T here is nothing as efficient as an air wrench for
Page 41
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
taking a vehicle apart. Not that you'd want to take a vehicle to pieces every day, but the removal of a component that's been there for years is a difficult task, even when the nuts and bolts are in good order. Don't run away with the idea that air wrenches arc good only for disassembling vehicles: they can save the hard-working mechanic a lot of time reassembling as well.
We took a look at .,in, ,.,in and tin air wrenches for many of the main suppliers, and asked specialist Barry Chantler to give them the once-over.
Consideration
The first consideration was where the tool exhausts its air: down is best, sideways is second best, and the most undesirable is straight ahead. This is because if there is any dust, especially brake shoe dust, air blowing out from the front will deliver some most efficiently into the fitter's face. Not nice at all.
Opera tor comfort is important if the tool is in use for most of the day, but not if it is used only occasionally. The shape of the trigger can be important, as can the position of the reversing change lever or plunger, and how hard it is to turn the air regulator valve.
For safety, wear a good pair of eye-shields and a face mask ilthere is any chance of brake dust. Make sure you arc on a firm footing when operating any air wrench, especially a fin model, and also make sure you have the correct size and type of socket for an air tool rather than a standard one.
Be sure that you keep the hose tidy and, if possible, not underfoot because most accidents happen this way. If you don't you could end up in casualty, and we mean end up! Believe us, the best view of Casualty is on the telly.