Pneumatic tools are powered by the flow and pressure of a compressed gas. Typically, these hand-held power tools use compressed air or compressed carbon dioxide that is stored in small canisters for portability. Pneumatic tools have a higher power-to-weight ratio than electric power tools and are used mainly in industrial settings. Applications for pneumatic tools include hammering, painting, bulk material removal, surface finishing, hole drilling, fastener, impact, metal cutting, fine material removal, nailing, torque, and paint removal. Specialty pneumatic tools are also available.

Types of Pneumatic Tools

There are many different types of pneumatic tools. Types include air impact wrenches, air ratchets, and airbrushes. An air impact wrench stores energy in a rotating mass or hammer for delivery to an output shaft. These pneumatic tools are sometimes called air wrenches, air guns, rattle guns, or torque guns. They are available in many standard socket wrench drive sizes. Air ratchets, mechanical devices for controlling rotational motion, also come in standard sizes. Airbrushes are trigger-activated pneumatic tools that use nebulization to spray paint, ink, or dye.

Pneumatic tools include grinders, sanders, drills, screwdrivers, hammers, and hack saws. Pneumatic grinders use an abrasive bonded to a wheel, belt, or disc to remove material and improve surface finish. Pneumatic sanders feature a similar design, but are used to finish wood or plastic instead of metal. Pneumatic screwdrivers are automated tools that turn screws while providing close control of screw torque. These handheld pneumatic tools may provide torque feedback and controlled stopping. Pneumatic hammers deliver an impact to objects such as nails. They are often designed for a specific purpose, and vary in terms of shape and weight. 

Pneumatic trimmers, pneumatic tackers, pneumatic polishers, pneumatic nail guns, and pneumatic sandblasters are common types of pneumatic tools. As their name suggests, pneumatic trimmers are used in cutting or trimming applications. Specialized products include pneumatic tools for edge-banding, as well as pneumatic tools for food processing. Pneumatic polishers are designed to impart a fine surface finish to the exterior of a part. Pneumatic nail guns are well-suited for woodworking and furniture-making applications. They are designed to launch nails at very high speeds. Pneumatic sandblasters and other types of pneumatic tools are also commonly available.