How to Use an Impact Wrench

Using an impact wrench can make that mechanics job go even faster. Whether you are changing a tire or rebuilding an engine, having a hand-held impact wrench allows for more work to be done. The fatigue of using a socket wrench all day can be a wear on the body, but an air-powered impact wrench allows you to concentrate on the job at hand and not be concerned with having sore arms at the end of the day.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Air compressor Air hose Air tool oil Impact wrench

1. Adjust the air compressor regulator to the range of 90 to 100 pounds per square inch (PSI). Most impact wrenches operate at their most efficient in this range. The air compressor should be plugged into the power outlet and ready to run.

2. Connect the air hose to the air compressor outlet and stretch out the hose. Be sure there are no kinks in the air hose as the impact wrench needs a steady stream of unrestricted airflow to operate properly.

3. Place four to five drops of the air tool oil into the impact wrench's air inlet. This should be performed every time you use the impact wrench. There are small bearings on the ends of the rotating turbine that turns the socket end of the wrench. Without proper lubrication, the bearings will soon fail.

4. Plug the air hose into the air inlet of the impact wrench. Pull the trigger to test the direction of the wrench before using. A small push button just above the trigger on the hand-held grip can be moved left or right, or in and out, for forward or reverse direction of the socket end.

5. Test the speed or torque adjustment screw on the impact wrench. Most impact wrenches will have a torque adjustment that applies more air to the turbine driver that turns the socket end of the wrench. This adjustment is generally notated with the numbers 1 through 10, with 1 being the lowest setting.

Tips & Warnings

• Use only impact or torque rated sockets in the removal of bolts. Other sockets may break or shatter due to the high torque of an impact wrench. Always wear safety glasses whenever using a power or air tool.