CO2 for impact wrench?

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Last time I had to remove a wheel on my wifes Yukon, I bent the lug wrench. I couldn't even get it with a regular size 1/2" breaker bar. So I had to get out the air and use a power tool, yippie!Well my buddy is in HVAC and gave me a couple of tanks of CO2. One is small enough to throw in the car to fill a tire if needed. (I carry a plug kit) I was wondering if I could use CO2 to power an impact wrench. I have an extra argon regulator I was thinking of changing from CGA580 to CGA320 and then putting a Milton 1/4" quick coupler to the outlet.1. Is that possible, has anyone tried this?2. Where is a source for CGA fittings? (LWS - none in stock)3. Do you think I can get enough volume to run an impact? My reg goes up to 60CFH, which I guess would equal 1CFM. Now that doesn't sound like enough but I do run my 1/2" impact with a 1/4" hose, @ 175psi though."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:it's done all the time in the offroad community....Synchowave 180SD  Bernard 3500SS water coolerMillermatic 200Parker Plasma Tec 40dvOperating Engineers Local 12
Reply:Just have the LWS order it. I have mine order me all sorts of CGA fittings they usually don't stock.I don't know about CO2 but I've seen HP air from Scuba and SCBA tanks used, as well as nitrogen. You may also have some issues with the temp drop with CO2. It's not uncommon in cold temps to have issues with guns slowing down/freezing up..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:You have to get a regulator for high pressure use. You want to get one that is more than what you use with compressed air. They come at fixed pressure but you can change the spring in it to get other pressures. I keep 150# in mine for airing tires and to use with air tools. I have a 70# spring I use with a spray gun for painting out in the pastures. The regulators are cheap. I think the last one I bought was about $38. It's nice to know I have air pressure when I need it and it is in such a small package. A 20# bottle costs me around $11 to get filled. You won't be sorry for spending the money to get fixed up.
Reply:I've used CO2 for impact wrenches for years at race tracks. Be careful about how you transport the tank. Also, if the tank is laid on its side the regulator will freeze up. It will also freeze with prolonged use.L
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWJust have the LWS order it. I have mine order me all sorts of CGA fittings they usually don't stock.I don't know about CO2 but I've seen HP air from Scuba and SCBA tanks used, as well as nitrogen. You may also have some issues with the temp drop with CO2. It's not uncommon in cold temps to have issues with guns slowing down/freezing up.
Reply:Originally Posted by BobYou have to get a regulator for high pressure use. You want to get one that is more than what you use with compressed air. They come at fixed pressure but you can change the spring in it to get other pressures. I keep 150# in mine for airing tires and to use with air tools. I have a 70# spring I use with a spray gun for painting out in the pastures. The regulators are cheap. I think the last one I bought was about $38. It's nice to know I have air pressure when I need it and it is in such a small package. A 20# bottle costs me around $11 to get filled. You won't be sorry for spending the money to get fixed up.
Reply:Originally Posted by Stick-manHello DSW, I noticed another thread the pics of you down under. Awesome! I used to dive, made it to PADI Master Scuba Diver, then our group split up and I didn't have anybody I knew to dive with. BTW, is that a rebreather? You guys look like you do the tech thing. I have been down to 115' and I much prefer to stay above 60' for alot longer. However I can say that I did dive in Lake Superior on a 28' wreck off Munising, MI - IN MY SWIM TRUNKS! Yep, capt said "itll be cold but tolerable and you won't get this chance again for a hundred years". Well a couple of us real men did it and I can brag about it!Anyways I thought of using a scuba tank but mine are all out of hydro. The CO2 is very convienent to get exchanged at the HVAC supply house.
Reply:http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/co2systems.htmI think I have another link on my work Computer with a DIY parts list but the Fixed 150PSI is only 49.00 from WheelersEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/co2systems.htmI think I have another link on my work Computer with a DIY parts list but the Fixed 150PSI is only 49.00 from Wheelers
Reply:Here is the other write up about using CO2. I thought there was a Parts/Links list but doesn't seem to be one.http://www.stu-offroad.com/recovery/co2/co2-1.htmEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Stick-man, if you’re bending the lug wrench you have bigger problems. I suspect that you have over torqued the lugs and have some rust too.Try applying Anti-seize compound to the studs and lug faces, torque the lugs to factory specs.
Reply:one question that I have on C02  is that if a tool is used on air and CO2, and has water in it from the air, will the CO2 cause enough acid to form to damage the tool?????????  (sorry about the hijack, but it seemd like the question should be brought up)fred-- fredLincoln 180C MIG
Reply:I remember a Lowes commercial with the guy having a belt pac and fixing highway signs or something with his air tools.  I tried to get to the Lowes site, but this must be "update morning".   I did find this discussion that includes Lowes plus some other ideas :http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=54534I know one of my air tools (makita framing nailer) came with a warning AGAINST using CO 2
Reply:Originally Posted by BobcatterI remember a Lowes commercial with the guy having a belt pac and fixing highway signs or something with his air tools.  I tried to get to the Lowes site, but this must be "update morning".   I did find this discussion that includes Lowes plus some other ideas :http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=54534I know one of my air tools (makita framing nailer) came with a warning AGAINST using CO 2
Reply:My reg setup for driving brads. Beauchat scuba reg with 150psi output, and adjustable reg and QD.  Works well for low volume items. I'm still looking for my picts of the setup I have to run the plasma off the doubles. Basically it's a standard HP welding reg thats been adapted to a different input fitting and QD hose output. Attached Images.No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I have a 10lb CO2 system (150psi fixed regulator).   In cold weather, it sucks for running an impact wrench.  BTDT...Your best bet is to carry a big a$$ breaker bar and leave the pnumatic tools in the garage. If you are set on running pumatic tools, Nitrogen or Air would be a better gas.
Reply:Ok, first of all.....Let me comment, as a fellow offroader, that Bildacat's jeep scares the heck out of me! Those ammo cans are great for storing stuff. But you need to store the cans bro! One time in a rollover and your head is going to be a mess! My buddy rolled forward, not sideways, and tools missed his head barely. He straps it all down now. Ok, onto the Co2.... I was running air bags on my truck suspension. I mean, FAST airbags. I could hit the switch and pull the front end off the ground, FAST. But the tank was filled with nitrogen for 250PSI switch hits or a helium tank for 600PSI switch hits. Nobody needs 600psi. It's wicked fast. And dangerous. But my point...is that the high pressure tank had a low volume regulator which tranferred the 3000psi nitrogen to the 250psi filled the expansion tank (just a compressed air tank). The valves to fill the airbags came from the expansion tank, not the nitrogen tank. Now, in a dedicated street squeegee, it's ok, but I doubt your average grocery getter wants to have all that hosing and wiring hooked up just to change a flat.....hehehJust wanted to throw in an alternative to a high flow regulator, as unfeasible as it may be!!! hahahahaLincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Joker11Thanks for the tip on securing the ammo cans.   They are currently sitting in an open frame for now.  I am going to take your advice and build something to secure them to the tub.
Reply:1 cuft/min is way to small of a reg for a impact.  most are around 3.5 to 6 cuft/min so you need to find a higher flowing reg.  now that rating is usaly at 90 psi, so at 175 you have almost doubled the flow.  problem is the guts of these things won't handle that kind of pressure for long.  at anyrate it is still less than 1/2 the flow you need.  we used to have 2 110 tanks at the race track with us every friday night and after we got the right reg it worked real good.Steve
Reply:Originally Posted by Joker11Ok, first of all.....Let me comment, as a fellow offroader, that Bildacat's jeep scares the heck out of me! Those ammo cans are great for storing stuff. But you need to store the cans bro! One time in a rollover and your head is going to be a mess! My buddy rolled forward, not sideways, and tools missed his head barely. He straps it all down now. Ok, onto the Co2.... I was running air bags on my truck suspension. I mean, FAST airbags. I could hit the switch and pull the front end off the ground, FAST. But the tank was filled with nitrogen for 250PSI switch hits or a helium tank for 600PSI switch hits. Nobody needs 600psi. It's wicked fast. And dangerous. But my point...is that the high pressure tank had a low volume regulator which tranferred the 3000psi nitrogen to the 250psi filled the expansion tank (just a compressed air tank). The valves to fill the airbags came from the expansion tank, not the nitrogen tank. Now, in a dedicated street squeegee, it's ok, but I doubt your average grocery getter wants to have all that hosing and wiring hooked up just to change a flat.....hehehJust wanted to throw in an alternative to a high flow regulator, as unfeasible as it may be!!! hahahaha
Reply:I picked up a 20lb Co2 cylinder from work (actually, it was lent to me...LOL), and splurged for the fancy regulator and handle from Powertank. It's worked great so far, but I've only used it fill other's spare tires up while helping them out on the side of the road. I also setup a SCUBA adapter so that I can use either my 40 or my father's 80cu/ft cylinders if I need. I do find that the Co2 cylinders have far more volume and last longer than my SCUBA cylinder...
Reply:Originally Posted by yyc_tbird_scI picked up a 20lb Co2 cylinder from work (actually, it was lent to me...LOL), and splurged for the fancy regulator and handle from Powertank. It's worked great so far, but I've only used it fill other's spare tires up while helping them out on the side of the road. I also setup a SCUBA adapter so that I can use either my 40 or my father's 80cu/ft cylinders if I need. I do find that the Co2 cylinders have far more volume and last longer than my SCUBA cylinder...
Reply:I bought a Victor-clone Oxy reg from the LHS, and swapped the stub to CGA I believe. I've run air tools and aired up tires from a 20lb co2 tank I carry in my truck everywhere. I put a quick disconnect right off the regulator. The biggest thing you have to worry about is the quick disconnect. I've probably gone through 10 of them over the last 3 years or so. The co2 dries the seals out and they leak, even with a hose connected to the q/d. Be sure to oil your tools much more frequently than with air, as co2 is rough
Reply:I have 2 Snap-On impact guns that is perfect for this.http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=cataloghttp://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog Their is nothing these two won't take off.I.B.E.W Electrician and Damn Proud of It !!!! .Virtus Junxit Mors Non Separabit http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Originally Posted by Sparky#1I have 2 Snap-On impact guns that is perfect for this.http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=cataloghttp://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog Their is nothing these two won't take off.
Reply:Don't run it on propane if you're smoking.