​Eight Ways to Maximise your Air Tool Performance

What are air tools, and why are they different

Air tools are understandably some of the best tools for creative DIYers and functional automotive workshops, and factories use. Its ease of use, almost no injury while in service, and lightweight characteristics give them their advantage over their electrical equivalents. We have an elaborate suggestion for designing and selecting air tools that you can use in an automotive workshop and the appropriate air compressor selection. Air tools derive their power from the air primarily supplied by an air compressor. The air moves from the pressure regulator that is set for the appropriate pressure of operation for the given tool or sets of devices; the air moves through the hose that is mounted on the tool via a quick-release couple; this is a professionally accredited way to reduce downtime and effect a longer lifespan for your air tools hence we have curated eight ways to maximise your air tool performance.

Many times customers call our sales support services to enquire about pneumatic tools and their performance, their specific question largely centres on which brand is best, unfortunately, what customers don't understand is that the leading question should be how to keep their tool working optimally and less about if Chicago pneumatics is a better tool brand than Shinano pneumatics of japan. What matters is how to optimize your air tool performance; This article is about air tools performance maximisation. We have categorised air tools into Industrial and professional air tools and standard air tools. The industrial and professional air tools are more capable, have all needed features, and are more durable than the standard tools, like DIY tools with fewer features and limited power. Professionals mostly use industrial tools, and manufacturers build these tools to the most demanding standards.

Whichever product brand fold select in air tools what matters is to keep them working when needed hence we will proffer some of the most important ways to keep them working for a long time. First, we focus on the air pressure and airflow.

1. Give required air pressure.

The measurement of air pressure is in PSI which translates to pounds per square inch of pressure. PSI measures the amount of pressure placed on a single square inch of space; this is the amount of force an air compressor delivers; for example, a PSI of 100 means the compressor can provide 100 pounds of force exerted per square inch. All equipment have their desirable optimal operating pressure. Many air tools are primarily designed to run on 90 pounds per square inch of pressure. It is common to assume that a 2inch air impact wrench will require more pressure than a small air angle grinder because the impact wrench produces high torque while the grinder produces rotation for the grinding machine. Unfortunately, most industrial air tools are designed to operate optimally on 90 PSi which is the industry standard. Increasing the air pressure more than the stipulated manufacturers' air pressure can damage components in the tool or reduce the tool's lifespan and create a potentially dangerous situation by compromising other accessories in use with the equipment. One of the ways to ensure getting the required pressure of 90 PSI is to use an air regulator to measure the air pressure coming from the compressor while also the tool is running open and reduces when the tool is throttled. It is essential to know that most air tools designed to run at 90 psi will perform less when less pressure is applied. For example, an impact wrench rated as requiring 90 PSI means 90 PSI is the minimum necessary pressure to work correctly; therefore, you will need a compressor that will deliver a higher shut-off pressure. It would be best to be careful not to apply too much pressure; otherwise, the tool can be damaged.

2. Give your tools the required airflow rate.

Airflow rate is the actual volume of air passing through a device with a time; it is usually expressed in cubic feet-per-minute (CFM) to three significant figures. CFM is the measurement of the compressor output. Most air tools need 5 CFM; however, it varies from tool to tool. For example, an air stapler needs just 0.3CFM while a framing nailer requires 2.2CFM; continuous use tools need more air volume and consequently require higher CFM. A sander that spins continuously might have a specification of 8CFM @90 PSI, while a nail gun will have a lower CFM rating of 2,8 because of the need for single bursts of air.

Professional tip. To find the minimum amount of CFM a tool requires multiply your device CFM rating by 1.5; for example, the nail gun above with a CFM rating of 2.8 will have a minimum CFM of (2.8 X 1.5)

The other rating of airflow is standard Cubic Feet per Minute SCFM, it is considered the more exact or scientific measurement because it rules out the differences of air temperature and humidity.

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3. Ensure to have the required air tank volume

It is vital to have a proper calculation of how many tools you are using at a time in your workshop, and this is because the volume of the tank determines the required air pressure and the number of equipment needed. The tank volume represents the amount of time the air delivers to the tools, and the compressor simultaneously fills up the tank and pressurizes it. Big tank size is required if a continuous airflow is needed to make a tool function continuously. It would be best to calculate how many tools will be connected to the tank at once. Now lets us run a small calculator here. Let us assume we have three powerful tools to be used simultaneously, with each having a rating of say 3 CFM at 90 PSI, and you will need a minimum supply of 9 CFM output compressors.

4. Ensure to get the proper couplings for your air tools.

The connection of air tools to the air from the compressor after passing through the regulator filter and the lubricator usually uses a hose fitting called couplers. The air fittings come in two variations, the female pipe thread or internally threaded fittings or the male pipe thread has outside threading. Identifying the correct couplers is essential to avoid work delays.

The category of thread taper known as National pipe taper (NPT) is what FPT and MPT fall under and is the most used pipe thread in the United States. The commonly used pipe size is ¼ and ⅜ inch, determined mainly by the air hose and tool used in the system. Therefore you must know which thread type you need when setting up your air system.

5. Ensure to feed your compressor with clean air

After acquiring a compressor and tools with robust features, it will be a shame that you feed your devices with contaminated air; air that contains dirt, heat, and moisture can damage air tools over time; therefore, you should protect your tools with the correct filter, an after-cooler, and a compressed air dryer to achieve quality compressed air for your tools will make the tool last for a long time.

6. Use proper filter regulator and lubricator for the air system.

After the checks on the compressor type, air pressure, and airflow parameter requirements of your system, the next significant thing is to ensure the use of a proper filter regulator and lubricator (FRL). Also, make sure that the hose connecting air to your tool from the filter regulator and lubricator is not too long; otherwise, the aerosol spray lubricant that will enter the device will come into the tool as a liquid will ultimately damage the tool.

7. Create Proper storage space for air tools

Air tools are necessary workshop tools and costly to acquire; hence it warrants that owners should keep them properly. Storing air tools in a dusty environment can attract dust clouds and dirt into the tool's air inlets and fittings, thereby damaging them. It would help to protect your air tools by capping their male inlets before storing them; proper protective covers should be used.

8. Clean Filters and Vents weekly, change Filters, lubricants, and spare parts regularly.

Dirt and dust can easily clog the vents of air tools more quickly than expected, thereby blocking the ease of airflow, which can ultimately cause the tool to heat up during use. Proper tools maintenance warrants that filters and vents be checked and cleaned weekly to allow the tools to work efficiently.

You should also change Filters and lubricants regularly without allowing them to wear down or show signs of performance decline before changing them. So professional tips for the average services intervals for air tools are as shown below, not that this can vary from tool to tool

• Air Filter – every 1000 hours or when necessary
• Oil Filter – every 1000 hours or as desired
• Lubricant – every 4000 to 8000 hours or as required
• Separator Element – change together with lubricant
• Belts – replace as needed
• Motor Bearings – grease every 2000 hours or when necessary

Air tools come with great designs and full powers; they also last long and sometimes are pricy. Why would avoidable actions by owners of power tools reduce the integrity of these tools? It is often due to easily preventable actions, which this article has effectively addressed. Contact us if you have further questions. Ensure all your pneumatic tools are purchased from Tend Industrial Supplies LLC USA, the leading name in air tools.