Friday, October 11, 2013

Air Tools Versus Electric Tools

Work tools such as hammers, screw drivers, and saws are essential partners in DIY home improvement, carpentry, automotive repairs and construction activities. They help you accomplish tasks around the house, in the garage or outdoors with ease and convenience.

Setting up a basic toolkit or upgrading from hand tools will involve some investment in purchasing the latest power and/or pneumatic air tools. With hundreds of tools and accessories to choose from, it’s important to understand the benefits of getting an electric or pneumatic (air) version of the tools that you need.

Benefits of air tools


Higher power-to-weight ratio: Pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air coming from an air compressor. This system delivers more torque for a powerful, faster and efficient performance. A higher power to weight ratio also means you’ll get smaller and lighter tools while enjoying superior performance at work.

Lightweight: Pneumatic tools draw the energy to perform tasks from an air compressor and don’t house internal motors or engines. Without individual motors to provide power, pneumatics are lightweight and easy to handle.

Versatile: A single compressor with the right capacity can provide power to several tools such as saws, sanders and grinders, and hammer drills.

Low price: Air tools are generally less expensive than electric tools although there is an initial investment in buying an air compressor.

Safety: Working with pneumatic tools can reduce accidents and risks arising from electric shock and related hazards.

Benefits of electric tools


 No air compressors: Frequent tool use and construction work may require a high capacity air compressor to provide enough CFM (cubic feet per minute) or pumping capacity, which can be expensive to purchase. Tools that operate on electricity can enjoy continuous power without the limitations of an air compressor.

Battery option
: Innovations in this type of tools include lighter batteries, making them portable and suitable for outdoor tasks and improvement jobs in odd or tight spaces. Lighter Lithium Ion batteries also provide the same power that plugged tools enjoy.

Energy efficient: Electric tools consume as much energy as it uses to perform a task. On the other hand, an air compressor continues to run and therefore use energy even when the pneumatic tool is infrequently used. For infrequent jobs around the house, an electric or battery-operated tool can minimise your energy consumption.

Consider factors such as your needs, the type of jobs you intend or expect to perform and how often, as well as your budget when buying tools for your home or hobby.

NOTE: For air tools in St Marys Australia, visit the Gasweld Tool Center.