Air Tool & Air Line Lubricant

What Does Air Tool Oil Do?

Where a pneumatic tool is designed to operate with oil lubrication, the lubricant helps maintain a film between moving internal components.

• Helps reduce friction between moving components
• Helps reduce wear in lubricated pneumatic mechanisms
• Supports smooth operation of compatible air tools
• Provides lubrication through compatible airline lubricators
• Supports routine maintenance of pneumatic equipment
• Can help protect internal surfaces where the correct lubricant is specified

What Equipment Uses Air Tool Oil?

The precise lubrication requirement depends on the tool manufacturer, but compatible lubricated pneumatic equipment may include:

Not Every Compressed-Air System Should Be Lubricated

Adding oil to a compressed-air line is not automatically beneficial. Some tools are designed to operate without an external oil supply, and many industrial processes require oil-free downstream air.

Where one compressed-air system supplies both lubricated pneumatic tools and oil-sensitive equipment, the distribution arrangement may need separate branches so lubricant is introduced only where required.

How Should Air Tool Oil Be Used?

Follow the tool or equipment manufacturer's lubrication instructions. The required quantity and method vary considerably between products.

Filtration, Regulation & Lubrication

Pneumatic tools generally perform best when supplied with compressed air that is correctly filtered and regulated for the tool.

Where lubrication is required, an air-preparation arrangement may include filtration, pressure regulation and lubrication, often referred to as an FRL assembly.

• Filter contaminants and liquid water where required
• Set pressure to the tool manufacturer's stated requirement
• Use a lubricator only where the connected equipment requires oil
• Size filters and regulators for the required airflow
• Keep lubricator bowls clean and correctly filled
• Check downstream applications before introducing oil

Why Is My Air Tool Running Slowly?

Poor tool performance is not always caused by lack of lubrication. Before simply adding more oil or increasing pressure, check the complete compressed-air supply.

• Compressor airflow may be insufficient
• Hose may be too small for the airflow demand
• Long hose runs can create excessive pressure drop
• Quick-release couplings may be restrictive
• Air filters may be blocked
• Pressure regulator may be undersized or incorrectly set
• Air leaks may reduce available flow
• Internal tool components may be worn or contaminated
• The tool may require maintenance or lubrication

Storing & Handling Air Tool Lubricant

• Keep the container sealed when not in use
• Protect the lubricant from water, dust and contamination
• Use clean dispensing equipment
• Keep lubricant clearly labelled
• Do not mix with other oils unless compatibility is confirmed
• Follow the product storage and safety information supplied

Not Sure Whether Your Air Tool Needs Lubrication?

Check the tool manufacturer's operating and maintenance instructions before introducing oil.

If you need help with the wider compressed-air arrangement, provide our team with:

• Air tool manufacturer and model
• Required operating pressure
• Air consumption where known
• Current hose size and length
• Filter and regulator details
• Whether an airline lubricator is already installed
• Other equipment connected to the same air line

Looking for a Different Compressor Lubricant?

Air tool oil is different from the oils used inside piston, rotary vane and rotary screw compressors.

If you need compressor lubricant rather than pneumatic-tool oil, use our main lubricant section to select the correct equipment type.