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Power tools have evolved from large water or wind-powered machines to smaller electric and air-powered devices. Air tools are gaining popularity due to their mobility and lower maintenance costs. They can be used for various applications and are often lighter than power tools. Air tools are operated with adjustable pneumatic pressure and are better suited for certain hand tools.
Power tools have evolved from huge mills and spinning looms powered by water or wind to devices that fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, such as electric screwdrivers and palm sanders. Virtually all of today’s power tools are powered by one of two ways, air or electricity. Air tools, commonly called pneumatic tools, are rapidly gaining popularity over their electrically powered rivals, especially among homeowners and hobbyists.
The vast majority of air tools are operated using compressed air supplied by an air compressor. Most compressors are powered by electricity or petrol. A hose leads from the compressor to the tool and supplies a constant velocity power source to the power tool. There are some air powered power tools powered by carbon dioxide (CO2) cylinders that use the same operating principles as compressed air. These canister tools are notable for their mobility, needing no air hose which could inhibit their operation at a considerable distance from any type of power source.
Even ten years ago, power tools were the only choice for do-it-yourselfers. Since then, inexpensive air compressors, more efficient operating equipment, and lower maintenance costs have given air tools an edge in the handyman market. Professionals and manufacturers have been using pneumatic tools for decades, well aware of the safety and reliability of pneumatic versus electric power. Additionally, air tools are often lighter and less bulky than power tools, resulting in less fatigue when using hand tools.
Air tools can be used for all sorts of applications, once thought to be strictly the domain of electric powered hand tools. These applications include sanders, cutting tools, screwdrivers, chisels, staplers, saws, chippers, and hammers, among numerous other tools. Several additional hand tools, such as sprayers, nail guns, ratchets and torque wrenches, are much better suited to operation with compressed air than with electric power.
Air tools are usually operated with a trigger, similar to power tools. The actual working mechanisms are activated by the adjustable pressure of the compressed air. The pneumatic pressure adjustment mechanisms are usually found on the handle of the tool. Normally, the adjustment mechanism will be a knob or dial, commonly incremented in pounds per square inch (psi). The air pressure can also be adjusted by the air compressor. Electrically operated power tools are rarely adjustable, so the power output can often be too much or too little, requiring smaller or larger tools and the resulting inefficiency and expense.
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