Pneumatic tools are high powered machines that are driven by compressed air. Pneumatic tools are used for many jobs on construction sites and are in high demand from plant hire companies. Many pneumatic tools are often used for one off jobs and many are large bulky pieces of equipment making it uneconomical to purchase them. To help you find the right equipment for the job we have compiled a brief guide to pneumatic tools.

Pneumatic tools have steadily grown in popularity since their introduction on the market. Pneumatic tools can often do the same job as the alternative counterpart but with distinct advantages.

Pneumatic tools employ turbine mechanisms that are easier to repair and maintain than electrical power tools. Pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air which is provided by a source such as a gas compressor or air hose. Pneumatic tools can be used for a range of tasks from furniture making to construction work with a wide variety of models to accommodate.

Pneumatic tools are rarely used for domestic and DIY uses and are commonly used in industrial work. Due to their uncompromising power output many are used for tasks that would other wise need time consuming and uneconomical amounts of manpower to be completed. Workshops, garages, factories and production lines often rely heavily on pneumatic tools to carry out jobs in their daily routine.

Pneumatic drills are large but still portable drills that are powered by compressed air. Pneumatic drills can be used to drill into hard materials like rock and can also be used for dismantling and breaking up slabs and stretches of pavement.

Pneumatic drills are different to other drills in that the drill but does not actually rotate but instead works in a chipping motion similar to a hammer and chisel but self propelled. Pneumatic drills are also known as jackhammers in some regions.

Although a portable device the pneumatic drill is not suited to all situations. This is as the drill takes a lot of its power from the gravity and pressure of its weight supplying the drive. Pneumatic drills work best on flat surfaces directly below the operator such as pavements and walkways and are not designed for use on walls or sloping surfaces.

Nail guns are increasingly in popularity and are often favoured over conventional tools such as hammers. Nail guns are used to drive nails into wood, concrete, steel and other hard surfaces.

Nail guns can be used for dispensing other things such as fasteners. Nails and fasteners are usually loaded into the nail gun in clips or cartridges. Pneumatic nail guns need to be connected to an air hose to function. Nail guns can be powered by other means including electro magnets and explosive charges that have their distinct advantages.

Compressed gas is one of the safer power sources as there is less chance that a high velocity nail can shatter a surface. Nail guns require training and care to use. Due to its potentially harmful nature great care is needed for use and storage. In some regions a licence is required and the classification for use and precaution is similar to that of a firearm.