Using an air drill

Part 1. Preparation and safety

Objective

• Demonstrate the correct operation of an air drill.

Personal safety

Whenever you perform a task in the workshop you must use personal protective clothing and equipment that is appropriate for the task and which conforms to your local safety regulations and policies. Among other items, this may include:

• Work clothing - such as coveralls and steel-capped footwear
• Eye protection - such as safety glasses and face masks
• Ear protection - such as earmuffs and earplugs
• Hand protection - such as rubber gloves and barrier cream
• Respiratory equipment - such as face masks and valved respirators

If you are not certain what is appropriate or required, ask your supervisor.

Safety check

• Make sure you direct the air exhaust of air tools away from yourself and others working in the area.
• Always wear eye protection when using air tools.
• Air tools generally produce more noise than electric tools, so wear ear protection when using air tools.
• Make sure that you understand and observe all legislative and personal safety procedures when carrying out the following tasks. If you are unsure of what these are, ask your supervisor.

Points to note

• The amount of torque an air drill can produce will be determined by the pressure in the air system feeding it.
• Air drills are smaller and turn at slower speeds than electric drills. Their power can be compared to a battery-powered drill.
• Unlike battery and electric powered drills, air drills do not require electricity to operate. They are safer in an environment where flammable materials are present.
• Air tools are attached to the air supply by fittings that allow the supply to be connected and disconnected easily. Over time, these connections wear and produce an air leak. If the air leak is excessive, the output of the air tool will be reduced.
• Air tools require lubrication. Most workshops have an automatic oiler incorporated in the air supply system. If your workshop does not have an automatic oiler, you will need to lubricate the air tools daily. Apply a few drops of oil to the inlet of the air tool before you use it.

Part 2: Step-by-step instruction

1. Wear safety protection
   An air drill is used in an environment where an electric drill would be unsafe to use. For example, where a spark may ignite flammable liquid. Because it relies on compressed air, it is not as powerful as an electric drill. Nor does it turn as fast. Make sure you are wearing the correct safety gear before you start. Goggles and ear protectors are usually sufficient. But if you’re using a wire brush to remove carbon, rust or worn gaskets, you should wear full-face protection against the flying particles.
2. Check the lubrication
   If the air drill does not have an automatic self-lubricating system, apply a few drops of light oil to the air inlet everyday.
3. Attach the air hose
   Attach the workshop’s air hose to the drill, and check the hose and fittings for any damage or obstruction.
4. Work slowly and carefully
   Work slowly and carefully, being careful not to snag the air hose, or allow the drill to touch any components other than the one you’re working on.
5. Clean up
   Clean up the work area, then dismantle the air drill and put the cleaned attachments away securely.