How to Maintain Pneumatic Tools
- 1). Purge the compressor of any water condensation. Water from the compressor will travel up the air line and rust the inner metal moving parts of pneumatic tools. Bleed the air out of the tank first by pushing the air release valve. Open the petcock bolt on the bottom of the compressor with a wrench, and allow all of the water to drain out. Replace the bolt when finished.
- 2). Install an in-line oiler onto the air line that feeds the pneumatic tools. This device literally shoots a constant stream of oil into every pneumatic tool that it feeds. They are refilled with oil after a day's use, and many of them act as moisture traps to keep water out of the inside of all air tools.
- 3). Grease and oil your pneumatic tools on a regular basis, depending on your manufacturer's directions. Oil is dripped directly into the air chuck on the tool body with either an oil can or a plastic applicator. Grease points on the body of the tools must be filled with grease regularly. If in doubt as to what your tools' regular maintenance requirements are, grease and oil them after a day's work.
- 4). Wipe down the tools every day with a rag. Pay particular attention to the grease ports on the tool body. These must be cleaned of all grit, dirt and debris before grease is introduced inside of them.