Are you finding it difficult to detach and attach the socket from an impact wrench?
I’ve had similar struggles while replacing the socket on these tools.
You’re probably not doing anything wrong, it’s just that it’s harder sometimes because of certain issues.
Before that, I will show you how to replace the socket of impact wrench in the video below.
Here’s what I think those issues usually are, and how you can deal with them.
Read: Reasons why Impact Wrench Jammed
Difficult To Change Detach And Attach From Impact Wrench
- Socket Is Too Tight
Have you ever tried to open a jar or bottle that’s just locked too tight?
The socket on your impact wrench might be in that exact situation, which is why it’s so hard to get it off.
For example, when you use impact wrench to remove lug nuts, you might accidentally use a smaller socket than the size suitable with your impact wrench, it will get stuck on the anvil.
You’ll have to use grease, some baby oil, or other lubricants to slowly smooth it out.
You can’t do anything about this right now other than forcing it off, but in the future I recommend that you always use the right socket size for your anvil.
I have all these different sockets that are exactly the right shape and size for my DeWalt impact wrench, and you should get some for yours too.
- Rusting On The Socket Or Anvil
One time, I put on a socket that was the perfect size for my impact wrench.
It worked for months without any problems, but when the time finally came to replace it, I couldn’t remove it.
It turned out that despite its perfect size, it got stuck on my tool because of rust.
This is really common with metallic tools like impact wrenches, and it could also cause impacting issue.
The rust makes the socket harden and develops extra friction, making it hard to get it off.
Check inside this place I’ve highlighted in the image below for any signs of rust every month, as it can develop over time and cause this.
Speaking of over time, sockets or anvils can also start to lose their shape after a lot of use.
This is because of the force of the tool, and its strong impacts. They cause changes in the metal’s shape sometimes.
When the size changes, the fitted socket can become tighter, making it pretty difficult to remove. This is another thing that happened to me, and one you should be wary of.
As shown in the image below, most of the anvil is replaceable if it get damaged,
Just get a new anvil, add grease and tighten the cover back.
Tips: Do not add too much grease to avoid grease leaking issue.
- Retaining Pin Or Retaining Ring Is Jam
The retaining pin and retaining ring on the anvil are partly responsible for keeping the socket in place.
If they jam, it might get stuck. This will make it hard to attach or detach any socket on the tool.
What I highlighted in the image below is a retaining ring.
If it looks different than mine, that probably means yours got damaged or jammed at some point.
I suggest you use pliers to bring this back to a similar, circular shape, so that the anvil stays usable.
Next to it is the retaining pin, which has a similar function.
If you notice that the pin is problematic, I recommend you use a screwdriver to depress it and get it and get it back in order.
- Try A Different Technique
If my other tips didn’t work, I lastly suggest some good old fashioned brute force.
Instead of trying to carefully get the socket off or attach it, I think it’s time to jaust yank it out, or yank it in.
When this happens to me, I tend to use my hands to try and pull the socket out straight, instead of twisting or spinning it. It looks like the image I put below.
Just grease up the sides of the anvil and that should loosen it a little.
After that, start pulling with your hands, release it when you feel a bit of movement, and pull again. Repeat this until it completely comes off.
As for when you’re trying to attach the socket, just use your hands like I am here to push it inside.
Knock it in slowly, and it’ll fit if its the right size, even if the anvil is a bit out of shape.
As long as the hole of the socket matches your impact wrench’s anvil, like mine does in this image, you will be able to force it on.
