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 A blow gun has become a mandatory accessory in any workshop. This device uses air pressure to clean areas that cannot be reached by normal means. Most machines and engines have delicate internal components, whose functionality can get compromised if they get clogged with dirt. Dust and dirt can affect the smooth operation of a tool and also reduce its lifespan by increasing wear and tear due to friction. The blow gun can be used to blow clean numerous electronic devices, such as televisions, music systems, and even computer keyboards. The air propelled forward at high velocity from the tip of the tool helps to efficiently clear away loose dust and dirt. The blow gun can also be used to inflate bicycle, motorcycle, car, and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) tires. Blow guns with a rubber tip can be used for blowing out molds. While commonly found in factories and workshops, this tool is a handy gadget to have at home too.
Features and working of a blow gun A blow gun normally works by being connected to an air tank that contains compressed air. When the trigger is pressed, this air is allowed to flow towards the frontal tip of the tool at high pressure. The amount of air consumed is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Sometimes, the tool may have two tips; one tip offering 11 cfm of air, and another point tip using 8 cfm of air. The air pipe is usually a 1/4 inch NPT pipe thread, with a female 1/4 inch NPT connection also incorporated in some guns. The trigger pressure can be controlled by the user to adjust the air flow. Instead of a trigger, some blow guns may work through lever action. The tip may have a chuck that can be rotated to increase or decrease the diameter of the nozzle, which will adjust the intensity of the air flow. Some blow guns have an aluminum extension of around 24 inches, increasing the reach of the tool even more. A telescopic shaft enables the length of the gun to be adjusted from around 12 to 36 inches. A zinc die-cast or aluminum body combines sturdiness with light weight. The blow gun uses a pressure of around 175 pounds per Square inch (PSI) to generate a powerful gust of air that will blow away the most stubborn dust patches. Since the nozzles of  the gun bear the most impact from the pressurized air and when the tip is pressed against any surface, they are generally chrome plated for added durability. Occasionally, a Lincoln interchange connector is incorporated to facilitate linking the tool to the coupler of a live air feeding line. Accuracy of the air stream is accentuated with an array of needle tips. Depending on the tip, the force of the air jet may vary, with the safety tip rendering a stream of around 11 cfm @ 100 PSI, and the rubber tip offering a force of approximately 13 cfm @ 100 PSI. What to look for in a blow gun
A judicious tool design offers one-handed operation, thus freeing the user’s other hand for other tasks. This feature is also useful, when the user is perched on a precarious position, such as a ladder, while working. Some blow guns have a hook with which they can be hung on a wall. The handles of the tool are ergonomically designed to increase the comfort Level of the user and prevent wrist strain during prolonged use. A rubber tip protects the work surface from getting marred. Sometimes, the tool tip is made flexible to make it bendable depending on the application and the target location. The tip can also be swiveled over 360 degrees and then locked into position for greater versatility. Additionally, the presence of a safety nozzle prevents any residual air from being blown in the direction of the operator. For better efficiency, some blow guns have a multi-jet tip for covering a wider area. Some blow guns are sized and shaped like a pen, with a pluggable end that can be connected to a coupler. Most blow guns need to meet the requirements laid down by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a US government undertaking that monitors the specifications of most power and pneumatic tools. Some reputed manufacturers of blow guns include Acme, Grip, K-D Tools, and Tool Aid. Discuss this article on the forums. (0 posts)
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