Pneumatic or electric? How to select the best power tool for your application

Does my power tool need to be pneumatic?

Deciding whether or not a pneumatic tool is the right choice for you will ultimately depend on the following:

Do you need a high performance tool?

Air tools use simple air motors or pistons rather than an electric motor, making them considerably lighter than electric tools, with a high power to weight ratio. Therefore, if high performance and all-day use are key factors, air tools deliver the best results and reduce user fatigue.

What is your working environment like?

Air tools are quite slim compared to electric tools, which have bulky motors. This makes them ideal for areas where space is limited, or in cramped locations, for example when working on cars.

Air tools are also easy to switch over on the airline, with no need to keep plugging them into an AC socket or down tools when an extension lead won’t reach. This enables the user to get jobs done more quickly and conveniently.

Do you have easy access to compressed air?

If you don’t already have an air line there will be the initial expense of setting one up to use air tools. However, pneumatic tools provide lower ongoing maintenance costs than electric tools as they have fewer working parts that can go wrong. This can result in long-term savings.

If you have decided that a pneumatic tool is right for you, then there are a range of tools you can select from:

Factors to consider when selecting an air tool
	Torque It is highly important to consider torque when selecting an air impact wrench or ratchet. Using an impact wrench with a higher torque than necessary can result in over-tightening of nut and bolts, which could lead to severe damage. Not enough torque is also highly dangerous as it leads to under-tightening which could result in a wheel nut becoming loose when the car is driving down the road. What torque does your application require? If you are unsure, then we recommend referring to the manufacturers manual or packaging of the component that you are tightening. If using an impact wrench or similar impact tool, it is recommended to check the nut with a manual torque wrench for precise accuracy.
	Drive Size If purchasing an impact wrench or ratchet, you will need to consider the drive size. Impact wrenches are available in the following sizes: 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch and 1 inch. The smallest sizes, 1/4 and 3/8 inch are ideal for working in confined spaces and more suitable for where accuracy and precision is key. The most common size is 1/2 inch as it is suitable for most applications. The 1/2 inch will provide enough power and precision when working with regular-sized vehicles. The most powerful Impact Wrenches tend to be 3/4 or 1 inch, and are commonly used in industrial applications such as construction and large tyre applications. Whichever size you decided, remember to always select the right impact socket.
	Free Speed Free speed is important when purchasing air tools such as Grinders and Sanders, the required speed (rpm) will be determined by the application.
	Weight If you plan to use the air tool over long periods, it is important to select a well-balance tool that is comfortable and lightweight enough to hold over several hours.
	Sound Prolonged exposure to loud noise can result in irreversible damage to your hearing, therefore if you plan to use the tool over long periods it is recommended to select a tool with lower noise levels where possible. Hearing protection must always be worn for exposures above 85 dBa.
	Vibration For a safer and more comfortable experience, opt for a lower vibration level if you plan to use the tool over long periods regularly as high exposure to hand-arm vibration can lead to permanent health effects.
	Compressor tank size Consider how you are going to power the tool and ensure that the compressor is suitable for the tool and application. See our handy guide to selecting the right compressor for more details.