Pneumatic tools buying guide

Why use pneumatic tools?

Pneumatic tools are lighter than their wired or battery-operated electric counterparts.With a simple manufacturing process, their apparatus is less prone to breaking down. Their performance will remain stable as long as they are supplied by a correctly configured compressor.

Some tools, such as the pneumatic nailer, have unique characteristics, specifically linked to the relative technology, such as the pulsespeed and impact rate.

Other tools are simply more efficientwithcompressedair than with electricity or battery while others still will only function with this technology.

What are some pneumatic tools?

Electric motors can operate with compressed air. Other tools such as jacks, rivet guns, shears, vacuum cleaners etc. also use the same technology.

Main pneumatic tools :

• Drills;
• Saws;
• Chisels;
• Impact wrenches;
• Grinders;
• Nailer and stapler ;
• Paint guns;
• Sandblasters etc.

Pneumatic tools: pressure and use and air flow

To properly configure your pneumatic tool, it's important to pay attention to:

• The operating pressure, expressed in bars (B) as needed for the tool used;

• The required air flow rate expressed in liters per minute (l / min).

It is crucial that the compressor be specifically configured to meet the needs of each individual tool to obtain optimum use, whether it be the impact wrench, drill, paint gun, grinder, pneumatic sandblaster etc.

The reservoir's volume will determine the tool's timeof use before the engine needs restart to re-pressurize the air. A minimum of 50 liters (l) is required for the vast majority of tools.

The pipes' diameter impacts the flow, so always remember to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for each tool to get maximum use! Remember to check for the right connection size!

How does an air compressor work?

A compressor functions with compression units made up of an electric or gas motor in which a cylinder (equipped with a piston) compresses air and sends it into a sealed reservoir of a variable volume, stabilized at a given pressure.

The compressor unit's only role is to compress the air while's the reservoir's job is to store it. The compression therefore disengages whenever the reservoir's storage limits have been attained, it then re-starts once a certain threshold - determined by the manufacturers and based on the volume and the compression unit - is reached.

Compressed air is used to operate pneumatic tools. A compressor has one fundamental attribute: the air flow.The aire flow rate is measured in l / min (liters per minute) or in m 3 / h (cubic meters per hour), where 1 m 3 / h = 16.67 l / min.The air flow is based on the reservoir's volume and  filling rate- all relative to the compression unit.

Small portable electric compressors only have a small air reserve of a few liters, generally 2 to 6 liters, they can operate continuously, without needing to reset. These tend to be favored for smaller jobs.Choosing a compressor is the result of an in-depth analysis of your needs in terms of air flow, pressure, autonomy, etc.

Tip for sizing pneumatic tools and compressors

Understanding your needs is simple, but it's always good to have a margin of safety.

Add up all the air required for the pneumatic tools you plan to use (paint spray gun, airbrush etc.) and multiply that by 1.5.The result is the minimum number of liters per minute (l / min) required!Lastly, avoid adding m 3 / hr (cubic meters per hour) with l / min (liters per minute).

More information

To learn more about pneumatic tools:

• How to choose and connect blower hose, compressors and pneumatic tools
• How to choose your compressor
• How to choose your air blasting machine
• How to choose your nailer and pneumatic stapler
• How to choose a pneumatic impact wrench
• How To Choose Your Nailer

And to work safely:

• How to choose your protective gloves?
• How to choose your protective eyewear?
• How to choose your safety shoes?
• How to choose your respiratory protection?