Rebuidling air tools

1930 · January 12, 2015, 07:23:45 PM

I need to get some of these going again but have no experience with going thru air tools successfully. Is there anyone here that is able to give me some tips/pointers on common malfunctions and what sort of things I should be looking for?

Start out with these 3/8 drive snap-on air ratchets, the one on the far left I bought new quite a few years ago, I rarely used it cause I always had older beaters to use and I figured I would preserve this one for the good paying jobs ( those were few and far between ) This particular ratchet would literally twist your arm off if not careful, very powerful and then all of a sudden one day it just stopped working. I will have to bring it to work tomm and run some air through it to give a better explanation of what exactly happens. I just remember saying to myself at the time that whatever has happened did so because of a lack of use, just sitting can sometimes be worse for machinery than everyday constant use.

The middle one I have no idea where that one stands except that I do not believe it has much power anymore ( could be wrong ) I think that maybe the head is worn.....if that is the case than Id like some opinions on whether a rebuild kit is worthwhile, never installed one and am leery cause I am un-sure if doing so is only temporarily buying me time for a tool that is just worn out.

Farthest to the left is now that I think about it the one I picked up off the road a while back, it may not have any issues, will find out tomm when I get back to the shop.

Thanks for any and all comments/experiences.

1930 · January 12, 2015, 07:29:51 PM

Here is a parts break down for the far left ratchet, maybe someone with experience can tell me what parts will typically go bad other then the head, I am sure that is not the issue with this particular ratchet.

1930 · January 12, 2015, 07:32:42 PM

Im in the middle of re-building a DynaBrade 10763, another tool ( 8 inch mudhog ) that has seen VERY little use and was terribly expensive new and yet just stopped working. Good thing that the parts I believe I need are relatively cheap.

Ive got a Matco mudhog that was one of my first tools I purchased when I got into my trade nearly 30 years ago and has seen nearly daily use, has made me a tremendous amount of money over the years and had NEVER given me a lick of problems.

I dont consider Matco to be a very good tool but just goes to show that lesser expensive tools are sometimes the only way to go.

Ken W. · January 12, 2015, 07:33:53 PM

I would dump some Marvel Mystery oil in them and let them soak for a bit and then put some air to them. I've had that same ratchet in the middle for 25 + years and it still has plenty of power.

1930 · January 12, 2015, 07:44:01 PM

Quote from: Ken W. on January 12, 2015, 07:33:53 PM
I would dump some Marvel Mystery oil in them and let them soak for a bit and then put some air to them. I've had that same ratchet in the middle for 25 + years and it still has plenty of power.

I may try that Ken, at the very least I have a better idea of whats what shortly.

Ive had this one as well a long time ( another Snap-on ) and I like it cause its lightweight, Im going to assume that a kit is no longer avail? ( far 70C ) Its head is worn, a real lack of power.

john k · January 13, 2015, 04:54:58 PM

I have been inside a few air tools, is nice when you can get kits. The thing that wears worst on an air ratchet are the teeth inside the ratchet head, once they are gone that is it. Then there are the 3 tiny pinion gears with needle bearings that transfer power from the air motor to the ratchet, once they seize up, it is usually over. So, oil it all up good, try some air, and if they work, run it slowly with the head immersed in a can of light oil, to get that ratchet head lubed up. One thing I won't take even for free are old Snap-on air impacts, seen enough fo them go back for repair when new. good luck

oldgoaly · January 13, 2015, 06:22:40 PM

Goodfellow on the GG uses warm Marvel Mystery oil, the heat helps loosen up the "crud" that can form causing the motor to stick. crud= moisture + oil + dirty / dust.
Many of my "old" air tools haven't been used in 30-50 years so I soak them for several months to a year or more (I forget them

)

1930 · January 13, 2015, 07:57:12 PM

Powered up the newest snap-on and it runs constant. Too new and too little use to be a wear issue or crud build-up, must be something internally that has given way.

oldtools · January 15, 2015, 01:35:02 AM

Assume you Are using filtered & dry air? WD40 each use? When rusty water from condensation gets in will cause problems!

1930 · January 15, 2015, 04:43:50 AM

Quote from: oldtools on January 15, 2015, 01:35:02 AM
Assume you Are using filtered & dry air? WD40 each use? When rusty water from condensation gets in will cause problems!

Always filtered and relatively dry, thanks, Ill have to figure it out on my own I guess. Asked the same question on an automobile forum and couldnt really get any specifics there either.

Mystery I guess. Talk with the snap-on dealer today and hopefully get some clues

OilyRascal · January 15, 2015, 07:00:54 AM

Quote from: 1930 on January 13, 2015, 07:57:12 PM
Powered up the newest snap-on and it runs constant.

The issue is that it will it stays running when pressured up? If not, what exactly is it doing that is out of normal?

Chillylulu · January 15, 2015, 07:08:35 AM

Quote from: 1930 on January 13, 2015, 07:57:12 PM
Powered up the newest snap-on and it runs constant. Too new and too little use to be a wear issue or crud build-up, must be something internally that has given way.

Could be just a piece of dirt or crud under a valve seat. Soak it, as suggested. Then exercise the valve full on to full off a few times. You might blow out something.

Chilly

1930 · January 15, 2015, 07:10:43 PM

Quote from: OilyRascal on January 15, 2015, 07:00:54 AM
Quote from: 1930 on January 13, 2015, 07:57:12 PM
Powered up the newest snap-on and it runs constant.

The issue is that it will it stays running when pressured up? If not, what exactly is it doing that is out of normal?

Yes stays running as long as its connected to air. Talked with the snap-on dealer today and he mentioned what it prob. was, unfortunately from what I was told they no longer re-build them on the truck but instead have to send them out to have the work done.

I can remember the days of you handing him the tool and he did his thing while you waited. I guess the dealers are only competent enough to sling tools nowadays :(

oldtools · January 17, 2015, 12:03:16 AM

So many things could cause the problem, but sounds like internals are clogged, (veins, passageways, switch, etc.) recommend you take apart, clean, inspect, lube, reassemble, test it. remember how it came apart, keep parts in order.. (lay out on table, clean cloth, compartments, etc.) Sometimes just WD40 & air is enough to clear veins, passageways.. Good luck!!! use inline filter & oiler when using air tools, will last longer...

Chillylulu · January 17, 2015, 02:26:24 AM

Quote from: oldtools on January 17, 2015, 12:03:16 AM
So many things could cause the problem, but sounds like internals are clogged, (veins, passageways, switch, etc.) recommend you take apart, clean, inspect, lube, reassemble, test it. remember how it came apart, keep parts in order.. (lay out on table, clean cloth, compartments, etc.) Sometimes just WD40 & air is enough to clear veins, passageways.. Good luck!!! use inline filter & oiler when using air tools, will last longer...

Good advice. I would like to add, probably obvious, take pictures. They may save you when rebuilding, and of course we like to see the process.

Chilly

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Rebuidling air tools