Checkout Shopping Cart
0 Item - £0.00

Part-on Tools Blog

21 September 2021

Buying Guides, Tools

Two common types of power tools are pneumatic/air tools, which are powered by compressed air, and battery tools, which use a battery to power them. Each type of power tool comes with pros and cons to consider depending on your application. Choosing which tool is best for you should depend on what your specific needs are.




When choosing between different power tools, an important thing to consider is whether the tool can get the job you require done. For example, if you need to cut through steel, you will need a specific torque. Choosing a tool for convenience or cost is not always the best point of call as if it isn't strong enough to get the job done, this will waste time and money.

  • Pneumatic tooling is notoriously strong, reliable, and robust. You can adjust the torque by allowing the air compressor to deliver more or less power. This has made them the favoured tool of choice in places like machine shops and auto shops.
  • Battery tooling is also becoming more powerful as the market expands. Air tools were "on top" in terms of power/torque; this was especially true for cordless tools, which couldn't offer the same juice... but things are changing! With new battery technologies and tool design, electric tools are coming to rival air tools in power.




Nobody wants to spend unnecessary money on a tool. On the other hand spending, too little could mean you're not getting exactly what you need. Tools pay for themselves in the work they do for you if they match your application. When considering cost, find the balance between what you are spending and what you are getting with the type of power tool you choose.

  • Pneumatic tools have higher upfront costs, lower maintenance costs. There are many reasonably priced air tooling on the market, for example, the Part-On Range V-2 or FAR RAC211. They also tend to last longer due to being robust and reliable. However, you cannot run an air tool without an air compressor, and it can be costly to purchase and fund electricity. Air compressors are an expensive and unavoidable up-front cost for pneumatic tools, although most businesses already have them in their units.
  • Battery tools can be more cost-effective than air tooling, but this is not always the case as you pay for quality! The nice thing about battery tools—corded—is that they have their power supply worked in, so you don't need to invest in a power source. A battery tool will always be a little more expensive than an air tool that performs the same task, although as a purchaser, you should consider an inexpensive air tool is useless without a compressor, which comes at a cost.




If you are using tools all day, every day, then the desired feel of the tool and how it works is specific to each operator! Different battery tools offer a variety of grips and weights. These factors become more and more critical the more hours you spend handling them. 

  • Pneumatic tooling can be light yet limiting. Either tool type will offer a comfortable hand fit; that is just a matter of trying and finding what feels good to you! Both tool types can vary in weights/size, so it is essential to source this information before you buy! for example, the Gesipa Taurus 4 is 2.2kg, but tools such as the FAR RAC211 are 1.4kg. The main con with pneumatic tooling is that there is no cordless option. Air tools still need a hose to connect to the compressor, so handling them will always have that drawback.
  • Battery tooling makes for easy movement. There is a reason cordless tools are a favoured option—they allow you to move around! You are not tethered to an air compressor, so there is nothing to trip over; therefore, this can be considered from a health and safety standpoint. And while battery tools can be heavier, they are becoming more lightweight as technology advances! For example, the beloved Gesipa Accubird is now only 2kg, and the FAR EB500 new range is only 1.8kg! If you are a business/individual on the go, then a battery tool is the best use for you as you can take it wherever you go!




Smart technology isn’t limited to cell phones and tablets; even battery and air tools are becoming smarter! New technologies are coming onto the market that can allow your tools to tell you more about how you work and what they need.

  • Pneumatic tools are exploring the capability of Bluetooth; we are beginning to see this creep into the air pneumatic tool market! These tools gather data as the device is used, transmitted to your phone, tablet, PC, or computer. The tool can tell you details about the angles you are working on, the torque offered, and information on the tool’s needs, e.g., maintenance.
  • Battery tooling is expanding. Manufacturers are releasing cordless power tools with intelligent batteries, for example, the Gesipa iBird, a networked device working with Bluetooth and wifi! These batteries also utilise Bluetooth technologies to give you information on your tools and how you use them. They let you know when the device runs hot or needs a break to achieve the best performance. 

             

Buying Cheap Isn't Wise.

Think smart. Buy quality tooling that lasts decades!

Black Friday November 2023 | Deals You Dont Want To Miss!

Mega Deals Available For Applicable Orders Received By 30th November 2023!

What are the advantages of using aluminum profiles in construction or manufacturing?

The Advantages of Using Aluminium Profiles in Construction and Manufacturing

What is a rivet and how do they work?

Exploring the Versatility of Blind Rivets: How They Work and Why They're Essential.

Learn The Difference | Rivets, Rivet Nuts & Rivet Stud's |

What Is The Difference Between, Rivets, Rivet Nuts and Rivet Stud's? | Learn Today | Industrial Fastening Knowledge

Part-On in support of Birmingham Hospice

Part-On will be donating 1% of net profits for all website orders received starting from Jan 2023!

Halloween 2022 - 7 DAYS OF OFFERS

Spooky deals this Halloween season, Don't miss out of Part-On's 7 days of offers!

Christmas Giveaway 2021!

Win a Draper Expert TX-Star Socket Set This Christmas!

Van Storage Solutions With Part-On!

Work Better With A Tidy Van, Choose a Bespoke Storage Solution For Your Van Today!

Bauble Garland - Get Christmassy With Part-On

Get In The Christmas Mode Using Part-On's Welded Wire Mesh!

Black Friday Sale 2021

10% OFF EVERYTHING VIA OUR WEBSITE!

Automated Riveting System 101 With Part-On

Learn more about automated riveting systems and how they may benefit your business now!

Part-On Have Launched FARs Only Demo Room in the UK!

Part-On have launched the first UK demo room for our trusted supplier FAR Bologna!

SPOOKY DEALS - COUPON CODES AVAILABLE!

Halloween Coupon Codes Exclusively At Part-On! | Sale | Offers | Voucher Code | Coupon Code

Fasteners For The Solar Industry

Fastening systems quick and simple to place, durable and long lasting making them the ideal solution for solar energy applications!

Using Aluminium Extrusion For Van Conversions

Lightweight Materials To Create Smart, Cost effective and Space Saving Camper Conversion Products

6 Ways To Connect / Join Aluminium Extrusion

There is numerous techniques / products to assist with joining the aluminium profile, all of which will be specific to the performance requirements of the extruded profile.

GESIPA Bird Pro Series

The Manufacturer-Independent Battery System - Gesipa Tooling; Robust & Reliable.

New FAR Tooling!

FAR are now superseding the RAC181 with the new RAC182

© 2024 Part On Tools

safe payments by Secure Payments    iD30 eCommerce