The air hose for an impact wrench should be strong, flexible, and of the right diameter for maximizing efficiency. Having the correct thickness is a must-have as it creates a high pressure that is required to run your pneumatic wrench.
Having the right air hose doesn’t have to be rocket science 0 check out our sizing guide below to feel confident about choosing the right air hose!
Types of Air Hoses
We may feel comfortable working with various material qualities. However, productivity and speed are also key when choosing a working tool. So, here are the three kinds of air hoses you can work with.
PVC hoses
This tough polymer plastic is familiar and commonly used in making pipes and air hoses. We like that they are light, flexible and they come in various diameters. They are durable yet easy to work in any environment.
Polyurethane
It is lighter yet looks like rubber and is another high-quality air hose that you can consider. You can work with it up to temperatures of -30oC yet experience no damages or surface abrasion. However, you may have to incur a few more expenses compared to buying a PVC air hose.
Rubber hoses
Rubber hoses are strong, super flexible, and have been long in use. On the other hand, their quality is top-notch and they are very durable. Their flexibility makes it easy to store them in reels or loops and they occupy less space.
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Qualities of a Suitable Air Hose for Impact Wrench
Different operations call for various size air hoses. The couplers and connectors should fit properly without affecting the output and stability of your impact wrench. The length, diameter, thickness, and weight are some of the factors to look out for before buying an air hose. Let’s dive in.
Length
Depending on the nature of the activity, you need the right length of air hose. a 25ft length is average, but you can extend it with other connectors to your desired length. Note that an extra-long air hose causes air pressure to drop.
Diameter
The standard diameter for most air hoses is 3/8 inches. If you have a ½-inch wrench, for instance, a 3/8” diameter is most suitable to create the right air pressure. A large diameter supports airflow and volume that are required to create more torque power.
The other diameter is 1/4” for machines that use less torque and applications.
Weight
The air hose material should be light and flexible. Lengthy air hoses tend to be heavy, which may also interfere with air pressure delivery. You also don’t want an air hose that is eating up your storage space. A light air hose is easy to store.
Standard Hose Vs Recoil Hose
This type of air hose is straight and comes in varying lengths. You can adjust the length without any area restrictions. Besides, there’s no resistance to airflow. The recoil hose may restrict your movement as you can’t increase its length with any fittings.
If you need to cover more area, use the standard air hose.
Tip: While most of the manufacturer’s air hoses may be strong and long-lasting, manipulation may cause leakages. If your air hoses develop a surface abrasion, cuts, or frequent twists, consider buying a new set for high efficiency.
How to Pick the Right Air Hose Size for Impact Wrench
To select a suitable air hose, consider the inner diameter and compare it to your wrench diameter. 3/8” or1/2” air hose diameters are compatible with ¾” impact guns, while a perfect fitting for a ½-inch impact gun is a 3/8” air hose.
The two diameters are the most common yet carry high air pressure for heavy-duty air tools. The large diameter sizes contribute to a high CFM hence a faster running motor with variable speeds.
Does Air Compressor Tank Size Matter?
Talking about tank size, yes, it’s an important factor depending on the flow of air you expect for the particular tool. When working with an impact wrench, a 4- or 5-gallon tank provides enough pressure to run an impact wrench for a tire change.
Besides that, a 5-gallon tank can also support a ½” impact gun with a little waiting period compared to a smaller tank size. On that note, a 3-gallon tank cannot boost a 2-3 CFM impact wrench, as this is only possible for lighter air tools.
¾” to 1” impact guns require 10-gallon tanks and beyond. It depends on affordability. Overall, the higher the cubic volume, the larger your tank, and you should connect the right air hoses for efficiency.
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How Much Pressure Runs An Impact Wrench
Using the psi chart, the standard pressure ranges between 90-100psi for most air tools. This pressure in a pneumatic impact wrench is enough to deliver a minimum of 200ft/lbs torque power. Moreover, depending on the frequency of operation, your tool can run with as low as a 5-gallon tank with a constant waiting time.
The pressure may also vary depending on the number of tools connected to a single tank.
Does the Size of the Air Hose Matter
Size measurements of internal diameter and length affect air pressure delivery. That’s why you have all specifications for each impact wrench. You need the right couplers (male and female) and connectors so that no gaps cause inefficiencies.
The internal diameter determines the resistance or ease of airflow. You should also check on your length to maintain the pressure from the source.
Cordless Battery Vs Pneumatic Impact Wrenches
Cordless impact wrenches have strong Li-Ion batteries with a specific run time. Their charging systems maintain battery life. They are great when used infrequently, but the torque force is all the same as any other powerful impact gun. They are portable but more expensive than other wrenches.
On the other hand, pneumatic wrenches work with air compressors and pumps, yet their maintenance is less costly than a cordless wrench. If you should consider the running time, pneumatic wrenches may serve demanding tasks while maintaining the right pressure and airflow.
Otherwise, your purchasing decision relies on affordability.
Wrap Up
The best size air hose for an impact wrench should be large enough to create a smooth flow of air at the required pressure. You should therefore use the correct length and diameters to project the required air pressure to your impact wrench.