Power Tools for Automotive Use

Power tools make a technician's job easier. They operate faster and with more torque than hand tools.

However, power tools require greater safety measures. Power tools don’t stop unless they are turned off. Power is furnished by air (pneumatic), electricity, or hydraulic fluid. Power tools should only be used for loosening nuts and/or bolts.

GARAGE TIP -- Safety is critical when using power tools. Carelessness or mishandling of power tools can cause serious injury. Don’t use a power tool without obtaining permission from your instructor. Be sure you know how to operate the tool properly before using it. Prior to using a power tool, read the instructions carefully.

Impact Wrench

An impact wrench is a portable hand held reversible wrench. A heavy-duty model can deliver up to 450 foot-pounds (607.5 N-m) of torque.

When triggered, the output shaft, onto which the impact socket is fastened, spins freely at 2,000 to 14,000 rpm, depending on the wrench's make and model. When the impact wrench meets resistance, a small spring-loaded hammer situated near the end of the tool strikes an anvil attached to the drive shaft onto which the socket is mounted. Each impact moves the socket around a little until torque equilibrium is reached, the fastener breaks, or the trigger. A typical air impact wrench.

___released. Torque equilibrium occurs when the torque of the bolt equals the output torque of the wrench.

Impact wrenches can be powered either by air or by electricity.

GARAGE TIP--When using an air impact wrench, it’s important that only impact sockets and adapters be used.

Other types of sockets and adapters, if used, might shatter and fly off, endangering the safety of the operator and others in the immediate area.

An impact wrench uses compressed air or electricity to hammer or impact a nut or bolt loose or tight. Light-duty impact wrenches are available in three drive sizes ¼-, 3/8-, ½-inch-and two heavy-duty sizes-3/4- and 1-inch.

!WARNING! Impact wrenches should not be used to tighten critical parts or parts that may be damaged by the hammering force of the wrench.

Air Ratchet

An air ratchet, like the hand ratchet, has a special ability to work in hard-to-reach places. Its angle drive reaches in and loosens or tightens where other hand or power wrenches just cannot work. The air ratchet looks like an ordinary ratchet but has a fat handgrip that contains the air vane motor and drive mechanism. Air ratchets usually have a 3/8-inch drive. Air ratchets are not torque sensitive; therefore, a torque wrench should be used on all fasteners after snugging them up with an air ratchet.

Air Drill

Air drills are usually available in ¼-, 3/8-, ½-inch sizes. They operate in much the same manner as an electric drill, but are smaller and lighter. This compactness makes them a great deal easier to use for drilling operations in auto work.

Blowgun

Blowguns are used for blowing off parts during cleaning. Never point a blowgun at yourself or anyone else.

A blowgun snaps into one end of an air hose and directs airflow when a button is pressed.

Always use an OSHA-approved air blowgun. Before using a blowgun, be sure it has not been modified to eliminate air-bleed holes on the side.

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