by the Professional Power Tool Guide
Air tools are also known as pneumatic tools. They are driven by compressed gas, usually air or carbon dioxide. They are usually safer and cheaper to run than their electric power tool cousins. They have a higher power to weight ration which means they are smaller and lighter than cordless varieties. Due to the lack of electrical motors, they do not have a problem with overheating. Pneumatic air tools have been used for decades in the commercial, industrial and manufacturing sectors. In the past few years, they are becoming more popular in the do-it-yourself market as well. Lines of compressors and tools are made especially for the home users market. It has opened up the possibilities for the average home owner.
Air tools can cover ground very quickly. One of the most common uses for air compression is painting. Spray guns can cover a great deal of surface in a small amount of time. With different sized nozzles with different shapes, the applications vary. These guns can be used to apply paint, stain, varnish and ink. The small air brush guns are used by car detailers and artists to apply small amounts of paint in a very precise manner. The industrial paint guns allow professional painters to cover a large amount of wall surface quickly. This makes jobs more profitable since they can be completed faster. The average home owner can use a paint gun to do a lot of projects around the house.
Air tools can be priceless in the work shop. With various sizes of pneumatic nail guns and brad nailers, putting projects together is easier and faster. Air screwdrivers make fasteners glide in with little resistance. Sanders run by air provide a quiet alternative to their electric cousins. Palm nailers make nailing into hard surfaces easy. Upholstery staplers give you the ability to recover your furniture.
Air tools can make many home projects easy to accomplish. Nail guns make installing molding a snap. A larger framing nail gun can be used to frame out walls or joists. For weatherizing, the caulk flies out of the pneumatic caulk gun. Ratchet wrenches run quickly and smoothly by air. Die grinding is ever easier when powered by air. For the car, grease can be applied quickly and efficiently by air-powered grease guns. Reciprocating saws can also be powered by air. All air tools need to be handled with care and safety in mind. But, they provide a power packed light weight alternative for everyone.
