Trigger problems on a impact wrench will make it impossible for someone to use the device.
After all, you can’t expect to use the impact wrench to remove lug nuts if you can’t start it.
I’ve heard of and dealt with a lot of these trigger problems on the impact wrench, so let me help you deal with them too.
Read: The Common Problems of DeWalt Impact Wrench
Impact Wrench Trigger Problems
- Faulty Trigger Switch Itself
I think it’s obvious to start by looking at the trigger itself, before going into deeper troubleshooting.
By that, I mean the switch on the trigger that you’re pressing in the first place, like the one in the image here.
The button could have gone bad with use, or there’s something else preventing it from fully clicking and cutting the power to the impact wrench.
I think the closest example of this that I can give is TV remote buttons that start getting harder and harder to press as you use them.
Yeah, that can happen to this trigger too.
- Trigger Jammed
Similar to the last tip, one other thing I want you to keep an eye out is for jams near the trigger.
Because of the little crevices near the trigger switch, dirt and debris can seep inside.
When these gather around for too long, they can cause jams which prevent you from pulling the trigger properly.
Open the covers on your impact wrench and inspect this area I marked in the image below.
Anything blocking the trigger should be in here, so clean it out and try again.
- Problematic Trigger Spring
The trigger mechanism works with a spring that pushes it back out when you let go after pulling the trigger.
This lets the trigger get back to its original position each time.
But, if the spring is damaged, it won’t be able to bring the trigger back up.
So, your trigger will stay pressed but the device still won’t work, as the mechanism doesn’t properly click without the spring.
One symptom of this issue is that the LED light on the impact wrench will stay on as the trigger is always pressed.
You’ll need to look inside this marked spot to inspect the spring and maybe replace it.
- Wiring Problem
You’ve inspected most of the likely problems with the trigger itself, so now it’s time to look at other potential reasons.
One thing I recommend you check first is the wiring around the trigger mechanism.
Loose or disconnected wiring around this mechanism will make it faulty.
The impact wrench won’t turning at all in this case.
So, take the covers off of your impact wrench and check these wires I highlighted.
Yours impact wrench should look similar to mine.
If any of them seem loose, disconnected, or in the wrong place somehow, adjust accordingly so the trigger can work.
If there is any “Quick Connector” as shown in the image below, simply disconnect and reconnect it.
- Locking Mechanism of The Impact Wrench
One time someone I know thought the trigger on their impact wrench was busted.
But, when I took a look at the device, it just turned out the lock was on.
This lock is normally on the forward/reverse switch of the tool, and can be pretty easy to forget about. So, I suggest you take a look at it.
If set to the center like I have in this photo, the switch causes the device to lock and not be operable until you move it to a different direction.
Make sure to set it to either forward or reverse, and then try again.
- Malfunction Circuit Board
Your trigger could be faulty because one of the circuit boards near it burnt out.
This can happen as the device gets old, with higher workloads, with too much voltage, or simply because of moisture causing a short circuit.
In either case, I suggest you open the covers of the impact wrench and look at all the circuit boards around the trigger.
If any are damaged or burnt, you’ll need to get them repaired before the trigger can work again.
