How to Repair an Air Ratchet

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Wrench set

  • Ratchets

  • Plumber's tape

  • Replacement air hose nipple

Pneumatically-powered air ratchets are used across many kinds of repairs and mechanical repair jobs. Air ratcheting tools can break down over time and require some light repair. There are a couple of basic components that you can check and easily adjust to repair your air ratchet if you are encountering trouble with the air tool.

Advertisement

Step 1

Locate the air fittings, where the air-carrying hoses meet the air pressurizers for the ratchet. Turn off the air pressure and wrap the fittings with plumber's tape by tightly winding the tape around the fittings. The additional application of plumber's tape will reduce air leaks that could be coming out of the fittings and causing the air ratchet to stop working.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Step 2

Disconnect the air ratchet from the pressure source and replace the air fill nipple that's used to connect the air ratchet's hose to the pressure source. Worn air nipples can cause failed air pressure delivery and leaks so replacing the nipple can potentially solve some problems.

Step 3

Tighten the fittings at the base of the air pressure hoses to ensure that there aren't any leaking connections in the threading due to a loose fitting.

Advertisement

Step 4

Check the mechanical movement of the ratchet by connecting it to the air source and attempting to run it. If it seems to run smooth, won't catch on any bolts or nuts or doesn't move at all, then you will need to replace the ratchet as its internal mechanics can't individually be repaired.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references