greerco
Well-Known Member
Hey how do you all keep your air tools from freezing up in the winter?. Im having big problems with my impact guns when im doing service calls.
Have Worked in Minus 40 Celcius with 3/4 and 1inch Drive guns for many years in Canadas North. I bleed off all Air from My Air Tank, open the line and put 2-3 ounces of methyl hydrate in the line. Start compressor to Charge the air up and hook a blow gun to the end of my hose and let her fly for 10 Seconds. I mix Air Tool Oil with 10percent or less methyl hydrate in a squirt bottle and shake it up. Put it in my gun hose ( about 30 drops worth ) and give the gun a shot to pass some through. It will usually work for a bit and I continue to reapply as it starts to freeze up again. I've Bolted up Mid-Ship rotation bearings with 1 inch bolts and never froze up. As soon as you get any sign of slow down, Shake up bottle and give fresh drink. Make sure you put rubber gloves on and blow away from Yourself. SimonDrain the tank often. Every use works the best. Add air line alcohol after the compresser before the tank. I would put a T and a valve to make this easy. U dont need a lot just a splash. There is a check valve on the inlet of some tanks. This will pervent this valve form froatinf up. Run alcohol in a air line oiler. Oil tools after use. Every time you put them back.
I have used air in the cold for many winters. The key is to prevent problems. Dont fix problems.
When it is a project that takes a few hrs i prefer air tools. Short jobs i use battery tools or corded tools.