Chicago Pneumatic has released a new article in its Expert Corner workshop advice series this time focusing on four key factors to ensure optimal performance of pneumatic tools.

The tool supplier says that when a pneumatic tool is underpowered or not running as expected, it is often down to the air line accessories and/or connection, rather than the tool itself. Chicago Pneumatic experts recommend taking a few minutes to check the air line installation.

The company says that each accessory from the filter, regulator and lubricator (FRL) to the tool’s inlet should be selected considering the following four key tool values:

1. Inlet size. This should be equal to the size of the tool’s air inlet. This value will help the operator to select the correct size of connector.

2. Inlet type. This should equal the type of thread on the tool air inlet. The three main types of pneumatic tool inlet threads are: BSP (British Standard Pipe), mostly used in Europe and the most common in Ireland, NPT (National Pipe Thread), mostly used in America and PT (Pipe Thread), mostly used in Asia. Thread types should never be mixed as this can lead to air leakage issues.

3. Air compression as dynamic pressure. This should equate to the volume of compressed air required by the tool to work properly and efficiently. This value is given in cubic feet per meter (cfm) or in litres per second/minute (l/s or l/m).

4. Recommended hose diameter. While this isn’t typically classified as a tool value, tool manufacturers usually recommend the correct hose diameter to help ensure the tools perform at their best. The value is specified in millimetres.

Chicago Pneumatic says that by double-checking these four values, the operator will not only increase a tool’s efficiency but also reduce safety hazards in the workplace linked to air line installation failure.