A pneumatic tool, air tool, air-powered tool or pneumatic-powered tool is a type of

power tool A power tool is a tool that is actuator, actuated by an additional engine, power source and mechanism (engineering), mechanism other than the solely manual labour, manual labor used with hand tools. The most common types of power tools use electric ...

, driven by

compressed air Compressed air is air kept under a pressure that is greater than atmospheric pressure. Compressed air in vehicle tires and shock absorbers are commonly used for improved traction and reduced vibration. Compressed air is an important medium for t ...

supplied by an

air compressor An air compressor is a machine that takes ambient air from the surroundings and discharges it at a higher pressure. It is an application of a gas compressor and a Pneumatics, pneumatic device that energy conversion, converts mechanical power (from ...

. Pneumatic tools can also be driven by compressed carbon dioxide () stored in small cylinders allowing for portability. Most pneumatic tools convert the compressed air to work using a

pneumatic motor A pneumatic motor (air motor), or compressed-air engine, is a type of motor which does mechanical work by expanding compressed air. Pneumatic motors generally convert the compressed-air energy to mechanical work through either linear or rotary ...

. Compared to electric

equivalents, pneumatic tools are safer to run and maintain, without risk of sparks, short-circuiting or electrocution, and have a higher power to weight ratio, allowing a smaller, lighter tool to accomplish the same task. Furthermore, they are less likely to self-destruct in case the tool is jammed or overloaded. General grade pneumatic tools with a short life span are commonly less expensive and considered “disposable tools” in tooling industries, while industrial grade pneumatic tools with long life span are more expensive. In general, pneumatic tools are cheaper than the equivalent electric-powered tools. Regular lubrication of the tools is still needed however. Most pneumatic tools are to be supplied with compressed air at 4 to 6 bar.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pneumatic tools have many benefits which have contributed to their rise in popularity. The benefits of using compressed air to power tools are: * Inexpensive * Safe to use * Easy to operate * Portable * Low theft rates The primary disadvantage of pneumatic tools is the need for an

, which can be expensive. Pneumatic tools also need to be properly maintained and oiled regularly. Failing to maintain tools can lead to deterioration, due to a build up residual oil and water.

Technical terms

Pneumatic tools are rated using several metrics: Free Speed (rpm),

Air Pressure Atmospheric pressure, also known as air pressure or barometric pressure (after the barometer), is the pressure within the atmosphere of Earth. The Standard atmosphere (unit), standard atmosphere (symbol: atm) is a unit of pressure defined as , whi ...

(psi/bar), Air Consumption (cfm/scfm or m3/min), Horse Power (hp), and spindle size. Each individual tool has its own specific requirements which determine their compatibility with air compressor systems. Flow or airflow, related to air consumption in pneumatic tools, represents the quantity of compressed air that passes through a section over a unit of time. It is represented in l/min, m3, at the equivalent value in free air in conditions of standard reference atmosphere (SRA). For example: +20 c, 65% of relative humidity, 1013 mbar, in accordance with norms NFE.

Types of pneumatic tools

Pneumatic tools come in many shapes and form, including small and large-sized hand tools. The most common types of pneumatic tools include: * Air ratchet *

Airbrush An airbrush is a small, air-operated tool that atomizes and sprays various media, most often paint, but also ink, dye, and make-up. Spray painting developed from the airbrush and is considered to employ a type of airbrush. History Up unt ...

* Air hammer (forging) * Air hammer (pile driver) *

Angle grinder An angle grinder, also known as a side grinder or disc grinder, is a handheld power tool used for grinding (abrasive cutting) and polishing. History The high-speed angle grinder was invented in 1954 by German company Ackermann + Schmitt ( FLE ...

*Backfill tamper * Impact wrenches * Nail gun * Jackhammer * Pneumatic hammer * Pneumatic drill * Pneumatic

jack (device) A jack is a mechanical lifting device used to apply great forces or lift heavy loads. A mechanical jack employs a screw thread for lifting heavy equipment. A hydraulic jack uses hydraulic power. The most common form is a car jack, floor jack ...

* Pneumatic paint shaker * Pneumatic riveter * Sanders * Sandblaster *Shears * Paint sprayer * Riveting hammer * Air saw * Blind riveter * Needle scaler

Common brands

Chicago Pneumatic Chicago Pneumatic, also known as "CP", is an industrial manufacturer providing power tools, air compressors, generators, light towers and hydraulic equipment. Products are sold in more than 150 countries through a worldwide distribution network. C ...

* Kirloskarkirloskarkpcl.com Pneumatic * AIMCO *

Apex Tool Group Apex Tool Group is an American supplier of hand tools and power tools. It was formed as a joint venture of Cooper Industries and Danaher Corporation, Danaher by the merger of Cooper Tools and Danaher's Tools and Components segment. In October 2 ...

* Atlas Copco * ZIPP GROUP * Campbell Hausfeld * 3M * China Pneumatic * Compair Broomwade Ltd * Craftsman * DeVilbiss Air Power Company * Festo * Husky (tools) *

Ingersoll-Rand Ingersoll Rand Inc. is an American multinational company that provides flow creation and industrial products. The company was formed in February 2020 through the spinoff of the industrial segment of Ingersoll-Randplc (now known as Trane Technol ...

* JET * Kobalt (tools) *

Mac Tools Mac Tools (previously, Mechanics And Tools Company) is an American company that distributes and markets tools and related equipment. It is headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, United States. The Mac Tools line consists of 9,082 tools, including s ...

* Makita * Matco Tools *

Osaka is a Cities designated by government ordinance of Japan, designated city in the Kansai region of Honshu in Japan. It is the capital of and most populous city in Osaka Prefecture, and the List of cities in Japan, third-most populous city in J ...

* Patco Air Tools *

Porter-Cable Porter-Cable is an American company that manufactures power tools. Known for contributing to the development of the portable belt sander, helical gear, helical-drive circular saw, and portable band saw, it is a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decke ...

* RAD Torque Systems * Snap-on * ZIPP TOOL *Katashi

References

{{Authority control