Needle Scaler on the Fritz

My needle scaler suddenly stopped working. It just blows air out the exhaust port. Can we fix it? And while we're at it, how does it work?

[@jtthill5475]

In this age of throw-away tools it is really nice to see someone else repair one. I bought a box lot of air tools at an auction. Impact guns, angle grinders, needle scalers, etc. Only one impact was working, and that was sometimes. Now I have a lot of working air tools. Only an air saw was not salvageable, couldn't even get it apart, solid rust. For $12 and some time I ended up with 9 working air tools. Thanks for sharing

[@procyonia3654]

"Hearing protection is not optional when it comes to these tools" I didn't think my phone was loud, apparently both I and the dog disagree. The chipping hammers are also great for low clearance for an impact and using it to pound the wrench because the dude before you torqued it down with Thors Hammer and then it rusted over. Good work man!

[@frankdeegan8974]

You will be glad to use hearing protection, with five guys running these all day on the outside of a Navy ship in dry dock, each department had so much area to chip down to metal some places a needle gun was the weapon of the day.

[@procyonia3654]

I agree bud, I always wear hearing protection, even if I am cutting the grass or just doing projects in the house. It's gotten to the point I have to whenever working with tools, because the tools dont sound right without em. Which isnt a bad spot to be in, because I still have exceptional hearing when I get tested. My dad can barely hear after a lifetime of die try outs and working in stamping plants. I'll luckily barring a lightning strike be better off.

[@ThisOldTony]

nice work! enjoyed.

[@WatchWesWork]

Wow! Are you sure you're in the right place?

[@xephael3485]

@@WatchWesWork I know I am!

[@macks7150]

Speaking as a retired home builder I never had an air tool that stopped working, the trick is to get into a habit of oiling the tool everyday when its being used and draining the compressor daily after use at the end of the day. Keep up the good work you do Wes 3 thumbs up, lol

[@MoraFermi]

Don't forget to oil these tools regularly. Not only It'll keep it from rusting, it'll improve its efficiency by reducing the air losses.

[@nickpopelka]

You dont ever want to over oil those tools because the "little disk " will not rattle any more and you lose your hammer action

[@frankdeegan8974]

There is a right way to operate lubricate and maintain any tool.

[@nickpopelka]

@@frankdeegan8974 just a few drops on air chisels goes a long ways

[@GNX157]

It was obvious he doesn’t oil his air tools just by how it looked coming apart. Hope he knows better now.

[@the_hate_inside1085]

The expensive Atlas Copco air tools I use at work, has an oiler thingy installed, that creates an oil mist in the pressurized air line, it keeps the air tools oiled up on the inside. Ofc we want to see this stuff, if you haven't seen the inside of a needle scaler when you die, you haven't really lived at all. Compressed air can have a fair amount of water in it, probably due to condensation.

[@libertyauto]

Thanks for this video. I never understood how an air hammer worked until now. Your drawing was spot on for explaining that.

[@stevejones6647]

I admire that you will work on literally anything from cnc machines to rotten dump trucks, and it’s a big part of why I sub’ed your channel.

[@WatchWesWork]

Thanks. Lots of folks really dislike that and want me to focus on something and stay with it. But I lack the ability...

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

​@@WatchWesWork many of us have this..... Ability?! LoL

[@calvinwright1816]

Great explaining the way that thing works! Learn something new everyday.🙂

[@jimdieseldawg3435]

Recycled a good old US-made tool... and saved a needle gun too ;-) Glad someone else appreciates old Ford trucks! Excellent work, sir.

[@AUTiger1964]

Wes, 👍 a good mechanic is a good mechanic! Great job on that needle scaler. It is a shame the US has moved it’s tool manufacturing off shore! For a pro mechanic like you cheap tools won’t cut it. The tube flaring tool is a great example! 😊

[@turbocobra]

I wasnt going to click on this one because the thumbnail didnt show an old rusty needle scaler in the woods, but what the heck glad i watched anyway... good one Wes !

[@WatchWesWork]

Yeah KZbin studio is currently reminding me not to make videos like this and focus on rusty old junk...

[@erikrunas226]

That was pretty cool. I've used them and didn't know how they worked. Thank you.

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Didn’t see a video from you today (which is perfectly fine!), so I started scrolling back to the point where I first tuned in and some of the videos I never watched. 5 years ago, which was a total surprise to me. See how time flies when you’re having a great time?! 😂 Anyhoo, I always wondered how these contraptions worked, so thanks a whole lot for going to the trouble of making a drawing and explaining it so well. I’ll take tool disassemblies any day! 🔧🔧🔧👍

[@scottgm321]

Back in the 90's I worked off shore on a oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. I actually enjoyed using the needle gun. I learned to use thick gloves so my hands wouldn't be 100% numb after 12 hours. Definitely need an excess of ear protection. Great video.

[@stephenspann1261]

Great video Wes. This video helped me repair my two needle scalers I enjoyed watching many of your videos Keep them coming

[@markpowell4701]

I like your illustration , which helps me understand . Thanks, Wes

[@silasmarner7586]

Nice work and an elegant drawing Wes. There's a lot rattling around in that brain of yours. You and Andrew Camarata are the hardest working guys on KZbin. I mean there's a lotta close seconds, but man....

[@CubasAutomotive]

Nice! I'm surprised I don't recall AvE ever breaking one down. This would've been right up his alley. Thanks for sharing Wesley!

[@TheGreatdane56]

Someone hasn't been OILING his air tools like he is supposed to

[@WatchWesWork]

I try to, but maybe no enough.

[@wills5482]

You can get an air dryer that dispenses oil too, you just have to refill once in a while.

[@ericpaul4575]

Oil daily

[@joshuasmith-holley72]

Bro if you put oil in the scaler it the pop valve sticks and it won't work xD

[@tugmeboat]

​@WatchWesWork I've always been spotty with my "tool truck" air tools, but CP / HF tools get oiled each day before use or even mid-use for some if I'm using it a lot. Trust issues...😂

[@twocan90]

Wes, your 2 cents is easily worth $200. Thank you for taking the time to explain in such an understandable fashion. Capt. Art

[@alex4alexn]

love these types of videos, where we all learn together

[@Volcker1929]

Great explanation, enjoyed the bonus footage.

[@mikus4242]

I have used needle guns on the Battleship Texas. (It has a bit of rust here and there.) I gotta say I use double ear protection. I use in the ear and over the ear protection.

[@joshwillardturtleman12354]

Where i work we have to needle gun the engine bays of our construction barge and when you're going at it on a somewhat thin piece of sheet metal its very loud.

[@Poppi2006]

Mike: Plans for any more Hard Hat Tours, or have I waited too late?

[@mikus4242]

Poppi2006 The ship is closed to the public right now. The transfer of Her to the Battleship Texas Foundation was/is delayed. It’s looking increasingly unlikely that there will be any tours until after she returns from dry dock and hull replacement. As of now, December 2019, the volunteers don’t know much. It’s all under negotiation and under non disclosure agreements.

[@Poppi2006]

Mike: Thanks. I’m sorry things are uncertain. I did the tour years ago. Great history! I worked with one of your volunteers (Tony A.). His wedding was on the deck. Now, living in Spokane with his bride. Great guy! Cheers, Earl

[@donniebrown2896]

Mike, great y'all are taking care of the ol girl, have been there one time right after my wife and I got married, think it was 43 years ago. Sounds like the restoration there is like the one with the USS Alabama, still on going. If I'm not mistaken, isn't that the oldest surviving dreadnaught?

[@dietmarsteinhilber169]

Thank you , I have the same tool with the same issue now I can try to fix it again. Your detailed explanation of what is going on inside Is exactly what I needed to now make a better attempt at getting it going again. For those that may want to try this great cleaning method out I have a few of the inexpensive harbor freight Units large & small models and for the money,they work well just make sure to oil the hell out of them often while in use . They sell the replacement needles also, taking a grinder and squaring the ends off the needles ( while still in the tool ) it doesn't have to be perfect has helped cut paint and crust down faster for me . Don't try it on thin delicate objects it may destroy them , cast iron , thicker gage steel No problem save time and money compared to sand paper paint stripper and the debris is easer to clean up .

[@adnacraigo6590]

I appreciate the way you explain everything that you do.

[@Lions7.62mm]

Daaaaaaamn‼️ Right out of the Grainger catalog.... $332.67 for the Chicago Pneumatic chipping hammer 😲😮 DAMN THAT'S EXPENSIVE!

[@FrankenShop]

That was interesting, thanks for taking the time to share it.

[@garymucher9590]

Nice video and explanation of how such things work. As for the truck and backing plates rusting off. I learned a very long time ago, that to keep any vehicle for a long long time, you have to fix things as they break and not wait until they pill up, making the repairs both really costly and cumbersome all at one time. And it is amazing how long you can drive most any vehicle, be it a truck, car SUV or whatever. WE own a 1995 Ranger truck that still drives and looks like new, and a 1998 Blazer that also looks like new. JMHO

[@windyhillfoundry5940]

Thanks for sharing. My needle scaler started doing the same thing tonight so I'm glad to see a tutorial.

[@jamesbyrd5789]

I've rebuilt 100's of these over the years. Simple tools. Main thing is tighten everthing with jamb nut loose, then, tighten jamb nut last. Be sure to add a swivel 3ft whip with small in line lubricator. It will last forever. Having the coupler at the tool will eventually crack threads from the vibration and air hose will come off and whip you like your Grandma. Been there done that.

[@michaelsherman931]

Excited to see how this works, just bought one and second use it was doing the same exact thing

[@kennethmilus1533]

Any mechanical knowledge and I'm in. Nice to be able to fix your own tools. Thanks Wes

[@johnrosenfelder6572]

Very good. Thanks. I have two od these that don't work. They worked when I put them away. Now I know what to look for.

[@rustyjeep2469]

Cool to see how those tools work. I bought a Harbor Freight needle scaler and it's been super helpful on my automotive projects.

[@RubenKelevra]

Just put some drops of boiling hot oil in this tool, on the business end and the air intake, after usage. This removes any residue water and will put a protective film on all components. Move the main piston forward and backwards manually. Wait a minute and then blow the excess oil with a frew seconds running with the air out. Remove any build up oil after say 50 hours of usage or after 2 month, whichever comes first by disassemble, cleaning with WD40, wipe and wipe with new oil. This only works on tools which have no internal rubber sealings. Sidenote: Never leave WD40 on a component which is going to do any work. WD40 is no lubricant.

[@iamrichrocker]

thanks Wes, now i have 'whistle while you work' ditty going thru my head..

[@charlesangell_bulmtl]

Thank you for the operational tutorial, most times when those things stick, all they need is some oil and/or a lengthwise whack. A bit of penetrating oil and air will loosen a stubborn one up

[@JayJay-w8rd]

Another great video Wes! I love the drawings you do in your videos, they’re so helpful in explaining what’s going on and I have learned a lot from them and you! Thanks!

[@vanasrival690]

Another great video, It's not how i had imagined they worked at all . I had envisaged al kinds of complicated mini valves and springs and O rings. Fantastic to find out how a tool I have used a hundred times works. Keep it up Wes

[@danielramsey1959]

I use the needle scaler an awful lot on a fleet of concrete mixers i maintain, yes you need to oil them a lot. You can buy a tube of replacement needles.

[@Aengus42]

Yup, I wanted to see that. I learned something, can now pass it on should it ever come up and plus... It satisfies the same fascination I had as a kid taking my Nan's alarm clock apart. Please, keep up the quirky, nerdy videos. To me they're just as interesting & useful as the full on auto / agricultural videos. Sometimes more so!

[@bapasrcadventures3619]

I just found your Chanel a few weeks ago and I have watched a lot of your videos. I do enjoy it when you explain how things work! Keep the videos coming. Between you and mustie1, I am learning so much. Thanks

[@manusamoaus]

I love the explanations. All your videos are so informative and helpful. Keep them coming and never give up.

[@GenderSkins]

Wes I’m have just welded a couple of ears with some holes in it to the tailgate, and attached a couple of henge latches with chains to the bed and been done with it. As that’s how the tailgate on my 1965 Ford was secured when closed. Worked a lot better, then the garbage modem tailgate latches do.

[@bambambundy6]

When I work on air tools I drop them in a sonic cleaner and it has made a difference. I do the same with carb parts.

[@texasjetman]

Thanks Wes for taking the time to do that video, Yes its out of the Norm but you took the time to carefully explain in great detail and included again another of your fine quick definition sketches allowing us to further understand and comprehend, I am certain I speak on the behalf of MANY of your followers that we do appreciate your post and still waiting for you to announce a GO FUND ME PAGE so we can help you go get that INSLEY BOOM Picked up, Thank you again for always putting things into terms we can understand.

[@clarencewiles963]

Thumbs up 👍 you’re right about the repair.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

An Oldie but a goodie on that Chicago pneumatic needle Scaler being a 1998 model @Watch Wes Work

[@JackdeDuCoeur]

Nice descriptive diagram and explanation!

[@eurocarman]

Love your channel - but I see you have an issue that I was lucky enough to be taught early - ya got to lube stuff !! LOL That is the only reason that tailgate handle failed. I have a check list about that I do every 5k miles and once a week on those expensive tools. Drain the compressor once a week if you don't have auto drains. Also get a pressure spray bottle and make your own penetrating oil. Regular ATF and MEK. When it is new it is better then Aero Kroil. When it gets to the point it is not working add more MEK. It goes away pretty fast but not so bad it one of those good quality spray cans. Another tip if your compressor is noisy enclose it or move it outside in a simple shed. I had a good customer that was a ear doc.-came in the shop and drank a few beers with us a couple times a month. The first time he heard that come on he said if you don't want to be deaf when your 50 get that noise out of here.

[@AlbiesProductsOnline]

Everyone and there dog is probably screaming at there screen “OIL DAILY “ just 2-3 drops in the bum hole

[@eurocarman]

Back in the years I was a Tech in a dealer - religiously every time I used any air tool it got 3 drops of ATF (keep in mind this was early 70's) later on that became Marvel Mystery oil.

[@WatchWesWork]

I use ATF in my air tools. As far as I know air tool oil is just hydraulic oil, so pretty much the same as ATF.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

​@@WatchWesWork ATF for a tire changer machine?

[@markrandall1456]

Great diagrams! I wish KZbin University would have been available back in the day when I supervised fleet garages. Thanks WWW !

[@Dudleymiddleton]

That was very therapeutic the needle scaler working!

[@richardrubinski6495]

Back in the 70's we used to use a Needle Scaler for cleaning up a stick welds. I may be wrong, but I assume that is what they were orignally made for.

[@kutamsterdam]

Hi Wes, nice to see you again.👍😉

[@ericnickel3280]

Thanks so much for this vid. after two solid days of using the same tool it had stopped working properly. The piston would travel up and down the cylinder but with very little force. I'm hoping that I will find something similar to yours. just needs a good cleaning.

[@markhosbach9420]

Love your sketch work diagrams Wes. You're a smart guy.

[@joebob7344]

That was really helpful. Thanks for sharing your info.

[@matthewjones3698]

Love this style of repair video and the explanation. Got your t shirt as well. Love the channel

[@joshwillardturtleman12354]

No... please you're giving me flashbacks to work!

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Watching you do this for the second time because I work on rusty old junk and have a needle scaler that I pulled out of works dumpster! Threads are a bit stuck!

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Let it sit from the post above until now. Heat and penetrating oil must have done their job. It came apart with very little effort.

[@bostedtap8399]

Great disection and diagnosis. Thanks for sharing.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great illustration in how you think the needle scaler works @Work Wes Work

[@chrisanderson9856]

That ole trailer hitch you should repaint with some POR15. It covers rust and stops it. I used it on semi frames when we did customizing. Stops rust and only sticks to rust. Great informative video!

[@WatchWesWork]

It would have been nice if they painted it like that 25 years ago...

[@2tana22]

Enjoy your videos been wanting a scaler for awhile, nice to see and learn what’s inside, thanks for share your curiosity,

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

I'm watching some of your older videos. I picked a needle scaler out of the dumpster at work. Obviously, it probably has the same issues this one did. Now, I probably could have taken it apart without having watched this video, but, now I'm not guessing! Thanks 👍

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

LoL 🤣😆 just getting to this unit!

[@James-fs4rn]

👍interesting. Never a shortage of things to fix.

[@tbay4591]

Wes, good video on your air tools. I have run pneumatic tools for years mostly under water both fresh and salt. They are a high maintenance item and cause a lot of down time. Lubrication is key, I have tried every lube on the market. By far, the best for my money is Fluid Film. Totally disassemble the tool again and spray all parts down with a light coating, ALL parts including piston and bore. Assemble as before and you are off and chipping. A snort now and again in the air inlet will continue the process. A little bit goes a long way.....like getting into never seize. Good luck!

[@WatchWesWork]

I like ATF for air tool oil. That's what I have always used. This one just needed some intervention...

[@DangerousSportsForSeniors]

Nice simple repair. Thanks for sharing.

[@IcamanSogge]

Soak it in CLR use clear air compressor oil upon reassembling . oil it more often too prevent rust

[@tbas1972]

Awesome vid Jay oh, thanks wes

[@alanparadise3139]

I love when you take thing's apart and dissect to see how they work and what's wrong with them. And to fix and repair them. YOU can learn from anyone how they do thing's Not any one has the only answer to a solution.

[@akfarmboy49]

Thank you I have a grumpy needle scaler

[@jix177]

Great diagrams, well done!

[@donjohnston9554]

Thx I am a new subscriber to ur channel and love the content. looking forward to more vids. Used needle scalers for years in the railroad industry for everything from thick paint or rust removal on nuts and bolts to cleaning b4 and after welding. that CP is a top of the line one for sure. not sure if u have used it with newly sharpened or new needles but if u do u will want them sharp all the time for getting thru north Michigan old iron coatings. Try grabbing up a second one keeping it with dull needles for the jobs less aggressive.

[@rickharper1497]

That's the same style scalier we used on the oil rigs offshore!!!

[@dfailsthemost]

Great drawing

[@GrandpaBill]

I started using those tools back in the mid to late 60's and hearing protection wasn't invented yet or even considered to be a must have.

[@j.c.smithprojects]

I know you were just using that hitch for demonstration purposes but that thing was pretty rough! nice fix! i have wanted to buy one of those needle scalers for quite some time. i always forget about it until i need it.

[@WatchWesWork]

I use mine all the time! Yeah that hitch need a bit of reinforcing. I'm surprised it can support it's own weight...

[@bobjoncas2814]

,,great fix, good info..

[@justinrobertson1590]

He wasn’t sure how it works but he did stay at a Holiday Inn last night.

[@1969camaross123]

Great video as usual. Good to know how things work Incase I have the same problem

[@marcass100]

helped a lot, thank you.

[@bcbloc02]

That hitch looks like at least a 50% load derate.

[@WatchWesWork]

At least!

[@CAPNMAC82]

Yep, memories of finding that certain members of the Deck Crew need an attidude adjustment and needle guns in the chain locker can be an excellent motivator. And the Chain locker gets filled with wet metal chain links, so there is legitimate corrosion to stay ahead of.

[@dave1135]

So basically, it works so fast that the air leaks it has, it ain't got time for that. Lol

[@WatchWesWork]

Exactly!

[@Merescat]

Best "Bonus Footage at the End" to date! :)

[@staind288]

It looks super dry inside! Use a few drops of oil on your air tools in the inlet connection before each use.. It'll make your tools happy!

[@yako0000]

you know i bought one of those about a year ago and couldn't find it in the shop all summer. turned out it was under the table in the house the whole time. good for making holes in thin metal it turns out.

[@martinedelius]

Really great drawings, very informative! I don't know what editing software you're using but all/most of them makes color grading relatively easy and I find that it's worth spending 30 minutes on getting it somewhat even.

[@WatchWesWork]

The problem is the reflection of the light from the shiny work surface. It tricks the camera into switching to daylight mode and makes everything dark. I figured it out eventually, but I couldn't really reshoot the first 4 minutes.

[@gregbannish8423]

Wow, what a great explanation and diagrams, can't get over how well you can explain mechanical stuff. For this scale, I dont understand how the rpms are controlled (psi maybe?). Maybe you can include that the next time this breaks, like in 30 years or so!!

[@WatchWesWork]

Heh. Yeah I think the trigger just limits the volume of air which limits the number of strokes.

[@eformance]

I think there is also a feedback from the piston, when the exhaust ports are covered and uncovered, the residual air in the side that WAS uncovered is able to unseat the valve plate because that exhaust port is now covered.

[@WatchWesWork]

Yeah, I'm not exactly sure how the timing of the valve works when the thing is screaming at full rip.

[@45NUTS_PART_DEUX]

nice video , like the sketches explaining things

[@PaulHigginbothamSr]

I have used needle scalars for many years. Some so used the tension adjustment slots are almost beaten out with the scaling needles worn down to less than an inch long. Never had one fail. Chicago pnuematic. Chinese scalars probably not so hot.

[@bohhica1]

Looks good to me.👍👍👍👍

[@JourneymanRandy]

It's worth fixing quality air tools. I have rebuilt my CP374H impact twice well worth it. I have had my share of tailgate nightmares. Take care Wes

[@cdmChase1]

Oh s*** I whistle that same tune it's off a f****** advert! Good video mate thanks 😊

[@grizzlybeartechnicalservic8152]

Another great video Wes!