I was cleaning the airbrush after a painting session and removed the nozzle during the process. I used the nozzle spanner provided with the airbrush to screw the nozzle back to the airbrush body. It seems I over-tightened the nozzle and damaged the delicate piece…. #$”%@#&!!
Airbrushes.com to the rescue! Not only did the company help in finding the correct replacement part for my airbrush, but they also recommended getting a specialized device that minimizes the possibility of damaging the new nozzle… Iwata Nozzle Wrench.
Review:
Iwata Nozzle Wrench is a completely different tool than the nozzle spanner supplied with Iwata airbrushes. Unlike the spanner, which fixes to the side of the airbrush nozzle and spins around it, the nozzle wrench connects over the top of the nozzle. The wrench tip features a notch that provides the optimal angle for nozzle manipulation as well as a recessed round lip that fits the rim of the nozzle base. These design elements ensure the wrench holds the nozzle tightly in all directions and the nozzle stays on the wrench after it is removed from the airbrush. In contrast to the lever-shaped nozzle spanner, the cylindrical form of the nozzle wrench does not increase torque, thus providing more control when removing or tightening the nozzle.
The nozzle wrench works perfectly in my hands. It grips the nozzle well and, with a couple of twists, removes it from the airbrush. When removed, the nozzle stays secured on the wrench tip. After a thorough cleanup, instead of trying to return the tiny nozzle to the airbrush using my fingers, I fitted the nozzle back to the wrench tip. The nozzle is much easier to handle when on the wrench and I had no problems aligning it and screwing it back onto the airbrush. The wrench provides good control and applies far less torque than the spanner, but the best part is that I feel the resistance at the very moment the nozzle reaches the nozzle base. There is almost no way to screw the nozzle any further, thus minimizing the risk of over-tightening and damaging the nozzle. I repeated this procedure several times on my Iwata Custom Micron CM-C2 Plus and Iwata Revolution HP-CR and was very impressed with Iwata Nozzle Wrench.
Finally, a thing to remember is that airbrush professionals recommend not removing the nozzle from the airbrush unless it is already damaged. The paint build-up and clogging of the nozzle can be prevented using flush and back-flush procedure. However, if removing the nozzle is a must, Iwata Nozzle Wrench is definitely the tool for the job.
Conclusion:
Iwata airbrushes are state-of-the-art modeling tools and replacement parts do not come cheap. This is especially true for airbrush head systems and nozzles. Preventing the damage to these pieces is essential for anyone using Iwata airbrushes.
Iwata Nozzle Wrench is a specialized tool designed for removing and tightening the nozzle on Iwata airbrushes. Its design offers numerous advantages over the conventional nozzle spanner, holding the nozzle when it’s removed from the airbrush, making it easier to realign and screw it back onto the airbrush, as well as preventing over-tightening and stripping or breaking off the nozzle threads.
Caveat: The Iwata Nozzle Wrench fits all Iwata and Neo series airbrushes except the Iwata Eclipse Series and the Neo TRN2 Side Feed Trigger Airbrush.
SUMMARY
Highs: Easily removes or tightens Iwata airbrush nozzle without fear of damaging it. Lows: Does not work with all Iwata airbrushes.Verdict: I’m very impressed with the Iwata Nozzle Wrench and its intelligent design, and I really don’t think I’ll use the standard nozzle spanner ever again. A must for all those using Iwata airbrushes.
Our Thanks to Airbrushes.com! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
About Mario Matijasic (Maki) FROM: CROATIA HRVATSKA
You wonder how did this addiction start? I was a kid when my dad broght home a 1/72 Concord airplane; we built it together as well as couple of other airplanes after that. This phase was just pure fun: glue, paint, decals in no particular order... everything was finished in a day or two. Then I disc...
It’ll work on more than just Iwata brushes too. I got one in an “Iwata airbrush cleaning kit,” which has all kinds of cleaning and maintenance accessories including brushes, lube, wipes and cleaners, along with this wrench (I don’t own an Iwata, but bought the kit for the other supplies). I use it all the time on my Peak C 5 airbrush, and one of my single action badger brushes. If your needle orifice is tiny with a flat surface on each side, it’ll probably work for you too,
VR, Russ
Unless I’m doing something wrong, it works fine on my Eclipse. The nozzle is connected to a brass tube thing, but can be unscrewed from that. I use it often.
Unless I’m doing something wrong, it works fine on my Eclipse. The nozzle is connected to a brass tube thing, but can be unscrewed from that. I use it often. [/quote]
Not sure how you are using it,just quoting the Iwata site caution.
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