Hey, here’s a quick question for someone who knows air tool basics.
Yesterday on a job I went to use my brad nailer (it’s a Bostich- sorry, no mod #) and it wouldn’t fire. It was leaking air through a tiny crack in the removable air inlet neck -apparently the result of someone over tightening the coupling. It looked minor, and I was in a pinch so I removed the air coupler, twisted together some 5 min. Marine epoxy, spread it around the inside of the cracked threads and gently reinstalled the coupler (coated with wd40 for future removal).
It worked like a charm, at least for stopping the leak. But to my dismay, the nailer fired only once, perfectly; after that it would only release air thru a valve (tiny hole) on the back of the handle. I tried turning the pressure down to the recommended 100 psi max (it had been a little high) and dripped some oil in it, but to no avail. after a few minutes I switched to a 16 gauge pin nailer and finished the job.
What do you think is the problem? The thing was working fine when I last used it, then I loaned it out, but it did work ONCE after I repaired the leak. the gun is airtight, but releases plenty of air through the valve so It’s getting air… any thoughts? I was hoping to use it again today if it’s a simple matter. thanks, Saul
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Replies
The last time something similar happened to me, it was because there was not ENOUGH air pressure to return the piston. A leak in the gun somewhere may be lowering the pressure needed to send the piston back up after firing. Disassemble, clean and check, replace O-rings & gaskets, reassemble. Then throw it away 'cause it still won't work. ;-)
Mike Hennessy
I hear ya - at the same time, its frustrating because it's not leaking air (after my repair it was totally tight), and it did fire one shot beautifully before crapping out. these things are so simple, makes me feel even worse nort being able to work it out. I'll try taking it apart and turning up the press. Thanks
Pull the cap on the nose and see if it's jammed. From the sound of it, whoever borrowed it may have dropped it.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Edited 12/20/2005 2:51 pm by highfigh
Remove the coupling and install a new one with teflon tape. Two wraps of tape will do.You say it is air tight, maybe not.This is the first thing I'd try.Oil the gun thru the coupling,two or three drops. The driver might not be returning after firing. If these tips don't help you need to rebuild the gun.Might need a driver,O rings etc .
mike
I had a similar problem with a bostitch nailer and it was a slightly turned "O" ring in the piston.
Everytime I tried to fix it, it would fire the first time only the act like a bum trigger valve was leaking air.
A new ring fixed it.
Jeff
That sounds like exactly what's happening. I'm going to check it out, thanks
Saul
One word of warning.
My "o"ring looked fine, except for a slight twist.
Still needed to be replaced, as each time it was put back it twisted again.
Hope that helps.
jeff
Jeffrey,
I took it apart- I'm not quite sure which "O" ring would be suspect (they all look like "O's" to me!), but aside from a little grit, everything looked okay. I cleaned it out, greased it a little and put everything back, and I'm hoping it will be one of those things where ya just take it apart and look at everything and that does the trick. My compressor's at the job, so I'll have to check it tomorrow. Otherwise, I guess I'll just order a rebuild kit. Thanks a lot, saul
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