Air & Power Tools History
Pneumatic impacts, ratchets, grinders and the later cordless shift in the bay.
How long have air blowguns been used in shops?
Short answer: Air blowguns have been used in shops for decades to clean parts and dry components.
Air blowguns have been used in shops for decades to clean parts and dry components. Safety rules led to nozzles that limit outlet pressure. Wear eye protection and never direct compressed air at skin.
Why were inline air tool oilers widely used?
Short answer: Air tools need lubrication to prevent wear and corrosion.
Air tools need lubrication to prevent wear and corrosion. Inline oilers were widely used to add oil into the air supply, though some modern tools are designed to need less oil.
How did rotary hammers spread from construction into fabrication work?
Short answer: Rotary hammers combine rotation and hammering for drilling into concrete and masonry.
Rotary hammers combine rotation and hammering for drilling into concrete and masonry. They spread from construction trades into shop use for installing lifts and other equipment anchored to concrete floors. Wear eye protection and follow the manufacturer's procedures.
When did electric impact wrenches become popular in auto shops?
Short answer: Corded electric impact wrenches existed for decades, but cordless impact wrenches became popular in the 2010s as lithium-ion batteries and brushless motors improved power.
Corded electric impact wrenches existed for decades, but cordless impact wrenches became popular in the 2010s as lithium-ion batteries and brushless motors improved power. Many shops now use them alongside air tools.
When did brushless motors become common in cordless tools?
Short answer: Brushless motors, which use electronic commutation instead of brushes, became common in cordless tools in the 2010s.
Brushless motors, which use electronic commutation instead of brushes, became common in cordless tools in the 2010s. They improve efficiency and tool life.
Why did air-powered grease guns come into shop use?
Short answer: Air-powered grease guns speed up lubrication of chassis fittings.
Air-powered grease guns speed up lubrication of chassis fittings. They came into shop use when lubrication services were frequent and many vehicles had numerous grease fittings.
How did oil drain systems change shop work?
Short answer: Oil drains and collection systems evolved from simple pans to portable drainers and air-operated evacuators.
Oil drains and collection systems evolved from simple pans to portable drainers and air-operated evacuators. They became more important as used oil recycling regulations developed.
Why did pneumatic tire inflators with gauges become shop standards?
Short answer: Tire inflators with built-in gauges let technicians inflate and measure pressure in one step.
Tire inflators with built-in gauges let technicians inflate and measure pressure in one step. They became shop standards as accurate tire pressure grew more important for safety, fuel economy and later TPMS. Inflate tires from a safe position, using a cage for split-rim and large wheels.
When did cordless ratchets become popular in auto shops?
Short answer: Cordless ratchets became popular in the 2000s and 2010s as lithium-ion batteries made compact tools practical.
Cordless ratchets became popular in the 2000s and 2010s as lithium-ion batteries made compact tools practical. They gave technicians power ratchet speed without an air hose.
Why did impact sockets develop as a separate type of socket?
Short answer: As air impact wrenches spread through shops, standard chrome sockets could crack under repeated hammering loads.
As air impact wrenches spread through shops, standard chrome sockets could crack under repeated hammering loads. Impact sockets developed as a separate type, made of tougher steel with thicker walls and a protective black finish instead of brittle chrome plating.
How did shop air compressors evolve?
Short answer: Shops historically used reciprocating piston compressors with storage tanks.
Shops historically used reciprocating piston compressors with storage tanks. Larger shops later adopted rotary screw compressors, which run continuously and quietly, as air tool demand grew.
How did air-powered fluid evacuators come into shop use?
Short answer: Air-powered vacuums use compressed air to create suction without an electric motor.
Air-powered vacuums use compressed air to create suction without an electric motor. They came into shop use for removing fluids and debris, since many shops already had compressed air at every bay. Technicians are trained to treat this work with caution.
How did air tools become common in auto shops?
Short answer: Pneumatic tools were first widely used in heavy industry, mining and shipbuilding.
Pneumatic tools were first widely used in heavy industry, mining and shipbuilding. As compressors became more affordable, air impact wrenches, ratchets and hammers spread into auto repair shops during the twentieth century.
Why did shops install central compressed air lines?
Short answer: Central air systems deliver compressed air to multiple bays through piping and drops.
Central air systems deliver compressed air to multiple bays through piping and drops. They let several technicians use air tools at once and became standard in professional shops. Follow the manufacturer's safety instructions when using this equipment.
How did early pneumatic tools develop in industry?
Short answer: Compressed-air tools developed in the late nineteenth century for mining, construction, shipbuilding and railroads, including riveting hammers and rock drills.
Compressed-air tools developed in the late nineteenth century for mining, construction, shipbuilding and railroads, including riveting hammers and rock drills. These industrial roots led to pneumatic tools adapted for automotive assembly and repair.
General guidance only. Follow the vehicle and tool manufacturer's procedures, and confirm vehicle coverage on the tool maker's list before buying.