A Guide to Pneumatic Tools for the Home

Here’s a brief rundown of some of the pneumatic tools on the market, their pros and cons, and a bit about maintenance.

What are Pneumatic Tools?

We’ll go back to the very beginning. In case you’re not aware, pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air. You’ll probably be most familiar with things like the large pneumatic drills used on construction sites, but there are many other pieces of equipment that use compressors. Nail guns, airbrushes, sanders and hammers are just a few of the tools that can be powered in this way.

Why Choose Pneumatic Tools?

The main advantage to using pneumatic tools is that they tend to do jobs much quicker than their non-pneumatic counterparts. For example, sanders powered by a compressor can remove paint and rust much more efficiently and quickly than doing it by hand or using an electric sander.

You also don’t need to buy a new air compressor for each of your pneumatic gadgets – as long as the compressor in question is compatible with all your tools, you can use it for multiple purposes, which could save you money in the long run.

Pneumatic tools will also often be lighter than those powered electrically, which can make them easier to manoeuvre and mean that when you’re doing a large job, your arm won’t get as tired as quickly.

Safety Considerations and Maintenance

When using any pneumatic tool, you should always wear a robust pair of safety goggles to protect your eyes. You’ll also need to carry out routine maintenance on the compressor and your tools to ensure they continue to operate efficiently.

For example, you should change the oil in the compressor after every 250 hours of use and always make sure the air outlet is in good condition and clean before you attach a tool to it.

Before you use any of your pneumatic tools, meanwhile, you need to make sure there are no loose screws, as this could lead to air leaking out of the device while you’re using it, thereby reducing its performance. You should also make sure the air feed system is clear before every use and check that the air fitting and all the o-rings are properly lubricated.

Pneumatic Tools to Consider Buying

Here is a list of some of the pneumatic devices you may want to invest in for use in your home.

• Pneumatic nail gun – There are many advantages of pneumatic nail guns, not least that you don’t need to worry about hitting your fingers with a hammer! They are accurate, simple to use and the nail will be fully embedded in the wood.
• Airbrush – If you regularly paint large areas, like the exterior walls of your house or your garden fences, an airbrush can save you a lot of time. They also ensure you’ve got a more even coat of paint than you’d get with a brush.
• Blowgun – This is a handy attachment for removing grease or dirt from all kinds of surfaces. If you need to get rid of rust or old paint, however, a sandblaster is a more appropriate tool to use (but still powered by a compressor).
• Air ratchet wrench – This tool is used for tightening bolts and can be used on home DIY projects as well as for work on car engines.

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