How to Get a Socket Off of an Impact Wrench
Impact wrenches can help you tighten and loosen bolts quickly and efficiently. If you've never used an impact wrench before, it might seem complicated. Changing sockets, for instance, is a bit different with an impact wrench than with a standard socket wrench. Impact wrenches have either a locking sleeve or small pin securing the socket, depending on the type of impact wrench. Getting a socket off an impact wrench is simple. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Finishing nail
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Instructions
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Disconnect the impact wrench from its power source. Unplug the power cord if you have an electric impact wrench. Disconnect the hose coupler if you use an air impact wrench. Remove the battery of a cordless impact wrench unless the product has a lock feature on the trigger.
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Pull back on the collar sleeve toward the impact, if you have a cordless impact with a sleeve over the mandrel. The mandrel is the square chuck that inserts into sockets. Hold the sleeve with one hand, and pull the socket off with your free hand.
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Find the small hole on the side of the socket (if you have an impact wrench without a collar sleeve). The mandrel on this type of impact wrench has a small spring pin that fits into the hole on the socket.
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4
Insert a finishing nail into the hole on the side of the socket. Press the spring pin down. Pull the socket away from the impact wrench mandrel.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have a stuck socket, place the tip of a flat-head screwdriver between the back of the socket and front of the impact wrench. Pry the socket away from the tool with the screwdriver.
Only use sockets designed for impact wrenches. Standard sockets will break under the torque of an impact wrench.
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
