Impact Wrench Keep Spinning? Discover the root cause and learn how to fix it!

The impact wrench, an indispensable tool for both novices and experts in the do-it-yourself as well as the professional domain, is a mechanical contraption crafted to furnish an ample output of torque with minimal effort, rendering it a perfect tool for loosening and tightening bolts and nuts. However, like any other mechanical device, an impact wrench might encounter predicaments, one of which is the issue of an incessantly revolving impact wrench. In the ensuing paragraphs, we will elucidate the source of this predicament as well as outline the methods to correct this unpleasant condition.

6 Common Causes of an impact wrench keeps spinning

When not in use, an impact wrench may continue to spin for a variety of reasons. Among these are:

Worn or damaged anvil: The anvil is worn out, which means it has been overused and now isn’t working properly.
Damaged hammer: The hammer is broken, which means the impact wrench isn’t transferring the required torque from the motor to the anvil.
Damaged or worn motor parts: The motor is malfunctioning, which means the impact wrench can’t move the socket.
Loose or damaged gears: The socket has too much torque on it, which can damage the fastener.
Malfunctioning trigger or switch: The fastener has too little torque on it, which will make the impact wrench not work.
Over-tightened fasteners: The trigger has stopped working, which will result in the impact wrench spinning endlessly.

Troubleshooting an impact wrench that keeps spinning

To tackle the problem with an impact wrench that stubbornly persists in spinning, we must ascertain the root cause of the issue first. We would suggest the following troubleshooting steps for your perusal:

Firstly, you should study the anvil carefully to see if it has any signs of wear and tear. If it does have any damage, then you should replace it.

Secondly, If there are no signs of cracks, check the hammer to see if it has any damage or wear and tear. If it does, you should replace it.

Thirdly, examine the motor’s parts. Do they appear to be in good condition? In the event that anything is found to be broken, damaged, or showing signs of wearing out, replace it immediately.

Fourthly, inspect the gears to see if they are working properly. If any problems are detected, repair or replace the gears immediately.

Fifthly, look closely at the trigger or switch for any aberrations in functionality. In the event that it is evincing any anomalies in its operation, replacing it may be the only way to address the issue.

It is vital to inspect the trigger or switch carefully for any functional issues. If it exhibits any irregularities in its operation, then replacing it may be the only way to resolve the problem.

Finally, it is essential that the bolts that hold the nuts onto the rims of the wheel are not over-tightened, as this may be the cause of the wrench becoming ensnared. Therefore, make sure that the bolts that hold the nuts onto the rims of the wheels are not over-tightened before attempting any other corrective measures.

Fixing an impact wrench that keeps spinning

When faced with the predicament of repairing an impact wrench that is incessantly spinning, one must initially identify the underlying cause. Once the root of the issue has been established, the following sequential steps can be taken to alleviate the problematic situation:

Firstly, it is advisable to replace the anvil in the scenario where the anvil has undergone wear and tear or has been rendered dysfunctional due to damage. In such circumstances, the prudent course of action would be to acquire a brand-new anvil to replace the defective one.

Secondly, if the hammer has been subjected to damage or has withered due to extended usage, it is imperative to replace it with a brand-new hammer. Failure to replace the damaged hammer will result in the impact wrench continuing to spin without any respite.

Thirdly, if any of the motor components have been damaged or have become defunct owing to prolonged use, the judicious course of action would be to replace these components with brand-new ones. The use of damaged or worn-out motor components is highly inadvisable and will exacerbate the pre-existing issue.

Fourthly, it may be necessary to repair or replace the gears if they have suffered damage or have become loose. In such an instance, one must exercise caution and ensure that the replacement gears are compatible with the impact wrench.

Fifthly, replacing the trigger or switch is a viable option in the scenario where they have malfunctioned or are not functioning optimally. It is imperative to purchase a brand new trigger or switch to replace the faulty one and prevent any further complications.

Lastly, if the fasteners have been overtightened, employing a breaker bar or torque wrench to loosen them would be an effective solution. Failure to loosen the over-tightened fasteners will result in the impact wrench continuing to spin without any reprieve.

Maintenance and prevention tips

These are some maintenance and prevention suggestions to stop an impact wrench from spinning uncontrollably:

Regular maintenance: To keep the impact wrench in good operating order, do routine cleaning and lubrication.
Proper use: Use the impact wrench properly by following the manufacturer’s recommendations at all times to avoid damage and wear.
Proper torque settings: Use the impact wrench at the proper torque level to avoid overtightening, which could result in the wrench becoming stuck.
Utilize the proper sockets: To avoid harming the anvil and hammer, always use the exact size and kind of socket for the job.

Final Words

Even though an impact wrench that won’t stop spinning can be annoying, with the appropriate information, the issue can be quickly identified and resolved. The troubleshooting and repair procedures described in this article can help you restore your impact wrench’s performance to its pre-failure condition. To stop the problem from happening again, don’t forget to adhere to the maintenance and prevention advice.