Air Drills

About Air Drills

Air drills are pneumatic power tools that utilise compressed air to deliver consistent, high-performance drilling across metal, wood, and plastic materials. Available in pistol grip, straight, and angle configurations, these professional tools offer superior power-to-weight ratios compared to electric alternatives, making them ideal for prolonged use in workshops, garages, and industrial settings. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of air drills from trusted brands including Sealey and Draper, with chuck capacities of 10mm and 13mm to accommodate various drilling applications.

Operating from a standard workshop air compressor at 90-100 PSI, these tools deliver reliable torque without the heat build-up or battery limitations associated with electric drills. Most models feature keyless chucks for rapid bit changes, reversible motors for drilling and fastener removal, and variable speed triggers for precise control. Whether you need a lightweight angle drill for confined spaces or a super duty pistol drill for demanding production work, the selection at MyToolShed.co.uk provides professional-grade solutions for tradespeople and serious DIY enthusiasts.

Applications

Air drills are essential tools across numerous professional trades and industries:

• Motor Vehicle Technicians: Drilling and removing seized fasteners during automotive repair and restoration
• Agricultural Engineers: Machinery maintenance and repair in farm workshop environments
• General Engineers: Precision drilling in metal fabrication and manufacturing operations
• Panel Beaters: Body repair work requiring lightweight, manoeuvrable drilling tools
• Fabricators and Welders: Metal drilling applications in production and custom fabrication
• Maintenance Teams: Equipment repairs and modifications in industrial facilities
• Production Line Workers: Repetitive drilling tasks in manufacturing environments
• Workshop Enthusiasts: Home workshop users with existing air compressor systems

Choosing The Right Air Drills

Configuration Style: Pistol grip models provide excellent control for general drilling tasks. Straight drills reduce wrist fatigue during overhead work and access tight spaces effectively. Angle drills are essential for reaching confined areas where standard configurations cannot operate.

Chuck Capacity: 10mm chucks suit precision work and lighter applications, whilst 13mm chucks accommodate larger drill bits for heavy-duty drilling tasks.

Air Requirements: Verify your compressor can deliver adequate CFM at the required PSI. Most air drills consume 4-6 CFM at 90-100 PSI. Undersized compressors result in reduced performance and frequent cycling.

Duty Rating: Standard duty models suit occasional workshop use, whilst super duty variants feature reinforced components for continuous operation in demanding production environments. Browse MyToolShed to match tools to your specific workload.

Chuck Type: Keyless chucks significantly speed up bit changes and eliminate lost chuck keys, making them preferable for professional applications where efficiency matters.

Safety Information

Always wear safety glasses to protect against flying debris and metal swarf. Hearing protection is advisable during extended use as pneumatic tools can exceed 85 decibels. Never exceed the manufacturer's maximum PSI rating and regularly inspect air hoses for wear or damage. Add pneumatic tool oil daily through the air inlet to maintain internal components. Disconnect the air supply before changing drill bits or performing maintenance. Secure workpieces firmly before drilling and ensure adequate ventilation when working with metal materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size air compressor do I need for an air drill?

Most air drills require a compressor delivering 4-6 CFM at 90-100 PSI. For occasional use, a 50-litre tank with a 2-3 HP motor is generally adequate. For continuous professional use, consider a 100-litre or larger tank with higher CFM output to maintain consistent performance without frequent compressor cycling.

Do I need to lubricate my air drill regularly?

Yes, regular lubrication is essential for longevity. Add 3-4 drops of pneumatic tool oil through the air inlet before each use or at the start of each working day. This lubricates internal components, prevents corrosion, and maintains optimal performance. An in-line lubricator can automate this process for added convenience.

How do air drills compare to cordless electric drills?

Air drills offer superior power-to-weight ratios and don't suffer from battery depletion or heat build-up during extended use, making them ideal for repetitive tasks and production environments. However, they require a compressor and air lines, making them less portable than cordless models which suit site work and locations without compressed air systems.