If you compare the price of a pneumatic tool to an electric-powered tool of similar power, you'll notice that the pneumatic model will be more affordable. This is due to the fact that pneumatic tools have fewer moving parts. Consequently, this means that they require little maintenance, and less maintenance means less downtime. Ultimately, this equates to completing the job faster and improving productivity. Furthermore, the energy consumption of pneumatic tools can be controlled, resulting in long-term energy savings. So if you're going to frequently use a power tool and want to save big bucks in the long run, pneumatic tools are your best bet.
Lightweight
As aforementioned, pneumatic tools use air compressors instead of a conventional brushed or brushless motor. This makes them lighter and more portable. The lighter the tool is, the less strain it will put on your arms when you're using them for longer periods of time. Holding a heavy tool for over half an hour can be exhausting and strenuous. Further, their light weight provides the operator with better control and reduces the amount of muscle fatigue. As with most quality tools, air tools feature an ergonomic design that provides a great grip.
Pneumatic tools are safer than electrical tools, as they can be used in environments with conductive materials, flammable and explosive substances and moisture. These environments are very hazardous and include high risks for people working with electrical tools. Air tools don't require any electricity, and even if their wires get exposed and damaged, there's little to no risk of fire or any other electrical hazards, making them very safe to use. Additionally, pneumatic tools can withstand many elements, including water, dust and heat much better than their electrical counterparts. These elements can cause electrical power tools to deteriorate, leading to premature failure. Lastly, air tools have little risk of malfunctioning as a result of overheating, electrocution and short-circuiting.
Versatility
Since you can use air tools literally anywhere due to their safety and portability, it's safe to say they're the most versatile type of power tools available today. Compressed air is also a versatile power source, and you don't need an air compressor to power them. Instead, you can store compressed air in cylinders that can be carried anywhere. That being said, you can use air tools in remote locations without access to electricity or any other power outlet. And as aforementioned, you can adjust the pressure from low-powered speed to high-pressure blasts, making the tools suitable for a wide range of applications.
Pneumatic tools are categorised as industrial grade and general grade. Industrial grade tools are heavy-duty, and they're more expensive, but provide a longer life span. General grade pneumatic tools, on the other hand, are more affordable, but you probably won't be able to complete heavy-duty tasks with them. With that said, you have to consider the task at hand in order to make decision. Another important factor to consider is the manufacturer. There are many manufacturers, but many of them don't manufacture tools that are suitable for tough construction or industrial environments. Some of the more reputable manufacturers are DeWalt, Makita, Hitachi and Paslode.
Lastly, you have to consider the specs of the air compressor. There are three important metrics to pay attention to - cubic feet per minute rate, the PSI rate and overall size of the unit. The cubic feet per minute metric indicates how quickly the compressor can deliver air. This is especially important if you're going to use heavy-duty tools that require more compressed air to operate at optimum capacity. Most pneumatic tools have a set max CFM rate that can't be increased even if the CFM rate of the compressor is higher. The PSI rate represents how much compressed air the tank of the compressor can hold, and the amount of pressure it can provide. An air-powered nailer, for instance, will require about 120 PSI to operate properly. That being said, check the PSI requirements of your most demanding tool, and get a compressor that meets those needs. Getting a compressor with higher CFM and PSI will only cost you more.