Air power tools, also called pneumatic tools, are rapidly gaining popularity over their electrically powered rivals, especially among tradesmen and homeowners.
These gadgets need an air compressor which is usually powered by electricity, gasoline, diesel, propane or natural gas.
A hose leads from the compressor to the tool and provides a constant supply of compressed air to the tool of choice.
There is no end to the applications and industries that are using air driven tools.
In this article I will focus on the home improvement and construction industry.
Air Power Tools that drive fasteners have had the biggest impact on the construction trades.
The good old hammer is being challenged as the tool of choice.
I am not saying that we can all just throw the hammer away...
not at all.
I still have 5 or more different hammers in my tool kit.
Each one has a special purpose and I would be lost without them.
The pneumatic tools today have actually sped up production and made it easier on the wrist.
Try swinging a 26 ounce hammer all day and you will see what I mean.
The air spiker has totally revolutionized how carpenters frame houses and work on remodels.
To drive a 3 inch spike with an air tool, all you have to do is pull a trigger.
These are powerful fastening devices and in the wrong hands they can be dangerous.
Safety features have come a long way since I first started using these tools 30 years ago.
The varieties of air power tools are endless.
You can get a micro pinner that shoots a headless wire nail.
This tool is used for precision finish work where you cannot see where the nail was driven.
It also prevents the Carpenter from splitting the thinnest moldings available.
I would be doing a disservice to the automotive industry if I did not mention how air power tools have helped make the lives of mechanics more enjoyable.