Must-have tools for serious gear-heads
Air tools can really speed up auto work and loosen just
about any stubborn nut or bolt. If you're a serious gear-head,
they're must-have tools. Even if you just do your own
routine car maintenance work like brakes or parts replacement,
air tools are still worth having. If you're in this category, you can
get by with discount tools and just throw them out when they
die. But if you're a serious amateur mechanic, it pays to buy
quality. Here's how to tell the difference.
For impact wrenches and ratchets, forget about the forward
torque ratings. You want to see the tool's power in reverse. The
bigger the number, the better. If that specification isn't listed,
move on—the manufacturer left it off for a reason!
For cutoff tools, air chisels and sanders, find the tool's air
consumption rating, expressed in cubic feet per minute (cfm).
The lower the cfm, the more efficient the tool. Also, be sure
your compressor has a high enough cfm rating to operate the
tool—some of these are air hogs.
All of the air tools shown here are available at tooldiscounter.
com.
Chicago Pneumatic CP828 3/8-in. drive ratchet
Chicago Pneumatic CP824 1/4-in. drive ratchet
Chicago Pneumatic CP734H 1/2-in. drive impact wrench
Air-Powered Driving Tools
Driving tools are the main workhorses for removing nuts and bolts.
Astro Pneumatic Blo Gun No. 1716
Astro Pneumatic Cutoff Tool No. 207
Astro Pneumatic No. 7835 impact socket set with nylon covers
Other Useful Air Tools
Make sure your compressor puts out enough air to operate these tools. Nylon covers on the socket set protect
alloy wheels.
