A tale of two (power) tools

A repair shop is a busy place filled with lots of unique (perhaps beloved) sounds -- metal clanging, engines starting, fans humming, creative cursing. And of course, one cannot miss the distinct whistle and grind of power tools. At one time, pneumatic or air tools dominated the service bay. But these days, cordless is coming in strong.

Each power tool type has its own advantages. The utmost consideration is what will get the job done. Pneumatics always had ample power, but it’s interesting to note that electric tools are catching up.

In both categories we’re seeing improvements in ergonomics and technology. For example, softer hand grips are positioned to absorb more shock and lessen fatigue. On the technology front, some tools (both pneumatic and cordless) are incorporating Bluetooth functionality that gathers data such as angles and torque. It then sends this information over to your phone or computer.

While a number of technicians are embracing cordless tools with their ever-increasing power and easy maneuverability around the shop, still others continue to upgrade (or stick with) their tried and true pneumatics. There is innovation here, too.

This month’s ‘Top 10 Tools’ features Greg Jones, a hybrid technician at Luscious Garage in San Francisco. Topping Jones’ list are a contoured sealed removal tool from Snap-on (“...beats my pocket screwdriver”), an 18V LXT Lithium-Ion cordless impact driver from Makita ([a] go-to for removing small bolts and screws) and a Snap-on 14.4V 1/4” Hex MicroLithium Cordless Screwdriver that Jones says makes quick work of assembling hybrid battery packs prior to torquing the fasteners. See all of Jones’ top picks on page 50.

The vehicle repair industry is changing in a lot of ways, and this is just one of them. Take a look at some of the new cordless and pneumatic offerings -- along with just about every other tool and equipment type -- starting on page 10.  

I’d like to know your stance on cordless versus air tools and what makes sense in your line of work. Do you still prefer air tools for specific tasks? If so, what do you see as the benefits of air versus cordless? Did you switch over to cordless after years of using pneumatic? How did it go?

Let us know your shop’s cordless-to-pneumatic ratio, or chime in with your entire Top 10 list of tools, at [email protected].