Hi folks. Im moving into an unisulated/ un heated shop in the winter and was wondering if theres anyone out there whos got experience with running an air hammer in the wintertime. I havent built the hammer yet. I run my framing compresser all winter with glycol / oil in the tank and have had decent results. Has anyone had any problems with things freezing or parts like o rings wearing out? I know everything is dependant on what type of system I install I just wanted to see if anyone out there has had any problems or has any little tricks to help make it work.

With my Anyang I just use a lighter oil (10w instead of 30w) for the lubricator. Also allow more warm up time.

I have seen the Cliffton Ralph videos were he uses a kerosene heater to warm his up before he uses it when it is cold in the shop.

When I was in an unheated shop I had problems with my Kinyon type hammer control valve freezing up. I would think having a better filter/ air drier would help with this.

Be careful about using a hot piece of steel held a few inches from the the valve to thaw it. Radiant heat will melt through the plastic air hose commonly used for pilot air lines. Don't ask how I know this :rolleyes:

go to your auto parts store an get some air line antifreeze for big trucks.don't use copper tubing for air lines any condensation will freeze up quicker.
not dealt with hammers but compressors on the road.if the line is froze,you cannot release your brakes to travel

Air cylinders and valves will freeze if there is any moisture in the system (and there always is) unless you you use air tool oil with antifreeze. You are already familiar with it based on your comments. Ingersoll-Rand sells it by the gallon. There are other brands. Google on it to find them. One other item, if you do not run your hammer for a while then moisture inside will likely rust your cylinder's steel end caps, ports, and piston unless you run a lot of oil through it before storing it.

John larson
Iron Kiss Hammers.

right on.... thanks for the input guys

I use a uttility style hammer in an unheated shop here in south central Alaska. When it is cold, below 0 F I start the day with an electric heater to warm up the compressor. I try to end the day with enough hand work left to keep me busy for an hour or so while the shop warms from the forge. sometimes I stock this type of work for cold times. I have had the oilers go out several times always in the winter, I think the diaphram does not like the cold. I try to do my taxes during really cold days as they get done indoors.

we have used methanol/denatured alcohol in air systems, but i don't know about a hammer and hot iron. use a dryer/oiler and keep it and the tank drained, for light oil i've used marvel mystery oil

DO NOT USE MARVEL MYSTERY OIL. It goofs up the synthetic rubber seal and rings.