What Are Air Tools, and How Do You Use Them?

The Hosemaster

October 23, 2024

What Are Air Tools, and How Do You Use Them?

Air tools are a powerful and popular tool type, renowned for their versatility and manoeuvrability. From pneumatic drills on construction sites, to snow cannons on ski resorts; power milking machines on a dairy farm, to airbrushing a car in a bodywork garage, there’s hardly an industry in the world that doesn’t use air tools in some capacity.

But what are air tools, and how do they work? Keep reading to learn more from the team at The Hosemaster…

What is an air tool?

An air tool is a power tool that uses compressed air or carbon dioxide to power it. They are also known as pneumatic tools, as the word pneumatic simply means “containing or operated by pressurised gas or air.”

The technology behind these air tools actually stretches back thousands of years. The first pneumatic tools that would form the groundwork of the modern tools we use today were created around 10 A.D by a Greek mathematician known as the Hero of Alexandria.

It’s easy to understand why this technology has survived the test of time. The process required to create pressurised air is relatively straightforward, and without the need to use weightier resources such as fuel to power them, air tools are lighter and more mobile.

How do air tools work?

So how does an air tool turn air into power? In order to harness the power necessary to function, an air tool must increase the pressure of air - which is supplied by an air compressor.

The air compressor forces air continuously into a container. The strong shell of the container prevents the air from expanding beyond the available space, and since the air inside has nowhere else to go, it becomes pressurised. Once a certain level of pressure has been reached, the air can be used to power the tool.

Every air tool has a release valve. When the air tool is in use, this valve is opened, which allows the pressurised air to fire through the tool with extreme force as it attempts to depressurise. Depending on the type of tool, this will either turn a crank or engine that operates a gear (such as in a ratchet tool), or shoot through a barrel (such as in a nail gun).

Are air tools safe?

Due to the technology used to power them, air tools are commonly seen as a safer option than other tool types. There are a number of reasons why:

Power consistency: the process of pressurising air requires a consistent flow of air to operate, which in turn provides a consistent level of power and torque available. This reduces the risk of tool failure or inconsistency.
Durability: air tools are less likely to overheat compared to their electrical counterparts, making them more durable, and safer to use over long periods of time.
Lightweight: given their reliance on pressurised air to power them, most air tools are lighter than electric tools, which makes them easier to handle and reduces the risk of operator fatigue.
Electricity-free: as they do not require electricity to power them, air tools do not carry the risk of electrical shocks or electrocution, making them a vital tool to use in environments with flammable materials.
Easy maintenance: electrical tools require regular maintenance checks to ensure their components meet safety standards. Air tools are less prone to malfunction, and are therefore typically easier to maintain.

What are the different types of air tools?

Given their widespread popularity, there are many different types of air tools available. Let’s look at some of the most common air tools on the market:

Air grinders

These lightweight alternatives are excellent for metalworking as they offer greater manoeuvrability and better control, reducing the physical strain of grinding with an electric equivalent.

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Pneumatic screwdrivers

A great option for an assembly line, pneumatic screwdrivers are fast and more reliable than electric screwdrivers for those repetitive tasks.

Air hammers

Air hammers are a perfect choice for demolition work as they can provide more power and speed, making easy work of breaking through concrete.

Pneumatic drills

Unlike electric drills which have a tendency to overheat, pneumatic drills are better suited for extended use in heavy-duty industrial applications, such as drilling into masonry or metal.

Air sanders

Perfect for use in auto bodywork repairs, air sanders are often lighter and easier to control, providing an excellent finish and consistent performance over electric sanders.

Air impact wrenches

Air impact wrenches are capable of delivering more torque than electric ones, which makes them ideal for use in automotive repairs.

Air ratchets

Due to their compact size and power consistency, air ratchets are excellent for use in tight spaces, such as in engine repair.

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Pneumatic nail guns

A perfect accompaniment for those working in construction, air nailers are fast, light and powerful, which makes them an indispensable tool to use for high-volume, or hard-to-reach tasks.

Spray guns

Pneumatic spray guns have become an essential tool for painting vehicles or large surfaces. They offer better atomization when applying paint, which results in a more even coat and a smoother finish.

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Pneumatic reciprocating saws

Able to offer more power and cutting speed, pneumatic reciprocating saws are great for construction on those heavy-duty tasks, such as cutting through thick wood or metal.

Should I use an air tool?

As we have covered already, there are many great reasons to pick an air tool over electric, hydraulic, or gas-powered tools. Yet, there are some considerations you need to keep in mind before you make the decision.

Cost: in general, air tools are cheaper than their counterparts, but the setup cost can be significant. Air tools require additional parts, such as an air compressor, air line fittings, and air hoses, which can easily bring the overall price up.
Hose Management: management of air hoses can be rather cumbersome, especially when used in hard-to-reach or tight spaces, which reduces your overall mobility as you work. They can also pose a trip hazard if not secured correctly.
Air supply: in order to perform efficiently, air tools require a consistent and reliable supply of air. Interruptions to this can halt work completely, as there is no backup option available.
Noise: the process of pressurising and releasing pressurised air can be rather noisy, and could be disrupting if used in a residential area. Therefore, effective hearing protection is a necessity.

How do you use an air tool?

While the fundamental basics for using air tools doesn’t differ to other tool types, there are a few key differences that must be considered when using an air tool. Let’s have a look at these differences…

Using a compatible air compressor

Most standard air tools will work with almost any air compressor, but you should still check that it will work with your chosen air tool before purchasing. The important thing to remember here is PSI. PSI (or pounds per square inch) is an imperial unit of pressure that is used to measure air pressure in air tools.

Most compressors have a maximum working pressure of 120 PSI; medium-sized air tools will usually require up to around 90 PSI to function properly, though this may differ depending on tool or size. Whatever you decide, It’s important to ensure your air compressor has a maximum working pressure above that of your tool.

Connecting your air compressor and air hose

Now that you have the correct equipment in place, you must run a check of all the air compressor fittings and parts for damage or obstruction. This is particularly important for the air hose, which will funnel pressurised air from the compressor to the tool. Any holes will cause a loss in performance to the tool, while any obstructions in the hose could cause major damage to the equipment, or injury to the user.

Once you have checked the equipment, you can attach the air hose to the tool and compressor. It is important to ensure that both connections are secure to prevent any air leaks.

Adjusting air pressure

With the equipment set up, it’s time to check and adjust the air pressure. Set the air compressor to the correct pressure level for the tool you are using. This is an important step, as too much pressure can cause damage to the tool or the material you are working with, whereas too little pressure will cause the tool to underperform.

You should also keep an eye on the pressure level while using the air tool. If there are any dips or spikes in air pressure, stop using the tool immediately and check the equipment thoroughly.

Store correctly

After you have finished using the air tool, take care to turn off the air compressor and disconnect the air hose properly. Again, you should perform a thorough check to make sure there are no leaks or damage to the equipment, replacing anything that has been damaged before using again.

Satisfy your air tool needs at The Hosemaster

At The Hosemaster, we offer a wide range of air tool equipment, including air line and compressor fittings. Shop our air tool range today to find everything you need to get the job done

If you have any questions, or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us, or call 01282 604 002 to chat with our team.