For the sake of this article, we’ll proceed
under the assumption that after reviewing your options, you’ve decided an air
screwdriver will best suit your needs. To learn more about electric or hand
screwdrivers, visit these resources.
At this point, there are only a few options
left to choose from. You’ll need to decide your drive style, grip style, drive
size, and actuation method. To find the right pneumatic
screwdriver for your operation, take a close look at your assembly.
Once you’ve determined your needs, browse this list to select the right
screwdriver.
Drive Style
Continuous - As the name implies, these
tools apply torque continuously. When the maximum value is reached, their
clutch will disengage, preventing the possibility of an over-torqued screw.
While they have longer rundown times than pulse tools, continuous drive tools
are more accurate, more precise, and better suited to soft joints.
Discontinuous - These tools apply torque in
a series of short pulses and are commonly referred to as pulse tools. Pulse
tools have fast rundown times and low torque reactions, making them a good
choice for high-speed applications. While accurate, their torque application is
not as precise as continuous drive tools, reducing their usefulness in areas
where tight torque control is critical.
Grip Style
Inline - Intended for vertical fastening,
inline screwdrivers deliver torque along the same line as the drive. Most
common household screwdrivers are inline screwdrivers. In high-speed or
high-torque applications, these screwdrivers can be suspended from tool
balancers, reducing the strain on the joints of the operator.
Pistol - Designed for horizontal fastening,
pistol grip screwdrivers deliver torque at a right angle to the drive. Pistol
grip screwdrivers are capable of delivering more torque than inline or right
angle screwdrivers. The maximum torque produced by a Mountz pistol grip
screwdriver is 156.2lbf.in, whereas inline and right angle screwdrivers produce
a maximum of 95.5lbf.in. Most common household cordless drills have pistol
grips. These screwdrivers are portable and are especially useful where mobility
is required.
Right Angle - Useful for tight spaces,
right angle screwdrivers are gripped like inline screwdrivers, but they deliver
torque at a right angle, similar to pistol screwdrivers. They are shaped
similarly to common hand wrenches.
Drive Size
Fixed - If you intend to always use the
same drive attachment for your screwdriver, choose a fixed size drive
screwdriver. This is a sound choice for high-volume assembly and other
applications where your screwdriver will be used for the same task
consistently.
Adjustable - If you expect to use the same
tool for applications requiring different drives, you’ll need an adjustable
drive screwdriver. This may be a good choice for third-party contract
manufacturers, repair workers, and assembly operations for consumer
electronics, toys or other products with short life-cycles.
Actuation Method
Screwdrivers can be activated by a variety
of methods, such as levers, buttons, triggers, and pressure activated heads or
bits. The ideal actuation method depends on the grip style of your screwdriver.
Trigger actuators, for instance, work well on pistol grip screwdrivers.
Pressure activated actuators slightly reduce the strain on their operators, as
they require one fewer discrete motion than other actuation methods.
When choosing any pneumatic
screwdriver, one final deciding factor is the manufacturer’s reputation
for quality. Investing in a line of pneumatic
screwdriver for your assembly process can be a significant outlay, so
it’s important to find a manufacturer who will deliver a quality product. A
strong manufacturer’s defects warranty is a necessity, but it’s best to find a
manufacturer who has a reputation for delivering tools without any defects in
the first place. Also, your manufacturer will be your ultimate resource for any
information, service, or resupply needs you may have over the lifespan of your
set of tools. Finding a manufacturer who prides themselves on customer support
and service will pay serious dividends as your tools age.
