Garage Gazette

TOOLS AND THE SHOP => ANTIQUE ELECTRIC/AIR TOOLS => Topic started by: goodfellow on August 14, 2018, 09:42:24 PM

Title: Love Rodac tools -- fixing a pneumatic screwdriver -
Post by: goodfellow on August 14, 2018, 09:42:24 PM
A few years ago I saw this little gem languish on ebay for a few weeks and finally decided that it needed a good home. Not unexpectedly, it showed up DOA. So I took the thing apart and cleaned it. Apparently the previous owner tried to fix it and didn't reassemble it correctly --

A little worn, but these things are "sooooo" nice for removing stuck screws -- and for quick removal of fasteners. This looks to be an early 1970's model because the ID plate is just a sticker. Earlier models has metal plates --

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0932Medium.jpg)

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0933Medium.jpg)

The bit retainer is held on by a circlip --

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0934Medium.jpg)

Then the driver and power adjustment assembly is screwed off in a counterclockwise direction

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0935Medium.jpg)

This exposes the driver and clutch assembly --

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0936Medium.jpg)

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0937Medium.jpg)

Not a bit of grease in there --

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0938Medium.jpg)

Trigger assembly was installed wrong -

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0939Medium.jpg)

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0940Medium.jpg)

Retaining pin for the reversing switch assembly is punched out --

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0941Medium.jpg)

This is the gear assembly for the driver itself -- pretty cool design.

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0942Medium.jpg)

Trigger air metering valve is pushed out through an access port on the back

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0944Medium.jpg)

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0943Medium.jpg)

... and finally the air motor itself. Of course the previous "rebuilder" put the air vanes in upside down; hence no power.

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0945Medium.jpg)

Time to refurbish and rebuild this mess!!!

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0946Medium.jpg)

Some paint on the various componenets and the driver body --

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0947Medium.jpg)

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0948Medium.jpg)

Reassembling the air motor with the correct vane position

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0949Medium.jpg)

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0950Medium.jpg)

The gear cluster is greased and reassembled --

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0951Medium.jpg)

The clutch mechanism is reinstalled and greased --

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0952Medium.jpg)

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0953Medium.jpg)

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0954Medium.jpg)

The driver assembly is lubed and pre-assembled --

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0955Medium.jpg)

A test fit is made to ensure that the clutch engages and disengages properly --

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0956Medium.jpg)

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0959Medium.jpg)

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0960Medium.jpg)

Just to top it off, the power adjustment ring is polished up a bit to give the driver some contrast --

(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo18/goodfellow_2004/RODAC_Driver/PICT0961Medium.jpg)

A quick test run with air, and this vintage driver is ready for another few decades of service --



Title: Re: Love Rodac tools -- fixing a pneumatic screwdriver -
Post by: bonneyman on August 19, 2018, 11:44:00 AM
Nice refurb! That red really stands out.

I'm a total noob when it comes to air tools. I'd probably put the air vanes in backwards, too.  :o