Power, control, durability and lightweight. These are features
technicians demand in their pneumatic tools. Life as a technician would
be a whole lot more difficult without the power tools that have become
such a large part of day-to-day life in the shop.
When you’re looking for a new pneumatic tool, the trick is deciding how
to pick the right tool for the job. There are many reasons to choose
certain kinds of tools, all are dependent on the type of work you need
the tool to help you do.
For example, a 3/4” impact may
have the best torque and rotating speed specs, but if you had to use it
as your primary impact for light- to medium-duty vehicle service, you
would be handicapping your productivity due to the size of the tool.
So,
how do you decide the best tool for the application? Think about the
job to be done. Obviously some jobs use a much larger amount of energy
than others, for different lengths of time. Consider whether the tool
is a low- or high-energy user, and how long you will operate the tool
for any given job.
First, what kind of work will you be
doing? How long do you need to be able to do the job? And how much can
you spend on the tool? Keep in mind, you usually get what you pay for.
But, no matter the price of the tool, it won’t last long if you don’t
maintain it properly and ensure the air supply is filtered to remove
water and other contaminates.
Ergonomics
If the
task at hand is one that requires some time behind the tool, make sure
the tool feels good in your hand, and is lightweight enough to be
comfortable when in use for long periods. Pneumatic tool manufacturers
have different “ergonomic philosophies” when it comes to their balance,
grip design and trigger mechanisms. Make sure to find the tool or
manufacturer that fits you. Most tool trucks will let you try out an
impact before you buy it.
Many of the major manufacturers now
incorporate ultra-lightweight metals, such as titanium, and
ballistic-strength nylon-impregnated plastics in their tool bodies and
mechanisms. The goal is weight reduction. So, remember, just because a
new tool is lighter than you may be used to, doesn’t mean that it’s
lightweight in the power department.
You want a
well-balanced tool that provides an excellent power-to-weight ratio and
greater ease of use. In addition to reducing operator fatigue, better
weight distribution makes working in confined spaces much less awkward.
Some tools offer a rubberized grip for more comfort and
control. Manufacturers are also going out of their way to make sure
these surfaces can stand up to the repair shop environment. Look for
surfaces that are resistant to solvents and other chemicals.
With
more tools becoming lighter and more ergonomic, manufacturers are
rethinking how the tools are controlled. For impacts and ratchets, more
manufacturers are trying to perfect the one-handed directional change.
The objective of these designs is to keep as much of your palm and
thumb in contact with the tool while you change direction or activate
the trigger.
Torque & Pressure
Some tools are
being promoted with increased torque ratings. Some manufacturers are
using terms like “ultimate torque” and “tightened to torque.” It can
get confusing when trying to make comparisons, but most manufacturers
are honest when it comes to the “working torque” specification.
Calculate
the difference among the tools your considering. If it’s only a 7-10%
difference, it’s not going to determine your productivity or languish
in your toolbox. Our advice is to look past the torque numbers, and go
with what works and feels the best for you.
Keep in mind the
amount of torque you get from any impact wrench will be affected by
many things including: air compressor capacity, length of hose, number
of tools working off the compressor at any time, etc.
Look for an
impact mechanism that performs well with a variety of air pressures
and supply conditions, eliminating the required cost of upgrading to a
larger air line.
Most air tools like to run at a pressure
of 90 psi at the tool. Most impacts and ratchets run optimally at 100
psi, any more pressure will not improve performance. With some tools,
the performance of the tool drops with pressures greater than 120 psi.
The
question for you to consider is will the compressor in your shop be
able to sustain 90 psi for the length of time needed to operate the
tool you wish to use and to complete the job you need to do? In order
to be able to answer this second question, you need to know about the
volume requirement of the tool and the volume of the compressor in your
shop. High-energy users are really high-volume tools. Rotary tools tend
to use the most energy, followed by oscillating tools and then
fastening tools, which are usually the lowest consumers of air volume.
Decisions, Decisions
Ask
your tool distributor a lot of questions before you make a decision.
iATN is also a great resource, as are online tool reviews.
TechShop’s Top 5 Tools section allows readers to recommend their favorite tools. Archives of the section can be found on our website, www.TechShopMag.com.
If you especially like a tool (or five!) send in your favorites and the
reasons you like them. This section helps other technicians know what
really works and helps you do your job more efficiently.
For power tool safety and educational information, visit the Power Tool Institute’s site at www.powertoolinstitute.com.
For a list of Pneumatic Tool manufacturers, go to www.TechShopMag.com.
Also see the list below:
AirCat's Wrench Provides 1,000 ft.-lbs. of Loosening Torque
Chicago Pneumatic Introduces CP7749 - 1/2-inch Impact Wrench with Revolutionary Design
Dynabrade’s Unique "View Port" Offers Optimum View of Work Surface
Florida Pneumatic’s High Performance Impact Wrench
Ingersoll Rand Launches 259 3/4" Impactool
Matco Tools Introduces the MT2814 1/4" Composite Ratchet
Kaeser Offers Easy-to-Install Compressed Air Systems
Reelcraft Introduces a New Air Vend Reel
Quincy Compressor Introduces the Quincy QGD