Air & Power Tools History
Pneumatic impacts, ratchets, grinders and the later cordless shift in the bay.
When was Chicago Pneumatic founded?
Short answer: Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company was founded in 1901 in Chicago.
Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company was founded in 1901 in Chicago. It became a major maker of pneumatic tools, including impact wrenches and air hammers used in industry and automotive repair.
When did Ingersoll Rand form?
Short answer: Ingersoll Rand formed in 1905 through the merger of the Ingersoll-Sergeant Drill Company and the Rand Drill Company.
Ingersoll Rand formed in 1905 through the merger of the Ingersoll-Sergeant Drill Company and the Rand Drill Company. It became known for compressors and pneumatic tools, including widely used air impact wrenches.
Why did air impact wrenches transform tire and auto shops?
Short answer: Air impact wrenches deliver rapid hammering blows that loosen tight fasteners quickly.
Air impact wrenches deliver rapid hammering blows that loosen tight fasteners quickly. They greatly sped up wheel and undercar work, and they became standard in tire shops and garages during the twentieth century.
When did Black & Decker introduce its pistol-grip drill?
Short answer: Black & Decker, founded in 1910 in Baltimore, received a patent for a portable electric drill with a pistol grip and trigger switch in 1917.
Black & Decker, founded in 1910 in Baltimore, received a patent for a portable electric drill with a pistol grip and trigger switch in 1917. The design became the template for handheld power drills.
When was Milwaukee Electric Tool founded?
Short answer: Milwaukee Electric Tool traces its origins to the 1920s, with the company formally established in 1924.
Milwaukee Electric Tool traces its origins to the 1920s, with the company formally established in 1924. Its early "Hole-Shooter" drill was a lightweight one-handed drill that helped build its reputation.
When were cordless power tools introduced?
Short answer: Black & Decker introduced cordless power tools in the early 1960s using nickel-cadmium batteries.
Black & Decker introduced cordless power tools in the early 1960s using nickel-cadmium batteries. Cordless tools became much more popular in the following decades as battery technology improved.
When did Makita introduce cordless drills?
Short answer: Makita introduced a rechargeable cordless drill in the late 1970s, which became popular with professionals.
Makita introduced a rechargeable cordless drill in the late 1970s, which became popular with professionals. Cordless tools later grew in power and became common in automotive shops.
How did lithium-ion batteries change cordless tools?
Short answer: Lithium-ion batteries offered more energy, lighter weight and less self-discharge than nickel-cadmium.
Lithium-ion batteries offered more energy, lighter weight and less self-discharge than nickel-cadmium. Their adoption in the 2000s made cordless impact wrenches and ratchets powerful enough for many shop tasks.
When did air ratchets become common in shops?
Short answer: Air ratchets became common as shop compressed-air systems spread in the mid-twentieth century.
Air ratchets became common as shop compressed-air systems spread in the mid-twentieth century. They sped up removal and installation of fasteners where a full impact wrench was too large or powerful.
How did air compressors become central to auto shops?
Short answer: Compressed air was used in early garages to inflate tires.
Compressed air was used in early garages to inflate tires. As air impact wrenches, ratchets, spray guns and other pneumatic tools spread, the compressor became central to shop operations. Proper training and protective gear reduce the risk of injury.
How did die grinders become common shop tools?
Short answer: Air die grinders spread from manufacturing into auto shops for porting, cleaning gasket surfaces and cutting.
Air die grinders spread from manufacturing into auto shops for porting, cleaning gasket surfaces and cutting. Lightweight, high-speed designs became standard in body and engine work. Use rated equipment and follow the service manual's safety steps.
Why did air cut-off tools become popular in body and exhaust work?
Short answer: Air cut-off tools use thin abrasive wheels to cut metal.
Air cut-off tools use thin abrasive wheels to cut metal. They became popular for exhaust, body and fabrication work because they cut quickly in tight spaces. Users should wear eye and face protection and use guards.
How did pneumatic sanders change body shop work?
Short answer: Pneumatic orbital and dual-action sanders replaced much hand sanding in body shops.
Pneumatic orbital and dual-action sanders replaced much hand sanding in body shops. Dual-action sanders became especially popular because their random orbit reduces swirl marks in paint preparation.
When were spray guns first used for automotive painting?
Short answer: Spray guns atomize paint using compressed air, and they have been used for automotive painting since the early twentieth century.
Spray guns atomize paint using compressed air, and they have been used for automotive painting since the early twentieth century. They replaced much brush painting as faster-drying finishes allowed mass-production painting. Follow the equipment maker's safety instructions when using it.
Why did HVLP spray guns become popular?
Short answer: High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) spray guns reduce overspray by using lower pressure.
High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) spray guns reduce overspray by using lower pressure. They became popular as environmental regulations focused on paint emissions and transfer efficiency.
General guidance only. Follow the vehicle and tool manufacturer's procedures, and confirm vehicle coverage on the tool maker's list before buying.