Impact Wrench Help

[Buckeye5316]

My friend who works as a mechanic at a Volkswagen dealership got a new snap-on impact and gave me his old one since i'm just starting out. He told me it wouldn't take lug nuts off at all. I got the impact and it sounds like it works but once you try it on a bolt it doesn't even budge. It is a Coleman Powermate. Whenever I use it I can feel a lot of air escaping right where the trigger is. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should try to get it working?

 

[stikman56]

Most likely just a pathetic weak wrench. The air you feel is the exhaust coming out, that's normal, that's where the exhaust is on those impacts from the pictures I've seen. Some exhaust out the bottom of the handle, some exhaust above the trigger. I would recommend you chuck it in the recycle bin and move to something with some decent torque. although you can take it apart and if you're lucky it is gummed up and needs cleaned out, but don't hold your breath on that. Those type of wrenches are pretty much worthless as a general rule. Good strong composites can be had on ebay for under 40 bucks shipped to you, I know I have some for sale right now.

 

[redmondjp]

I'd toss it. My first impact was a $75 (on sale) Crapsman twenty years ago, and it wouldn't even loosen lug nuts. I ended up giving it away.

I splurged $230 several years back on an IR 2135QTi and all I can say is, once you experience a quality air impact tool, you will never give a second look to the box store ones. Just the quiet exhaust (I usually use mine outside and don't want to annoy the neighbors) is worth it IMO.

 

[RedneckWelder]

. although you can take it apart and if you're lucky it is gummed up and needs cleaned out, but don't hold your breath on that.

OP, it won't cost you a dime to tear it down and see if anything is amiss but these offbrand and storebrand impact wrenches are often **** that doesn't last long.

You say "just starting out", are you starting as a professional mechanic or are you a DIY guy at home? I can recommend decent options if you are interested in getting something better.

 

[Buckeye5316]

I'm a senior in high school and have been doing auto all year and will be going to college in the fall for auto/diesel. I've been doing a lot of DIY stuff with friends and am hoping to move on to shops in the area and eventually my own shop.

 

[AndrewV]

Open it up, take pics as you go. Clean it up, and lube parts. Check gaskets/orings. Reassemble.
Cross your fingers, may just do it.

Worse comes to worse, you can get another one.

 

[AddictioN]

If your looking at getting a new one i highly recommend florida pneumatic. Im a diesel mechanic and my 1/2 inch gun dose great


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[vssjim]

you can take it a apart but most parts inside that type of brand will be not available as they are sold on a price to be scrapped when they have a problem. I under stand the no money but look on ebay for a IR 231 used or something like it that is strong and tough an older US made 231 with any care was good for a long life.

 

[garfunkle24]

Why on earth would he scrap that gun and buy a new one without cracking it open and seeing if it just needs cleaning or a $0.05 o-ring?

What does he have to lose?

Surely it is better to have that gun working and then decide if/when he needs a better impact? There are many other tools a young mechanic needs without replacing working stuff for the sake of it. If anything, a tear down and inspection is a good learning experience. Just my $0.02.

 

[garfunkle24]

PS, to the OP:

The exhaust exiting by the trigger suggests you may have a bad seal. More commonly though, expect to see stuck/sticking vanes in the rotor, which any air tool will suffer if the air supply is not 100% dry and/or the tool has been inadequately lubricated.

In fact, as a matter of course, I disassemble, clean and lube all of my air tools every year or so. Most see a noticeable difference after such service.

 

[stikman56]

Throw it away, get a strong wrench, you'll never look back when you do, I promise.

 

[benzoni]

Best bang for buck IMO.http://www.amazon.com/AIRCAT-1150-Killer-Torque-2-Inch/dp/B007WQQ90A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1419821693&sr=8-4&keywords=nitrocat+impact