Need newbie help with air impact tools

[IamMatt]

Thank you for letting me join. I could not find these answers when I searched, but it's hard to find search terms that would work. I did read the many comments and reviews on these two tools.

I just bought a Harbor Freight/Central Pneumatic 68424 air impact wrench and a HF/CP 61454 compressor. They will see very limited use. I've never had pneumatic tools before, so I have a couple of questions.

1) The wrench manual (pg 6) shows it set up with a filter, a regulator, and a lubricator connected to the compressor. I THINK I need a filter, but a) do I need a regulator since the compressor has one (I could see the need if I were operating off just a tank), and b) do I need a lubricator if it is only seeing occasional use and I put a couple of drops of oil in the inlet before use?

2) The wrench operates at 90 psi and has an average air consumption of 6 CFM. It comes with a 1/4" air inlet, and I intend to use 3/8" air hose, but it seems they all come with 1/4" fittings, and the compressor has a 1/4" air outlet fitting. I am sure there are 1/4" to 3/8" adapters I could add, but doesn't that defeat the purpose of having 3/8" hose? What's the answer?

Thank you in advance.

 

[md21722]

First off, its Central Pnuematic. The 68424 is a 1/2" impact with a standard 1/4" NPT inlet unless the manual is wrong (or the tool is weird). Putting a drop or two of air tool oil in the tool is fine. No reason for a lubricator. Very few would even bother with a filter on a portable compressor like this. That is mostly done in shop environments with lots of hard line running all over the place. With a single stage air compressor you could remove or bypass the regulator as well. The "90 psi" the tool requires is the dynamic pressure when the tool is working. To accurately measure you'd have to stick a gauge at the tool end. But it doesn't really matter to get all that complicated unless you're curious. You need the regulator set around 120 psi for most 1/2" impacts on a 50 3/8" foot hose. When your Harbor Freight couplers leak, but something better by Milton or something like that. Pretty much anyplace other than a $1 bin. 3/8" air hoses generally have 1/4" NPT, just like most air tools have 1/4" NPT until you get into big grinders & 3/4" impacts. To improve air flow through the 1/4" couplers you could use Milton V style or comparable, or see about 3/8" body couplers.

 

[IamMatt]

Thanks for the quick reply. that really clears a lot of things up. Embarrassing to make two errors in my first post, which I have corrected.

Just to be sure I understand, if the air is running through 1/4" fittings at both ends, is there any advantage to using 3/8" hose, or should I just stick with 1/4" hose? I inferred from my reading that 3/8" would be better.

 

[General Geoff]

Definitely go with 3/8" hose. If you want to reduce the 1/4" fitting bottleneck, use Milton V-style fittings as md21722 suggested, or Euro-style high-flow fittings. The Milton V-style are affordable and widely available here in the states.

 

[md21722]

1/4" air line is for low volume tools like nailers. Use 3/8" for impacts & most other automotive tools.

 

[gdocktor3]

I have many air tools, but no inline lubricator. Regulator on tank is all I use also. Definitely use 3/8" hose and Milton fittings would help.

Just so you know, you have entered a realm of no return. Prepare to spend a lot of money you don't have on tools you didn't know you needed. Now then, what brand air hose are you buying?? Myself and others have had terrible luck with HF air hoses. I'd stay away. While we're on the topic, what brand of impact sockets are you using with this new setup?? Did you already buy air tool oil?? This is called the snowball effect... Good luck!

 

[Kenskip1]

This topic should have a Warning Label attached. As time and finances progress your tool chest will require more room for tools like, angle die grinder, blow off gun, air chisel, 3/8 impact. (Astro) Next thing will be a 60 gallon air compressor, then a larger garage. Oh what the hell, Montague the house get the two post lift, then use the air compressor for the plasma cutter. Can you see through the fog where this will take you?The list is endless.Hide the credit cards and the savings account book. Someone will have to come up with an antidote for this illness.How about a ten step tool therapy program! OK enough rambling, my HF flyer is on the table. Now where did she hide the VISA card?

 

[theoldwizard1]

1/4" air line is for low volume tools like nailers.

More specifically, pin/brad nailers or small finish nails/staples.