What Is an Air Screwdriver?
An air screwdriver is a tool that uses compressed air to tighten or loosen screws. By simply pulling the lever, the bit rotates at high speed, allowing for quick screw removal and fastening. They are also useful tools for tightening or loosening numerous screws, as they use very little hand power.
Some types allow the tightening torque to be set. If the torque exceeds the preset value, the clutch disengages, and the bit idles, preventing over-tightening. This ensures the quality of the tightening torque.
How to Use Air Screwdrivers
To use an air screwdriver, connect a compressed air hose to the connection. When using air screwdrivers with a starting lever, you need to pull the lever to start the bit. For a push-start air screwdriver, push the bit against the screw to rotate it. There is also a type called the lever-push start type, which is a combination of the start lever type and the push-start type.
The bit is detachable and can be used as a Phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, or box screwdriver. The direction of rotation can be switched to “tightening” or “loosening” by a switch.
How to Choose Air Screwdrivers
Since the usage of air screwdrivers differs depending on the shape, we will introduce the features of air screwdrivers by shape.
- Pistol Type
This is a common air screwdriver shape, similar to a pistol. The bit rotates when the trigger lever is pulled. The pistol type can be used in various positions, such as “upward,” “downward,” and “sideways.” Due to its easy handling, it is widely used in production plants and automobile repair shops. However, because of the intense vibration, it is necessary to keep another hand on the body rather than the hand pulling the trigger. - Straight Type (Pen Type)
In the straight type, the main body and bit are aligned. The bit is rotated by holding the main body and gripping the lever. It is commonly used in the downward direction and is often used in parts assembly processes. - Angle Type
Angle bits have a right-angle bend in the shape of an L. They are often referred to as “pistol bits” or “straight bits. It is used in tight spaces where the “pistol” and “straight” types cannot enter. The bit is rotated by holding the body and gripping the lever. The angle type also requires two hands to work with.