Air Drills

Air drills – also known as pneumatic drills – are versatile, high-performance tools used to drill holes into various materials using compressed air as the power source. Favoured by professionals across automotive, engineering, fabrication, construction, and general maintenance sectors, air drills offer a lightweight alternative to electric or battery-powered equivalents while delivering excellent control, durability, and consistency.

At Pipestock, we supply a carefully selected range of air drills to suit different applications – from compact pistol-style models for tight spaces to high-speed straight drills for precision drilling tasks. Built for the workshop, our pneumatic drills are engineered to deliver smooth operation, long service life, and superior reliability when paired with a suitable air compressor.

An air drill is a rotary power tool that uses compressed air to spin a drill bit. It performs the same essential function as an electric drill but is powered pneumatically rather than via battery or mains electricity. Air drills are available in pistol grip, straight (inline), and angle head formats, depending on the application and workspace constraints.

Because there are fewer moving parts and no reliance on electrical components, pneumatic drills are particularly suited to high-duty cycles, repetitive tasks, and industrial environments where reliability and minimal downtime are crucial.

Typical Applications:

• Drilling into metal, plastic, timber, and composite materials
• Automotive bodywork and repairs
• Sheet metal fabrication
• Industrial assembly lines
• Construction and site maintenance

Air drills operate using compressed air supplied by an air compressor. When the trigger is pressed, the compressed air is channelled into a rotary vane or turbine motor within the tool. This motor converts the air pressure into mechanical rotational force, which spins the chuck and attached drill bit. The simplicity of this mechanism means air drills can be extremely lightweight and compact without compromising on torque or speed as opposed to battery-operated alternatives.

Many air drills also include variable speed triggers for precise control, reversible functionality, adjustable inlets to ensure user comfort, as well as ergonomic grips to reduce fatigue over long-term use.

Maintaining your pneumatic drill is essential for performance and longevity. Neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced power, internal rusting, and premature wear. Fortunately, routine maintenance for air drills is straightforward and low-cost.

• Daily oiling: Use pneumatic air tool oil (such as ISO 22) before and after use. Simply add a few drops into the air inlet to lubricate internal parts. Alternatively, use an in-line lubricator or filter-regulator-lubricator unit to maintain clean and lubricated airflow.
• Check air lines: Ensure hoses are free from leaks, kinks, and moisture. This is also vital to ensure user safety.
• Drain compressors daily: Prevent water vapour from entering and corroding the tool and rusting the compressor tank.
• Store properly: Keep the tool in a dry place and ideally in a case when not in use.
• Tighten and clean chucks: Check the chuck for wear and clean debris to ensure accurate bit gripping.
• Avoid excessive pressure: Operating beyond the rated pressure can damage the motor.

When choosing an air drill, consider the following:

• Chuck Type & Size: Most air drills come with keyless chucks, typically in 6.5mm (¼") or 10mm (⅜") sizes. Choose the right size for your drill bits!

• Grip Style: Pistol grip drills are ideal for general tasks. Inline or right-angle drills are better for confined spaces or overhead work.

• Speed vs Torque: High-speed drills (3000+ RPM) are ideal for soft materials and rapid drilling, while low-speed drills with higher torque are better for harder materials or screw-driving.

• Noise & Vibration Levels: Industrial drills can be loud. Check decibel ratings and use PPE where required.