Benefits of pneumatic tools?
Question:I have used a pneumatic nailer and staplers on previous projects. I noticed there are quite a few different pneumatic tools out there to use. I am wondering why you would use pneumatic over electric tools. Thank you for your time!
Answers:
I prefer them because they feed off a single source--an air compressor. They interchange quickly so I don't have to unplug the cord, drop the extension cord, pick it up, plug in again, etc. like you do with electric tools. Also, better electric tools have heavier motors to produce torque; but a good Aro screwdriver has plenty of torque at only 90 psi. The down side to air is that you have to have at least a 7hp unit to run sanders or other high CFM (cubic feet per minute) tools. But if I could only choose electric or pneumatic, it would be pneumatic in a heartbeat.
Generally many of the tools are lighter than their electrical counterparts. If you have to, you can use them in the rain or near water without worry (other than rust).
Better power to weight ratio. Electric motors tend to be heavy, and if you are doing a lot of nailing the weight would be a drag. Another technology of interest is gas-powered tools; the tool is powered by a small can of propane, which is burned in a cylinder in the tool to cause it to act. The tool is equipped with a battery-operated fan to cool the combustion chamber and expel the exhaust gas.
The biggest reason is that you can get a lot more power with air. Plus it is a lot safer when using in wet or damp conditions.
The first and most important reason: There's no risk of electric shock at your work site, so they are less hazardous. Even though you must use an air compressor, there are no electrical cords around you when you are working.
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