Need Air tool/Compressor Advice - Thanks

[lineman88]

I own a Dewalt Compressor http://www.dewalt.com/tools/compressors-wheeled-portable---electric-d55146.aspx that says it produces 5.0 SCFM@90psi with a small 4.5 gal tank. I use it exclusively for nail guns. I'm looking to be able to just take lug nuts off to rotate tires. I have a cheap CM gun http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001PX35V2/?tag=atomicindus08-20 and some impact sockets and 3/8 hose but it won't remove even moderately tight nuts. The compressor is not cycling so I think it has enough air and its set at 90psi which the manual says. Any idea what's wrong. Would a different Impact wrench work better?

I had thought of picking up a HF EarthQuake - seems to get decent reviews. I also tried it on an old Speedaire compressor with a larger tank - still no go. Is it the compressors? Or the Wrench?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Sureshot]

The gun. You need a "twin Hammer" gun. It will have way more power. I use a CH (Cambel/Hausfield) for removal but a single hammer cheapy for instal. The CH has held up for many years of regular use without breaking the bank. It is a PL2502. I just googled PL2502 and it looks to still be in production.

 

[SteveU]

I own a Dewalt Compressor http://www.dewalt.com/tools/compressors-wheeled-portable---electric-d55146.aspx that says it produces 5.0 SCFM@90psi with a small 4.5 gal tank. I use it exclusively for nail guns. I'm looking to be able to just take lug nuts off to rotate tires. I have a cheap CM gun http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001PX35V2/?tag=atomicindus08-20 and some impact sockets and 3/8 hose but it won't remove even moderately tight nuts. The compressor is not cycling so I think it has enough air and its set at 90psi which the manual says. Any idea what's wrong. Would a different Impact wrench work better?

I had thought of picking up a HF EarthQuake - seems to get decent reviews. I also tried it on an old Speedaire compressor with a larger tank - still no go. Is it the compressors? Or the Wrench?

Thanks for any advice.

Cheapest way to find out is to get some HVLP fittings & put them on your line & on your gun, if it won't take them off then it is the gun. The increased airflow (not pressure) makes a big difference in how well any air tool works. If after putting them on & it doesn't work just remove the one on the gun & put it on the new gun when you get it. With the HVLP fittings on a 1/2" Nitrocat we haven't found anything on cars or light trucks it wouldn't loosen or break off.

 

[mattrogers]

Why not try cranking up the pressure to 120 psi for a moment to see if that makes a difference? I wouldn't leave it at 120 psi for ever, but it's a cheap test for "right now"

 

[theoldwizard1]

The compressor is not cycling so I think it has enough air and its set at 90psi which the manual says.

Crank the regulator up to about 125 psi. Your impact should handle that. (If not it really is a piece of **** !)

90 psi is for tightening, and you ALWAYS need to double check with a torque wrench.

 

[Sureshot]

I have never used a regulator or dryer on mine. Used to use impacts alot but less now. Occasional oil. Should rig up a dryer though.

 

[lineman88]

When I cranked it up to 120psi no difference. Then, I switched to a 25' hose from a 50' hose and it worked - not great but it worked. I'll try picking up a HVLP connector and see how that goes. Probably a better impact wrench would help. Do better impact wrenches typically translate into more power or just better longevity?

Thanks for all the input.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Did you adjust the regulator on the impact gun to the maximum setting?
They usually have a knob on the bottom or on the back.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Do better impact wrenches typically translate into more power or just better longevity?

Both.

More power at less CFM also.

 

[lineman88]

Did you adjust the regulator on the impact gun to the maximum setting?
They usually have a knob on the bottom or on the back.

Good call! I had it set on 3, the max is 4, so increasing it, gave me the extra power I need. Thanks guys for all the advice.