Air Tools Buying Guide

Air tools, also known as pneumatic tools, allow you to perform a wide variety of tasks. Pneumatic air tools can complete many difficult jobs, even with limited access to power. Most auto tools work with compressed air as well.

Air tools have several advantages over electric power tools. The air compressor draws air into its tank, compressing it, then the air compressor sends the compressed air through the hose to power the tool. The compressed air gives the air tools more torque and power than conventional power tools. They are generally more durable than electric power tools because they have fewer moving parts. They are also incredibly easy to use: just plug in your air tool's hose to your air compressor and off you go.

Air Tool Accessories

There are air tools for almost every home improvement job, but to work your air tools you will need a few more pieces.

Air tools will require an air compressor. Air compressors power the individual air tools, so be sure to match the PSI (pressure per square inch) rating on your air compressor with that of your air tools. This will allow you to run your air tools at maximum efficiency.

Air tool hoses connect your tools to your air compressor. Finding the right air hoses is very important. Only purchase air tool hoses that match the connection on your air compressor. To prevent air leakage and power loss, make sure your air hoses have a tight seal with your air compressor.

• Polyurethane air hoses: Polyurethane air hoses are braided for strength and durability. They are flexible, durable and kink free.
• PVC air hoses: PVC air hoses are flexible, kink- and oil-resistant as well as light weight.
• Rubber air hoses: Rubber air hoses are built to handle 250 PSI and 200 degree hot water. They are flexible and fuel-, kink- and abrasion-resistant, which makes them last long. These hoses are tough and durable.
• Recoil Air Hoses: Recoil hoses are coiled, allowing them to retain their shape and take up less workshop space. Recoil air hoses can be made from polyurethane, plastic, rubber and nylon.

Hose reels allow you to store your non-recoil air hoses out of the way. If you have many air hoses, you should certainly have a hose reel to protect them.

Air Tools

There is an air tool for almost every job. They make tough jobs possible and fast. Look for air guns, air tool accessories, air wrenches and air compressors. Here are the air tools you'll run into most:

• Blow Gun/Air Duster: Provides a short burst of air for cleaning hard to reach places quickly
• Cut-Off Saw: For cutting sheet metal and fiberglass
• Drill: Drilling with reliable and constant power
• Grease Gun: For applying lubricants
• Hammer/Chisel: Allows you to shape metal and remove materials like metal and masonry quickly with less physical strain
• Inflator Gauge: For inflating tires
• Air Paint Sprayer: For painting large areas or areas that are difficult to reach with a paintbrush, provides quick coverage
• Power Nailer and Stapler: For fastening different types of materials quickly and securely
• Ratchets and Wrenches: For accurate tightening and loosening with steady torque
• Reciprocating Saw: For making plunging cuts
• Sander, Grinder and Buffer: For automotive and woodworking applications
• Shears: For cutting all types of materials; very efficient on metals and plastics

Nail guns seem to be the most widely used air tool, so we will cover them in a bit more depth here. Big jobs will seem small with a nail gun. Pneumatic nail guns come in two basic types:

• Stick: These nail guns hold 20 to 40 nails at a time in a long narrow "stick." The nails in the stick can be held together with thin pieces of wire, paper or plastic.
• Coil: Coil nail guns hold nails in a drum or canister. The nails are usually held together by wire and form a long flexible strip. They can hold up to 300 nails.

Air tool nail guns are often designed for specific applications, including framing, finishing and roofing. Framing nail guns are designed for prolonged, heavy-duty work; finishing nail guns are smaller and used with lightweight finishing nails; roofing nail guns are designed specifically to fasten shingles on roofs. These air tool nail guns use two types of trigger mechanisms:

• Professional-grade nail guns: Also known as automatic nail guns, professional grade tools and nail guns are for more experienced users because they fire immediately upon pulling the trigger.
• Semi-automatic nail guns: Also known as two-step nail guns, semi-automatic nail guns are more appropriate for beginners. You have to pull the trigger and tap the barrel against a surface for the nail to fire.

You can find nail guns with many features, including adjustable depth control and oversized triggers for use with gloves.

Air Tools Safety

Safety should be at the top of your list of concerns when purchasing and handling air tools. All air tools can be safe when used properly, just as all kinds of tools can be dangerous when misused. Having the right safety gear is a smart way to handle your tools.

There are basic rules that, when followed, will keep you safe while using your air tools.

• Keep all tools in good condition. Examine all tools for damage before use; regular maintenance will protect your tools and you!
• Use the right tool for the job. Don't try to "make do" with an air tool.
• Use proper personal protective equipment and gear.
• Always, always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using air tools!

When using compressed air to clean, reduce the pressure to 30 PSI or below. Be safe and think about what you are cleaning and who or what is around you. Use chip guarding and personal protective equipment.

Always read the operating instructions before using an air tool. Follow the safety guidelines specified; wear protective eyewear. There is always a chance you'll get hit with a part of the tool or any type of fastener you're working with.

Also consider the noise of your machine. If you are using a jack-hammer, chances are it's going to be loud; use proper hearing protection.

Use the correct hose and attachment for your air tools; use tools and hoses designed for that pressure and purpose.

Do not exceed the manufacturer's safe operating pressure for hoses, pipes, valves, filters and other fittings.

Keeping the floors dry and free of hazards reduces the risk of slipping while holding power tools. Some air tools, such as nail guns and reciprocating saws, have a lot of kick-back power. If you aren't used to that, you could be knocked off balance.

Overall, use common sense when using air tools or any power tools. You'll enjoy your tools far more if you don't hurt yourself.