Exploitation
Pneumatic wrenches are in demand, first of all, in organizations serving vehicles: car services and workshops, tire changers, agricultural equipment bases, railway depots, air bases. It is impractical to use pneumatic models for domestic purposes. Also inappropriate is a pneumatic impact wrench for a garage.
Impact wrenches are usually used when working with large fasteners. Conventional counterparts are more suitable for precise tightening of fasteners with a certain effort. In the case of using them for large fasteners (from 24 mm), you have to additionally tighten it manually. For large fasteners, high torque wrenches are used. For example, in tire shops, models are used with a value of this parameter from 100 Nm. For complex production tasks, where different components require different degrees of tightening, pneumatic impact wrenches with variable torque are needed.
Do not operate at excessively high speeds, as this makes it difficult to control the tightening torque, which can lead to thread stripping. In order to prolong the service life, it is not recommended to use the nutrunner under load for a long time. So, if it is impossible to dismantle the fasteners for more than 5 seconds. work should be suspended to replace the device with a more powerful one or treat the compound with a lubricant or penetrating liquid.
Nuances when choosing the type of instrument
In addition to standard technical characteristics and individual preferences, a number of nuances must be taken into account when choosing a type of instrument. The type of wrench is selected depending on the purposes of further use, operating conditions and maintenance, the type of road transport when used for its repair.
For truck tire fitting
Freight transport is characterized by increased weight, thickened metal in the structure and constant high load on the base. Due to these features, nuts and bolts on trucks are tightened to the limit and it is impossible to unscrew them without specialized equipment.
To work with truck parts, you need to purchase an impact tool with maximum power and torque. Due to the forceful action, the equipment will allow unscrewing corroded elements with a small investment of time and effort. The use of professional equipment eliminates the risk of damage to the threads, regardless of the complexity of the work performed.
For passenger
If it is necessary to use an impact wrench for repairing cars, the requirements are not as high as for trucks. The minimum torque is 250 Nm. For permanent use, it is allowed to purchase a tool with a torque of 600 Nm and M600 fasteners.
If you plan to repair a car in an open area or in a garage where there is no possibility of connecting to the mains, it is worth choosing an autonomous version. Powered by a rechargeable battery, the equipment is wire-free for mobility and ease of day-to-day operation.
Since the standard battery capacity is not enough for a long time, the self-contained version is not suitable for continuous operation and performance of work that requires a lot of time.
For service stations
To equip service stations, you need a powerful pneumatic impact wrench that can work on a continuous basis for a long time. Professional car service equipment must meet certain technical parameters, including the following:
- Idling turns. This indicator directly affects the power of the equipment. The optimum number of revolutions is at least 3000 rpm.
- Torque. Depending on the type of equipment, the indicator varies from 200 to 6000 Nm. For use in a car service, you should purchase a model for 1500-2800 Nm.
- Air flow. At a standard pressure of 6.5 bar, the flow rate is 500-700 l / min.
The listed technical indicators are the main criteria for choosing equipment for a car service. When choosing a tool for continuous operation, you should have a power reserve of about 45%.
Purpose and principle of operation
The scope of application of pneumatic impact wrenches (pneumatic torque wrenches) is quite extensive. The devices are successfully used in construction, mechanical engineering, production and in everyday life. The tool can often be found in tire shops and service stations for trucks and cars. The widespread use and demand for devices is due to a simple device, high reliability and an affordable price.
Before considering the principle of operation of the unit, you should refer to its device. So, structurally, the wrench consists of a sturdy ergonomic body, cylindrical or similar to a gun, with a compressor connected to it through a hose. When the trigger is pressed, the rotation mechanism is activated due to the force of the compressed air masses. At the same time, the rotor blades begin to rotate and, through the frame and hammers, transfer their rotation to the stop. In cases where too much force is required to unscrew the nut connection, impact models are used.
Traditional rotation of the stop in such mechanisms does not occur: first, the hammers turn, then they move slightly back and engage with the stop. Further, during the second turn, the hammers acquire inertia and at the moment of approaching the engagement they forcefully hit the stop, pushing it in a similar way in the direction of rotation. The blows will be applied until the nut moves from a dead point and the unscrewing process begins.
Thanks to this property, the impact wrench is able to cope with tight hardware, and due to its low weight, it allows you to perform complex work with one hand. Impact models are widely used in vulcanization centers, at enterprises for the repair of agricultural and road equipment, in aviation technical service complexes and in railway workshops for the repair of rolling stock. However, not all models are equipped with an impact mechanism, and simple instruments in which the rotor can only rotate evenly prevail on the shelves.
The change in the direction of rotation of the rotor is carried out by switching the channels for the supply of air masses to its blades. Switching is done by turning the switch knob located on the device body. The material for the manufacture of components and assemblies of the wrench is plastic, composite alloys and metal. Moreover, plastic is used exclusively in its modern versions with the addition of special impurities that increase its strength many times over.
Preparing the tool for work
In order for the work with the pneumatic nutrunner to be comfortable and safe, it is necessary to properly prepare it. Before attaching the hose to the wrench, blow it out with a short but strong blow. This will remove accumulated dust and moisture formed during storage from its inner walls. The next step will be air preparation.To do this, check the condition of the filters and, if necessary, clean them. According to the instructions, when constantly working with the tool, the filters should be cleaned at least once a week. In addition, it is necessary to drain the accumulated liquid from the dehumidifier tank every day. In some high-tech models, the liquid drain is automated.
The next prerequisite for preparing the device for operation is its lubrication. To do this, use only specialized oil recommended by the tool manufacturer. Such oil should have a synthetic base, and should not contain silicone components. The main task of lubrication is to prevent the appearance of rust and prevent rapid wear of the contacting parts. You can lubricate the wrench yourself according to the following scheme: 3-5 drops of oil must be dripped into the air inlet, then run the device for half a minute and let the oil be evenly distributed over all the internal parts of the wrench.
It is advisable to lubricate the tool not only before starting work, but also before sending it to storage. With active use, the device should be lubricated every 3-4 hours. This procedure is quite troublesome, therefore, in such cases, the best option would be to install a mini-lubricator - a lubricator. He will supply oil to the device in a timely manner, the main thing is not to forget to replenish it in a timely manner. In addition to lubricating the main units, it is advisable to lubricate the impact mechanism every 50 hours of operation. This will help to avoid malfunctions and prolong the life of the wrench.
When working with the device, it is important to monitor the optimal air pressure. Since exceeding this indicator leads to rapid wear of moving elements, and a decrease leads to a loss of device power
Therefore, it is recommended to install a pressure regulator equipped with a pressure gauge. Such a sensor is placed between the pipeline and the hose. For professional equipment, it makes no sense to purchase a filter, lubricator, water separator and pressure regulator separately. It is more expedient to buy and install a filter group that includes all four devices.
How to choose a pneumatic impact wrench?
Be sure to purchase a pneumatic tool that is compatible with the compressor in terms of operating pressure and air flow.
The equipment is important, it is better to choose wrenches in cases with additional consumable accessories. Consider other nuances that affect the correct choice of a pneumatic impact wrench:
- The hammerless tool is suitable for working with sensitive mechanisms, where a lot of effort is required and maximum accuracy is required.
- Impact devices will help out when unscrewing rusted, old connections, and also when working with large fasteners.
- The ratchet mechanism is good for light loads, it is often used in angle air wrenches.
- The tightening power is the most important nuance. The most popular parameter is 30-3000 Nm, the maximum values are chosen based on specific conditions.
- For a car service, a 1/2 ”spindle is suitable. For work with threads up to 25 mm - 3/4 ", for heavy equipment (threads over 50 mm) - from 1 to 1.5".
- Weight of the device - hands get tired faster with a heavy tool, but a too light air wrench tightens the nuts worse with great effort.
- Composite body is lighter, stronger, more practical.
Rating of pneumatic impact wrenches
Studying the TOP of the newest models of tools for working with threaded fasteners, it is easier to choose accessories for your personal workshop. We offer you to consider the best pneumatic impact wrenches in different categories:
- Inforce PW 720 - rubberized handle, diode illumination, copes with fasteners up to M27, power - 720 Nm, not afraid of overloads.
- Pneumatic impact wrench Jonnesway JAI-1114 49922 - torque 1356 Nm, air consumption up to 207 l / min, 1/2 "chuck, there is an impact mechanism.
- Metabo DRS 68 Set 1/2 ″ - angular model, 7 nozzles М10-М27, there is an extension and a universal joint, weight 1.2 kg, power 68 Nm.
- Metabo DSSW 2440-1 ″ - powerful straight model 2440 Nm, extended drive spindle, head rotation speed 6000 rpm, works with fasteners up to M38.
Which nutrunner is better electric or pneumatic?
The most important difference between these hand tools is the use of compressed gas instead of a mains or battery powered motor. This is the advantage of the pneumatic assistant over the electric counterpart and some of its disadvantages. Let's try to compare the best qualities of these devices for the right choice.
Features of using an electric nutrunner:
- No compressor required.
- There are no inevitable losses in the conversion of electricity for air compression.
- When using battery devices, the power cables do not interfere with work outside the workshop.
- For household purposes and infrequent use, an electric nutrunner is preferable to choose.
Features of the pneumatic impact wrench:
- The characteristics of the pneumatic impact wrench indicate greater reliability in operation.
- The pneumatic impact wrench heats up less under load.
- The absence of an electric motor makes the tool lighter.
- The pneumatic impact wrench is not afraid of high humidity and dirt.
- In large workshops, several impact wrenches can work from a common powerful compressor at once.
- For professional use, it is more profitable to take a pneumatic tool.
Views
Today there are two types of impact wrenches: straight and pistol angle type.
Straight models are used only in cases where significant effort is required to loosen or tighten the nuts. The main distinguishing feature of straight models is a powerful tightening force, thanks to which the devices do an excellent job with stuck and old connections. In such models, the axis of rotation of the spindle and the axis of the air motor are the same, which makes it possible with the help of an impact device to obtain a high tightening force of up to 4500 Nm. Straight wrenches are lightweight and are used when working with hardware up to 42 mm in diameter.
Another criterion for the classification of pneumatic tools is the principle of influence on fasteners. By this criterion, percussive and unstressed models are distinguished. The former, by means of jerky impulses, make it possible to cope with the most complex joints, while the latter are capable of exerting only a smooth forceful effect and are more often used to perform delicate "jewelry" works.
Features of operation
There are a few simple rules to follow when using a pneumatic tool.
- It is strongly not recommended to use the device near open flames, as well as store it near sources of high temperatures and high humidity.
- The device must be protected from accidental drops, and also try not to expose it to weight, mechanical and vibration loads.
- It is strictly forbidden to increase the recommended working pressure in order to increase the tightening torque. Such actions will entail rapid wear of the main components and disable the device.
- It is highly undesirable to keep the tool under load for a long time. This will quickly wear out the impact mechanism and shorten the service life of the device.
For information on how to choose a pneumatic impact wrench, see the next video.
Angle pneumatic pneumatic ratchets
Angular type pneumatic ratchets, by analogy with the standard version, are used to tighten screws, nuts, bolts and other fasteners. A distinctive feature is the ability to operate in a limited space due to the curved shape.Angle ratchets are widely used in tire shops, car services, and manufacturing plants.
The angular type of equipment has several features. The main ones are the following:
- the axis of rotation of the spindle is located at right angles to the body, which makes the tightening torque minimal;
- pneumatic ratchets have compact dimensions, which simplifies use in hard-to-reach places (for example, under a car hood);
- an automatic tightening torque controller is built into the body;
- basic technical parameters ensure a high level of performance.
How to choose?
Before you start purchasing a pneumatic impact wrench, you need to determine how often and in what area it will be used. So, if the model is needed for occasional work in the garage or in the country, it is better to opt for simpler products and purchase a shockless inexpensive tool. If the device is necessary for daily activities at a service station or in a tire service, then it is better to buy a professional device with a set of socket heads, reverse and an impact mechanism.
The next selection criterion is the diameter of the threaded connections with which the device will work. In particular, for minor repairs of passenger cars, a model working with a thread diameter of up to 25 mm is suitable, while for servicing medium-sized cars and buses, a side wrench capable of working with threads up to 32 mm is needed. If it is supposed to repair heavy agricultural or construction equipment, as well as trucks, then in this case you cannot do without a serious model designed for overall threaded connections with a diameter of up to 50 mm.
When choosing a tool, its weight and ergonomic characteristics are of great importance. They have a big impact on the productivity and working conditions of the operator. These characteristics of the device are especially important for people working on the conveyor and during the entire shift do not let go of the nutrunner. For such purposes, you should purchase pistol models that have a comfortable, rubberized grip. However, it should be borne in mind that angular devices are more convenient to work on vertical surfaces, that is, with a horizontal wrench. Straight cylindrical models, on the other hand, are more convenient to work on horizontal surfaces, while placing the device vertically.
When choosing, you need to pay attention to the availability of additional functions. So, if you plan to unscrew / tighten the nuts in recesses or other hard-to-reach places, then it is better to purchase a model equipped with an extended spindle or an additional cardan
With regard to the weight of products, without exception, all pneumatic wrenches are much lighter than their electrical counterparts. This is due to the absence of an engine inside the case, which is why the weight of the heaviest household unit does not exceed 4 kg. Professional models are somewhat heavier, and the most powerful of them can weigh up to 10 kg. For simple and infrequent work, you can choose a very light device, the weight of which will be 750 g.
