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General troubleshooting
Some common causes and corrective actions for common power tool issues.
Pneumatic tools
| Issue | Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Air leak | Poor inlet connection when tool is running | Apply pipe tape to fitting |
| Leak is coming from tool | Check throttle seat and valve | |
| Tool runs ON | ||
| No air enters the tool | Blocked screen | Remove fitting and gently clean screen |
| Tool runs slowly or not at all | Dry and/or stuck vanes | Oil. Operate in short bursts |
| Locks up or stalls at free speed | Air motor is damaged | Look for damaged vanes, bearings or scored motor surfaces |
| Locks up or stalls under load | Impact/working mechanism is damaged | Look for broken, cracked, or worn parts in the impact mechanism |
Impact wrenches
| Issue | Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Runs slow or free speed is reduced | Air motor is dry, worn, or scored | Replace vanes and bearings and llok for scored metal surfaces |
| Runs well at free speed but locks up under load | Broken impact mechanism | Inspect anvil and hammers |
| Noisy under load | Worn hard parts | |
| Losing power but runs well at free speed | Impact mechanism is worn or needs lubrication | Inspect anvil and hammers and lubricate |
| Sockets fall off | Impact mechanism is worn | Replace anvil clip and ring |
Ratchets
| Issue | Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Motor spins but drive turns erractically or not at all | Worn teeth on yoke or pawl | Replace head kit and/or yoke |
| Tool tension is loose | Replace worn tension springs or add or replace wave washers |
Drills
| Issue | Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Motor runs fine but chuck does not hold still | Seal is broken | Loosen a few threads, apply Loctite, and retighten |
| Motor runs slow with little power | Dry and/or worn motor parts | Oil or replace vanes and bearings |
| Drive is locked up | Broken gears and/or motor vanes | Inspect and replace parts as needed |
Grinders
| Issue | Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Tool runs slow and wheel can be stopped by hand | Air motor dry or worn out | Oil and/or replace vanes and bearings |
| Excessive noise and vibration | Gears and/or bearings are worn or damaged | Replace gears and/or bearings |
Sanders
| Issue | Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Excessive vibration under load | Check for warped pad | Replace pad |
| Drive bearings are defective | Replace drive bearings | |
| Tool runs slow and/or stops under load | Air motor is dry | Oil the tool |
| Muffler is clogged | Remove and clean muffler and reduce muffler material if needed |
Air hammers
| Issue | Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Blows air but no hammer action | Barrel seal has broken | Spray a small quantity of parts cleaner down barrel and hold trigger to blow out |
| Tap piston free with a long punch | ||
| Bit stuck in nozzle | Carefully unthread barrel, inspect valves, add Loctite, and tighten |
Cordless/battery powered tools
| Issue | Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Motor runs well but no output rotation | Broken drive parts | Inspect and replace parts |
| No motor action | Weak battery charge | Check Battery |
| Broken motor or switch | Replace motor assembly and/or switch |
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