Battery-powered cordless tools have replaced pneumatic impact wrenches and drills in many farm shops, but air-powered die grinders, air hammers and other tools that use compressed air are still common. Here are a few tips to not only provide those pneumatic tools full power, but extend their longevity:
- Use only pneumatic air tool oil to lubricate air tools, and use it frequently. As a young mechanic I thought I could use WD-40 or any lubricant on my work bench to lube my air tools. Wrong. Only pneumatic air tool lubricant has the proper viscosity and water-management properties to adequately lube the fast-moving parts inside air tools. I’ve got a lot of disintegrated air tool parts to prove my point.
- Lube air tools frequently. Again as a young mechanic, I thought it was enough to lube my air tools once a day, maybe even only once a week. I now lube an air tool every time I pick it up to use it. (To prove my point, see previous item about having lots of disintegrated air tool parts.)
- Water separators are not an option. In a perfect world there would be a water filter/separator at every point where an air hose quick-couples to a compressed air system. If nothing else, have a water separator on the main air line, then have drop tubes with water drain valves at low points in the supply line, so water can collect and be easily drained.
- Use only metal air lines in areas near welders and where torches (or bench grinders) will be used. I once worked in a shop where OSHA-approved plastic air lines were used to distribute compressed air to work stations around the shop. If you want a quick thrill, be focused on laying a nice bead with a welder and have a big welding spark land on a high-pressure plastic air line.
More Shop Tips from Dan
All Jammed Up: What to Know about Jam Nuts Versus Standard Nuts
Clogged Combines: The Damage Weeds Can Do to Machinery
