Getting Started With Air Tools
Personally, I find air tools very exciting. They’re simply unmatched in terms of combining low weight and high power, when compared to manual or electric tools. Of course, with so many different tools to choose from, it can be difficult to pick a starting point.
The first question you should ask yourself is: “What will these tools be used for?”
Home Improvement:
If you plan on doing basic home repair or construction projects, you might want to start with an inexpensive nail gun, and a small compressor. As you get more experienced, you’ll be able to upgrade to a more expensive model.
With air nailers, I don’t recommend starting off with a high-end model. They’re often designed for very specialized applications. Roofing nailers, flooring nailers and finishing nailers can all be very expensive, and designed for specific tasks. Picking the wrong nailer before you’re ready will only mean buyer’s remorse down the road.
Unlike the more expensive specialized models, a more generic “starter model” air nailers can be used in multiple situations. Once you get a few projects under your belt and decide on your specialty, then you can think of upgrading.
Auto Repair:
For auto mechanics, there are 2 options I recommend:
- Air Ratchets
- Impact Wrenches
Although they might look similar, these 2 models complement each other and are NOT interchangeable. Air ratchets are great for screwing on bolts, and impact wrenches are almost exclusively meant to be used for “breaking” stuck or rusted fasteners.
A few tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid using an impact wrench for installing fasteners. You might damage the thread.
- Never use ratchet sockets on an air impact wrench. The force delivered by these devices is very strong, and may crack or shatter normal sockets. Instead, only use impact sockets that were designed for your wrench.
Hobbies and Crafts:
Sometimes you don’t care about the aesthetics of your project. You just want a quick fastener that will hold. Some applications include:
- Furniture repair
- The back of picture frames
- Upholstery
- Repairing Pallets
- Etc…
In these instances, you may want to use an air stapler or corrugated fastener. These tools are a quick, convenient no-frills way to get the job done.
Many air nailers, offer 2-in-1 functionality, where they can be used as both: an air nailer and an air stapler. If you’re looking for a tool with maximum flexibility, this might be a good place to start.
All of the tools outlined in this article have 3 important things in common:
- They’re all low in price.
- They were all selected for maximum utility, so you’ll use your tool more often.
- They all have low air requirements, so you can get started with a smaller, less expensive compressor.
Of course, there are many more questions that need to be answered before investing in your first air tool, but I couldn’t possibly answer all of them in this short article. If you feel that I’ve missed any important questions, please leave a note in the comments below. I would love to answer them for you in greater detail.
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