How to care for your air impact wrench, especially in winter

An air impact wrench is a precision tool: it requires proper lubrication, clean air, and protection from moisture and low temperatures. In winter, these requirements become more stringent. If you have a cheaper wrench with a steel drive, it will be more susceptible to corrosion and damage. Therefore, you should follow these rules:

1. Regular oiling – an absolute must in winter

Low temperature causes:

• oil thickening,
• increased friction,
• greater risk of corrosion.

That's why you oil it more often in winter .

What to do:

✔ before each work:

• 3–5 drops of air tool oil A: 0085764 into the air channel.

✔ after work:

• additional 2-3 drops to protect the mechanism and the impact chamber from moisture.

Why: cold + moisture in the air = condensation → rusting of the rotor and blades.

2. Use proven air tool oil

Not all oils are suitable for frost. Regular oils can thicken.

Trust us, we've proven it. 0085764

Look for type designations:

• Air Tool Oil – Low Temperature
• ISO 32 / ISO 15
• Low freezing point

Benefits:

• easier start-up,
• less wear on the blades,
• more stable operation under heavy loads.

3. Proper operation of the compressor in winter

Most winter problems are not caused by the key itself, but by poor air quality .

✔ An air filtration and dehumidification unit is a must in winter (A: 0132587)

Moisture in the lines freezes → forms ice → blocks airflow and damages the tool.

✔ Regularly drain the condensate from the air compressor cylinder A: 0120718 (even daily)

There is more condensation in winter because the air is more humid after being heated in the compressor.

✔ Filter-dryer

cleans the air of water,

• protects the tool against corrosion,
• improves stroke power.

4. Correct cable length and diameter

In winter, thicker oil + greater resistance in the lines = loss of wrench power.

Recommendations:

• 3/8" or 1/2" (not 1/4") hose e.g. 0125575
• length: preferably 10 m or less,
• no sharp bends in the cable (it stiffens in the cold).

5. Keep the impact chamber lubricated

The impact wrench has two lubrication systems :

1. oil for the pneumatic part ,
2. grease for the impact mechanism .

In winter, the impact mechanism suffers the most.

What to do:

• disassemble and replenish grease every 1–3 months (or according to the manufacturer's instructions),
• use moly grease or grease dedicated to impact tools,
• avoid too thick lubricants in winter - they can limit the stroke.

6. Storing the key in winter

Cold has a destructive effect on internal moisture.

✔ Don't leave your key:

• on concrete,
• in an unheated garage,
• with the workshop door open.

✔ Best:

• store at positive temperature,
• Before storing, add a few drops of oil and run the tool through for 1-2 seconds.

7. Avoid immediate cold key charges

When the key is frozen:

• the plastic hardens,
• the seals are stiff,
• thick oil,
• metal parts may have micro-contractions.

What to do:

• pass air through the key for 15–30 seconds without load,
• Warming it up slightly while running "idle" increases the life of the blades and the impactor.

8. Check seals and quick-connect couplings

In winter, rubber loses its elasticity - the following appear:

• microleaks,
• pressure drops,
• worse stroke work.

Make sure:

• quick connectors have good seals,
• the O-rings are not cracked,
• the connections are tight.

Quick Checklist - Winter Pneumatic Wrench Safety

✓ Low temperature tool oil
✓ Oiling before and after work
✓ Dryer + FRL + compressor cylinder drainage
✓ 3/8" / 1/2" hose
✓ Lubricate the impact chamber every 1–3 months
✓ Warming up the tool before loading
✓ Storage at positive temperature
✓ Checking seals and quick connectors