Pneumatic vs. Electric Tools [Your Complete Guide]

A pneumatic tool is any tool that’s powered by compressed air. Also called air-powered tools for this reason, pneumatic tools are attached by a hose to an air compressor. Compressed air hoses are equipped with quick-change adaptor bits that enable rapid switching between tools.

Pneumatic tools are used for high-volume projects that require massive force, such as bridge construction, metalworking or chemical processing.

An electric tool is one powered by batteries or a cord that plugs into an outlet. Electric tools are generally favored for projects that require more accuracy than an air-powered tool can deliver.

However, there are many jobs in which power is prioritized over accuracy; this is where pneumatic tools are preferred.

Pros of pneumatic tools

Punch: Due to their power, pneumatic tools are used for projects involving steel, stone and other heavy-duty materials. Depending on the specific type and model, the more compressed air at your disposal, the more power a pneumatic tool can deliver. You can also power multiple tools simultaneously with the same air compressor.

Tool cost: Though the cost of the tool itself is relatively low, pneumatic tools require a good deal of extra equipment to function, as well as more maintenance. (See Cons below.)

Speed: Since they tend to be less accurate than electric tools, air-powered tools are not favored for their speed and accuracy, but rather their torque.

Cons of pneumatic tools

Equipment cost: Though pneumatic tools are relatively inexpensive, they require quite a few accessories, such as air compressors, hoses and adaptors. And buying “cheap” can cost you: Longevity, energy consumption and human safety depend on the quality of the parts.

Longevity: Pneumatic tools need to be replaced or repaired frequently due to wear and tear.

Noise: When in operation, air compressors can be extremely loud, reaching up to 92 decibels. Even the quietest models make themselves known at 60 decibels, which is about as loud as conversation in a crowded restaurant. Without proper protective gear, prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause tinnitus.

Vibration: Excessive vibration in hand-operated tools can cause joint injury if used with frequency or over long periods of time.

Portability: Air compressors and their accessories can be heavy and unwieldy. Even the smallest compressors can still weigh in at 35 pounds.

Maintenance: Pneumatic tools need to be serviced on a regular schedule, since durability and safety are primary concerns.

Hoses: Using compressed air requires that you are always attached by hose to an air compressor. And though they may be marketed as flexible, a full hose can be quite rigid. Cheap, flimsy hoses should never be the answer; using one of these will compromise the operator’s safety and the efficacy of the tool.

Oil hazard: Since all pneumatic tools require lubricating oil to operate smoothly, they carry a risk of spraying oil over your workspace.

Environmental factors: The performance of pneumatic tools can be affected by temperature and weather; the colder a tool is, the less torque it provides.

Pros of electric tools

Portability: As long as you have an extension cord and an electricity source, electric tools can be transported and used anywhere. Battery-powered electric tools do away with this need altogether, although it’s always wise to bring extra batteries and/or a charger.

Maneuverability: The freedom that comes from not being tethered to a compressor makes electric tools the choice for jobs that require a large range of motion. Electrical cords are also much more flexible than air hoses.

Noise: Electric tools are far quieter than pneumatic tools, primarily because they run at a constant speed without the rattle and impact that comes from most pneumatic tools. Some battery powered impact wrenches do rattle and impact when tightening bolts, but those are mainly used for snug purposes and not final rotation.

Accuracy: Electric tools tend to be a better choice for projects that require higher levels of precision.

Cons of electric tools

Equipment hazard: Power cords can present a tripping hazard, and the presence of water near an electric tool can pose a shock risk. If using a generator, that can also introduce flammable gasoline into the workspace.

Battery life: With a battery-powered tool, your uptime is limited to the battery life. In order to complete high-volume jobs on a deadline, you must have extra batteries on hand, or be able to switch to a corded electric tool. Extra batteries and chargers are a must for offsite jobs. Fortunately, many batteries are interchangeable between tools that take the same battery type.

Whether you choose a corded or battery-powered electric tool depends on the situation. Corded tools deliver power all day, provided electricity is available and the workspace is within reach of an outlet. Corded tools can provide the same amount of power for the duration of their use, since their power reserve isn’t limited.

Battery-powered tools are ideal for small jobs, both in size and volume. They also offer a measure of portability that corded tools can’t, simply because they don’t need to be attached to their power source. However, the longer a job takes, or the higher the project volume, the less force a battery-powered tool will be able to deliver. Stopping to charge depleted batteries can cost you valuable uptime.

Pneumatic tools are typically the choice for machine shops and auto body work. They are typically not appropriate for jobs that require a great deal of accuracy, nor are they particularly portable.

Electric tools are the choice for jobs that require accuracy. And with advances in electric tool technology, their power capabilities are steadily catching up to that of pneumatic tools. However, if a battery-powered tool doesn’t have a backup, its power can run down before a job is finished, especially if the project is high-volume (i.e., lots of bolts or drilling requirements).

Despite improvements in electrical tool capabilities and battery technology, pneumatic tools will likely always have a place. Air-powered tools were the answer for so long that their foothold is fairly solid. However, future growth in battery capabilities will help usher in a new class of users who experience little difference between pneumatic and electric tools, so pneumatic tools may slowly phase out.

As a leader in the large-scale construction space, GWY is invested in future developments in electric tool technology. To find out which types of tools are appropriate for your project, get in touch with us today.