Harbor Freight Tools 68128 User Manual

1” PINLESS

AIR IMPACT WRENCH

68128

SET UP AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com

Read this material before using this product.

Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.

Copyright© 2010 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual or any artwork
contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express written consent of
Harbor Freight Tools. Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein. Tools required for
assembly and service may not be included.

For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.

SAVE THIS MANUAL

Keep this manual for the safety warn­ings and precautions, assembly, operat­ing, inspection, maintenance and cleaning
procedures. Write the product’s serial
number in the back of the manual near the
assembly diagram (or month and year of
purchase if product has no number). Keep
this manual and the receipt in a safe and
dry place for future reference.

NOTICE is used to

address practices

not related to personal injury.

CAUTION, without

the safety alert
symbol, is used to address
practices not related to
personal injury.

IMPORTANT SAFETY

Safety Alert Symbol and Signal

Words

In this manual, on the labeling,
and all other information provid­ed with this product:

This is the safety alert

symbol. It is used to alert
you to potential personal
injury hazards. Obey all
safety messages that
follow this symbol to avoid
possible injury or death.

DANGER indicates

a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.

WARNING

indicates a
hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.

CAUTION, used

with the safety
alert symbol, indicates a
hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury.

INSTRUCTIONS

INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING

TO A RISK OF FIRE,

ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR

INJURY TO PERSONS

WARNING – When using tools, basic pre-

cautions should always be followed,
including the following:

General

To reduce the risks of electric a.

shock, re, and injury to persons,

read all the instructions before us­ing the tool.

Work area

Keep the work area clean and well a.
lighted. Cluttered benches and dark

areas increase the risks of electric

shock, re, and injury to persons.

Do not operate the tool in explo-b.
sive atmospheres, such as in the

presence of ammable liquids,

gases, or dust. The tool is able to
create sparks resulting in the ignition
of the dust or fumes.

Keep bystanders, children, and c.
visitors away while operating the

SKU 68128 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 2

tool. Distractions are able to result in
the loss of control of the tool.

conditions. Wear heavy-duty work
gloves during use.

Personal safety

Stay alert. Watch what you are do-a.
ing and use common sense when
operating the tool. Do not use the
tool while tired or under the inu­ence of drugs, alcohol, or medica­tion. A moment of inattention while

operating the tool increases the risk

of injury to persons.

Dress properly. Do not wear loose b.
clothing or jewelry. Contain long
hair. Keep hair, clothing, and
gloves away from moving parts.

Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair
increases the risk of injury to persons

as a result of being caught in moving
parts.

Avoid unintentional starting. Be c.
sure the switch is off before con­necting to the air supply. Do not

carry the tool with your nger on the

switch or connect the tool to the air
supply with the switch on.

Remove adjusting keys and d.
wrenches before turning the tool
on. A wrench or a key that is left

attached to a rotating part of the tool

increases the risk of personal injury.

Do not overreach. Keep proper e.
footing and balance at all times.

Proper footing and balance enables
better control of the tool in unexpect­ed situations.

f. Use safety equipment. A

dust mask, non-skid safety
shoes and a hard hat must
be used for the applicable

g. Always wear eye protec-

tion. Wear ANSI-ap­proved safety goggles.

h. Always wear hearing

protection when using
the tool. Prolonged expo-

sure to high intensity noise

is able to cause hearing loss.

Tool use and care

Use clamps or another practical a.
way to secure and support the
workpiece to a stable platform.

Holding the work by hand or against
the body is unstable and is able to
lead to loss of control.

Do not force the tool.b. Use the
correct tool for the application. The

correct tool will do the job better and

safer at the rate for which the tool is
designed.

Do not use the tool if the Trigger c.
switch does not turn the tool on or
off. Any tool that cannot be controlled

with the Trigger is dangerous and
must be repaired.

Disconnect the tool from the air d.
source before making any adjust­ments, changing accessories, or
storing the tool. Such preventive

safety measures reduce the risk of
starting the tool unintentionally. Turn
off and detach the air supply, safely
discharge any residual air pressure,
and release the throttle and/or turn
the Trigger to its off position before
leaving the work area.

SKU 68128 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 3

Store the tool when it is idle out of e.
reach of children and other un­trained persons. A tool is dangerous

in the hands of untrained users.

Maintain the tool with care. f. A
properly maintained tool is easier to
control.

Check for misalignment or bind-g.
ing of moving parts, breakage of
parts, and any other condition that
affects the tool’s operation. If dam-

aged, have the tool serviced before
using. Many accidents are caused
by poorly maintained tools. There is a
risk of bursting if the tool is damaged.

Use only accessories that are h.

identied by the manufacturer for
the specic tool model. Use of an

accessory not intended for use with

the specic tool model, increases the
risk of injury to persons.

regulated compressed air at the rated
pressure or within the rated pressure
range as marked on the tool. Always
verify prior to using the tool that the

air source has been adjusted to the

rated air pressure or within the rated
air-pressure range.

Never use oxygen, carbon dioxide, b.
combustible gases or any bottled
gas as an air source for the tool.

Such gases are capable of explosion

and serious injury to persons.

SAVE THESE

INSTRUCTIONS.

SYMBOLS AND

SPECIFIC SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS

Service

Tool service must be performed a.

only by qualied repair personnel.

When servicing a tool, use only b.
identical replacement parts. Use
only authorized parts.

Use only the lubricants supplied c.

with the tool or specied by the

manufacturer.

Air source

a. Never connect to an air

source that is capable of
exceeding 200 PSI. Over

pressurizing the tool may

cause bursting, abnormal operation,

breakage of the tool or serious injury

to persons. Use only clean, dry,

Symbol Denitions

Symbol Property or statement

n

o

.../min

PSI

ft-lb

BPM

CFM

SCFM

NPT

NPS

No-load speed

Revolutions or reciprocation per
minute

Pounds per square inch of pressure

Foot-pounds of torque

Blows per minute

Cubic Feet per Minute ow

Cubic Feet per Minute ow at

standard conditions

National pipe thread, tapered

National pipe thread, straight

Chart continued in next column.

SKU 68128 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 4

Symbol Denitions

Symbol Property or statement

WARNING marking concerning Risk

of Eye Injury. Wear ANSI-approved

eye protection.

WARNING marking concerning Risk
of Hearing Loss. Wear hearing
protection.

WARNING marking concerning Risk

of Respiratory Injury. Wear NIOSH-

approved dust mask/respirator.

WARNING marking concerning Risk
of Explosion.

Obey the manual for the air compres-5.
sor used to power this tool.

Install an in-line shutoff valve to allow 6.
immediate control over the air supply
in an emergency, even if a hose is
ruptured.

Use this tool with both hands only. 7.
Using tools with only one hand can
result in loss of control.

Do not lay the tool down until it has 8.
come to a complete stop. Moving
parts can grab the surface and pull
the tool out of your control.

Specic Safety Instructions

The warnings and precautions dis-1.
cussed in this manual cannot cover
all possible conditions and situations
that may occur. It must be under­stood by the operator that common
sense and caution are factors which
cannot be built into this product, but
must be supplied by the operator.

WARNING: The brass components 2.
of this product contain lead, a chemi­cal known to the State of California
to cause birth defects (or other repro­ductive harm). (California Health &
Safety code § 25249.5, et seq.)

Only use with accessories rated to 3.
handle the forces exerted by this tool
during operation. Other accessories
not designed for the forces gener­ated may break and forcefully launch
pieces.

Attach all accessories properly to the 4.
tool before connecting the air sup­ply. A loose accessory may detach or
break during operation.

Vibration Precautions

This tool vibrates during use. Re­peated or long-term exposure to vibra­tion may cause temporary or permanent

physical injury, particularly to the hands,

arms and shoulders. To reduce the risk of

vibration-related injury:

Anyone using vibrating tools regu-1.

larly or for an extended period should

rst be examined by a doctor and

then have regular medical check-

ups to ensure medical problems are

not being caused or worsened from

use. Pregnant women or people

who have impaired blood circulation

to the hand, past hand injuries, ner-

vous system disorders, diabetes, or

Raynaud’s Disease should not use

this tool. If you feel any symptoms

related to vibration (such as tingling,

numbness, and white or blue ngers),

seek medical advice as soon as pos-

sible.

Do not smoke during use. Nico-2.

tine reduces the blood supply to the

hands and ngers, increasing the risk

of vibration-related injury.

SKU 68128 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 5

Wear suitable gloves to reduce the 3.
vibration effects on the user.

Use tools with the lowest vibration 4.
when there is a choice.

Include vibration-free periods each 5.
day of work.

Grip tool with both hands as lightly as 6.
possible (while still keeping safe con­trol of it). Let the tool do the work.

To reduce vibration, maintain tool as 7.
explained in this manual. If abnormal
vibration occurs, stop immediately.

SAVE THESE

SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum Air Pressure 90 PSI

Air Inlet 1/2” -14 NPT

Drive Size 1”

Maximum Speed*

Average Air
Consumption

Recommended Min.
Air Hose

Torque 2000 ft.-lb.

Speed Settings Three

* Maximum speed at stated maximum air pressure. Ex-

cess air pressure is hazardous and may cause the tool
to exceed stated maximum speed.
Recommended Min. Air Hose: 1/2” (Not Supplied)

3200 RPM / 557 BPM
(Blows Per Minute)

10 CFM @ 90 PSI

1/2” (Not Supplied)

INSTRUCTIONS.

INITIAL TOOL SET UP/

ASSEMBLY

Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT

SAFETY INFORMATION
section at the beginning of this
manual including all text under
subheadings therein before set
up or use of this product.

Note: For additional information regarding

the parts listed in the following pages,

refer to the Assembly Diagram near

the end of this manual.

Unpacking

When unpacking, make sure the item
is intact and undamaged. If any parts
are missing or broken, call Harbor Freight
Tools at 1-800-444-3353.

This air tool may be shipped with a •
protective plug covering the air inlet.
Remove this plug before set up.

SKU 68128 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 6

Air Supply

TO PREVENT

EXPLOSION:
Use only clean, dry, regulated,
compressed air to power this
tool. Do not use oxygen,
carbon dioxide, combustible
gases, or any other bottled
gas as a power source for this
tool.

Male

Connector

Tool

Quick

Coupler

Valve FilterOiler

Quick

Coupler

Regulator with

Pressure Gauge

Recommended Air Line Components

Male

Connector

Air Hose

on Reel

Air

Compressor

Attach an air hose to the compres-2.
sor’s air outlet. Connect the air hose
to the air inlet of the tool. Other com­ponents, such as a connector and
quick coupler, will make operation

more efcient, but are not required.

WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS

INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL
OPERATION:
Do not install a female quick
coupler on the tool. Such a coupler

contains an air valve that will allow
the air tool to retain pressure and
operate accidentally after the air
supply is disconnected.

Note: Air ow, and therefore tool perfor-

mance, can be hindered by under­sized air supply components.

The air hose must be long enough 3.
to reach the work area with enough
extra length to allow free movement
while working.

Close the in-line safety valve be-4.
tween the compressor and the tool.

Turn on air compressor according to 5.
Incorporate a lter, regulator with 1.
pressure gauge, oiler, in-line shutoff

manufacturer’s directions and allow it

to build up pressure until it cycles off.
valve, and quick coupler for best ser­vice, as shown in the diagram above.

An in-line shutoff ball valve is an
important safety device because it
controls the air supply even if the
air hose is ruptured. The shutoff
valve should be a ball valve be­cause it can be closed quickly.

Adjust the air compressor’s output 6.

regulator so that the air output is

enough to properly power the tool,

but the output will not exceed the

tool’s maximum air pressure at any

time. Adjust the pressure gradually,

while checking the air output gauge

to set the right pressure range.

Note: If an automatic oiler system is not

used, add a few drops of Pneumatic
Tool Oil to the airline connection be­fore operation. Add a few more drops
after each hour of continual use.

Inspect the air connections for leaks. 7.

Repair any leaks found.

If the tool will not be used at this time, 8.

release the Trigger, close the shut-off

valve, press the Trigger to discharge

SKU 68128 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 7

trapped line pressure, and detach air
supply hose from the air supply.

Note: Residual air pressure should not be

present after the tool is disconnected
from the air supply. However, it is a
good safety measure to attempt to
discharge the tool in a safe fashion
after disconnecting to ensure that the
tool is disconnected and unpowered.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Work Piece and Work Area Set Up

Designate a work area that is clean 1.

and well-lit. The work area must not

allow access by children or pets to

prevent distraction and injury.

Route air hose along a safe route 2.

to reach work area without creat-

ing a tripping hazard or exposing air

hose to possible damage. Also avoid

sharp bends and do not place items

on hose during use.

Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT

SAFETY INFORMATION
section at the beginning of this
manual including all text under
subheadings therein before set
up or use of this product.

Inspect tool before use, looking
for damaged, loose, and
missing parts. If any problems
are found, do not use tool until
repaired.

Tool Set Up

TO PREVENT

SERIOUS INJURY:
Do not adjust or tamper with
any control or component in a

way not specically explained

within manual. Improper
adjustment can result in tool
failure or other serious
hazards.

For added stability, attach Side Han-1.
dle (5) to side of Hammer Case (4)
using Bolts (6) and Washers (7). .

The air hose must be long enough 3.
to reach the work area with enough
extra length to allow free movement
while working.

There must not be hazardous objects 4.
(such as utility lines) nearby that will
present a hazard while working.

General Operating Instructions

WARNING! 1. Use only 1” Drive Impact

type sockets (not supplied).

If an automatic oiler is not used, 2. add
a few drops of Pneumatic Tool Oil
to the airline connection before use.
Add a few drops more after each
hour of continual use.

Push and snap socket (not included) 3.
onto Anvil (13).

This Impact Wrench can be used in 4.
either Forward or Reverse direction.
To operate in Forward, turn the Direc­tion Knob (33) under the housing to
the desired Forward speed.

NOTE: There are three torque settings

for the Forward direction. To tighten,
place the socket over the hex nut you
wish to tighten.

SKU 68128 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 8

For Reverse, turn the Direction Knob 5.
to the desired Reverse speed.

NOTE: There are three torque settings

for the Reverse direction. To loosen,
set the Regulator Knob to one of the
Reverse settings.

Hold the Side Handle rmly and place 6.
other hand around Handle (28). Gen­tly squeeze the Trigger (49).

Place socket (not included) over 7.

desired nut, hold handle rmly and

gently squeeze the Trigger.

If tool requires more force to 8.
accomplish task in Forward or
Reverse setting, verify that the tool

receives sufcient, unobstructed
airow (CFM) and increase the

pressure (PSI) output of regulator up
to maximum air pressure rating of the
tool.

CAUTION! TO PREVENT TOOL
AND ACCESSORY FAILURE,
RESULTING IN INJURY:
Do not exceed tool’s maximum air
pressure rating (90 PSI).

If tool still does not have sufcient

force at maximum pressure and

sufcient airow, then a larger tool

may be required.

When the nut is tightened or loos-9.
ened, release the Trigger. Use a
torque wrench to check the torque of
the tightened nut.

To prevent accidents, turn off tool, 10.
detach air supply, safely discharge
any residual air pressure in tool, and
release Trigger after use. Clean ex­ternal surfaces of tool with clean, dry
cloth, and apply a thin coat of tool oil
to the anvil end. Store indoors out of
children’s reach.

SKU 68128 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 9

USER-MAINTENANCE

INSTRUCTIONS

Procedures not specically

explained in this manual
must be performed only by a

qualied technician.

TO PREVENT

SERIOUS INJURY
FROM ACCIDENTAL
OPERATION: Turn off tool,
detach air supply, safely
discharge any residual air
pressure in tool, and release
Trigger before performing any
inspection, maintenance, or
cleaning procedures.

TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY FROM TOOL
FAILURE: Do not use
damaged equipment. If
abnormal noise, vibration,
or leaking air occurs, have
problem corrected before
further use.

Daily - Air Supply Maintenance: 1.

Every day, perform maintenance
on the air supply according to
the component manufacturers’
instructions. The lubricator’s oil
level needs to be maintained and

the moisture lter must be regularly

drained. Performing routine
maintenance on the air supply will
allow the tool to operate more safely
and will also reduce wear on the tool.

Quarterly (every 3 months) - 2.
Tool Disassembly, Cleaning,
and Inspection: Have the internal

mechanism cleaned, inspected, and

lubricated by a qualied technician.

Store Impact Wrench in clean, dry 3.
and safe location out of reach of
children.

TO PREVENT EXPLOSION:
Lubricate tool only with

specied lubricants.

Lubricate the air inlet
using only pneumatic tool
oil. Lubricate the internal
mechanism using only
white lithium grease. Other
lubricants may damage the
mechanism and may be

highly ammable, causing an

explosion.

Note: These procedures are in addition to

the regular checks and maintenance
explained as part of the regular
operation of the air-operated tool.

SKU 68128 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 10

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions

Decreased output. Not enough air pressure and/1.

Housing heats
during use.

Severe air
leakage.

or air ow.

Obstructed trigger. 2.

Incorrect lubrication or not 3.
enough lubrication.

Blocked air inlet screen (if 4.
equipped).

Air leaking from loose housing, 5.
hose or connections.

Mechanism contaminated. 6.

Vane wear or damage.7.
Incorrect lubrication or not 1.
enough lubrication.

Worn parts.2.

Cross-threaded housing 1.
components.

Loose housing. 2.

Damaged valve or housing.3.

Dirty, worn or damaged valve. 4.

Check for loose connections and make sure 1.

that air supply is providing enough air ow

(CFM) at required pressure (PSI) to the tool’s
air inlet. Do not exceed 90 PSI maximum

air pressure.

Clean around trigger to ensure free 2.
movement.

Lubricate using air tool oil and grease 3.
according to directions.

Clean air inlet screen of buildup. 4.

Make sure housing is properly assembled 5.
and tight. Repair hose/connection air leaks.

Have qualied technician clean and lubricate 6.
mechanism. Install in-line lter in air supply

as stated in Initial Set Up: Air Supply.

Replace all vanes.7.
Lubricate using air tool oil and grease 1.
according to directions.

Have qualied technician inspect internal 2.
mechanism and replace parts as needed.
Check for incorrect alignment and uneven 1.
gaps. If cross-threaded, disassemble and
replace damaged parts before use.

Tighten housing assembly. If housing cannot 2.
tighten properly, internal parts may be
misaligned.

Replace damaged components.3.

Clean or replace valve assembly.4.

Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool.

Disconnect air supply before service.

SKU 68128 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 11

PARTS LIST

Part Description Q’ty

1 Hex Screw 4
2 Gasket 8
3 Nut 4
4 Hammer Case 1
5 Side Handle 1
6 Bolt 4
7 Washer 4
8 Gasket 1

9 Oil Seal 1
10 Anvil Bushing 1
11 Circlip 1
12 O-Ring 1
13 Anvil 1
14 Hammer Bushing 1
15 Hammer 1
16 Cam 1
17 Hammer Cage 1
18 Gasket 1
19 Housing 1
20 Bearing 2
21 Rear End Plate 2
22 Vane 6
23 Rotor 1
24 Pin 2
25 Cylinder 1

Part Description Q’ty

26 Pin 1
27 Gasket 1
28 Handle 1
29 Pin 1
30 Hex Screw 2
31 O-Ring 2
32 Valve Bushing 1
33 Direction Knob 1
34 O-Ring 1
35 Lever Pin 1
36 Steel Ball 1
37 Spring 1
38 Throttle Bushing 1
39 Throttle Valve 1
40 Inlet Spring 1
41 O-Ring 2
42 Hex Screw 1
43 Air Inlet 1
44 Air Inlet Screen 1
45 Hose Connector 1
46 Hex Screw 4
47 Pin 1
48 Pin 1
49 Trigger 1

Record Product’s Serial Number Here:

Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.

Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not avail-

able individually as replacement parts.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY
DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR
DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT
HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS
QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/
OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD
BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE
BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE
ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER
INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.

SKU 68128 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 12

ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM

LIMITED 1 YEAR WARRANTY

Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and dura­bility standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials
and workmanship for the period of one year from the date of purchase (90 days if used by a professional
contractor or if used as rental equipment). This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indi­rectly, to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, normal wear
and tear, or to lack of maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or prop­erty, or for incidental, contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS.

To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation
charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the mer-

chandise. If our inspection veries the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election

or we may elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replace­ment. We will return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the
defect resulted from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning
the product.

This warranty gives you specic legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from

state to state.

3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • [phone]

SKU 68128 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 13