How to use a variety of pneumatic tools safely around the home and on the job byfollowing common sense techniques and safety measures.
Pneumatic tools are driven by compressed air that greatly increases productivity and
makes workplace tasks easier to do. But while air tools make jobs easier, they are
powerful and each must be used with common sense for safety.
Air tools include dusters, power washers, grease guns, buffers, nailers, staplers, grinders,
hammer drills, jack hammers, chipping hammers, riveters, sanders, shears, sprayers,
ratchets and impact wrenches, all powered by compressed air provided by a compressor,
itself a tool, which can be used as for inflating or cleaning.
Air tools offer several advantages. They generally last longer because they run cooler than
electric and cordless tools. They are usually lighter and less fatiguing to use. There is no
risk of fire or electric shock. And because they have fewer parts, they are less expensive
to repair.
Safety is important when using pneumatic tools since they can be more powerful than
electrics. Issues include safety gear, equipment pre-checks, maintenance and methods
Safety gear issues include wearing goggles or face shields, dust masks, hearing protectors,
gloves and steel-toed shoes or boots. Screens and shields to catch flying debris, dust
accumulations and dampen noise are good ideas, especially if children or pets are around.
Equipment pre-checks requires a review of manufacturer instructions and specifications
before use. Use only attachments recommended by the manufacturer for your tool. Make
sure that connections fit properly and are equipped with quick disconnects and locking
devices. Air supply lines should have a minimum working pressure of 150% of the
maximum pressure produced by the compressor. Use compressor hoses rated to resist
abrasions, cutting, crushing and flexing. Check to see that no cuts, bulges or abrasions are
visible. Replace the hose if you see any. Blow air out of lines before use. Make sure that
coiling hoses are not creating any trip hazards and are not run on sharp pieces of metal.
Maintenance issues include oiling tools before use. Make sure to use a rated pneumatic
oil. Use of other oils may damage cylinders or pistons in your tools. Check for sticking
safety switches.
When air is compressed, water vapor condenses and collects in the compressor tank
bottom occasionally requiring draining, especially when the weather is humid. Make sure
the air supply to the compressor is clean and dry. Dust, moisture and corrosive fumes can
damage tools. Check the filter on the compressor or install an in-line filter.
Compressors require high amp electricity and have to be plugged directly into a power
source. Using extension cords can cause a voltage drop to the compressor and make it act
sluggish and slow. Instead of running extension cords, plug the compressor directly into
the power source and run a longer hose to the work site.
Methods include common sense tips. Carry your tool by its handle, not the hose. Before
changing tools or examining a malfunctioning tool, turn off the air pressure. Don't
operate the tools above the manufacture's psi ratings. Let the tool do the work, but be
alert how the tool works or cuts.
Hammer drills need a pressure of 30 to 40 pounds to engage masonry and work
efficiently. Sometimes drilling a pilot hole with a small bit works best to guide a larger
bit. Make sure you hold the drill perpendicular to the work or the bit may bind or slip off
the material.
For cutting tools, be alert for the movement of the blade or grinding surface and how the
tool may suddenly move if the piece you're cutting suddenly shears off.
For staplers and nailing guns, keep the gun square to the work. Aim the staple or nail
properly and be aware of co-workers nearby or underneath your work area. A misfired
nail can plunge through a thin piece of sheathing and impale someone. Make sure that
your nosepiece file teeth are sharp so it grips the wood snugly before firing. All nailers
recoil, so a match of nailer to job type is essential. Restrictive triggers which must be
squeezed and released are a good choice for framing. Contact-trip or bounce-fire trigger
nailers are good for sheathing, but require some practice since they can double-fire when
recoil lifts the tool off the work.
Never use a nailer to pound a nail into metal plates such as tie-downs, truss-plates and
joint hangers. Driven nails can bounce off metal and become a flying hazard. Use an old
fashion hammer instead.
Pneumatic tools can greatly increase productivity and lessen fatigue. Respecting a tool's
power and using safety tips will help to insure that your work task or project can be done
safely.
