of airflow, which is determined in CFM or cubic feet per minute. Therefore, the CFM delivery of an air compressor should meet the CFM requirement of an impact wrench. In fact, it should be higher than the CFM rating of your impact wrench. To put it in simpler words, if an impact wrench has a 5 CFM airflow rating, then you need an air compressor that delivers at least 7.5 CFM of airflow. The simple way of making this calculation is by multiplying the CFM rating of your impact wrench by 1.5, and voila, you will have your answer.

 

Similar to CFM, the PSI of every model of air compressor is also a crucial detail that should never be overlooked. The PSI stands for pounds per square inch and it is basically the pressure of the airflow. Most models of impact wrenches need 90 to 100 PSI to operate smoothly. However, if you have a larger and more powerful model, then you may need an air compressor that offers higher PSI.

Type Of Project

I have seen many users disregard this factor while making a purchase and then regret it later. The type of project that you are working on also needs to be kept in mind while you are picking an air compressor. If you are going to work on larger projects such as construction work, or a mechanic’s garage, then you need an air compressor that comes with a larger tank such as 70 gallons or 80 gallons. However, if you need to change your car’s tires in your own house every once in a while, then even a 30-gallon air compressor will suffice.

Importance Of Picking An Air Compressor Of The Right Size

Air compressors come in different sizes, the range starts from as small as 4-gallon and goes as high as 90 gallons. If you do not pick the right size of an air compressor for your impact wrench, you can be stuck in a situation where the tool stops working mid-operation. Furthermore, if the CFM and PSI of the air compressor do not meet the power tool’s requirements, you can’t operate the impact wrench to its maximum capacity.

Conclusion

Pneumatic impact wrenches and air compressors work hand in hand, you can not have the former without the latter. However, it is important to spend your money on the right air compressor for your impact wrench and I do not mean the build of the machine. You need to pick the right size, and the article above will help you in determining how big of an air compressor your impact wrench needs.