Technical Questions Service/Maintenance
Have a question about service and maintenance for your SENCO products? Here are some frequently asked questions. If your particular question isn’t answered, send us an e-mail.
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Q: I just bought a used SENCO Nailer and would like to know if this particular tool does, or does not, need to be lubricated?
A: This list should help you.
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| To Lube | Never Lubrication |
| D,F,J and K models | |
| FramePro® 600/650/700/750 | |
| FramePro FRH 600/650/700/750 | |
| L and LS | SC40 |
| M1/M2+/M3+/MW | SCN40R |
| PW/PW-2" | SCN40DW |
| SFN1 |
SC1/SC2
SCN45 | SFN1+ |
| SCN55S | SFN30 |
| SCN60/SCN65 | SFN40 |
| SCN200/SCN200R | SJ10 |
| SFT10 | SJS |
| SHF50 | SKS |
| SHP10 | SLP20 |
| SN60/SN60MC | SLS20 |
| SN65/SN65C | SLS25 |
| SN325+/SN70 | SNS40 |
| SNS45/SNS50 | SPS |
| SQS55 | |
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Q: How can some of your tools work without needing oil for lubrication?
A: There are many similarities in the way oiled tools and self-lubricated tools operate. There is, however, a difference in the kinds of parts used. Knowing how compressed air flows through SENCO's self-lubricated tools, and understanding how it acts on the internal parts of the tool are the best ways to become a service expert. It helps to also have the SFN40 Parts Chart to gain a better understanding of airflow. In addition to the SFN40, SENCO currently has two other self-lubricated nailers (SFN1, SLP20) and four self-lubricated staplers (SKS, SJS, SPS, SLS).
Flow of Compressed Air:
- Compressed air is connected to the back of the tool and flows into the main body casting.
- Compressed air flows into the remote (trigger) valve, up an air passage, and into the firing valve assembly. Remote valve is permanently lubricated.
- The firing valve assembly expands (or inflates) downward causing the bottom disc to cover the opening to the main cylinder sleeve. This prevents compressed air from entering the cylinder sleeve. The unique firing valve assembly is a diaphragm-type part needing no lubrication.
- Compressed air surrounds main cylinder sleeve.
- Driver/piston assembly is in the up position after having returned from previous stroke.
- Compressed air (from previous stroke) is exhausted out the top of the tool by the return of the driver/piston to the up position.
- Excess air pressure (return cycle) is able to exhaust out of the guide body of the tool. (Oil-Free Airflow- SFN40 Activated Position)
- Compressed air is exhausted out the firing valve assembly, down the air passage, and out of the tool (trigger pull).
- The firing valve assembly deflates, allowing the compressed air which surrounds the cylinder sleeve to force upward the bottom disc that covers the cylinder sleeve.
- At the same time, the top disc of the firing valve assembly moves upward, meets a seal part, which prevents air from escaping out of the top of the tool.
- Compressed air rushes into the cylinder sleeve. This forces the driver/piston down, driving the fastener on the firing stroke. The driver/piston is equipped with a special graphite ring which self-lubricates due to the gliding motion.
- Compressed air enters the return air chamber with the driver/piston in the down position. The return air chamber traps some of the compressed air.
- The trapped compressed air in the return air
chamber forces the driver/piston back up to reset (up) position after
the trigger is released.
Benefits Of Self-Lubricated Tools
Superior power – High velocity motor provides excellent drive power. Light weight: Self-lubricated parts weigh less, allowing for a more comfortable tool. Easy maintenance: Oil-free means less mess, fast assembly. Quiet operation: Relative to the oiled tools. Quality work: No oil to stain fine woods
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Q: I would like to dedicate an area for performing tool service. Can you suggest a list of items that I will need?
A: Many callers to the SENCO 800 Technical Line seem to be doing a lot of walking back and forth, crisscrossing the store to get the many items needed to service a tool. It helps to get it together in one convenient place. Check out this list of items we think you should have:
A Workbench: We used 2x4s, particleboard, pegboard and corner moldings in the one pictured here.
Good Lighting: Overhead fluorescent lights work nicely.
Telephone Service: Allows you to call your customer or the SENCO Action Line. Having speakerphone capability makes life even easier.
Basic Hand Tools: Assemble a nice assortment of wrenches, pliers, hammers, etc. SENCO offers some specialty tools for service work (see the list on this page).
Pegboard: For hanging your tools within easy reach. Also great for organizing your SENCO Parts Kits.
Blowgun: Comes in handy for cleaning parts and other tasks.
Flashlight: Allows you to illuminate those hard-to-see places.
Tool Holder: Nail or staple two 2x4s on edge on a square of plywood and cover with carpeting. Holds nailers or staplers steady while you work on them.
Bench Vise: Nice to have when working on parts, but not a good idea to use for entire tool.
Drawers: Ideal for storage of loose parts. Old card file drawers with dividers work well.
Air Compressor and Hose: Without these, you can’t service air tools.
Scrap Lumber: For testing tools, an old pallet or skid is a popular choice.
Parts Charts/Service Notes: Next to the telephone is best.
Bench Grinder: An item nice to have when you need to shorten drivers.
SENCO Tool Grease: Product code YB0123 for a four-ounce tube.
Driver Pin Insertion Tool (YA0046): For replacing or changing drivers.
Allen Wrenches: Create a stand-up block for easy access.
Safety Glasses: Not only for operating air-powered tools, but especially while working on them. Protect yourself from springs, screws and other items that sometimes fly toward the eye.
SENCO Oil: Needed for cleaning and lubricating parts.
Assortment of Air Fittings: Your customer’s fitting may not match your air hose. Be prepared.
Hand Cleaner and Towels: Use before greeting the next customer.
Parts Kits: Have plenty on hand. Ask an Action Line representative to fax you the cross-reference of Parts Kits product codes.
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Q: What “winterizing” techniques should I be performing on my SENCO tools to reduce downtime during cold weather?
A: Cold weather can create headaches with tools and compressors.
Moisture is the single, largest cold weather problem. It can collect in the air line, in metal fittings, or in the tool itself and freeze. Cold weather can also affect rubber parts, O-rings, for example. They can get hard, which may cause them to break or chip and result in air leakage. By using the easy “winterizing” techniques, you can keep your tools and compressors working better during cold weather. The results will be a significant reduction in downtime and the elimination of unnecessary and costly repairs.
Tools:
- Keep all equipment – tools, hose, compressor – warm when not in use. Store them inside at night, or if you’re at the job site, leave them in the truck during long breaks;
- Keep the tool well-lubricated. Not all
oils are usable since some can swell O-rings, degrade the gaskets and shorten tool life. SENCO's Tool Lubricating Oil (PC0101) is
specifically formulated to work with a variety of viton, buna,
polyurethane and other rubber seal components.
NOTE: Do not lubricate SENCO’s new generation of oil-free tools – the SFN1, SKS, SPS, SLP20, SLS20, SJS and SFN40.
Compressors: To make it easier to start the gasoline engine on cold mornings:
- Use a proper winter weight oil – SENCO Air Compressor Oil (PC0344) is specifically formulated for air compressor pumps which use oil-splash lubrication;
- Always use fresh gasoline;
- Make sure the spark plug is good;
- Let the compressor engine warm up before
beginning to compress air. This can be done by opening the drain
cock on the tank and letting the compressor run for a while to
purge moisture that may have accumulated in the tank.
To avoid water freezing in the system: Drain the tank at least twice a day. With the tank pressure at 20 psi or less, open the drain valve and tip the unit, allowing all the moisture to drain. After the water has been drained, close the drain valve and resume normal operation.
- Or use an air dryer to reduce this problem. Regardless of what precautions you take, the compressing of air will still cause moisture to condense in the system.
- Use SENCO Moisture Shield (PC0345), which can prevent extreme corrosion and prolong the life of the air storage tank. For this, you need to remove a plug in the tank, squirt in the moisture shield, and then reassemble the plug into the opened part.
- Portable units, add windshield washer
fluid or dry gas to the air storage tank. This mixture will form
an anti-ice film and help reduce the risk of moisture freezing as
the air flows through the hose and tool.
Hoses: Metal fittings, which can get very cold during winter, increase the risk of freezing. The fittings condense, and the opening can freeze up or reduce air flow over time. Therefore, it’s better to have one long, uninterrupted hose (with fewer fittings) than several short ones. If additional sections are needed, they should be hooked up to the compressor one at a time, and compressed air should be allowed to blow freely through each section by opening the female quick disconnect. This clears any debris or water condensed inside the hose. Where long runs are necessary, prevent kinks from getting into the hose. This can restrict water flow, causing moisture to build up and result in freezing. Also, be careful with a long line lying outside in freezing weather. The lowest point of the line can accumulate moisture and freeze during long breaks.
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Q: What tools are needed for a pneumatic workshop?
A: We’ve put together three different pneumatic workshops in the chart below. If
you don't currently own pneumatic nailing or stapling tools, we recommend you
start with the Basic Level Workshop. As you discover the benefits of pneumatic
fastening, we're confident that you will want to add more tools to your shop and
advance it to the Intermediate Level Workhop.
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| | TOOLS, COMPRESSOR AND ACCESSORIES |
| Basic Level Workshop | SLP20 Brad Nailer
SLS20 Stapler
1 - 2-hp compressor - with an air regulator
25' of quality air hose fittings for the compressor & tools |
| Intermediate Level Workshop | ADD to above:
SFN30 or SFN40 Finish Nailer
FramePro 600 or SN60 Framing Nailer
SCN40R
Roofing Nailer |
| Advanced Level Workshop | ADD to above:
SNS 40 Stapler
A9 Palm Nailer
SHP20 23-gauge Headless Pinner
Wheelbarrow or stationary compressor
100' of quality air hose
fittings for the compressor & tools |
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Q: My tool did not come with an air coupler. Do I need Industrial Interchange or Tru-Flate?
A: Choosing the proper connectors, couplers and hoses for pneumatic tools can easily become a chore because of the wide array of fittings on the market today. Keep in mind the following suggestions when helping your customer select the proper fittings:
Style Of Fitting
There are two popular types of fittings to choose from: Tru-Flate (TF) and Industrial Interchange (II). Both perform equally well, so it’s generally best to select the type that’s most popular in your region and use it for all pneumatic tools.
Fitting Size
The size of the tapped hole at the inlet part of the tool will determine the appropriate fitting size. Usually a 1/4" MNPT (male national pipe thread) or 3/8" MNPT is required to fit into the tapped hole.
Many pneumatic framing nailers, for example, require a 3/8" fitting. You could use a 1/4 x 3/8" MNPT; however, this will choke the tool, robbing it of the airflow rate it needs to perform well. This condition would be further aggravated during rapid fastening if you used a 1/4" hose (see below). It’s best to use the largest fitting possible, because smaller fittings will not provide the required air volume.
Hose Size
Hoses are an integral part of any pneumatic system since they carry significant amounts of air. A
3/8" x 50' hose, for instance, holds approximately 42 cubic inches of air. A 1/4" hose of the same length holds about 19 cubic inches. Also, keep in mind that as air flows through the length of the hose, a drop in pressure occurs. This loss of pressure is cumulative throughout the system and must be taken into account when adding fittings, hoses and couplings.
There is a 4 psi pressure drop in 100' of 3/8" hose during rapid fastening and an 11 psi drop in 100' of 1/4" hose. So don’t rely solely on the pressure gauge. It may tell you the compressor is delivering the 95 psi the tool needs to perform well, but in reality, it may only be delivering 84 psi to the tool if you are using 100' of 1/4" hose.
Choose a hose that matches your selected fitting – a 3/8" hose with 3/8" fittings and a 1/4" hose with 1/4" fittings. The inexpensive 1/4" and 3/8" hoses have “permanent crimped” male pipe threaded ends that require FNPT (female national pipe thread) fittings.
Since screw-on fittings require Teflon® tape to make airtight seals, many people select locking hose barb (LHB) fittings that slip on and lock directly into the hose end. With LHB fittings, if the hose is accidentally cut or frayed at one end, you can recut the hose with a pocketknife and refit the original fitting into the good end.
Compressor Outlet
Most compressors are not equipped with a coupler to plug in your hose due to regional requirements of TF or II, therefore, you must determine which size is appropriate for your compressor.
Generally, compressors come in portable or hand-carry styles and are already equipped with a pressure gauge and regulator. Check the regulator outlet size to select the coupler.
Usually the portable compressors of at least 1- 1/2-hp and up require a 3/8" FNPT coupler, while the smaller hand-carry units require a 1/4" FNPT coupler.
If you own a framing nailer with a 3/8" fitting, a 3/8" hose and a compressor with a 1/4" port, you need not invest in new equipment. To avoid choking the tool, use a 3/8" x 1/4" MNPT coupler to screw into the regulator. The 1/4" MNPT will still allow enough air to pass through the hose and tool. Remember, if you have to pass air through a 1/4" opening with a system set for 3/8", you want to keep the 1/4" fitting as close to the compressor as possible.
With these points in mind, your customer should have little trouble selecting the right fittings for our pneumatic tools.
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Q: I want to better organize my repair shop to improve the flow of work. Can you make some suggestions?
A: Air tool repair can be messy and chaotic if you do not make an effort to organize and control the flow of materials. Here we offer some basic tips on how to stay organized, save time and make it easier to keep your shop clean.
Use bins for disassembly/assembly
One of the best time-saving techniques is to use small bins or trays to store parts when taking tools apart. If parts are scattered at random on the work surface, some parts roll away, others are knocked onto the floor. You may be able to disassemble a tool in record time, but it will take you much longer to track down all the parts for reassembly. Visitors to the SENCO's tool manufacturing plant in Cincinnati will notice the widespread use of small cardboard bins (7"L X 4"W X 3"H) to keep assembly work neat and organized. Place parts in similar sized bins as you take tools apart, and you will save time.
Power tools for power tools
Without a doubt, a power tool to remove and install cap screws is one of the best time-saving techniques. Every shop needs to be equipped with the regular t-handle hex wrenches, but for the easily accessible cap and magazine screws, you can accelerate the job by using a power tool to zap screws in or out. Be sure to buy a nice variety of bits. Air, electric, or battery tools will really speedup repairs.
Rags and towels
It’s hard to work with oil and grease coating your hands, but most tools need the lubrication. Keep fabric shop rags around for your hands. Use paper towels or tissues for the cleaning of tool parts. Use caution with both, as they can be fire hazards if not disposed of properly.
Tags and boxes
A common practice is afixing wire repair tags to tools when customers bring them for service, but they often get in the way as the service technician performs work on the tool. It pays to place each repair job in it’s own box, so if the tag is removed it’s still easy to keep repair jobs separated. Sometimes you need to walk away during a repair, and the box becomes a handy place to keep all the parts together.
Use a tool holder
SENCO tools don’t come with a kickstand. So, how do you hold the tool upright when trying to remove the cap screws? Devise a tool holder. It’s simple. Take a couple of 8" pieces of 2X4 and fasten them in a V-formation to a small (1'X 1") sheet of plywood, then cover over with carpeting. The tool holder will hold a nailer or stapler upright and steady while you perform service.
Pegboard for parts kits
A supply of parts kits is an excellent way to support your customers. To prevent wasting time searching for the right kit, have the kits organized in alphabetical order on a pegboard in your shop, or on the retail display. As soon as kits are received from SENCO, place them on the pegboard so they are easy to find when needed. This system also makes it easier to reorder when necessary.
Saving loose parts
Tool repair work generally results in some leftover, but useable parts. These loose valves, retainers, springs and screws always seem to come in handy for various repairs. For smaller parts, have a coffee can on top of the workbench as a temporary storage. Toss the useable parts into the can to sort and separate in the future. Have a set of drawers earmarked to use for these smaller parts, and be sure to label the drawers; screws, springs, pins, triggers, rubber/plastic, bushings, etc. For larger but reusable parts, the use of plastic buckets (i.e. pickle barrels) is a great way to neatly store those miscellaneous used parts. Mark the top lid to designate the class of tool; framers, roofers, and finish. Don’t save over-worn or known-to-be-bad parts. Throw them away so they don’t cause problems for another customer.
Ordering Parts
How many times have you placed a parts order, only to discover after it arrives that you forgot to order a few badly needed items? It’s the kind of thing that keeps UPS busy. To avoid this situation, you need an easy way to remind yourself of the items to order. Why not use the plastic bags the parts are shipped in? When you run out of an item, don’t pitch the empty bag. Have a hook on the wall to store it until it’s time for your next parts order. SENCO people who pull parts orders have conveniently marked the bag, so it becomes easy for you to make a list using the empty bags.
You’ve been reading about a few simple methods to make work flow more smoothly in the repair shop. An organized repair area will save time, make money and instill confidence in your customer that you are the source for SENCO (and other products) service and supplies.
Share your tips with us
If you have your own proven shop tips, please share them with us, and we will be sure to pass them along to all dealers in a future article. Send your shop tips to toolprof@senco.com
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