Compressed Air Pneumatic Tools

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Pneumatic Tool

Compressed air offers superior performance to electric power in terms of durability and safety, but requires the right combination with the compressor. Here's what to consider:

1. Impact Wrenches (Rubber Guns)

Essentials for tire changes and mechanics.
Drive: Usually 1/2" for cars, 3/4" or 1" for trucks.
Torque (Nm): For a standard car you need a gun that develops at least 600-800 Nm when unscrewing to loosen rusted bolts.

2. Sanders and Grinders

These tools consume a lot of air because they work continuously. They're ideal for bodywork because, having no electric motor, they're lightweight and won't tire your arm even after hours of sanding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need to put oil in the tool?
ABSOLUTELY YES. The air motor must be lubricated daily. You can add a few drops of specific oil for pneumatic tools directly into the air connection before starting, or install an automatic oiler on the line.

2. Why does the gun spin but have no power?
Often the problem isn't the gun, but the air hose . If you use a coiled hose that's too thin (6mm internal diameter) on a powerful gun, the air won't flow quickly enough ("kinking"). For powerful screwdrivers, use hoses with an internal diameter of at least 8mm or 10mm.

3. What pressure should I set?
The standard operating pressure for almost all air tools is 6.3 Bar (90 PSI) . Working at lower pressures reduces performance; working at too high pressures prematurely wears the internal seals.