Welcome back to the Gear Up With Gregg’s Blog! Today, we’re talking Chicago Pneumatic Air Tools! Ratchet wrenches, grinders, air hammers, riveters, and stubbies! "Prep-AIR" yourself for lots of great tips!
Why Pneumatic?
The word pneumatic is defined as containing or operated by air under pressure, and so pneumatic tools convert power from an air compressor into mechanical energy. Compressed air flows into the tool and through a pressure regulator that’s calibrated to the correct output for the tool. The pneumatic motor then converts the compressed air into enough energy to perform a mechanical operation, like drilling. Hammers and nail guns use a piston-style motor while rotary tools use a turbine-style motor. All these tools need to run is a supply of pressurized air. No downtime, like with battery-operated tools; and no mess, like with hydraulic tools.
Some people prefer battery-operated tools for their portability and cordless design, but there are several reasons why air tools might be a better option. Because pneumatic tools don’t use batteries, they are lighter to handle, easier and cheaper to fix, and pose very little risk in comparison to electric tools. They run cooler, don’t create a risk of shock or fire, and will never overload or stall.
Hydraulic tools exert more power and are necessary for things like demolition, but air tools are lighter and more cost effective, while also being easier and safer to use. Hydraulic systems can also leak, releasing contaminants and resulting in complete system failure until the leak is repaired.
The Tools
So now that you know the advantages of pneumatic tools, let’s take a look at the different types we carry here at Gregg’s. First things first, you’ll need to consider the intended use which will determine what type and orientation of tool will work best.
Grinders, Scalers and Air Hammers
For example, if you’re looking for a compact grinder that allows you to work in tight corners, you’ll want to check out the Mini Straight Die Grinder; this is our top seller for a reason. It is an incredibly powerful, versatile tool that spins up to 30,000 RPM and is designed for easy maneuverability in whatever tricky nook you need to get into.
A great way to prep surfaces is the Needle Scaler/Chisel. This tool has 5.3 joules of power and uses 19 1/8” steel needles to quickly and easily resurface. It can also convert into a chipping hammer to precisely chip away specific areas.
Now the Pistol Grip Air Hammer has a little more power at 7.2 joules, and with an internal muffler to minimize exhaust sound and vibration dampening, it is a powerful and user-friendly option. The full kit comes with 4 chisels, a Posi-lock retainer, and a carrying case.
Sanders and Saws
Maybe you’re looking for something to remove paint, smooth, or remove rust. Well, the Pistol Sander is the perfect high-speed sander with a 5” pad and a 14,000 RPM motor. Its variable speed throttle will allow you to sand projects with precision.
However, if you need to sand a heavier material, like body filler, this 6” Orbital Palm Sander is your best bet. It’s packed with a 12,000 RPM motor and was designed with an ergonomic tear-drop soft grip to comfortably fit in your hand while using vertical or horizontal planes.
For jobs involving cutting, a Reciprocating Saw is just about the most versatile tool you can imagine. It can cut through almost anything including: Iron, plaster, stone, pipes, and even nail-embedded wood.
Drills
Next up, we carry 4 configurations of Chicago Pneumatic drills: mini, reversible, 90°, and inline. These drills come with high-quality industrial Jacobs® chucks, which have their own unique benefits. For more on Jacobs ® chucks, check out our Jacobs® chucks video on our YouTube channel.
Ratchet and Impact Wrenches
Some of our most popular Chicago Pneumatic products are Ratchet and Impact wrenches. These perform similar tasks but have different strengths to consider. A ratchet has a 90° orientation while an impact wrench is straight on.
Ratchet wrenches provide less torque, somewhere in the 35-80 ft-lbs. range, compared to the 1,800 ft-lbs. you’d get with an impact wrench. On the other hand, a ratchet wrench’s slim design is better for compact spaces, they provide more accuracy, and they are much quieter than an impact wrench.
Although ratchet wrenches are outstanding tools, the stubby is also a top contender! This little guy has the best power-to-weight ratio out there, 450 ft-lbs. to 610 Nanometers. It is ultra-compact and has a steel front cover and aluminum body making it super durable. You can easily swap between your left and right hand, and it comes packed with 6,400 – 9,000 RPM depending on the model.
We’ve covered a lot, but there are still many more tools and accessories from Chicago Pneumatic for you to check out in our catalogue or on our website at greggdistributors.ca. Thanks for keeping up with our content, see you next time, eh!
