What to know about the Tool
Pneumatic fastener driving tools are air-powered tools that use compressed air from an air compressor to perform work, making them a durable and safe alternative. They are highly versatile and used across many industries, including construction, and manufacturing, for tasks like driving nails and fastening. A typical setup includes a compressor, air hose, and a pressure regulator to control the flow of compressed air to the tool.
Examples of pneumatic fastener driving tools include nailers, staplers and finish nailers.
Some Tips for Safe Use of Pneumatic Tools
- Do not drag or lift the tool by the hose. Doing so can result in a broken coupling and will cause the hose to whip around uncontrollably.
- Users should not make fastener connections on the opposite side of the structure from where they are standing, with the tool pointed back at themselves. It is not easy to control the tool in these awkward postures. Injuries may occur, caused by tools slipping off the work surface and ejecting a fastener back at the user.
- Users should always wear safety glasses.
For more Safety tips, please see the ISANTA Website Safety Training Materials page.
Actuation Systems
Note: Tool actuation systems vary. Be knowledgeable of how the different systems function and be sure to match the systems to the user’s experience level and the job to be performed. Always read the tool’s Operator’s Manual prior to use. Only experienced users should use a tool in contact or continual actuation mode.
Types of actuation systems
Single Actuation
Actuation mode in which the trigger is operated and released for each driving operation.
Full-Sequential Actuation
Actuation mode which allows single driving operations via the trigger after the workpiece contact has been operated and further driving operations are only possible after the trigger and the workpiece contact have been returned to the non-driving position.
Notes:
- Tool has more than one operating control.
- Operating controls must be activated in a specific sequence to actuate the tool.
- If the tool has a trigger and a workpiece contact, the workpiece contact must be activated before the trigger for the tool to work.
- Additional actuation can occur only when all operating controls are released and re-activated in the same sequence.
With this type of actuation, additional fasteners can only be fired after the trigger is released and the workpiece contact is disengaged from the workpiece surface.
Single-Sequential Actuation
Actuation mode which allows single driving operations via the trigger after the workpiece contact has been operated and further driving operations are possible via trigger operation if the workpiece contact has remained in the operating position
Notes:
- Tool has more than one operating control.
- Operating controls must be activated in a specific sequence to actuate the tool.
- If the tool has a trigger and a workpiece contact, the workpiece contact must be activated before the trigger for the tool to work.
- Additional actuation can occur when a specific operating control, other than a workpiece contact is released and re-activated.
With this type of actuation, a fastener can be fired with each firing of the trigger provided the workpiece contact remains depressed and in contact with the workpiece surface or provided both the trigger and the workpiece contact are disengaged and reengaged in the same sequence.
Contact Actuation
Actuation mode which allows the fastener driving tool to operate by operating the workpiece contact while the trigger is continually depressed and held.
Notes:
- Tools has more than one operating control.
- Operating controls can be actuated in any sequence.
- Additional actuation can occur when any operating control is released and re-activated.
In this process, the trigger is depressed and held, as the workpiece contact is bumped from point to point a fastener is fired from the tool.
Continual Actuation
Actuation mode in which the driving operations are carried out for as long as the trigger remains in its operating position
Continual Contact Actuation
Actuation mode in which the driving operations continue as long as the trigger and the workpiece contact remain in their operating positions
Contact Actuation with Automatic Reversion
Actuation mode capable of contact actuation or continual contact actuation and where the tool becomes inoperable if the trigger is depressed without operation of the workpiece contact within the manufacturer’s stated trigger time-out period.
Notes:
- The tool intentionally becomes inoperative if a fastener has not been fired within the manufacturers prescribed timeout period.
- The timeout period, not to exceed five seconds, may vary by manufacturer. Ensure you read the operating manual to determine the timeout period for the tool being used.
- After timing out, additional actuations can occur by following the actuation sequence for the mode in use.
Selective Actuation
Actuation system that allows discrete selection of two or more of the following actuation modes; single sequential actuation, full sequential actuation, contact actuation with automatic reversion, continual contact actuation or contact actuation.
The mechanisms on tools for employing selective actuation are unique to each tool manufacturer. Read and understand the Operator’s Manual for the tool being used.
Notes:
- The tool includes an actuation mode selector, i.e., A system that allows discrete selection of two or more of the following actuation systems:
- Full-Sequential Actuation
- Single-Sequential Actuation
- Contact Actuation
Air Spring Tools
An air spring tool operates much like a conventional pneumatic tool. It drives the nail using a charge of compressed air pushing against a piston/driver assembly. The piston acts on the nail resulting in a nail being driven into a variety of substrates.
The difference in the air spring tool is that the high-pressure air is permanently housed inside a factory charged chamber. This quantity of air is further compressed by an electric motor acting on the piston/driver assembly. When the user initiates driving a fastener, a mechanism that is part of the motor releases the piston driver much like a conventional pneumatic tool. The pressurized chamber above the fastener is acting upon the piston driver assembly to sink the fastener.
Immediately upon the nail being driven, the energized electric motor begins to lift the piston/driver to place it in a ready to drive position for the next drive. In most designs, the time to drive is many times faster than the time required to lift the piston/driver. This time required to lift is the primary difference between a conventional pneumatic and an air spring tool.
The internal mechanism is a sophisticated component and requires some additional care over the life cycle of the tool.
Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions for use, troubleshooting guides and specifications.
Guidelines for Use of Air Spring Tools
Before performing any service on tools, always refer to the manufacturers’ recommendations. Note that some tools are pre-loaded (either with air pressure or a compressed spring). In most cases, these tools should only be serviced by an authorized service center.
Resources
- ANSI SNT 101- link to this page: https://isanta.org/technical-resources-and-standards/tool-safety-standards
- ISO 11148-13 – links to this page: https://isanta.org/technical-resources-and-standards/tool-safety-standards
