Ingersoll Rand IR231 1/2" Impact Rebuilding Guide

[@petemiller5813]

I worked for I.R. for 35 years, before retiring. This tool makes me proud.

[@hawaiianf1504]

Pete Miller ... How did work all day with tool drool on your shirts. Had to be tuff as heck. ;)

[@petemiller5813]

No issue. The tool I had never had that issue. Maintenance is a requirement.

[@VasilisKarastergios]

Hi there, i have the same air gun, i was very careful with it. oiling it every time before using it. one day it quit working, it hasn't work two years straight, what should i look first? The rear bearing has play back and forth, shouldn't that bearing have been press fitted?

[@rodneybrand8521]

@@VasilisKarastergios oh wow buddy...it sounds like water has got into your impact...take it apart and see what's wrong..moisture is the enemy..watch this video..🍻🍻🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@mshawnmhulett]

Pete Miller I’ve owned mine for 19 years and it is still working perfect today. Thank you so much Pete

[@websterilderis2554]

My dad passed me down his impact wrench recently. It's beat the hell up but I still works solidly. Just wanted to service it to keep the tradition going. Thanks for the vid 😁🥳

[@cobrabuilder9336]

My oldest one was purchased in 1988 my second one in 1993, other than the socket retaining clip coming off one they have been great. awesome tool and always works even with minimal maintenance. I just ordered rebuild kits for both so they will last another 29 years... Great Video

[@ZenoLee0]

Great video. My 231c was rusted solid from being submerged (Hurricane Sandy) and I used your video to rebuild it. It's as good as new

[@mickeymouse4897]

Owned & used mine daily for over 20yrs before it needed a strip n service, awesome Impact tool.

[@brittweir8844]

You missed the missing ball bearing on the directional /Speed knob. There are small Detents for the amount of power,(small increments).. great video.You Nailed it in my opinion, a very well made tool.mine is roughly 20 years old 😀

[@bru319]

I picked up an 231 A model at an estate sale for $20. I took it apart, cleaned it, lubricated it, and put it back together. I made the rookie mistake of putting the cone spring washers in reverse direction. I thought I had over greased it, or something. Reversing the cone washers so they're pushing the rotor assembly in made all the difference. Another thing that needed service was an O-ring inside the handle to cure a constant hissing noise. I used a green air conditioning O-ring that I had from a multi pack. I notice that you omitted the selector click ball in the video; which might make it easier to change settings, but It's part of the original design. Rated operating pressure is 90 psi for maximum torque.

[@CubasAutomotive]

I'm a huge fan of keeping what we have... rebuilding, servicing, & replacing parts as needed. I don't like the throw away society most of America has become. Great video!

[@determineddad7935]

Cuba Rodriguez Well said. If only more people were this way.

[@CubasAutomotive]

Anthony Lopez I just experience that many of the older tools & equipment work better, last longer, more powerful.... why not keep them around? & Thanks!

[@mrcliftondiablo]

I'm probably going to be doing this for both of my dad's three-quarter inch impact he's had them for nearly thirty plus years I figured it'd be a nice little

[@philliphall5198]

They hit so hard and love the sound of them

[@ozzstars_cars]

I've had 15 years of trouble free use with my IR 2135Ti. Great guns. Good video Brian, thanks for posting

[@richardkenworthy9312]

My ingersoll rand keeps running as soon S I hook it up to air,I replied valve seat but that didn't help any suggestions. Thanks

[@JUKE179r]

Your rebuilding guide for the IR231 is exactly the same for my older Ingersoll Rand 422A. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@bigcloudgaming7082]

Thank you for this comment I was actually wondering if it was the same process!!

[@bettyherbert9399]

I heard all the stories about how good they are. I buy one and 6 months it was warranted and fixed leaking air. 3 months later the same thing less than a year it was rebuilt 2 times so this time I’m rebuilding it myself it does hit hard and is very consistent if you can keep it tight

[@ScottDLR]

Wonder if the new ones are made oversea's..

[@Fireship1]

I don't have an IR impact (have snap on and aircat) but this gives me a generalized idea on how to take apart, clean and inspect. Thanks for sharing this.

[@Eggsr2bcrushed]

If you can work on cars you should have no problem with most impact guns.

[@mikefennema5561]

I love my IR231H. It works great, even on the end of 110 feet of hose and three quick connects. I usually set the regulator at 80 PSI. It's quieter and performs almost as well.

[@Jimmy_CV]

Bought a second hand 2013 IR from my buddy who is a Toyota tec, I rebuilt it and have used it everyday as a tire tec for the last six months I'm definitely going to keep this thing around for a while.

[@jisake1]

Really want to thank you for your post. I was having problems with a very similar impact wrench. The explanation of the reversing valve is exactly what I needed. I found the Central Pneumatic item #68816 is an almost exact kickoff of the IR231. The manual supplied with the CP unit was poorly written, but sometimes get what you pay for.

[@edspencer7121]

Funny I'm watching this. Just came out my shop and had my old IR 1/2" apart cleaning her up......yup, needs a rebuild! One thing should be mentioned, the fitting the air nipple screws into has a screen in it, mine was about plugged up with hard rust. That screen needs to come out from time to time for a clean up especially if the shop you work in cares not about air quality down stream of the supply. Good video Brian 😆👍

[@AKJeeper]

I've got an IR231 and an IR 2135TI. Both are excellent guns. I've had the IR231 for about as long as you've had yours, and the 2135TI maybe 8 years. I'll have to grab a rebuild kit for the IR231 as I can't recall the last time I did it on that one. I noticed the other day that it didn't seem as strong as it used to be. Good video, thanks for posting it!

[@FishFind3000]

it would be cool to do a torque test before and after to see if theirs any performance gains.

[@Lighthammer66]

Subscribed. I use IR and Chicago Pneumatic Impacts at my job every day. When they lose power we just order a new one from the company store. 1/2 inch drive and heavier 1 inch drives at a truck axle assembly plant. I had no idea they could be so easily repaired/maintained. Not sure if there is no tampering/repair policy between the our company and the suppliers. Just seems like a waste of money if we can't have these repaired in house instead of purchasing new ones every few months. I'll have to ask about it. Glad I found your video.

[@philliphall5198]

Yep the big company I worked for replace them every year and I got all the old ones Think I got around 150 that all work great 👍

[@emtscythe3782]

Thanks for the links Brian, I need to rebuild both of mine, they were my fathers, then mine and I have passed them on to my son who is a level 3 Mopar Tech. I didn't realize they were this inexpensive.

[@MikeSmith-nu9wt]

I worked in the alot of the exhuast shops in lansing Michigan back in the late 80's , at 19 , 20, 21 , years old , we tore up 1/2 inch air guns , we almost all settled on the ir 231c for its durability , im 55 years old now , it finally broke on me , busted the anvil ear off , I took the broken piece out , and it still works with one anvil ear , I won't use it thatway , but im definitely impressed..now the back up I bought 5 years ago , ran on with air hooked to it from brand new ( not sure why ) I just think I'll put the two together , swap out the anvil , keep the new one for parts, and buy another back up gun whole .

[@AppalachianMotors]

In my high school auto tech class we used to fight over that same gun and now I own one and it's my main gun I bought it use for 10 dollars love it

[@AppalachianMotors]

Also harbor freight also sells a copy cat gun wonder if it even gets close to as nice

[@rodneybrand8521]

Hi bryan...all of my air tools are ingersoll rand..i have that same impact..and the titanium..they are the best..i've never had a problem with any of them..snap on can go blow...lol.. Great video thanks.. Cheers 🍻🍻🍻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@heavymechanic2]

Some of the guys laugh because I'm using a dinosaur (231C) air gun compared to their Snap-On or other newer style air-gun that costs a fortune. I even gave a new 231G to a guy starting out because it has decent power and its very reliable. This impact gun still sells for 125.00 after 20 years on the market, way more attractive than other models that last half as long. I also have a 261 for big HD jobs.

[@ricojper57]

I really like and appreciate the fact that you went to many details in how to do this job. but I have noticed that the air flow adjustment have spring and a small ball bearing that you completely forgot to mention also noticed that the demonstration test did not show any noticeable change in diferente adjustment on turning the knob. But thanks to your video I was able to do the repair no problem.

[@edwinthomas618]

I bought mine H from a pawn shop for $50 bucks 5 years. I had know idea what I had bought. Its still going strong...yes the sound is sweet

[@brakedd]

The 231 is the AK47 of impacts. I don't use mine daily anymore (1200K is stronger/lighter/quieter) but it's my backup gun. It's fallen off of lift arms before and dented the floor and still worked perfectly. I should rebuild mine because it's a bit tired and the reverse knob doesn't like to stay in place (the detent ball/spring are not great)

[@philliphall5198]

I agree it’s what I carry in my pu with air compressor It can take the dirt and keep working in bad sand storm

[@philliphall5198]

I agree ☝️

[@dustin8470]

I can't think of a more reliable impact. It's not the most powerful, or the lightest... but if you drop it on the floor, you worry about the floor. Even if I bought a new impact for more power, I'd keep mine around.

[@leonardgilbreath9004]

I've got 2 CPs thay I've had for almost 40 year's and there still working fine just oil and care for em and they'll last and my IR tire guns held up the best of all the tire guns I've used.

[@brittweir8844]

For the Record 😂, You really helped me out on my gun assembly. I couldn’t remember which way the contoured compression washers went 🙄thank you sir..❤ this gun works awesome sounds like a race engine💪🇺🇸🎉

[@denniswilkinson1118]

Thanks Brian, love those detailed instructions.

[@ScottDLR]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks for taking the time to post.

[@biofall38]

I bought a 231 at the pawn shop and am planning on doing this

[@dutch971]

I got one of these guns because of your liking of it. The trigger seized up on the first use. Worked good for a second though.

[@ChrisLawley43]

Thank you for the video I'll be using a heat gun to get it out because its an insanely tight fit.

[@DaddyBeanDaddyBean]

Home gamer. 15 years ago I fell for the trap of buying the Lowes air compressor that comes with all the tools. (Kids, learn from my mistake - the tools that come in those packages are shit.) The impact in particular was garbage - I didn't even give it away, I just threw it out, and bought an IR 231 instead. I do occasionally run into something it can't bust, but that's what breaker bars and pipes are for. I love it and only regret wasting money on the package of crappy tools that came before it.

[@radradhakrishnan7508]

Excellent Video!!! Thanks. I just got a used one and very excited to put it to use. Just only light work. It is very heavy and looks very strong. I got it checked that out with my mechanic and he said that it is one of the best!! I enjoyed the video and thanks again.

[@coasttal123]

Best rebuild job on any tool I have ever seen. Had mine for 15 years and it starting leaking air bad, so now I will rebuild using your go-to guide. Just need a link to where to buy these rebuild parts. Thank You!!

[@coasttal123]

Sorry, just found the links. Coming from a mech. engr. Great Job

[@kamazdiesel]

Great tutorial, helped me rebuild my IR ...

[@campermike8879]

I'm sure far cheaper to do it yourself than having the Snap-on man send it in. This impact is also sold off the truck under the Bluepoint brand.

[@samhassan5024]

don't just love IR231 man it's like the Rolls Royce of all tools

[@hawaiianf1504]

Really Great Video!! Thanks for showing us how to get it done right!

[@kennethhoy6556]

Just my thoughts on this video, great sound and video quality, my only issue was the hearing impaired words blocking parts of what I was trying to see during the video. I also was trying to screenshot parts and again made it impossible to see due to the black squares with white lettering being in the way during playback. Hopefully you'll find a solution and I'll be able to see the whole process on this tool cause I have exactly the same air gun Thank You Ken 🔧👍

[@campermike8879]

Identical to mine it just says "Bluepoint" knew it was the same just back then I needed to be able to pay weakly lol get it Had it at least 15 years. Don't use it daily but has gotten a lot of use over the years. Finally died on me today Though I blame myself as i was asking too much out of it trying to pull lugs off a semi as I was in a pinch. Hammered on it a lot and it finally gave up just blows air when it has a load on it Will free wheel just fine. Hope its the vanes. Knew I watched someones rebuild video years ago Glad I found it again lol

[@hawaiianf1504]

We knew you would get to use some of those things. I think we got it right too. God Bless You Bruddah!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yup you can see in all my new videos those tools are coming out for all kinds of projects!!

[@hawaiianf1504]

FordTechMakuloco ... haha awesome bruddah

[@arnodivalentin5639]

nice job,just one thing you forgot to mention......the detent and spring which goes on the reverse valve.

[@victortrujillo2591]

Nicely done ! Thanks for sharing !!

[@timbowalk]

I have 2 of the 3/8 versions and 2 of the 1/2 versions one of 3/8 is the regular IR the other is a kobalt one of the 1/2 is cornwell the other regular IR with 2" anvil but they were all bought used and beat up I then used and abused them constantly even hammers some times lol but they are the guns ive seen every one I know who's owned one swear by them

[@christopherwilliams4647]

I was wondering if the timken grease you used is similar to Lucas RedNTacky? I was going to use that on my impact gun rebuild, since I have a whole case of it.

[@snaggingbark9763]

Thanks man, saved slot of money today

[@markkrause3569]

There is a spring and bb that go into the small hole on the power regulator. It looks like yours might of had the spring but no bb. the bb is what makes it click between the forward power numbers.

[@benjaminswihart441]

I have the napa version. it's been a great gun. needs a rebuild.. I wonder if the it parts are the same?

[@markkrause3569]

parts in the rebuild kit will work but the rotor may be different and the anvil might be different.

[@dougputhoff3215]

Great job on this video

[@dledge1]

Excellently done video. Thanks.

[@escortgt1988]

I recommend changing seals and seals only. Veins almost never make a difference. Bearings as well. Most power loss comes from air leaking and worn anvils and or hammers.

[@mrcutestuff]

Great Video, I had to subscribe to you, because you are so good! :D

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Wow thanks!

[@mrcutestuff]

:D

[@Agent-vj3ns]

My 231 says Matco Tools it was free with my 3/8" air ratchet.

[@philsobiek1260]

I replaced the throttle valve. Now it runs continuously. Any advice?

[@lontejay9454]

Good video! Surely fully enjoyed it! It kept my full attention for I too have a unit that needs to be rebuilt. Thanks for such an informative video. Thanks again and Jesus loves you, John 3:16-17 (KJV)

[@rareform6747]

Mine is over 40 now , still working ?

[@raymondj8768]

wow im so glad i found your chan dude me n my gun been through 16 years of drag racing super comp dragsters lol cant believe i never had to rebuild one of these ive built shit tons of 1000 hp engines haha never my gun thanks so much buddy how do i know my model though mine just says model A thats it

[@nicetube26]

My 231HA has lost about 1/2 of it's trigger spring tension, now it spins when connected to air. Any idea how to fix?

[@xanderdaniels8284]

I have one of these and I’m having an issue where it spins on its own any time it’s hooked up to air. Any ideas what would cause that?

[@PatriciaRollins-h1d]

I know this video is older but I need help finding a rebuild kit for a Model 222 1/2 inch impact wrench. Can’t seem to find one for this model . Thanks

[@cc-qu7gz]

For Model IR231A , what is the amount of torque it has?

[@carpeonnel]

I'm hoping somebody can help me. I have a 231 for years now and it's finally developed a problem. It will not shut off. As soon as you put air to it, it is wide open. Trigger does nothing. Bought a rebuild kit but nothing has changed. Do you have an input? I would greatly appreciate it

[@fieldingpoe1303]

I have the same issue with mine. It seems like the air just bleeds through. I tried to research this and some suggested a problem with the air inlet. I removed the air inlet bushing (22mm) and stretched the spring a bit. It did not have any affect on the problem. Did you solve the problem?

[@brandongeorge2609]

At top of the spring in the handle there's a plastic bushing with n o-ring it's usually the o-ring that fails

[@cheezburger6130]

What is the minimum required to remove Triton 3v spark plugs with an impact wrench......getting ready to buy one just for this job and want to spend as little as possible. I know this is a little out of bounds for this video but I know you will have the answer.....enjoy your work Fordtechmakuloco

[@The305Garage]

The Aircat 1055-TH compact impact gun.

[@workingshlub8861]

any impact will work..even just a cordless one. do it when the motor is hot. the carbon that makes these stick will be looser from the motor just being on.mine all came out that way. good luck.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

This impact -amzn.to/2hBswX5 is best for the 3v spark plugs due to its stubby and wedge design it helps on those back cylinders.

[@markmccuaig5866]

Where is a good place to get a rebuild kit at a decent price?

[@markkrause3569]

ebay

[@billbeckett1021]

Great vid! I have the IR23. I have owned it for over 21 years and it still works great! Have you tried the P Blaster air tool oil. It comes in an aresol can and makes my older air tools work like new!

[@workingshlub8861]

really?? my cheap harbor freight acts up sometimes.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I have heard that too I just use a quality air tool oil and make sure I lube it daily only takes a few seconds but makes the tools last so much longer.

[@workingshlub8861]

i have the harbor freight cheap copy...works ok for 50$ but not worth any kind of rebuild. good info.

[@rockvillemike6062]

Why did you leave out the spring and the detent ball on the foward- reverse button?

[@kwesihenderson9633]

g8 video mine just started to wear trigger wont stop engaging

[@MrMtaylor7210]

What would you recommend for cordless impact tools, I only tool around on my own vehicles so don't want to spend a fortune but I also want something that lasts. I know good and cheap don't usually go together.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Milwaukee without a doubt anything in the M18 fuel line but this one can be extremely useful from small fasteners to pulling lug nuts- amzn.to/2gPErUc

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

similar to my gen 1 earthquake. I need to get the bearings for mine

[@paulbouverette503]

I am having an issue all of a sudden with mine. It will loosen bolts perfectly. When I put in tighten setting it just blows air. Any idea what would cause this? It's been used about 25 times. I always put a couple of drops of compressr oil in and run it in booth directions before putting it away.

[@caseyanderson9169]

Does anyone know where to get a replacement trigger for the newer version of this gun?

[@akbychoice]

Can’t find a rebuild kit for a 255 model A 3/4” ingersoll Rand impact.

[@shawng7902]

On the ingersol video they show the cyl like that. Writing up. Says dimple to left but its not really a dimple. My problem is veins. On their actual video they put 3 in. 1st and 3rd the same but 2nd was diff. Trying to be sure if bevel goes up and hard step down or vice-versa

[@robert1408]

I have a Matco MT1758TH it’s identical I believe and stamped IR inside. I see different shaped vanes on the rebuild kits. Some notched on the end like yours and some in the center. Any idea why and are they interchangeable?

[@damonlinkous]

Kind of skipped over removing the trigger, looks like it's just a straight pin holding it on. Can it be punched out from either side? What keeps that pin in?

[@jhu4]

Brian: Thanks, That's very useful. May I ask some dump question? That dial nob is rotatable clockwise or counter-clockwise? I remembered it can only dial to 1 to 5 before I took it apart and reassembled. What did do wrong? Please help, thanks again.

[@samgarofalo2461]

How much grease goes in the fitting on the backside

[@brotherbrian1]

I'm about to do this to mine. What about access to the trigger valve?

[@robert1408]

Can you tell us where you get you rebuild/tune-up kits?

[@Zalagar619]

Hello, Im a fellow ford Tech and I just replaced a torque sensor on an 09 Ford Escape and after everything was back together, as soon as I started it, the steering wheel turned all the way to the left. I lined everything up and followed the instructions to the T. I saw you post on a forum that you had a video showing this. Do you still have it? Any suggestions/advice?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yes and so do you in PTS under service tips and reference guides there is a torque sensor install video there from Ford.

[@Zalagar619]

FordTechMakuloco I saw that one on the PTS page, but the video wouldnt play. Tried a dozen times

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I see what you mean it wasn't working until I double clicked on it now it works I have it downloaded if you need it. Message me on my business email.

[@andrewmeadors936]

Looks Good

[@jimmymolinaro7554]

do you happen to know where i can purchase front end hammer/anvil assembly? The 1/2 tip has the snap ring on it just broke right off

[@richardkenworthy9312]

My ingersoll rand as soon as I hook it up to air it wo t stop running ,I replaced the valve seat but that didn't help,any suggestions Thanks

[@richardkenworthy9312]

My bad I had the valve seat upside down. Working again

[@rockvillemike6062]

I have an electric stove and if your doing this at home and you have one, a minute or two on the burner heats it up well, and put the spinner in the freezer for a few minutes. just sayin' Mike

[@MtnBadger]

They look close, is the 231 related to the mac aw434b?

[@300zxdriver]

I have a IR 235 that runs,but doesn’t have any power to turn tightened bolts etc. Any idea what is wrong?

[@snoofayy6150]

maybe the vanes in the rotor are worn out and not sealing?

[@dontblameme6328]

I would rebuild the lable body last so that you don't put all that heat on the housing with the new orings already installed.

[@INNO222]

I let my gun sit for a lot of years. When I went to use it, it didn't have any power. What part do I need to change?

[@INNO222]

@greg mccarter Thanks for the tip. But after doing some investigating, my problem was the air hose diameter. At the dealership it was 1/2" and my home compressor had a 3/8" on there unbeknownst to me. These guns need 1/2". Well, live and learn.

[@sebulva]

thank you.. very good video..

[@gregmccarter2176]

Iv got a old Ingersoll 1/2 drive..its real slow no power..I believe it got damp...perhaps some rust..

[@ecgodsmack86]

What about trigger replacement video?

[@andrew39454]

Can this IR231 remove crankshaft pulley for normal vehicle?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

yes

[@jeffmarino3621]

My impact wrench keeps spinning even without pressing the trigger. How can i it?