AIMCO Global - Comparing Electric and Pneumatic Torque Control Screwdrivers

Understanding Which Style Works Best For Your Application

SCREWDRIVER TYPES

	PNEUMATIC (AIR) SCREWDRIVERS	ELECTRIC SCREWDRIVERS
SIZE AND WEIGHT	0.6 - 2.6 lbs	0.7 - 1.6 lbs Mostly lighter than air drivers
SOUND LEVEL	70 - 77 db(A)	67 - 72 db(A)
DUTY CYCLE	Handles highest production cycles	1 second on - 3.5 second off Must have cooling time
ACCURACY	+/- 12 - 15%	+/- 9 - 12%
TORQUE RANGE	2 - 90 in-lbs	.35 - 40 in-lbs
SPEED	500 - 2,600 rpm	550 - 1,000 rpm Slower, better for cutting plastic threads
GRIP STYLES	Inline, Pistol, Angle	Inline, Pistol, some Angle
ENVIRONMENT	Exhaust with lubricant mist	Slight brush dust
MAINTENANCE	Air motor blades, lubricant	Replace brushes
LIFETIME	Many years to decades	10 years
TEMPERATURE	Grip insulates from cool metal	Plastic housing with mild warmth
EASE OF TRANSPORT	Access to air lines	Access to electric outlet
FLEXIBILITY	Feather trigger on pistol, lever models	Some with dual speeds
Accuracy values are general and will vary depending on joint rate, joint quality, and operator usage

COMPARING PNEUMATIC US-LT SCREWDRIVER STYLES

	PISTOL GRIP	INLINE PUSH-TO-START	INLINE LEVER-START	ANGLE HEAD
APPLICATION	Horizontal or varied	Vertical	Vertical	Tight access
FEATHER TRIGGER	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
TORQUE REACTION	Medium	Higher	Higher	Lower
WEIGHT	Medium	Lowest	Lower	Highest
HAND MOVEMENT	Trigger finger	None	Lever Finger	Lever finger
COMPARING ELECTRIC AE SCREWDRIVER STYLES

	PISTOL GRIP	INLINE PUSH-TO-START	INLINE LEVER-START	ANGLE HEAD
APPLICATION	Horizontal or varied	Vertical	Vertical	Tight access
ACTIVATION	Trigger (except AE-8681)	Push-to-start	Lever	Lever
TORQUE REACTION	Medium	Higher	Higher	Lower
WEIGHT	Medium	Medium	Lowest	Medium
POWER SUPPLY	Separate box (except AE-8681)	None-plug in	Separate box	Separate box