Advantages of Using Pneumatic Tools Over Electric Tools

Comparisons are part of human nature, and the debate on pneumatic vs. electric tools is pretty intense, especially after the lithium batteries revolution.

However, pneumatic tools are far from disappearing; from an objective perspective, they have some advantages that I would like to share with you.

My Experience

I have been using both pneumatic and electric tools for personal and professional use in the automotive and electronics industries for years. Perhaps because of my engineering background and being raised in a family of engineers, I try to be pragmatic, and I’m not biased towards any particular type of tool.

That being said, let’s start with some basic considerations.

Electric vs. Pneumatic Tools

One, if not the main, drawback of pneumatic tools is that they must rely on a compressor, and even the average size ones are not easy to carry around. Portability is the biggest advantage of cordless power tools.

However, that doesn’t prevent construction workers and contractors from using their air tools outside a shop; it’s just a matter of evaluating the pros and cons of each type of tool and work and going from there.

Of course, when you work in a fixed place, like your home workshop or business, using pneumatic tools gets easier, especially if you are starting from scratch. Finding a perfect place for the compressor, planning the air lines setup, and designing the system can be exciting and part of the fun and the thrill of setting up your new working space. Still, installing air power in an established place can be slightly trickier, but it’s perfectly doable and feels great.

Migrating from electric tools to pneumatic is doable, but it’s best if you have the chance to have everything prepared and planned to start using pneumatic tools from day one.

Before getting into more detail about the advantages of using pneumatic tools over electric ones, I’ll leave you some links that will help you design your fixed or portable setup.

7 Advantages of Air Tools

Here are 7 reasons why I would prefer an air tool over electric power tool.

1. Lower Tool Costs

Pneumatic tools are considerably less expensive than similar electric tools because they are propelled by the air generated by the compressor, so they don’t require an expensive motor. All the tools in any pneumatic arsenal are powered by the same power source. Besides, air tools don’t have as many moving parts as their electric counterparts.

2. Extended Lifespan and Simple Maintenance

With proper maintenance, which basically implies lubrication and cleaning, pneumatic tools can last decades. Some tools can be quite complex; however, they are designed to be user-serviceable, and there are often more spare parts available than electrical ones.

The need for regular maintenance may be seen as a problem compared with modern electric tools, which require little maintenance. However, in my experience, electric tools are not always user-serviceable, replacement parts are expensive, and repair costs are usually more expensive than buying a new one.

3. Lightweight Design

Because pneumatic tools don’t carry an electric motor or batteries, they are lighter than similar electric tools. The lighter weight makes them perfect for extended use and reduces fatigue, translating into better results.

Lightweight is one of the main advantages that makes pneumatic tools perfect for professional and repetitive jobs, but it’s also beneficial for all users.

When using a tool for an eventual job like changing a tire, the tool’s weight is not as relevant as if you had to work several hours a day with the tool or if you had to remove several stubborn fasteners in an uncomfortable position. In those cases, lightweight air tools will certainly make your life easier.

4. Sturdy Construction

Another favorable aspect of pneumatic tools is that even entry-level models are manufactured for professional use. They feature strong metallic housings that make them shock-resistant.

You can use air tools for extended periods as they don’t have an electric motor and electronic parts that can be damaged due to overheating or excessive stress. During operation, the compressed air that circulates through the wane motor keeps the tool cool.

5. Superior Power-To-Weight-Ratio

Even the most advanced electric motors have internal friction, and due to their working principle, only about 50% of the power they receive from the power grid reaches the tool’s tip. On the other hand, pneumatic tools can turn almost all the power they receive from the compressor into energy because the only loss they are subjected to is the internal friction of their components.

Pneumatic tools are more effective than their electric counterparts, and that’s why pneumatic tools often have more power and torque than electric tools of similar size and more weight. This also makes them more cost-effective in the long run, especially if they are driven by an efficient compressor.

6. One Power Source for Many Tools

Although the initial investment in purchasing an air compressor may seem like a high price to pay upfront, the versatility you gain by using pneumatic tools makes it worth it.

With a proper compressor, you can power dozens of tools and switch from one tool to another in the blink of an eye. You just have to fit a quick-release fitting in the tip of your power hose, and that’s it; you can use your impact wrench to remove a control arm and, in a second, switch to an air chisel to remove a stubborn control arm, all without leaving your work area.

You can even use the same hose with a tire chuck to inflate the vehicle’s tires when you finish.

7. Safe Operation in Difficult Conditions

Thanks to their design, pneumatic tools are safe to operate in wet or moisturized environments, near flammable liquids, and other situations where electric tools can’t be used due to the electric shock and fire hazards the use of electricity and exposed electric motors pose.
For example, pneumatic tools are used in the mining industry because they don’t produce sparks, unlike electric-powered tools that could cause an explosion.

Since air tools don’t have electric power cords, its free from the risk of electrocution. They are safer to use since there is no risk of accidentally tearing the cable insulation apart when working.

Pneumatic tools are also more resistant to dust, high temperatures, and spills, which makes them more suitable for heavy-duty applications than electric ones.

Even when pneumatic tools minimize the risks of electric shocks and fire hazards, it’s important to use them carefully and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
You can find more information about using pneumatic tools safely here.

Pneumatic Tools Pros and Cons

Below, I will summarize all the pros and cons that appeared in the text and some more that are worth considering:

Pros

• Lower tool price.
• Lighter and less bulky than electric tools.
• Sturdy construction. They are best at resisting shocks and endure long periods of extreme use without risk of damage. They are also less prone to damage under harsh conditions.
• High power-to-weight ratio. They are more efficient than their electric counterparts.
• More power efficient than electric tools.
• Quick to exchange tools (only compared with corded electric tools).
• Safe to operate in moisture, wet, and other places where electric motors could cause accidents.

Cons

• Higher upfront cost. Purchasing a high-quality air compressor and installing air lines, filters, and other accessories requires a considerable investment.
• Higher upfront complexity: Installing multiple compressed air stations and wall-mounted air pipes requires planning, time, and knowledge.
• The compressor and the tools require frequent maintenance. Although maintenance costs are low for high-scale operations, they should be considered for DIY or infrequent use.
• Hard to transport. The tools are easy to transport by themselves, and despite there are some ways to carry compressed air, carrying some types of air compressors is possible, but it can be a hassle, especially for one-time jobs.
• Pneumatic tools and compressors are loud. The compressor can be isolated but implies an extra cost. Electric tools can also be pretty noisy and require ear protection, so noise is not a main concern for you, but it could be a problem for nearby persons and animals.

Closing Thoughts

Pneumatic tools have many advantages, especially if you run a workshop or want to improve the performance and versatility of your garage or hobby room. They deliver excellent torque, and working with them feels fantastic.

If you are considering starting up a new project that involves manufacturing, I wouldn’t hesitate to use pneumatic tools for repetitive tasks, but I wouldn’t completely discard electric, especially cordless tools.

Over time, you can build a great combined setup and have the best of both worlds at my workplace. That’s what I’ve been doing at my car repair shop for a long time, and I must say that I couldn’t be happier with my pneumatic tools, but also the electric tools we use have saved me more than once.