inline oiler for air ratchet

[eddypeck]

Sorry if this is a stupid question but I'm new with this equipment.

I've got an oil-less compressor (2HP 50litre) and recently got a impact wrench which came with an inline oiler. I gather I fill this with oil, screw it in the end of the gun and connect the hose to it. The idea being the air will blow the oil through the gun to lube the moving parts as I use it!

So since I don't have a bottle of oil sitting in a cupboard ready to top up my compressor can I use any oil in it or do I need to specifically buy a bottle of compressor oil?

And I know it's only a little compressor and might not be ideal for this tool, but it won't be in continuous use, as long as it works for the couple of seconds needed crack open any stubborn bolts I'm happy to go manual then. It just seemed like a handy buy.

 

[brightspark]

dont bother with it, 3 drops of oil down the air inlet before use will be suficient .thats all my tools ever get and ive had them 40 years and some used quite often. 3 in one oil ,10 /30 engine oil or any

 

[julianthegypsy]

Air tool oil is want you need, probably from evilbay. It does work very well.

 

[droopsnoot]

I also just stick a few drops down before I start using whatever tool, and a few more before I put it away after use. I got a bottle of air-line lubrication oil from Aldi last time they had air tools in - in fact I got an oiler and moisture trap kit from them as well, but have never used it.

 

[wristpin]

Oil for the compressor crank case is usually not the same as air tool oil which is usually fairly light weight.
I totally agree with the advice re just giving the individual tools a few drops before used. I was given some in line oilers and found that not only did they make the tools cumbersome but were difficult to regulate resulting in "oil everywhere".
A dedicated air tool oil can is the answer imo!

 

[evobilly666]

My understanding although it may well be wrong is that engine oil when inhaled can be a carcinogenic. Hence why it shouldn't be used in a chain saw as a chain lubricant so i use air tool oil. Maybe total c__p though but it'll do for me

 

[rich r]

As above - unless you're using a tool continuously for hours and hours, there's no need for inline oilers. Just put three drops of a light oil into the inlet connector on the tool before you plug the hose on. If you can't get proper air tool oil, something light like sewing machine oil will work nicely.

I suspect with an impact wrench you're going to be using it in short blasts then it'll be idle for most of the time, so three drops will probably be enough for a day's use.

 

[eddypeck]

Thanks guys for all the tips. I wasn't aware there was a specific oil. Now I know what to look for I've checked out ebay and there's loads. I've also got an old oil can, used to be my Grandads, you know the trigger type so I think that and a bottle of the right stuff will be a perfect combination. Glad I don't need to worry about the inline oiler.

 

[rich r]

My understanding although it may well be wrong is that engine oil when inhaled can be a carcinogenic. Hence why it shouldn't be used in a chain saw as a chain lubricant so i use air tool oil. Maybe total c__p though but it'll do for me

Proper chainsaw oil has specific properties that you won't find in engine oil. It gets thinner as it's sheared, so forms a nice sticky coating on the sides of the bar channel which helps to keep dirt and water out, yet lubricates the chain as it moves without putting much load on it. It's also biodegradable and not too toxic to plant and animal life. And it's designed to work over a much wider range of temperatures.