compressor/ impact wrench question

[mikel003003]

Can any one help ? I have a 50 ltr 2.5 hp compressor running 8.3 cfm but it won't power my (admittidly cheap) 5cfm impact wrench any ideas ? Was thinking about getting a secound 1/4 inch air line and a y piece and useing both outputs ? Opinons appreciated. Thanks

[Dan67]

What PSI is the air coming out at. Most of my air tools want about 90psi

[paintman]

I have a 2hp compressor. Used mainly with small HVLP gravity feed sprayguns.
It WILL run an impact wrench for a short burst but I then need to let the tank refill before the next go. Won't even look at air sanders/polishers.

Size of the airline is important, these tools need a lot of air & the small bore pipes - esp the curly ones - simply can't pass the volume needed so tools won't run. I have one of the 6mm curly ones & its fine for inflating tyres but that's about it.
My normal air hose is 10mm bore - same as you will find in garages.(10mm is about 0.4", your 0.25" line is about 6mm) - so best to get one of those.

A secondary issue may be the outlet pipework from the compressor itself, some are very small. Got round that one by fitting a larger combined regulator/filter/water separator in place of one of the threaded bungs in the end of the tank.

Edited by paintman on Wednesday 20th February 22:02

[mikel003003]

It peaks at about 120 psi refills at 70 I Tryed it on the compressor at work and its still crap, I've sent it back for inspection, when I get it back I may invest in a bigger hose, thanks for the advise

[jord294]

mikel003003 said:

Can any one help ? I have a 50 ltr 2.5 hp compressor running 8.3 cfm but it won't power my (admittidly cheap) 5cfm impact wrench any ideas ? Was thinking about getting a secound 1/4 inch air line and a y piece and useing both outputs ? Opinons appreciated. Thanks

i found that i had to upgrade to at least a 125litre 9cfm compressor to have any effect on my impact gun.

admittedly, it is a snap on gun. but even then it was only good in short bursts.

i now have a 250litre 18cfm compressor in my garage and is perfect for the jobs i do in my spare time

[one eyed mick]

Delivery is the imp fig 18 cfm would be very able in 99% sits ,would love sim but budget and space available says no

[paintman]

True, most compressors are sold with a displacement figure given. Looks much more impressive than the important one, which is Free Air Delivery (FAD)and is usually 1/2 to 2/3 of the displacement figure.

[Tampon]

Strange, my 2 HP 25 litre compressor will run the impact gun enough to crack a tough nut even when using a thinner curly hose. What psi are you running the regulator at? Obviously if it is too low it won't fire it up.

Used mine last night and I had it set up for my staple gun so it wouldn't work, sacked the pressure right up and bobs your mothers brother.

[Madrabbit]

Has the gun got an adjustable torque control. Could that be affecting how it runs?

[Mr2Mike]

Plug the tool direct into the tank rather than via any built in regulators - they can really hurt airflow. Also you need a decent flexible rubber air hose, the narrow bore plastic pipes will introduce significant pressure drops with heavy air demand.

[mikel003003]

Thanks for all the advise this seems to be a fairly comman problem, I retired the gun and have yet to replace it, but I will and get myself a decent hose too. Thanks again