Good Practices for Pneumatic Tools

Safety First

• Read your tool manuals, especially the safety sections. Many professional workmen have suffered needless injuries by ignoring safety features and practices in the quest for extra speed or efficiency. Start by checking safety features every time you pick up a tool. Tools like nailers have pressure release safeties that help ensure proper alignment before firing. Safety equipment, such as goggles and hearing protectors help you maintain your own personal safety as well.

Oiling Your Tools

• Get in the habit of adding two or three drops of pneumatic tool oil in the correct inlet daily to keep tools running smoothly. Double check labels and manuals to make sure the tool requires oiling. Many newer tools do not. Tool oil not only protects and lubricates the tools internal parts, it helps to repair the inevitable moisture that occurs in compressed air lines, which can contribute to tool wear.

Replacing Seals

• When tools start leaking, immediate attention is required. Not only do leaks wear on tools and reduce efficiency, they also overdrive compressors and waste energy. Most companies sell O rings and seals in rebuild kits. Check your manuals or the company's website for more information.

Compressor Settings

• Check the suggested air pressure window for your tools. This will be on a label on most tools and is listed as a range; for example, the label may state the tool works best at 60 to 120 psi. Set both the bottom and top pressures so the compressor will maintain the suggested pressure. This is particularly important for fastener tools, such as nailers and staplers. Install an air dryer on your compressor as well, to minimize the effects that damp air has on tools.