Air Tools
Air tools which work on supplying of compressed carbon dioxide are not only cheap and reliable, but they also reduce the manpower required to accomplish the task at hand. Using simple physics concepts involving the pressure and force generated by compressed air, these tools have an incredible ability dish out high levels of force with ease. Air tools are into varying categories depending upon their specific function.
A widely used air tool is an air wrench, also known as impact wrench or rattle gun (in some countries). This tool can be operated on different power sources such as electric or hydraulic power; however compressed air is the most common power source. The energy which the device derives from the gas is stored in the rotating mass, allowing it to get stronger and produce a large output force. This enables it with ability to use compressed air in order to generate high torque, or output power. This tool is commonly used in major construction projects and any other task which requires high torque. The shape and size of this tool depends on the task which the tool is designed to do. These tools are of two shapes - inline (which is held like a screwdriver) or those which have a pistol grip. The maximum torque is applied in a "T handle" form. This consists of two handles on either side of the tool resulting in a better grip of the tool. Recent development in technology has made the tool more efficient, thereby increasing its torque and minimizing the effort of the user.
Airbrushes are often used to paint vehicles or other metallic instruments. The simplest and cheapest airbrushes come in the form of a single trigger mechanism while more complex ones on the market derive higher corresponding values. The different types of feeding systems such as gravity feeds, bottom feeds and side feeds are unique in their own ways. For instance, side and bottom systems are adopted when the artist has to apply large volumes of paint, such as in automotives and T-shirt designing. Today, air brushes are used extensively to create realistic images for advertising, comic book design, etc.
Pneumatic drills or jackhammers, which are powerful enough to drill rocks and concrete, require strong manpower to be driven and properly handled. The air supply to the jackhammer is managed through a portable compressor driven by an engine used by this piece of equipment. In inaccessible regions where portable compressors cannot be transported, the electromechanical tool is used instead.
A nail gun, which is a common household tool, is used to drive nails into materials such as wood. These are generally propelled by compressed air or highly flammable gases such as butane or propane. Small nail guns, which are often called brad nailers, bradders, or pin nailers, drive nails with no head. Different nail guns are used for nailing different types of nails. For example, Finish nailers drive smaller gauge nails, Strap nailers drive 1.5" to 2.5" nails for metal connectors which are used to increase structural strength whereas Roofing nailers drive large headed nails. These are portable, small in size and advantageous to use since they drive the fastener repeatedly and consistently hit the nail head at, or below, the surface.
Spray guns, whose concept has been driven from air brushes, are distinguished from air brushes on basis of their design and the effects they produce. These are commonly operated with aerosol paints which are inexpensive and transportable. Different sprays guns are used for different purposes. For example, high volume low pressure spray systems are used mostly in marine, furniture finishing and automotive industries whereas automated linear spray systems, which minimize wastage of paints, are used to paint simple materials such as doors and window frames.
There are a number of companies worldwide which specialize in the manufacturing of air tools, also known as pneumatic tools. Comp Air Group (Alchemy), an engineering company, specializes in making compressed gas systems. Atlas Copco, a Swedish company, is currently the leading manufacturer of compressed air equipment, construction equipment and a variety of other air tools. Snap On, another leading U.S. designer and marketer builds tools designed specifically for industry professionals. In all, with the wide variety of air tools on the market and an equally diverse batch of manufacturers, you should be able to find whatever tool you are looking for to make your job easier.