Air Tools for Body Shops
Professional pneumatic tools for automotive body repair and refinishing. Our selection includes air sanders, air drills, impact wrenches, air hammers, and other pneumatic tools designed specifically for automotive body work and collision repair.
Types of Air Tools for Body Shops
Pneumatic tools are a staple in professional body shops due to their reliability, power-to-weight ratio, and durability. Here are the essential air tools for automotive body repair:
Surface Preparation
- Dual action (DA) air sanders
- Orbital sanders for finishing
- Straight-line sanders for flat surfaces
- Mini sanders for tight areas
- Air files for precision sanding
Assembly & Disassembly
- Air impact wrenches
- Air ratchets for fasteners
- Air drills for hole making
- Air hammers for panel separation
- Air chisels for cutting and trimming
Finishing & Utility
- Air spray guns for painting
- Air blow guns for cleaning
- Air polishers for paint finishing
- Air grinders for metal work
- Tire inflators and air gauges
Air Compressor Requirements
Selecting the right air compressor is crucial for optimal performance of pneumatic tools:
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): Most important specification - ensure your compressor delivers enough air volume for your tools
- PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): Most air tools require 90-100 PSI for proper operation
- Tank Size: Larger tanks provide more consistent air supply during heavy use
- Duty Cycle: For body shop use, look for compressors with 100% duty cycle
- Horsepower: Higher HP generally means more CFM output
- Number of Stages: Two-stage compressors are more efficient for continuous use
For a typical body shop, a minimum 5HP compressor with 80-gallon tank and 18+ CFM output at 90 PSI is recommended.
Air System Components
A complete compressed air system includes more than just the compressor:
- Air Dryers: Remove moisture from compressed air to prevent tool damage and paint contamination
- Filters: Remove contaminants, oil, and particles from the air supply
- Regulators: Control air pressure for different tools and applications
- Lubricators: Add oil to air tools that require lubrication
- Air Lines: Properly sized piping to maintain pressure throughout the shop
- Quick Connectors: High-flow fittings for efficient tool connection
- Condensate Management: Systems to collect and properly dispose of water and oil
Air Tool Maintenance
Proper maintenance extends the life of pneumatic tools and ensures consistent performance:
Daily Maintenance
- Drain water from air compressor tanks
- Check and clean air filters
- Add oil to tools requiring lubrication
- Inspect air hoses for damage
- Clean tools after use to remove debris
Periodic Maintenance
- Disassemble and clean tools thoroughly
- Replace worn parts and seals
- Check compressor belt tension
- Inspect safety valves and pressure switches
- Service air dryers and filtration systems
- Check for air leaks throughout the system