Pneumatic tool cleaning

[La Petite Tools]

I'm going to be starting the process of rebuilding the pneumatic tools that I've acquired that are all probably 20-30 years old. Any advise on what to use to clean out the inside of the tools and where to possibly get replacement parts if needed? I'll post some pictures of the wrenches and impacts later tonight or tomorrow.

 

[isb cornbinder]

Parts cleaning solvent or Diesel fuel will work just fine. Brake cleaner should work. Even engine cleaner would work OK.
For parts, Google air tool repair shop and ask to buy the parts you need. It is that easy.

 

[La Petite Tools]

great thanks for the info. i'll try and document the process on them never opened any up before so should be fun.

 

[dmdc411]

We used to run isopropyl alcohol through ours. Run them until dry, then air tool oil. Run them again. Never opened them up! Little grease if they have lube points.

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[sberry]

Simply dump a little air tool oil in them. If they are working why worry about parts and rebuilding.

 

[isb cornbinder]

ATF is a very good air tool lube. My employer used ATF exclusively in the thousands of air tools and impact guns they supplied for the jobs. I have 40 air tools, many over 20 years old. ATF has been the lube since new. Occasionally, I fill the air inlet with ATF and then run the tool until the exhaust clears. Wrap the tool in a shop cloth or someont will get a dirty oil shower.
Unless something like the air motor breaks there is really nothing to "repair". SnapOn, MAC and DYNABRADE may be the only tool makers who have spare parts.
Don't quit your day job.

 

[La Petite Tools]

The tools just don't have the power they used to have seem really sluggish so i was going to take them apart and make sure everything was clean and working properly. I will probably go with the ATF idea as i have a huge box i got from a friend of stuff that i won't use in my cars.

 

[The Cobbler]

keep in mind that too much oil can cause sluggish too, at east that's what many of the owners manuals say

 

[Wamsutta]

The air vanes wear out over time and the silencer packing gets clogged up. When the silencer packing get clogged up, the tools can't exhale. I always remove the silencer packing and throw it away. Air tools need to breath.

 

[ScottsGT]

Back when I was in the bodyshop we had a trick to bring old air tools back to life. Drop about a half ounce of lacquer thinner into the fitting, let it soak in a few minutes. Hook up air, blow it out in a safe direction. Rinse and repeat several times and then oil with quality air tool oil. Marvel or ATF was our choice.

 

[sberry]

The tools just don't have the power they used to have seem really sluggish so i was going to take them apart and make sure everything was clean and working properly. I will probably go with the ATF idea as i have a huge box i got from a friend of stuff that i won't use in my cars.

Oil, turn the air up a few pounds.

I had a bud ask me about his tools, the impact wasn't hitting so hard. I look and he had replaced the hose,,, the old one was so blown up you dam near could roll a 1/2 ball bearing down it. Could slip a 7/16 bolt in it easy. The new was 3/8.
This is a good point about basic trouble shooting. Is there really a problem, does it just seem like it, is that the problem, what has changed to make all the air tools seem this way, did they all wear out at once. Over the years I have worn out 3 out of about 50 and 1 wasn't all that great to start with. One well worn when I got it and a cheap pencil grinder from HF that we used a lot.

 

[La Petite Tools]

Great advice guys, i'll start by trying to get them working by not taking them apart and then see how it goes. i'll post some pictures up when I remember.

 

[Snakebyt]

never knew to use ATF as air tool oil, just noticed the other day that i am almost out of tool oil, but have plenty of ATF around the shop

 

[Tonyuk]

I use standard engine oil in mine, 0w20 straight from the pump into a small bottle.

 

[6PTsocket]

Marvel Mystery Oil air tool oil is often recommended to clean up tools. It is low viscosity snd I believe it may contain some cleaning solvents. Just dump some in and run them.

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[country83]

I've seen ATF eat seals in the tools I've rebuilt, so I don't recommend it. It also doesn't lubricate as well either. Just use good quality air tool oil in the inlet. Alcohol can work to help blow out excess **** inside.

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[La Petite Tools]

I went with adding oil and turning the air up and it worked on all the tools except an air ratchet I didn't take that apart yet but the air just blew through the outlet. I took apart the impact driver just because I hadn't before pretty simple all work like champs now. Thanks for the advice

 

[bubinga]

I went with adding oil and turning the air up and it worked on all the tools except an air ratchet I didn't take that apart yet but the air just blew through the outlet. I took apart the impact driver just because I hadn't before pretty simple all work like champs now. Thanks for the advice