SnapOn Impact Wrench Repair Needed

[Workstead]

While at a garage going out of business sale today I picked up an older SnapOn IM 5100 1/2 inch impact wrench for $10. I works but I don't think it has the power it once had. While doing a search for some repair information I came across a PB Blaster product -- air tool conditioner.

I think I will try some but I only expect that it will simply be an oil substitute. They claim is gets rid of the crud so I will find out if it brings back the power to the tool.

It has more power than my old Campbell Hausfield wrench but not enough to loosen the lug nuts on my truck that the tire store mounted.

Have you had any good results from air tool conditioner?

Thanks,

Clem

 

[Scooby074]

Ive ran WD40 through a gun to clean the crap out of it. Then lube with IR air tool oil. Cleaning is worth a try, but dont expect miracles, chances are if it was used commercial, it may be used up. ReBuilds from the snappy dealer wont break the bank. Around $50 if i remember, but im likely wrong its been a while.

I dont have any experience with the product mentioned.

 

[RWolf]

Step onto one of their trucks with it and see what they will do? They might just warranty it out and you walk away with a brand new one.

Give it a try.

 

[RickB]

After seeing some of the work done by idiots at tire stores, there may be nothing wrong with your new gun. I ruined studs and nuts trying to remove the wheels from an '04 Chevy 3/4 ton that had been recently installed by a tire shop. They paid for new hardware. Try the PB stuff, and get some other experience with the impact before condemning it.

Disclaimer: Not all tire stores employ idiots exclusively.

 

[Bird]

I picked up an older SnapOn IM 5100 1/2 inch impact wrench for $10.

You probably paid just about what that tool is worth. In fact, you probably paid too much. Personally, I'd throw it in a trash can and write it off. Ten to twelve years ago, I repaired some of them at a cost of $75 to $93 each (so it'll undoubtedly be more now). And no Snap-On dealer/distributor is going to replace it for you as suggested by RWolf. Power tools do NOT have a lifetime warranty as their hand tools do.

When I was in that business, I repaired a half dozen IM5100s before I quit and just told customers that I didn't work on that model. It's no big deal to clean and lubricate them, and replace worn or broken parts, except for the parts being very expensive. And at least back then, Snap-On did not have a "tune-up kit" as most air tools have; the parts had to be bought individually. But for reasons I don't understand, the IM51, IM510, and IM5100 are all the same basic design. The IM51 and IM510 are good tools, but owners are never satisfied with the power of an IM5100, even when they're brand new. I've known of mechanics who bought new IM5100s and a week later requested their money back because of a lack of power.

 

[Workstead]

You probably paid just about what that tool is worth. In fact, you probably paid too much. Personally, I'd throw it in a trash can and write it off. Ten to twelve years ago, I repaired some of them at a cost of $75 to $93 each (so it'll undoubtedly be more now). And no Snap-On dealer/distributor is going to replace it for you as suggested by RWolf. Power tools do NOT have a lifetime warranty as their hand tools do.

When I was in that business, I repaired a half dozen IM5100s before I quit and just told customers that I didn't work on that model. It's no big deal to clean and lubricate them, and replace worn or broken parts, except for the parts being very expensive. And at least back then, Snap-On did not have a "tune-up kit" as most air tools have; the parts had to be bought individually. But for reasons I don't understand, the IM51, IM510, and IM5100 are all the same basic design. The IM51 and IM510 are good tools, but owners are never satisfied with the power of an IM5100, even when they're brand new. I've known of mechanics who bought new IM5100s and a week later requested their money back because of a lack of power.

Bird,

I liked your response. I finally got a deal on a power tool that was worth what I paid for it. Usually the tool isn't worth what I paid, even when I buy new, as other 5100 owners experienced.

I have checked the Snap-on site and found a parts list, and as you pointed out, NO repair kit. I wouldn't begin to know what parts needed to be replaced to order "a la carte." At least this Snap-on tool is at least as strong as the Taiwan wrench I was hoping to replace. Maybe I will put this into my "OK to lend these tools" tool box after I run some witches brew through it.

Clem

 

[Bird]

Clem, you never know what parts might be needed until you disassemble an impact wrench and clean all the parts so you can detect scratches, cracks, etc. Of course, when I was doing that sort of thing, I had a parts washer and a Cyclone blaster cabinet with glass beads instead of sand, and I just kept a cylinder hone in one of my electric drills all the time.

 

[TDVT]

Not to hijack the thread but...... I got a larger compressor recently & dug out an older CP 734 I had that suffers from the same low power that the OP is experiencing with his Snap-On gun. Does it sound worth a rebuild if I can find the kit?

 

[Bird]

Not to hijack the thread but...... I got a larger compressor recently & dug out an older CP 734 I had that suffers from the same low power that the OP is experiencing with his Snap-On gun. Does it sound worth a rebuild if I can find the kit?

The CP734 was probably Chicago Pneumatic's most popular half-inch impact, just as the IR231 was Ingersoll Rand's most popular. And the older models, as least, of each were rated at the same power, although the CP and the IR are entirely different designs. But yes, the CP734 is, in all probability, worth rebuilding. You may find a place locally to buy parts, or you can call Air Tech Tool Service and order the parts from them, or you can ship the tool to them and let them rebuild it. I don't have any financial interest in Air Tech, but they were my primary parts supplier, and provider of parts lists, and technical advice when I needed it. And while it appears they've become part of another company, I see it's still the same individuals that I dealt with; good people. If you call, tell Molly I said "hello".

 

[Dargo]

Vaguely related, but I fretted for a while over buying a Chicago Pneumatic air tool because I have no experience with them. A tech who works at a dealership told me that they make quality air tools. My other air tools are either IR or SnapOn. I ended up buying a Chicago Pneumatic CP7830HQ 1/2" air ratchet. I just got it yesterday and haven't even used it yet. Here is a link to what I bought http://catalogue.cp.com/e-catalogue/index_xmlhttp.asp?target=vs-ratchetwrenches&BA=it Do you guys think it will end up being comparable quality wise to IR and SnapOn air tools?