With basic maintenance, the vast majority of pneumatic tools are much more reliable than their electric counterparts thanks to their robust construction, and they offer many advantages. One of them is that basic maintenance can be handled by any user, even those with limited technical skills.
The most important factor for the proper functioning of any pneumatic tool is correct lubrication. This prevents increased friction, which results in higher temperatures, material expansion, and a tendency for parts to seize or the entire mechanism to jam completely.
How to ensure lubrication? There are several ways:
- Adding a lubricator between the tool and the air hose, which is an easy and effective solution.
- Owning a compressor with an integrated lubrication system.
- Manually adding oil to the air inlet; it must strictly be oil designed for air motors.
Another essential principle and prevention against pneumatic tool damage is checking the correct pressure on the compressor in your facility. The air consumption of the tool must match the air delivery volume of the compressor.
Don't let the inside of the tool rust – this could be another key point. This applies especially to operations dealing with high amounts of condensate and environmental humidity. Condensate in stored tools causes stiffness and eventually a layer of rust, which definitely shortens service life despite lubrication.
If condensate is a known problem in your setup, don't hesitate to invest in a water separator at the compressor outlet.
Pneumatic Tool Maintenance Itself
The most stressed parts are always the clamping components, piston strikers, and all components that take a beating during operation and need to slide without jamming. Don't cut corners by using universal sprays like WD-40 for surfaces and joints; instead, invest in high-quality oils specifically for pneumatic tools.
Another highly stressed part in pneumatic tools is the springs. If you plan to replace them, always check for the correct length and thickness. Tools are precisely dimensioned, and if a spring requires excessive force, it will reduce the lifespan of other parts.
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Some tools may require bleeding the hydraulic system. Although it might seem complicated, it usually isn't. Just follow a few basic principles. As always, start by disconnecting the tool from the compressed air hose. Remove the cover from the hydraulic section where the oil is located. Take your time to let any remaining air escape and use an oiler to refill the oil to the mark. Let all air bubbles rise to the surface, then create pressure by pumping the air piston. Re-tighten the cover screws and locate the fill plug on the tool. Open it slowly and let the excess oil and air escape. Once the oil stops flowing and the bubbles disappear, tighten the plug and the system is bled.
Of course, some pneumatic tool maintenance requires more demanding interventions. If you are unsure, it's better to leave the service to professionals, and remember: never perform any maintenance without disconnecting the tool from the compressed air supply.