CH 6.6 Air Powered Tools

Introduction (1 of 2) Tools and equipment are very important to an efficient and effective shop operation. Provide means for work to be undertaken on vehicles Purchase, use, and maintenance is very important to overall performance of any shop.

Introduction (2 of 2) Always use tools and equipment the way they are designed to be used. Identify the most effective tools to do the task. Inspect the tool before using it. Use it correctly. Clean and inspect it after you use it. Store it in the correct location.

Air Tools (1 of 11) Air tools use compressed air at high pressure to operate. Automotive shop compressors typically run at greater than 90 psi.

Air Tools (2 of 11) Compressed air is transported through pipes and hoses. Have quick-connect fitting so that various air tools can be used on the same air hose

Air Tools (3 of 11) Air impact wrench Sometimes called an impact gun or rattle gun Usually used to take the wheels off a car Works well to remove lug nuts that require a lot of torque to twist the nuts free Can be set to spin in either direction A valve roughly controls how much torque it applies. You must use special hardened impact sockets, extensions, and joints.

Air Tools (4 of 11) Air ratchet Uses force of compressed air to turn a ratchet drive Used on smaller nuts and bolts Once nut is loosened, air ratchet spins it off in a fraction of the time it would take by hand. Works well where there isn’t much room to swing a ratchet handle

Air Tools (5 of 11) Air hammer Sometimes called an air chisel Useful for driving and cutting Extra force that is generated by compressed air makes it more efficient than hand chisel and hammer.

Air Tools (6 of 11) Air drill Advantages over more common electric drill: It can drill holes, grind, polish, and clean parts. It does not run the risk of producing sparks. It does not trail a live electric cable behind it. It does not get hot with heavy use.

Air Tools (7 of 11) Blow gun or air nozzle The simplest air tool Controls the flow of compressed air Controlled by a lever or valve that is used to blast debris and dirt out of confined spaces Use eye and ear protection during use. Dangerous to use an air nozzle to clean yourself off OSHA-approved nozzles lower the tip pressure by venting some of the air for safety reasons.

Air Tools (8 of 11) Using air nozzles Helpful to activate air nozzle away from area you intend to blow off before doing it Pull trigger gently and modulate flow of air through nozzle. If too much air is allowed through, you may blow dirt back at you. Keep your mouth closed.

Air Tools (9 of 11) Using air impact wrenches Amount of torque wrench can produce determined by tool and pressure feeding it Generally used to take up looseness in a nut or stud Final tightening must be performed by using a torque wrench. Wrench will have a control mechanism that allows it to be driven in either direction. Always use six-point impact sockets when using an air impact wrench.

Air Tools (10 of 11) Using air drills They are safer to use in an environment where flammable materials are present. The torque will be determined by the pressure in the air system feeding it. Smaller and turn at slower speeds than electric drills Operate similarly to their electric counterparts Most are of the 90-degree angle style.

Air Tools (11 of 11) Using air hammers Act in a manner similar to a jackhammer There are a variety of attachments. Place the tool butt against the workpiece and hold it firmly before you pull the trigger.

Summary (23 of 30) Always wear eye and ear protection when using air tools; never use air nozzles on yourself or other people. Pressure washers/cleaners use focused, pressurized water to clean accumulated dirt and grease from vehicle components; water must be directed properly so as not to damage other parts.

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