Air tools, also known as pneumatic tools operate using air. Unlike traditional power tools that are powered by an electric supply or battery, they’re powered by an air compressor. Air tools feature a pneumatic motor, where a powered pump mechanism continually forces air into a tank to make sure a constant level of pressure is supplied, which helps in the conversion of compressed air. Almost every traditional tool has an air-powered counterpart nowadays, including wrenches, drills, grinders, jackhammers, riveting guns, etc. There are several advantages to using air tools instead of electric tools. They’re more affordable, more lightweight, smaller and safer. If you’re on the verge of switching to air power tools, and want to buy air tools online but aren’t sold on the idea, here are their advantages.
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Lightweight and Ergonomic
Air-powered tools use a compressor, unlike traditional tools that use a motor to function. So since they don’t have a bulky motor attached to them, they’re significantly lighter, which can be a huge benefit for when you have to use them for extended time periods. Holding a heavy tool and operating it can be exhausting and strenuous. The lighter weight allows you to have better control of the power tool and experience less muscle strain and fatigue. The ergonomic, lightweight design of air tools also provides the user with a better grip of the tool, allowing you to work more efficiently.
Affordability and Low Operating Cost
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Since air tools don’t have a motor, they have less moving parts, making them more cost-effective. In other words, they require little maintenance or repair, which translates to less downtime, meaning you get to perform the job faster, be more productive, all of which ultimately lowers the costs. Furthermore, the energy consumption of air tools can be controlled, leading to even more energy saving. On top of being more energy-efficient, the initial investment when you buy air tools online is generally lower than their electric counterparts. All of this makes air tools the best option when it comes to saving energy and money on maintenance costs.
Safer to Use
Air tools are much safer than electrical tools, as you can safely use them in environments with moisture, explosive and flammable substances and conductive materials. These environments are either hazardous or include a high risk for electrical tools to operate in. Since air tools don’t require any electricity to operate, even if the wires get exposed or damaged, there’s a lower risk of electrical or fire hazards. Further, air tools can withstand various elements, including water, heat and dust far better than their electrical counterparts. These elements can make electrical tools deteriorate and prematurely fail. Additionally, air tools run a smaller risk of malfunctioning as a result of overheating, electrocution or short-circuiting.
Versatility and Productivity
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Since air tools are portable and safe to use in any environment, you can bring them anywhere you need them. Compressed air is a versatile, portable power source as it can be stored in cylinders and carried whenever. This allows you to use air tools in remote locations and places without access to a suitable power outlet or electricity. You can also adjust the pressure of air tools from low-powered speed to high-pressure blasts, making them versatile for a broad range of applications and uses. And due to their great power-to-weight ratio, these tools are capable of producing more horsepower while remaining compact and lightweight. For electric, only about 50% of the power fed into the motors is converted to output power, making them less powerful and productive. Air tools, on the other hand, have 100% of their input power converted into output power, allowing for higher RPM and torque .
If you’re sold on the idea of air tools, then you’ll also probably need an air compressor. The most common type of air compressor is single-stage, piston-type compressors. These are either driven by a gasoline engine or electric motor that drives the piston compressing air and forcing it into a storage tank. As more air is forced in, the pressure rises, and once the pressure reaches a certain level, the compressor stops operating. Two-stage compressors are another popular type, and they feature two pistons. The first piston compresses air and pushes it through a check valve to the second piston, which then compresses it further and delivers it to the storage tank. Two-stage compressors are heavy-duty and they can deliver a large volume of air at higher PSI levels.
Air compressors can either be stationary or portable. Portable models feature smaller storage tanks and wheels or handles that let you move them around easily. Stationary models are larger, and they’re high-horsepower units with larger storage tanks that allow for longer periods of uninterrupted use. They usually feature a vertical design in order to reduce the amount of floor space they take up.
