Pneumatic systems operate under the compressed air provided by an air source. The most common and efficient air source utilized by consumers is an air compressor.
Nearly every traditional power tool is available in a version utilizing compressed air instead of electricity. Consumers can purchase pneumatic nail guns, staple guns, buffers, jackhammers and wrenches.
Along with the actual pneumatic tool and the air compressor, pneumatic systems require some level of hosing to transfer the compressed air to the tool. The Canada Center for Occupational Health and Safety recommends only using abrasion-resistant hosing in pneumatic systems.
Air compressors are powered by electricity. Air is compressed in a tank to a specific pressure per square inch (PSI). Tools can tap into this compressed air via specially designed hoses and drive nails or pound a hammer for example.
The Tool Hut recommends employing hearing protection near or while operating pneumatic equipment. All components of the pneumatic system should be maintained regularly according to American Pneumatic Tools.