Essential Air Tools

Air tools are a rather broad category. There are many, many types of air tools available, so what are the ones that everyone with an air compressor should buy? Well, I bought a compressor not too long ago and just happen to have my air tool wishlist in front of me. I'll add some suggested uses as well to make the list more informative.


Tire Chuck
One of the most basic air tools is a tire chuck. I know I personally don't like those 12v lighter compressors, so using my electric compressor for this task is much nicer. You can also pick up a needle for basketballs and footballs, or get the whole air tool accessory kit which includes most of the regularly used "simple" items.


Blowgun
Also called a blo-gun (I find it too trendy for a geek to use those "hip" misspellings), a blow-gun is great for cleaning dust and debris from just about anything. We use one here regularly to clean out the inside of our computers. It can create quite a mess if it hasn't been done for a while. I've also used one of these to blow up an inflatable pool for my son. It's sure a lot nicer than using the old fashioned manual method.


Brad Nailer
Brad nailers are great for those small woodworking projects. Simple things like a shelf or trim around the door, window or baseboards are all great uses for a brad nailer. I personally use the Unicatch UB1832 since I don't do it professionally. We've got a few hundred left, so don't delay if you want a great deal on a decent air tool.


Impact Wrench
It doesn't get more manly than impact wrenches, unless you get a jackhammer. But, an impact wrench is a much more portable macho tool. Impacts are great for working on your car or truck. They install bolts with minimal effort and are great for mounting and removing wheels. It's like Nascar in your own garage!


Polisher
Pneumatic polishers are awesome for buffing the car. It can also be used for polishing stone, marble counter tops, etc. It has more to do with the bonnet you choose than the tool itself. Besides being great for areas where you don't want to use electric power, they sound really cool. Whirrrrrrrr!


Ratchet
Got a spot where you want to use a ratchet wrench or open ended wrench but can't turn the handle enough to loosen anything? Get a pneumatic ratchet and just press the button. These are also great for cars. Have you noticed an automotive theme building in this article?


Stapler
Staplers sound simple, right? Well, pneumatic staplers are a little more complicated. They're not for paper (with the exception of tar paper when doing roofing). They can be used in applications such as carpet and upholstery installation, roofing, and siding. Not exactly automotive, but it is a cool air tool category none the less.


Other candidates include:
Pneumatic chippers, coil nailers, cutting tools, punches, grinders , screwdrivers, drills, sanders, spray guns, and framing nailers are all great ones that aren't necessarily for everyone. I'll stick with my cordless drill and leave the pneumatics for people that have more of a need than I for cool pneumatics. I also shouldn't be doing much framing... that's not geeky. Maybe if I were framing a server room for my basement... ;-)

Don't forget the fittings, teflon thread sealing tape, hoses and other accessories. They make your air tool experience complete.

• Straddle Crane