Hi All,
I’ve been working smarter as of late. Instead of driving 6″ lag bolts with a ratchet I found an old Blue-Point AT325 impact wrench for a few bucks. This is an air driven tool if that’s not clear.
Seems to work ok but last few turns have to be by hand to torque it down. I’ve never used an air impact wrench for driving bolts and am wondering if I’m asking too much from it or if it’s under powered or just old. Oddly I’m finding zero information on-line about this or similar tools. Snap-On doesn’t have much archived information on-line and I’ve yet to hear back.
I see real poor to mixed reviews on most imports less tha about $125 so this one I have is a bargain if it’s not shot out.
Thanks,
N
Replies
That should be a pretty strong gun. Blue-Point is Snap-on's "b" line, and generally Snap-on's air tools are awesome...I've got a drawer full of 'em. The AT325 should be 3/8" drive and might be too small depending on how much torque you need. I can find any specs here on output, it's probably discontinued. However the latest models: AT350(no handle, paddle trigger) has 90lbft fwd/rev, and the AT355A(pistol style) has 185lbft fwd and 210 in rev.
If it's just been used&abused, you can run some solvent through it. A lot of carb cleaner or brakleen...until it starts coming out clean. Then run it dry for a sec to dry it out. Around the nose of the gun you should see a plug(allen, maybe torx) thats for oiling the anvil compartment. Give it a good dose of engine oil, gear lube, etc.
Last but not least, once clean, load it up(through the air line fitting) on air tool oil and put in a drop or 2 every day you pick it up.
Mike
WOW!
Thanks,
On the suggestion of running brakleen or carb cleaner; should I just start blowing it out of the can into to air inlet or give it doses and let the compressor push it through or both?
I found the hex nut on the front, would something like Senco air gun oil be ok or does it really need something heavier?
Also-sorry to be so ignorant-what psi should I be running it at? I'm guessing about 125psi but maybe it needs more or less.
Thanks again,
N
air impact need alot of cfm at high pressure, my IR 231 will break bolts in half but the little air compressure will not turn it.
Good point, the IM231's a great gun for torque, I never care for the fwd/rev slider though. I think Notrix's is only 3/8" drive compared to your 1/2".
N: That gun should use from 2 to 4 cfm depending on load and efficiency.
Mike
Both, you can hold the trigger open and load it up with cleaner(the passage in the handle only holds so much), then blast it through(that'll get the motor turning and clean everything). Keep doing it 'til it comes out pretty clean...you'll be surprised how much dirt, grime comes out.
Not sure about the Senco oil, hate to guess, so I'm gonna stick with the heavy stuff for the anvil case. I couldn't tell ya what the difference is between "air tool" oil and other oils is, I just know that it's designed to lube and seal the vanes in the motor as well as lube the bearings, and it's cheap so...
125psi is fine, the more pressure, the more torque!
No problemo about the questions N, I gain so much knowledge from you const pros, I welcome any opportunity to give some back.
Mike
PS: Oh yeah, if that gun comes up to full power you will detonate cheap chrome sockets. Be carefull.
Thanks again,
just about the best info post I ever got to a question!!!
Senco oil is for their nail guns, I'm not sure of it's viscosty though. Seems like less than 30w for sure though.
Off to get supplies,
N
air tool oil contains no clay particles like some general purpose oils do. At least this is what i was told.