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Air Power Advantage
Air Tools can be used for various tasks such as projects, hobbies, construction, maintenance, and automobile repair. Air tools can be used to get a task done both effectively and efficiently. There are several different types of units available for all types of work environments. Air tools last longer than cordless or electric tools Air tools weigh less, run cooler and have variable speed and torque control Accidental air leaks do not release any contaminants
Air Compared to Electric and Hydraulic
| Safety – Air powered equipment reduces the danger of electric shock and of fire hazard. Air tools run cooler and are not damaged from overload or stalling. |
Safety – Unless fire resistant fluids are used, hydraulic-powered devices operating near an open flame or high temperatures present fire hazards. Compressed air devices operate with lower system pressures. Accidental air leaks release no contaminants, as with hydraulic. |
| Lightweight – An air tool is lighter in weight and has a higher rate of production with less worker fatigue. |
Low Initial Cost – With fewer parts and the use of a single compressed air supply, the user is able to operate many separate systems. It also has less complex and less costly controls. |
| Flexibility – Air tools can be operated in areas where other power sources are unavailable due to engine driven portable compressors. |
Flexibility – Compressed air systems provide for simpler installation. It offers good adaptability for automation and flexibility when changing or expanding operations. |
| Cost – Due to fewer moving parts and their simplicity of design, air tools provide low cost maintenance and operation. |
Maintenance – Air tools have less down time compared to hydraulics. Less preventive maintenance is need for air, while hydraulic fluids must be monitored and replaced periodically. |
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Leakage – When hydraulic systems leak, it results in dangerous fluids being released to the surrounding area and possibly a complete system shutdown. An air system leakage does not contaminate the work area. |
Key Tools
Air compressors have a variety of tools and accessories available. It is important that the compressor you choose will be able to operate your air tools. The required PSI (pounds per square inch) and CFM (cubic feet per minute) can be found on the packaging for each tool. Your compressor's CFM delivery and PSI pressure should exceed the CFM and PSI required for your project. For example, 4 CFM at 90 PSI is needed to run a 1/2" impact wrench, so your compressor should surpass the air requirement of this wrench.
Below is a chart listing various air tools and their assigned CFM and PSI. Please note the CFM requirement varies by tool - check your tool for the accurate CFM requirement. To learn more about air tools, please visit our air tools section on this website.
| Blow Gun |
2.5 |
70 – 100 |
| Caulk Gun |
4 |
50 – 70 |
| Air Brush |
1 |
15 – 50 |
| Air Shear |
8 – 16 |
70 – 90 |
| Sander |
7 – 10 |
70 – 90 |
| Air Hammer(Light) |
4 – 8 |
70 – 100 |
| Air Hammer(Medium) |
10 – 20 |
70 – 100 |
| 1/4" Drill/Screwdriver |
9 – 13 |
70 – 90 |
| 1/8" & 1/2" Impact Wrench |
2 – 7 |
70 – 90 |
| Paint Sprayer |
2 – 18 |
40 – 90 |
| 3/4" Impact Wrench |
10 – 20 |
70 – 90 |
| 3/8" Ratchet 3/8" Impact |
4.5 – 5 |
90 |
| Brad Nailer |
0.85 – .94 |
90 |
| Finish Nailer |
1.4 – 1.8 |
90 |
| Framing Nailer |
2.2 |
90 |
| Stapler |
.67 – 1.4 |
90 – 120 |
| Sandblaster Gun |
7 – 9 |
90 – 90 |
| Polisher |
8 |
90 |
| Grease Gun |
4 |
90 |
| Engine Cleaning Gun |
5 |
70 – 90 |
| Die Grinder |
6 – 8 |
70 – 90 |
| Cut-Off Tool |
4 |
90 |
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