You might have invested in some high-quality air tools recently. Their robust features and efficient designs can certainly increase the amount of work you finish in one go. However, wouldn’t it be a shame if your air tools were to break in half the time expected?
Even air tools from world-class brands will only last long with proper maintenance. They might be labelled as “low-maintenance,” but that doesn’t mean you can neglect oiling them or storing them properly. Get the most out of your equipment by remembering these 7 air tool maintenance tips.
7 Air Tool Maintenance Tips to Remember
1. Oil Your Tools Daily
Moisture mixes with the oil inside your tool, watering down the lubricant and leading to premature wear and tear. Avoid this by lubricating the inner machinery of your air tool with a few fresh drops of oil after use. Be sure to spread oil on the tool’s O-rings as well.
You can invest in a lubrication system to oil your tools more easily. Some lubrication systems come with built-in meters to prevent oil wastage.
2. Power Your Tools with Quality Compressed Air
Together with moisture, heat and dirt can also damage your air tools over time. Protect your equipment by fitting your system with a filter, an after-cooler, and a compressed air dryer. Otherwise, the compressed air that powers your tool will also slowly wear it down.
3. Run Tools at the Recommended Air Pressure
Operating your air tools at the highest possible pressure will not make them faster or more powerful. Instead, it can break a perfectly good air tool and potentially result in bodily harm if the tool casing breaks.
Prevent unnecessary damage by following your air tools’ specified ratings. Air tools generally operate between 70 to 90 psi.
4. Use a Filter/Regulator/Lubricator Properly
Constantly using a certain air tool throughout the day? Your best bet is to fit its air line with a filter/regulator/lubricator, or FRL. This device can help you with the above three maintenance tips all at once.
However, be sure that the hose between the FRL and your air tool is not too long. Otherwise, the lubricant will enter your tool as a damaging liquid, not as the aerosol initially discharged by the FRL.
5. Store Your Air Tools Properly
More often than not, operators keep their tools in dusty places such as outdoor sheds or shops. Debris and moisture from these places can easily enter your air tools’ air lines and fittings. Fortunately, you can easily protect your air tools by simply capping their male air inlets before storage.
6. Clean Filters and Vents Weekly
Dust and debris can clog filters and vents faster than expected, blocking air flow and possibly causing your tools to overheat. Check filters and vents on a weekly basis and clean them out to keep your air tools running at full efficiency.
7. Change Filters, Lubricant, and Other Parts Regularly
Your air tools will eventually show signs of wear and tear. It’s best to perform preventive maintenance on them regularly instead of waiting for them to break down during operation. Here are the average service intervals for filters and other components, which can vary from tool to tool:
- Air Filter – every 1000 hours or when necessary
- Oil Filter – every 1000 hours or as desired
- Lubricant – every 4000 to 8000 hours or as required
- Separator Element – change together with lubricant
- Belts – replace as needed
- Motor Bearings – grease every 2000 hours or when necessary
Still have other concerns about the maintenance of your air tools? Feel free to contact us at Compresstech Resources, Inc. As an industry leader in the Philippines, we can provide you with the right accessories to maximize your air tools’ service life. Aside from that, you can browse our product catalogue for other high-quality equipment for your applications. Inquire with us now!
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