How are Pneumatic Instruments Used?

Pneumatic tools are great for almost any job because they are powerful and effective, but they are not quite like electric tools. Learn everything you need to know about pneumatic tools and how to keep them running.

Air Pressure and Air Volume

Air, typically supplied by an air compressor, powers pneumatic tools. A pressure regulator that is set to the pressure necessary for the tool's operation is used to send the air through the system. A hose connected to the tool via a 14" quick release coupler exits the regulator and delivers air to the device.

A pneumatic motor feeds the air into the tool, converting the energy of the compressed air into mechanical work. Hammers and nail guns have a piston-type actuator, whereas rotary-action tools have geared or turbine-type motors. When you pull the tool's trigger, air enters the motor and the tool starts working.

Air Requirements and Duty Cycle

As long as it can consistently receive the appropriate pressure and volume of air, any air tool can operate continuously. A compressor with a larger tank is advantageous for tools like paint sprayers that require large volumes of air at lower pressures. Compared to things like a nail gun or impact hammer, a paint sprayer releases a lot of air every time you pull the trigger. To drive nails, nail guns typically employ brief bursts of high-pressure air. Therefore, despite the fact that a nail gun doesn't need a lot of air, it absolutely needs a higher pressure to exert the force necessary to penetrate materials.

How hard your air compressor needs to run to keep up with your work depends on how well pressure and volume are balanced. Most nail guns and other short-term tools can be used with a small pancake-style compressor, but its small tank can't hold enough air to properly operate a spray gun. Compressors with significantly larger tanks are required for spray guns and sanders that require large, continuous volumes of low-pressure air. Weight increases in larger tanks, making them less portable. In addition, in order to rapidly pressurize and fill larger compressor tanks, higher horsepower motors are frequently required. This can significantly impact the amount of noise generated by your air compressor, depending on the type of motor.

Air that is dry and clean, with a little care.

Pneumatic tools are susceptible to the moisture that is inherent in the air—humidity—because their operation is dependent on air. Water vapor will condense inside the tank as your compressor compresses air, which can lead to rust and corrosion. Additionally, rust and premature wear can be brought on by moisture entering the tool. To keep water from getting to the tool, many people choose to add a small air/water separator between the compressor and the tool. However, you can prevent moisture damage by regularly lubricating your tools and draining the tank of your compressor. Use oil that is made specifically for pneumatic tools only. If you use the wrong oil, it can damage your tools, compressor, and project by being ejected from the tool.

Always inspect the condition of your air compressor with care. It is a warning sign if your tank appears to have rusty spots or weak metal areas. Ignored air blower tanks ought to NEVER be compressed.