Need Advice - Air Impact Wrench (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 7/13/2026 8:16:47 PM EDT
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I'm in a bit of a pickle and I need some advice. I have an air impact wrench. I'm trying to zip a nut off of an alternator pulley. However, it's not budging. I've tried everything I can think of but I've not had any luck. Something occurred to me this evening. I'm wondering if the wrench is simply not generating any torque. My setup is a 5 gallon tank, 2.4 CFM, with a 25" 1/4 inch hose. I'm thinking this setup is severely restricting power output of the wrench. When I try to zip the nut off, the wrench does work but it doesn't take any effort to keep it steady. It will brap brap brap but nothing else happens. Almost like it's not doing anything. It would explain why I cannot get that nut off. Archer is going to yell at me about phrasing. Is that possibly what I'm seeing here? With the belt on the pulley, the air wrench will not turn the pulley at all. With a breaker bar, I can easily turn the pulley with no problem. I think I may need to switch to a 3/8" hose, and much shorter than 25 feet. I've been trying to solve this problem since yesterday. I have no experience with air tools so anything you tell me will be something I didn't know. |
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Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: I'm looking at those now. I really like my new air ratchet but... yeah. I need to remove that nut so I can install a new pulley. Recommendations on an electric impact? What power tool platform are you invested in? Get that one. If not, decide your budget and tell us so we can ignore it and tell you Milwaukee Fuel is the answer. @StarCityShooter 
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Have you oiled it? ETA: have you run pneumatic air tool oil through the gun? (Where the air Chuck is) |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
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Originally Posted By tree-hugger: Have you oiled it? ETA: have you run pneumatic air tool oil through the gun? (Where the air Chuck is) I have a Skil weed eater with a fairly large battery pack. That's pretty much it as far as battery power tools I currently have. For things like socket ratchets, I'm more old school. I don't know if the Skil impact ratchets use the same battery pack as the weed eaters. That would be nice if I could get dual use from that pack. ETA: It looks like the PWR Core 40 battery the weed eater uses is only for the yard equipment and not for their line of impact wrenches. Bummer. |
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That little noodle hose is choking the gun. Even a tiny compressor should be able to give your a second or two burst of go. Running cfm doesn't mean much here. That pump is never going to keep up but with a bigger hose at tank pressure you might get a half second to Crack the nut. The gun should scream when you hit the trigger in a constant rattle, if it's more thupthupthup it's not getting enough air. I've pulled huge nuts off with the tiny 12 gal portable I have but it was 1 second, wait for pump and repeat. A 1/2 impact might eat 30cfm under load. |
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2 thoughts also If its one of these tool kit guns, they're disappointing at best.Attached File Is it reverse thread? |
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Originally Posted By -Obsessed-: What power tool platform are you invested in? Get that one. If not, decide your budget and tell us so we can ignore it and tell you Milwaukee Fuel is the answer. @StarCityShooter 
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Originally Posted By Equestrian: 2 thoughts also If its one of these tool kit guns, they're disappointing at best.https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/521930/1000041101_jpg-3794915.JPG Is it reverse thread? When I pull the trigger, it's a fairly quiet brap brap brap. And I don't feel much resistance. I agree, the problem is the wrench isn't getting enough pressure. The wrench is an Aero Pro. It seems like a nice piece of hardware. I'm guessing I just need to get sufficient air to it. |
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Bigger compressor. I just had to call a service truck out to reseat a tire on a backhoe because my compressor wasn’t big enough. Took him two minutes. You either need to get a bigger compressor, battery impact or borrow a battery impact for two minutes worth of work. Surely you have a friend that has a battery impact that can knock it off of there for you. |
Ellen; Clark, I think it'd be best if everyone went home... before things get worse.
Clark; WORSE? How could things get any worse? Take a look around here, Ellen. We're at the threshold of hell.
Clark; WORSE? How could things get any worse? Take a look around here, Ellen. We're at the threshold of hell.
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Originally Posted By texashark: Bigger compressor. I just had to call a service truck out to reseat a tire on a backhoe because my compressor wasn't big enough. Took him two minutes. You either need to get a bigger compressor, battery impact or borrow a battery impact for two minutes worth of work. Surely you have a friend that has a battery impact that can knock it off of there for you. |
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Originally Posted By F-M-B: Correct. This answer would have been laughable 20ish years ago. They're legit now. It does sound like you need a larger compressor if you want to stick with air. Originally Posted By F-M-B: Originally Posted By -Obsessed-: Just buy a battery impact. Way better. Correct. This answer would have been laughable 20ish years ago. They're legit now. It does sound like you need a larger compressor if you want to stick with air. Battery stuff is downright impressive now. The amount of work a couple bills worth of home depot lime tools can do is just dumb. I still like air though, for some tasks it's the way to go. Easy to find good used air tools with a little looking as well. |
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I used to have to get a service truck with a 1" air impact to break the nuts loose on my BushHog mower. Now I use my Makita cordless 1/2" impact and it gets them off. Hell on the wrists though. Cordless impacts are no joke nowadays. |
Ellen; Clark, I think it'd be best if everyone went home... before things get worse.
Clark; WORSE? How could things get any worse? Take a look around here, Ellen. We're at the threshold of hell.
Clark; WORSE? How could things get any worse? Take a look around here, Ellen. We're at the threshold of hell.
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Originally Posted By texashark: I used to have to get a service truck with a 1" air impact to break the nuts loose on my BushHog mower. Now I use my Makita cordless 1/2" impact and it gets them off. Hell on the wrists though. Cordless impacts are no joke nowadays. If you think impacts are impressive you should see the huge right angle auger drills like the Super Hawg. The motor is twice the size if a 1/2” impact's and it maxes out at like 300 RPM. The tool is 2 feet long to give you enough levwrage to hold onto the damn thing. 
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Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: Originally Posted By texashark: Bigger compressor. I just had to call a service truck out to reseat a tire on a backhoe because my compressor wasn't big enough. Took him two minutes. You either need to get a bigger compressor, battery impact or borrow a battery impact for two minutes worth of work. Surely you have a friend that has a battery impact that can knock it off of there for you. I think you're going to be fine with the 3/8" hose. (What is the point of 1/4" hoses? Dental equipment or something?? Maybe hobby stuff??) I used to have large stand-up compressor, but swapped it out for a smaller pancake model. 6 gallon Metabo  
It runs an Ingersol Rand Impact just fine. Obviously it needs to catch up in certain situations, but no problem removing a truck tire. Over its 30+ year life, I did neglect oiling once and it sounded just like your description of what's happening. Hence, my immediate reaction. Next up for you, just as others have said, are the battery impacts. Go to the end of this thread and you'll soon find what you're looking for at a great deal. I bought this one for $199 last year because of the above linked thread. 1400# of back-off torque is plenty for me and I already had committed to DeWalt because of my tenure in carpentry. Milwaukee's specs are better - if memory serves - and I see them in repair shops more often than the yellow tools. 
It would help if I attached the thing... |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
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Originally Posted By -Obsessed-: If you think impacts are impressive you should see the huge right angle auger drills like the Super Hawg. The motor is twice the size if a 1/2” impact's and it maxes out at like 300 RPM. The tool is 2 feet long to give you enough levwrage to hold onto the damn thing. Originally Posted By -Obsessed-: Originally Posted By texashark: I used to have to get a service truck with a 1" air impact to break the nuts loose on my BushHog mower. Now I use my Makita cordless 1/2" impact and it gets them off. Hell on the wrists though. Cordless impacts are no joke nowadays. If you think impacts are impressive you should see the huge right angle auger drills like the Super Hawg. The motor is twice the size if a 1/2” impact's and it maxes out at like 300 RPM. The tool is 2 feet long to give you enough levwrage to hold onto the damn thing. I remember using a chain on large drills to prevent wrist damage when going through HD truck frames. |
"Some of the greatest dads I've ever seen weren't so much perfect as they were willing to work hard to overcome their failings. Does that make sense?"
Yes. Yes it does.
Yes. Yes it does.
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I just bought one of these last week. Really like Ridgid because of the lifetime service and batteries. Already had several batteries replaced through their service. This thing will zip off lug nuts from a tractor that have not been off in decades. My brother has a $500 Milwaukee and the Ridgid does just as good so far…. We’ll see how it holds up, but couldn’t beat the price. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By Ndenway1twicetimes: You need a much bigger compressor that moves a lot of cfm. You'll be better off with battery or corded impacts. I had a toy compressor like OP when I started out. It barely runs some tools and hardly runs most tools. This is my third compressor, 22cfm at any psi, 100% duty cycle. Also, Milwaukee Fuel is no joke. Best tools I own. |
Preferred pronoun: MARINE
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Originally Posted By Equestrian: 2 thoughts also If its one of these tool kit guns, they're disappointing at best.https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/521930/1000041101_jpg-3794915.JPG Is it reverse thread? I almost broke a finger the first time I used the Harbor Freight Earthquake. I have a Ridgid 1/2" battery impact now and I doubt the Earthquake will ever leave the tool drawer again. |
Preferred pronoun: MARINE
| I've got an 80 gallon ingersoll rand compressor in the garage. I use battery tools. Don't bother with pneumatics bro. If you're on a budget, watch the torque test channel on the new Walmart impacts. I would definitely consider one of those. |
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You need a large diameter hose to feed enough air to make an air-powered impact work to its full capabilities, a 1/4" hose is nothing. 3/8 would be minimum, and 1/2" hose would be even better. don't forget that a 1/4" pressure regulator will restrict flow as well. And, with only a 5-gallon tank, that much airflow will drop your PSI real quick, even with a good air hose and regulator, you'll only have peak PSI for a very short bit. Electric impacts have surpassed air impacts for good reason. By the time you get an air setup that will match what a 1/2" cordless high-torque impact will give you... you've spent FAR more money on compressor, hose, regulator, and impact than if you'd just bought the cordless. Originally Posted By Spaceboy: I've got an 80 gallon ingersoll rand compressor in the garage. I use battery tools. Don't bother with pneumatics bro. If you're on a budget, watch the torque test channel on the new Walmart impacts. I would definitely consider one of those. I'm not THAT big of a baller, but I do have a 60-gallon, 175PSI compressor. Like you, all my impacts are cordless. |
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Originally Posted By GlutealCleft: You need a large diameter hose to feed enough air to make an air-powered impact work to its full capabilities, a 1/4" hose is nothing. 3/8 would be minimum, and 1/2" hose would be even better. don't forget that a 1/4" pressure regulator will restrict flow as well. And, with only a 5-gallon tank, that much airflow will drop your PSI real quick, even with a good air hose and regulator, you'll only have peak PSI for a very short bit. Electric impacts have surpassed air impacts for good reason. By the time you get an air setup that will match what a 1/2" cordless high-torque impact will give you... you've spent FAR more money on compressor, hose, regulator, and impact than if you'd just bought the cordless. I'm not THAT big of a baller, but I do have a 60-gallon, 175PSI compressor. Like you, all my impacts are cordless. Yeah, my 60 gallon doesn't get used nearly as much these days. Agreed about the air hose size too. |
Call sign: Smack
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Originally Posted By wildearp: I had a couple of those too. I agree. I almost broke a finger the first time I used the Harbor Freight Earthquake. I have a Ridgid 1/2" battery impact now and I doubt the Earthquake will ever leave the tool drawer again. The Earthquake is my go to on Farm Implements. And I have Milwaukee and DeWalt. |
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
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Originally Posted By GlutealCleft: You need a large diameter hose to feed enough air to make an air-powered impact work to its full capabilities, a 1/4" hose is nothing. 3/8 would be minimum, and 1/2" hose would be even better. don't forget that a 1/4" pressure regulator will restrict flow as well. And, with only a 5-gallon tank, that much airflow will drop your PSI real quick, even with a good air hose and regulator, you'll only have peak PSI for a very short bit. Electric impacts have surpassed air impacts for good reason. By the time you get an air setup that will match what a 1/2" cordless high-torque impact will give you... you've spent FAR more money on compressor, hose, regulator, and impact than if you'd just bought the cordless. I'm not THAT big of a baller, but I do have a 60-gallon, 175PSI compressor. Like you, all my impacts are cordless. Originally Posted By GlutealCleft: You need a large diameter hose to feed enough air to make an air-powered impact work to its full capabilities, a 1/4" hose is nothing. 3/8 would be minimum, and 1/2" hose would be even better. don't forget that a 1/4" pressure regulator will restrict flow as well. And, with only a 5-gallon tank, that much airflow will drop your PSI real quick, even with a good air hose and regulator, you'll only have peak PSI for a very short bit. Electric impacts have surpassed air impacts for good reason. By the time you get an air setup that will match what a 1/2" cordless high-torque impact will give you... you've spent FAR more money on compressor, hose, regulator, and impact than if you'd just bought the cordless. Originally Posted By Spaceboy: I've got an 80 gallon ingersoll rand compressor in the garage. I use battery tools. Don't bother with pneumatics bro. If you're on a budget, watch the torque test channel on the new Walmart impacts. I would definitely consider one of those. I'm not THAT big of a baller, but I do have a 60-gallon, 175PSI compressor. Like you, all my impacts are cordless. Attached File
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| I had to replace lug studs on my vehicle. My 1/2" pneumatic failed miserably, my 3/4" corded Dewalt laughed at the studs and pulled them in easily. |
America is at that awkward stage, it’s too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards....Claire Wolfe
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Originally Posted By Oldgold: The Earthquake is my go to on Farm Implements. And I have Milwaukee and DeWalt. Originally Posted By Oldgold: Originally Posted By wildearp: I had a couple of those too. I agree. I almost broke a finger the first time I used the Harbor Freight Earthquake. I have a Ridgid 1/2" battery impact now and I doubt the Earthquake will ever leave the tool drawer again. The Earthquake is my go to on Farm Implements. And I have Milwaukee and DeWalt. I bought an Earthquake compact impact gun years ago because nothing else would fit. Just wanted it to get me through that one project at the time. Was pleasantly surprised at the power and it got used a bunch after that. Still have it. |
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Originally Posted By F-M-B: I bought an Earthquake compact impact gun years ago because nothing else would fit. Just wanted it to get me through that one project at the time. Was pleasantly surprised at the power and it got used a bunch after that. Still have it. Same but Astro stubby. At the time of purchase it was both more compact and more powerful than battery competitors. The tractor 3-point hitch nut that laughed at me jumping on a 1/2” breaker bar while pushing off the top went right off. |
| Some of those battery powered impact wrenches look beastly. I haven't really had a need for an impact wrench until now. I figured I'd get something like the Aero Pro and I'd be able to use it with my current air compressor. I guess if I get the hose situation sorted, I'll be able to use it for what I need it for right now. I will see if the shorter 3/8" hose at least allows me to remove that nut so I can finish the project. From there, if I need a real, dedicated impact wrench, I will look at the battery models. Are the HF models worth looking at? Price-wise, they don't seem all that cheaper. |
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Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: Some of those battery powered impact wrenches look beastly. I haven't really had a need for an impact wrench until now. I figured I'd get something like the Aero Pro and I'd be able to use it with my current air compressor. I guess if I get the hose situation sorted, I'll be able to use it for what I need it for right now. I will see if the shorter 3/8" hose at least allows me to remove that nut so I can finish the project. From there, if I need a real, dedicated impact wrench, I will look at the battery models. Are the HF models worth looking at? Price-wise, they don't seem all that cheaper. Don't think much about the impact, look at what system as a whole works best. The batteries are the expensive bit. Honestly, ryobi has one of the best battery ecosystems out there right now, the stuff you can power with their batteries is everything from pruners to drills to inverter, etc etc. You can also play with adding volume to your current air setup. Find a used compressor or one with a blown up pump and you've got volume on your side. Even my massive compressor can't keep up with my high consumption tools but I have enough receiver volume to be useful. I don't care the pump can't keep up nobody uses an impact continuously. Hammer and let pressure recover as needed. Edit looked it up , that impact you have should be plenty competent, find it more food. |
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Originally Posted By Equestrian: Don't think much about the impact, look at what system as a whole works best. The batteries are the expensive bit. Honestly, ryobi has one of the best battery ecosystems out there right now, the stuff you can power with their batteries is everything from pruners to drills to inverter, etc etc. You can also play with adding volume to your current air setup. Find a used compressor or one with a blown up pump and you've got volume on your side. Even my massive compressor can't keep up with my high consumption tools but I have enough receiver volume to be useful. I don't care the pump can't keep up nobody uses an impact continuously. Hammer and let pressure recover as needed. Edit looked it up , that impact you have should be plenty competent, find it more food. I did notice that the batteries are where the real cost is for power tools. I see that many of the tools sell as-is without the batteries. Adding the battery sometimes triples the cost of the item. I had thought about getting a bigger compressor. I have two of them currently and I use them frequently. But both of them are 5-6 gallon models that aren't really appropriate for serious air tool use. But a good one that would be mostly big enough for an air tool costs $300-400 retail. So, I don't know. I should have the new air hose tomorrow. If I can get the current project completed, I will have time to figure out which way I want to go with this. Obviously, if I keep using impact wrenches, my current setup needs to be upgraded, one way or the other. |
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Milwaukee Fuel....and be done with it. My favorite flavor is the Mid-Torque, its 550 and change fastening and 650 break away in a pretty small package. I also have a H.O. M18 Fuel gun, but it's a bit portly, so it ends up staying in the drawer until I need the 1,000 FT lbs. then once you buy into the system you'll end up with all the m18 stuff plus an m12 Fuel rachet, an m12 compact impact gun......Dremel, 3" grinder....the list goes on. Just drink the Kool-Aid. 
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Originally Posted By Equestrian: That little noodle hose is choking the gun. Even a tiny compressor should be able to give your a second or two burst of go. Running cfm doesn't mean much here. That pump is never going to keep up but with a bigger hose at tank pressure you might get a half second to Crack the nut. The gun should scream when you hit the trigger in a constant rattle, if it's more thupthupthup it's not getting enough air. I've pulled huge nuts off with the tiny 12 gal portable I have but it was 1 second, wait for pump and repeat. A 1/2 impact might eat 30cfm under load. This. 25 feet of 1/4" hose is like trying to breath through a straw. |
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Originally Posted By paul463: This. 25 feet of 1/4" hose is like trying to breath through a straw. |
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Is the hose the 1/4 inch hard coiled skinny hose? If so that will give you massive pressure drop and render air tools almost useless. Additionally an alternator rotor is lightweight and low inertia so impact tools need to be extra strong. If pulley has a clutch in it there are tools that hold the alternator rotor so that you can easily remove the nut. |
It's time to show you the fruit of your advice: I had to hit the nut a few times but it finally loosened, allowing me to finally remove it. The impact wrench sounded like it had a lot more power using the new hose. Thanks for the help, guys. I need to finish putting everything back together so I can take the car to work tomorrow. |
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Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: It's time to show you the fruit of your advice: https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fG3rbpC/0/LLHQ8PfnJCBJK3X9TQHxhmZhCmhCzhJr9Twz7C7x8/X2/i-fG3rbpC-X2.jpg I had to hit the nut a few times but it finally loosened, allowing me to finally remove it. The impact wrench sounded like it had a lot more power using the new hose. Thanks for the help, guys. I need to finish putting everything back together so I can take the car to work tomorrow. Nice! Congrats on puzzling through it! Keep an eye on Craigslist, marketplace, whatever. Compressor are cheap used. But you definitely know now your current one has more power than you thought. |
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Originally Posted By Equestrian: Nice! Congrats on puzzling through it! Keep an eye on Craigslist, marketplace, whatever. Compressor are cheap used. But you definitely know now your current one has more power than you thought. The pulley is much lighter than the OEM part. It's not going to make a huge difference but it should make one, with less drag on the accessory belt. I'm going to find out. |
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until you save up for a larger compressor you could take an air tank and piggy back it to your 5 gallon tank. Will give you more volume and it won't have to wait as long for the regulator to keep up. Another cheat code is to crank the pressure up. My old 1 stage compressor started at 90 and shut off at 120. My impact hit harder at 120. Today I have a pretty decent air setup with redundant air tanks. |
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Originally Posted By Equestrian: Battery stuff is downright impressive now. The amount of work a couple bills worth of home depot lime tools can do is just dumb. I still like air though, for some tasks it's the way to go. Easy to find good used air tools with a little looking as well. Originally Posted By Equestrian: Originally Posted By F-M-B: Originally Posted By -Obsessed-: Just buy a battery impact. Way better. Correct. This answer would have been laughable 20ish years ago. They're legit now. It does sound like you need a larger compressor if you want to stick with air. Battery stuff is downright impressive now. The amount of work a couple bills worth of home depot lime tools can do is just dumb. I still like air though, for some tasks it's the way to go. Easy to find good used air tools with a little looking as well. I got a set of new tires today at Discount Tires, and I was watching a few of their techs working. All battery impacts. I am used to seeing auto mechanics with a lot of air guns but nope. If big chains have switched to battery tools when they could easily run air then that says a lot to me. |
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1/4" hose? Too small. I used to use 3/8" on half inch drives and 1/2" on 3/4" and inch drives. Now I use Dewalts, except for the occasion I need the inch drive. More tank and more air would help also. Easier to get a cordless. Midsize 1/2" drive should work, large half inch drives are a heavy handful and snap bolts with ease. |
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Originally Posted By radioshooter: I can't believe that no one asked what the tank pressure is. Air impacts are rated for PSI @ CFM. Making the hose larger doesn't help unless the fitting on the gun is changed. Most only have a 1/4 inch pipe thread. I still don't think I'm making nearly the power the ratchet is capable of. However, it was enough to wrest the pulley nut loose so I could swap it out. It's a nice air ratchet so I am going to keep it. I have been looking at bigger air compressors, trying to catch a deal somewhere. I really don't have a huge use for one so I'm not in a hurry. I could see it being handy for wheel work, though. I could have used it last year when I was replacing end links on the QX80. Those bolts were frozen on. I had to have someone cut them off with an angle grinder. It was wild. |
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Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: PSI was around 145 if I recall. It took me a few days of trying to figure out what was going on to finally realize what was probably happening. I had assumed that a 25 foot 1/4 inch hose would work fine. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I needed a more suitable hose for an air ratchet. After posting here, I ordered a much shorter hose (10') that was 3/8 inch. That made a very big difference. I still don't think I'm making nearly the power the ratchet is capable of. However, it was enough to wrest the pulley nut loose so I could swap it out. It's a nice air ratchet so I am going to keep it. I have been looking at bigger air compressors, trying to catch a deal somewhere. I really don't have a huge use for one so I'm not in a hurry. I could see it being handy for wheel work, though. I could have used it last year when I was replacing end links on the QX80. Those bolts were frozen on. I had to have someone cut them off with an angle grinder. It was wild. Originally Posted By TheLASwamp: Originally Posted By radioshooter: I can't believe that no one asked what the tank pressure is. Air impacts are rated for PSI @ CFM. Making the hose larger doesn't help unless the fitting on the gun is changed. Most only have a 1/4 inch pipe thread. I still don't think I'm making nearly the power the ratchet is capable of. However, it was enough to wrest the pulley nut loose so I could swap it out. It's a nice air ratchet so I am going to keep it. I have been looking at bigger air compressors, trying to catch a deal somewhere. I really don't have a huge use for one so I'm not in a hurry. I could see it being handy for wheel work, though. I could have used it last year when I was replacing end links on the QX80. Those bolts were frozen on. I had to have someone cut them off with an angle grinder. It was wild. PSI at the tank is almost entirely irrelevant. PSI at the tool, under load, would actually tell you something. You can have 200PSI at the tank, and if you're trying to run an air-hungry impact through 50' of 1/4 hose, multiple 1/4 QDs, and a 1/4 regulator... it ain't doing squat. |