I was given a used 1/2" Milwaukee 18v impact wrench. It was well cared for and not abused. My experience is primarily with air tools. I recently did a brake job on my nissan PU and rotated the tires while they were all off. I'm having problems removing sockets from the wrench. It doesn't matter what sockets I use. I've tried impact and non-impact deep and shallow well sockets. Deep well are a little easier because I can get a better grip on them. Shallow ones have become a pain in the butt to remove. In a few cases I had to resort to prying them off. I tried cleaning the hog ring and it's groove but that didn't do much. Do hog rings wear and require periodic replacement? Is this a problem common to cordless impact wrenches (I haven't experienced it with my air impacts)? I've read to not lube the ring. Is this an absolute no no?
Impact wrench hog ring release issues
- Thread starter GaryMX5
- Start date
Yes, they can wear out, sometimes fast.
It's not unique to electrics.
You can buy replacements on Amazon.
If you have some surface rust clean it up with a fine abrasive pad or similar. Apply a tiny amount of lube. I have to periodically lube my impact and ratchets with a ball detent. I use a drop of 3 in 1 oil. or motor oil. What ever i have handy. I have owned Hog ring style tools and is a cheaper holding method. I find they just do not work as well but they can work. If it becomes too loose clean it up with brake cleaner or similar and use less lube or a different lube the next time. The lube should keep it from wearing out faster. When it is worn out to becoming a nusence , replace the ring. I am sure it is the corporate lawyers who advised the decision makers to not advice lubing it. They can come off unintentionally if too loose. Use your imagination from there. It is a balance.
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- Feb 15, 2022
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Put grease or drop of oil on it, it might have a burr rub your fingers around it and maybe file it with a small file and get the burr off. Basically all you have to do is take a screwdriver and prise the socket off. It’s there for a reason to keep the socket or extension on good luck.
I have had the same problem getting sockets off 1/2" impact tools, both pneumatic and battery. It's always been my assumption that this is the way it is with hog rings on impacts. Any more, I just plan on having to pry the socket off with a stout flat bladed screwdriver or a small pry bar.
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- Mar 8, 2022
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- 307
I’ve had problems removing sockets from hog ring locks too. It may be a nuisance, but I like to have them tight.
Hog rings suck, tapered pins are the way to go.
For me the Milwaukee cordless impacts with hog ring just need a bit of break-in and they work fine. But maybe a bit of oil or grease would help.
I HATE HOG RINGS !!!!!!
I HATE HOG RINGS !!!!!!
The only thing to make them last is lube often. Then they still don't act correctly.
I HATE HOG RINGS !!!!!!
The only thing to make them last is lube often. Then they still don't act correctly.
Never seen a tapered pin but have these... https://www.grainger.com/product/PR...opr=OAPD&analytics=relItems_1AX85&position=10
One would think that should be true but alas........I did spray some lithium grease on the ring and it seemed to help a little but still pretty tight. Might give some Lucas Red & Tacky a try.
These are AKA tapered detent pin anvils and are offered by most manufacturers. Not to be confused with flat top pins that require you to depress the pin with a tool to remove the socket. This is a Makita example there is no need to align the pin with the hole in the socket, it will be secure in any position.
This one you do not want unless you had very specific requirements like working on a scaffold.
The difference side by side. Once you use a tapered pin you will never own a hog ring style again.
Ahhh. I have never had one that has those.
I do like the pin in some applications. I have several places where you cant keep solid pressure on the gun so the socket likes to walk off.
I do like the pin in some applications. I have several places where you cant keep solid pressure on the gun so the socket likes to walk off.
The pin is needed if you are working 50 stories up on a sky scraper tightening nuts holding the I-beams and don't want to drop your socket. The last time I did that was...........never.
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