Airtool Buyer Guide
Air tools, also referred to as pneumatic tools, have several advantages over electric power tools. For one, they offer more torque and power than conventional power tools. They also are generally more durable than their electric counterparts because they have fewer moving parts. Finally, they're easy to use. Just plug in your air tool's hose to your compressor and start working.
Air tools do require a separate air compressor that powers your individual air tools. Be sure to match the PSI (pressure per square inch) rating on your compressor with that of your tools. Doing so will enable you to run your air tools at maximum power. Also, only purchase air-tool hoses that are made for the connection on your compressor. A tight seal between your hose and compressor is critical to prevent air leakage and loss
of power.
There is an air tool for almost every job. Some of the more common air tools are pneumatic drills, air grinders, pneumatic hammers, lubricators, air nail guns, air paint sprayers, pneumatic ratchets, air sanders, air saws, tire inflators, and pneumatic wrenches.
Nail Guns:
An air-based nail gun can make a big job seem small. Pneumatic nail guns come in two basic types: stick and coil.
- Stick-type nail guns: Stick-type nail guns hold 20 to 40 nails at a time in a long narrow configuration, or stick. The nails in the stick are held together with thin pieces of wire, paper, or plastic.
- Coil-style nail guns: Coil-style nail guns hold nails in a drum or canister. The nails are usually held together by wire and form a long flexible strip. Coil-style nail guns can hold upward of 300 nails.
Air tool nail guns are often designed for specific applications, including framing, finishing, and roofing.
- Framing nail guns: Framing nail guns are designed for prolonged, heavy-duty work.
- Finishing nail guns: Finishing nail guns are smaller and used with lightweight finishing nails.
- Roofing nail guns: Roofing nail guns are designed specifically to fasten shingles.
Nail guns use two different trigger mechanisms, including professional grade and two-step.
- Professional-grade (automatic): Professional-grade varieties fire immediately upon pulling the trigger and require some practice to use.
- Two-step nail guns (semi-automatic): Other models, more appropriate for beginners, require a two-step process: pulling the trigger and tapping the barrel against the surface being nailed.
Nail guns also come with a variety of features, such as adjustable depth control and oversized triggers for use with gloves.
Compressors:
Air tools need a constant, stable supply of compressed air to function well. Before selecting a compressor, carefully consider the unit's horsepower and tank capacity. Units with more powerful motors and larger tanks (measured in gallons) can generate higher levels of PSI for longer amounts of time, providing greater power to your air tools.
Most air tools need a certain amount of pressure to operate properly, so make sure the compressor you choose is powerful enough to run your most demanding tools. There are two main types of compressors available: piston-type and compact.
- Piston-type compressors: Piston-type compressors use a pump to fill a tank. The tank stores the compressed air until it's ready for use. When the air pressure drops below a certain point, the compressor turns back on and increases the pressure. There are both single-stage and two-stage compressors, featuring one and two compressors, respectively. Two-stage compressors create more pressure and are superior for heavy-duty jobs.
- Compact compressors: Compact compressors do not have a tank to store compressed air. Instead, the compressor continues to run while it is providing air pressure. While these models are small and light, they do not provide enough pressure for many applications and are generally used as propellants for paint, glue, or lubricant guns.