An impact wrench comes with a ton of small bits and pieces that make the tool what it is. Take one apart and its performance will not be the same. One of those bits goes by the name of a friction ring. Unfortunately, many novice users are unaware of what is a friction ring on an impact wrench.
This small ring holds the power of keeping the socket glued in place which ultimately leads to a better and smoother performance of the tool. The performance of an impact wrench can be enhanced by leaps and bounds if only more users become aware of this magic piece.
I had to learn about this nifty part of an impact wrench after multiple accidents. This is why I have devoted an entire article to what it is and how it affects the usage of an impact wrench. To make sure no other beginner goes through the trouble that I did, I have added every benefit of this handy part along with the procedure of putting it on.
What Is A Friction Ring On An Impact Wrench?
You will find the answer to the question of what is a friction ring on an impact wrench in detail down below.
What Is A Friction Ring?
As the name indicates, a friction ring is a small circular piece. This handy piece of an impact wrench comes with construction of rubber which gives it a durable and long-lasting design. Along with that, the rubber construction also makes this ring resistant to slipping as well as water, and moisture. However, it is also available in other materials such as aluminum, and steel which are much stronger than rubber friction rings. In addition to that, a friction ring comes in various sizes according to the size of the socket that has to go on the anvil of an impact wrench.
What Is It Used For?
It may seem like a small piece, but this tiny part holds a lot of power. Thanks to its slip-resistant nature, this ring singlehandedly keeps the socket glued to its place on the anvil. The basic job of a friction ring is to keep the socket secure on the anvil of the impact wrench, and also keep the friction force at bay. Therefore, even if you use your impact wrench for a longer duration to deal with stubborn rusty nuts, the socket will sit tight on the anvil. It may slide up and down the anvil slightly, but it will not fall off even with the vibrations of the impact wrench.
How To Put On A Friction Ring?
Putting a friction ring on an impact wrench is no hassle. It only requires a little force and considering the fact that it keeps the socket in its place, the extra force becomes justified. To put the friction ring on, simply slide it over the front of the anvil. Once it sits on the front, then you can slide the socket on top of it on the anvil. You may need to exert some force while pushing the socket on the impact wrench. Once it is on the anvil, the friction ring will compress to make room for the socket and hold it tightly in its place. After you remove the socket, it decompresses back to its original state.
Perks Of Using A Friction Ring
The best advantage of using a friction ring on an impact wrench is that you do not need to worry about the socket falling off during operation. The ring will hold it tightly in its spot. As there are fewer chances of the socket falling off, the possibility of an accident also lessens significantly. So, the users can get done with the job without either them or their handy power tool enduring any damage. You may need to replace the friction ring after a couple of uses, as they tend to wear down.
Conclusion
This goes without saying that beginner-level users are not aware of many smaller things that make a huge difference while using an impact wrench. One of them is knowing what is a friction ring on an impact wrench. Instead of repeating my mistake of ignoring this small part, read the article above to find out what is it. You will also find the benefits of its presence and how to put it on.