You’ve got one of those impact wrenches that cost a bunch of money and when you pull the trigger, all you get is a wheeze. It lets out a feeble wheeze. It doesn’t sound like it’s gonna do anything and you’re struggling with a stubborn lug nut that’s been in there for years.
Your hand is sore from the recoil of wrench and still no go. Nothing’s happening. Now you’re starting to wonder if you spent all that money for nothing.
Steps to Restore Power to Your Impact Wrench
Identify the Source of Power Loss
In most cases, when you lose power it’s not that your wrench quit working. The issue is likely upstream or down in the line (i.e., between the air fitting and compressor tank). So rather than a motor issue, it’s a system issue.
Once you know how energy escapes the system, you don’t blame the tool anymore and instead fix the system. Typically, though, the air hose is your culprit. Physics will win if you use thin or long hose.
Upgrade Your Air Hose Diameter
Yes, air has mass. And when forced through a long tube, there’s friction which reduces pressure. While a standard quarter-inch hose may be adequate for inflating tires, it’s simply too small to supply high-demand tools such as DeWalt high-torque impact or a Milwaukee M18. That results in substantial pressure drop between the compressor and the tool.
Upgrade to a bigger diameter hose. You’ll be able to get more air through your wrench and into the line without as much resistance with a five-eighths-inch hose compared to a half-inch one. You’ll pay a little more at first, but it’s worth it for increased performance.
Starving your tool of air make even the best tool in the world feel sluggish. And then there’s the air filter and regulator. The filter gets clogged with intake debris and dust from the compressor.
Maintain Filters and Regulators
And since this is what feeds the air to the tank, restricted air flow occur before you even get it in the tank. Replace your filter if it’s dirty. It’s an inexpensive solution that could of sometimes return the loss of power immediately.
Also, some mechanics are operating at lower pressures then they should. Ninety or a hundred psi is more than enough for most automotive applications. There’s no need to go higher, the tool regulates itself based off force, not necessarily speed.
Remove Moisture from Air Lines
Air tools is also badly affected by moisture. Moisture inside your air lines will not only cause increased resistance in your tool but it can also corrode internally. It will freeze in cold environments as well and completely stop airflow.
The solution is to use a quality inline filter and regulator (sometimes called an FRL unit) immediately preceding your tool. These units removes any particles, oil, and water from air stream. Reliable brands include Campbell Hausfeld and Ingersoll Rand.
Simply keep the drain cup clear of water or you’ll just be sloshing it around on the end of your wrench. Finally, consider the inner workings of the tool itself. Are the vanes in the rotor worn out due to lack of care?
Lubricate and Service the Tool
Impact wrenches is meant to be abused, but they must still be oiled regularly. Just a couple of drops of pneumatic tool oil on the inlet before each use ensures proper lubrication and free movement of internal parts. Does the whining sound unusual?
Time for some attention, either for the rotor or its bearings. Sometimes a tired impact wrench can be renewed by professional service. A bad impact wrench is typically not the wrench’s problem; it’s the lack of proper air supply that is the issue.
Is your air dry? Clean all filters? And what size hose are you using?
If your air system is free and clear then more than likely your tool will work like brand new again. The quality of the air you give the wrench determine its power. Take care of the system and it’ll take care of you.
