Air vs. Electric Tools
Which one is best for the job?
Many people have their preference – either air (pneumatic) or electric tools for all of their needs. Depending on your workload, you may require a specific setup that will give you the freedom to work as you need. Ultimately though, which one is better for you - air or electric?
Air tools have incredible durability and a much lighter weight compared to their electric counterparts. Air tools are ergonomically friendly and can be run for long hours on the job. The motors inside air tools rarely break down, instead they usually wear slowly – this allows for easy maintenance planning. Air motors run cool while the windings in an electric motor heat up, leading to tool failure and required maintenance.
Electric tools tend to be bigger and bulkier compared to air tools.
Air tools will have a more compact design and allow for easy maneuverability. With the smaller size of air tools, you can easily work in confined areas. The lower vibration of air tools is also a huge game changer. If you have prolonged exposure to continuous or repetitive motion, hand/wrist/arm injuries can occur. Always take precautions when you operate tools so this does not happen to you.
Durability
Air tools are completely enclosed, unlike electric tools which can let in exterior particles, impeding performance. In demanding production settings, air power tools can outperform and last longer than electric power tools.
Are you working with water?
Unlike electric tools, air tools can be used safely with water. This may be an important consideration in many industrial applications.
Price and production can also greatly influence air and electric tools.
If you are a person doing side projects, then an electric tool might be the best choice. With air tools you will need a compressor to run these tools, with electric tools you would rely on rechargeable batteries or having an electric outlet nearby. In production settings, where a person may be using the tool continuously for their entire shift, air tools would make the most sense because of their durability and performance. One could save on downtime due to air tools being more durable.
With regular preventative maintenance, air tools last up to five times longer than electrical tools.
The number and variety of tools available to manufacturers today can make choosing the right tool for the job challenging. Beyond the tool brand, manufacturers are wise to consider horsepower/wattage, weight, vibration, and of course durability. When closely examined over time, the value that an air tool brings typically far outweighs that of an electric tool.
Beyond performance and durability, air tools are favored because of their ergonomics.
When compared to a similar electric tool, air tools prove to be far superior in nearly every measurable category – size, weight, vibration, and sound. Industry analysis of power tool applications has shown a continuing trend year after year of more manufacturers switching to air tools.
Which one is right for you?
If your application and duration are for a short period of time, then it may make sense to use electric tools. If you do find yourself running tools for several hours and working on longer projects, then an investment in an air compressor and air tools would make more sense.
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