Impact Wrench Question

[gscallon]

Vintage Craftsman Impact Wrench Question

Hello All,
I bought an old Craftsman impact wrench at a garage sale the other day and I have a question that I'm hoping someone can help me out with. The wrench has a 1/2 anvil but it doesn't have a ball detent or a hog-ring on the end. It simply has a square anvil with a hole in the front end and another hole in one of the sides. Can someone explain to me whether I have a broken wrench or if not, how I would secure an impact socket to the anvil? I've scoured the web for photos or info on securing pins of some sort but I can't find a thing. I suppose that even if it is broken I could probably secure a socket on there with a roll pin or something. (see photos below)

Thank you for any help you can give. I really appreciate it.

Regards,
Greg

 

[lipadj46]

That would be a pinned anvil. You secure your impact sockets to the anvil with a pin and a big o'ring

Edit: does the side hole go through the anvil? If not then scratch what I said above

 

[gscallon]

Thanks for the reply. No, I forgot to mention that the side hole does not have a corresponding hole on the other side of the anvil. The side hole goes all the way through the first side wall, into the main hole in the body of the anvil, and then there is a cylindrical indentation on the inner side wall opposite the hole, but it doesn't go through that other side. Does that make sense?

Regards,
-Greg

 

[bgott]

There used to be a spring loaded pin in there. You can still use the wrench, just hold the socket. If it comes loose it will be moving!

 

[gscallon]

Well, that's a bummer. You're right. I'm sure I can use it as is but it would be nice to not have to hold the sockets on with my hand. I suppose I could tap the inside of the side hole and use a set screw to hold the socket on but it might not be worth it. Anyone else have any ideas on how I might be able to come up with a fix?

Thanks again.
-Greg

 

[Teken]

Greg,

First you're a lurker!

Second, welcome back on the forums and good to see you again since 06?

3rd, I havent seen that style impact for years how much did you grab that beast for?

 

[gscallon]

Teken,
You're right. I'm a total lurker. But don't let that lead you believe that I don't appreciate this site. I love it. It's been the source of tons of good information over the years, along with a decent amount of fun time wasting.

Regarding the wrench, I paid $20 for it the other day. Unless I need modern bells and whistles, I tend to prefer classic old aluminum-bodied tools like this so when I saw it for what seemed like a decent price, I picked it up. That said, I should have known better than to not pay attention to the anvil. Oh well.

-Greg

 

[Teken]

I would bring it in to the store and see if they ca do anything for you. Asking is free, and you never know what might turn up when you get to the store.