Design, operating rules, types of pneumatic guns for concrete

Concrete pneumatic guns are multipurpose instruments that are essential to many building and remodeling projects. These tools apply concrete or cement-based materials quickly and effectively by using compressed air. They are especially useful for jobs like surface repair, textured finishes, and specialty coatings that call for exact application and reliable outcomes.

Pneumatic guns come in a variety of varieties, each intended for use with particular materials and applications. While some are designed to handle thicker mixtures or more difficult tasks, others are specifically made for applying thin layers of concrete. By choosing the appropriate tool for your project, you can ensure better outcomes and more productive work by being aware of the various types and their unique functions.

To ensure safety and efficacy when using pneumatic guns for concrete, it’s crucial to adhere to the recommended operating procedures. These recommendations include keeping the apparatus in good working order, applying the proper pressure settings, and taking safety measures to prevent mishaps. You can get the best performance out of your pneumatic gun and increase its longevity by following these guidelines.

What is nailing equipment?

A pneumatic mounting gun for concrete is a kind of specialized tool used to drive nails and dowels into a building structure quickly. It is powered by compressed air that is either autonomously supplied by a cylinder placed in the handle of the device or by a compressor.

With the use of this tool, you can drastically cut the time it takes to install suspended ceiling frames or electrical products, which lowers the cost of maintenance and finishing work.

Differences from other varieties

There is a large selection of impact installation equipment on the market, divided into three categories: gas, pneumatic, and powder. Pneumatic guns differ from other devices that operate on a similar principle in the following ways:

  • Powder pistols involve the formation of a pulsed shock due to the detonation of a cartridge, which is pre-loaded into the belt or revolving clip of the tool.
  • Gas appliances use the energy of a heated gas-air mixture, which is dosed into the combustion chamber and ignited using an electric spark.
  • Unlike the two previous options, pneumatic pistols do not involve the ignition of explosives, since the piston mechanism is activated when a certain volume of air is released from the compressor or from the cylinder. This type of guns is easily adjustable due to the metered air supply, which significantly expands the scope of their application.

The safest tool for users is a pneumatic concrete gun, which can be used freely in high humidity or fire-prone areas.

Where and for what can the installation equipment be used?

The following functional areas of a building or structure can have various structures installed using a pneumatic concrete installation gun:

  • Installation of punched tape for fastening guides when installing plasterboard ceilings.
  • Fastening galvanized profiles to load-bearing walls in apartments, private residential buildings or offices when erecting partitions,
  • Connection of reinforcement elements for enclosing structures made of small-piece stone materials with concrete walls and ceilings.
  • Device of embedded parts for the installation of suspended engineering equipment.
  • Laying power or low-current cables in an open way.
  • Fixing a metal or polymer mesh for reinforcing the plaster mixture.
  • Installation of insulation on the surface of the ceiling or walls using plate dowels.

It should be kept in mind that the energy of the compressed air pulse impact is much lower when using a pneumatic tool to drive nails than when exploding gas or gunpowder. Accordingly, it is advised to limit the use of pneumatic guns to lightweight concrete structures.

Construction of a construction pneumatic gun

When using pneumatic tools on a concrete structure, they all have the following functional components:

  • Handle for comfortable grip of the tool.
  • Trigger – a key at the base of the handle, pressing which causes a shot.
  • Barrel of the gun – a tube through which compressed air enters the piston and sets it in motion.
  • Muzzle with a diffuser, designed to direct the hardware into the body of the concrete.
  • Stop with the ability to adjust the reach and angle of inclination.
  • Pneumatic hose connection that connects the gun to the compressed air compressor. In some cases, the tool handle also has a reservoir for installing a cylinder.
  • Rechargeable battery to ensure the return movement of the piston after a shot, also to control the tool modes.

Certain compressed air-powered mounting guns have a dual handle to facilitate the operator’s holding of the gun in a stationary position prior to inserting the hardware.

Principle of operation

The following is the operating principle of all compressed air-powered impact installation tools:

  • A block of nails on a tape is loaded into the gun magazine.
  • A hose from the compressor is connected to the nipple on the handle.
  • The desired operating mode and power of the equipment are set.
  • The gun is applied to the surface of a concrete wall or ceiling.
  • The trigger is pressed, which opens the throttle, which causes a sharp filling of the barrel chamber with a certain amount of compressed air.
  • The piston mechanism is sharply set in motion and creates a shock impulse that acts on the nail, plunging it into the concrete body.
  • If necessary, the cyclic operation mode is set on the gun switch, which causes continuous nailing, according to the previously applied markings.

It is important to keep in mind that the impact energy of gas in detachable cylinders diminishes as the tank is emptied. This indicates that the independent shock source can only be utilized to an extent of 80% to 90%.

Varieties by power source

Every air concrete gun requires a power supply to operate. Based on this criterion, the tool was classified into the subsequent categories:

  • A tool with a power cable that is connected to a 220 or 380 V household outlet. The voltage depends on the number of phases, as well as on the presence of a grounding cable and the characteristics of the equipment. The wire is covered with a protective rubber flexible insulation and is securely connected to the internal contact terminals using crimping devices.
  • Battery-powered guns that are completely independent of an external power source. As a rule, batteries with a capacity of 1200 – 1500 mAh are used for installation equipment of this category, which is enough to immerse up to 2000 – 4000 nails. To ensure continuous operation, most often, the manufacturer supplies the tool complete with two batteries and a charger.

Because battery-powered impact devices have a maximum voltage of no more than 18 V, which prevents electric shock, experts advise using them.

Selection rules

The following crucial factors need to be carefully considered, along with a few other subtleties, when selecting and purchasing pneumatic mounting guns:

  • Working pressure created in the compressor or cylinder.
  • Maximum permissible nail length.
  • Either tool weight.
  • Number of nails loaded into the magazine.
  • Gun body material.
  • Presence of a guide rail and the ability to adjust its tilt.
  • Type of power source and impact pulse used.

Brand recognition, the company’s model lineup, the nation in which the equipment is made, and the existence of favourable evaluations from contented customers of the brand’s products on independent Internet forums are some of the most crucial selection factors.

For effective concrete application and shaping in a variety of construction projects, pneumatic concrete guns are a necessary toolkit. This article examines the construction and functionality of these weapons, showcasing the various varieties and how well-suited each is for a given purpose. It is simpler to accomplish a professional finish when using pneumatic guns when one is aware of their features and regulations. This ensures maximum performance and concrete work.

Top 5 manufacturers and models

If the buyer is having trouble deciding which pneumatic gun best suits his needs for electrical installation and general construction, a thorough ranking of the top 5 models from a number of well-known brands is provided below.

Frosp ST64

Producer and place of origin: Frosp, Taiwan, China.

Compressor-powered mounting gun that is highly favored by amateurs. ideal cost-benefit ratio, applied to drywall and electrical installations. Features of the design:

  1. plastic body;
  2. shortened barrel, compact dimensions;
  3. rubberized handle is attached to an aluminum adjustable stop;
  4. open trigger;
  5. amplitude when triggered – 32 mm.

Technical details:

  • maximum nail length – up to 64 mm;
  • working pressure – up to 8 atm.;
  • number of fasteners in the magazine – up to 80 pcs;
  • weight of the tool – 3.0 kg.

Benefits

  1. simple equipment;
  2. high installation accuracy;
  3. ability to work for a long time without the risk of overheating the device.

Drawbacks:

  • insufficient working power;
  • sensitivity of the polymer coupling to pressure drops in the compressor.

Average retail cost: between 15,000 and 19,000 rubles.

Lixie LX-QSD801A

China is the manufacturer’s country of origin.

Professional tools designed for utility line (pipe and power cable) laying on concrete surfaces, as well as construction and finishing tasks. Features of the design:

  1. direct-action rapid-fire tool;
  2. elongated nose is designed for mounting nails in hard-to-reach places;
  3. can be used to fasten insulation;
  4. convenient grip for the hand, soft trigger, pliable spring, protected from accidental triggering.

Technical details:

  • maximum nail length – up to 62 mm;
  • working pressure – up to 8 atm.;
  • quantity of hardware in the store – up to 20 pcs;
  • tool weight – 4.5 kg.

Benefits

  1. world-famous manufacturer;
  2. a large number of service centers throughout the country;
  3. protective locking against accidental shot, minimal risk of misfire.

Retail price range: 28–30 thousand rubles on average.

DAJ XI38

Producer, place of origin: DAJ, China

This is a great substitute for gas equipment since it can easily drive nails up to 62 mm long into thick, unreinforced concrete. It also offers consistent impact force and precise hardware positioning. The main purpose of it is to secure long cable products to the floor slab’s underside. Features of the design:

  • compact device for direct installation;
  • reliable connection of the nozzle with the pneumatic hose;
  • the ability to adjust the pressure;
  • low noise level;
  • rounded handle completely covered with soft polymer material – the tool practically does not slip in the hand.

Technical details:

  1. maximum nail length – up to 62 mm;
  2. working pressure – up to 8 atm;
  3. number of fasteners in the magazine – up to 40 pcs;
  4. weight of the tool – 3.8 kg.

Benefits

  • easy and convenient tool;
  • reliable conjugation with pneumoshlang;
  • the possibility of a circular rotation of the gun relative to the fitting without the risk of twisting and stopping the supply of compressed air;
  • Uniform dosage for cyclical work.

Drawbacks:

  1. high cost of a shot during single work;
  2. risk of settings failure when servicing the device.

Retail price range: 19–22 thousand rubles on average.

Freeman ST64F

Manufacturer and origin country: China, USA, Freeman.

International recognition for an American brand. Every product is made in China under the tight supervision of the corporate office. Wire clips, mounting brackets, and galvanized profiles are best secured with high-power equipment. Design Elements:

  • patented plastic for the case, which protects the mechanism from falls and shocks;
  • all contact surfaces are covered with rubber;
  • a nose made of alloy steel, a convenient connection of the hose;
  • possibility of direct installation, which reduces physical wear.

Technical details:

  1. maximum nail length – up to 42 mm;
  2. working pressure – up to 7.5 atm.;
  3. number of fasteners in the magazine – up to 40 pcs;
  4. weight of the tool – 3.4 kg.

Benefits

  • ease of cable installation;
  • optimally suited for working with lightweight concrete;
  • low retail price.

Drawbacks:

  1. difficulty of working with heavy concrete;
  2. consumers note insufficient power when using nails longer than 40 mm.

Retail prices range from 10,000 to 12,000 rubles.

Yoshi ST3040

Taiwanese manufacturer Yoshi is the place of origin.

One of the best pneumopistles available on the market is frequently used to construct suspended ceilings in large rooms because it practically never misfires and can operate even with heavy concrete.

Features of the design:

  • The most compact tool in the ranking;
  • the cylindrical shape of the housing eliminates stress concentration and overheating;
  • convenient stop ensures precise positioning of the tool at 2 points.
  • The steel trigger does not deform or break even with intensive use.

Details:

  1. maximum nail length – up to 40 mm;
  2. operating pressure – up to 6.5 atm.;
  3. quantity of hardware in the store – up to 60 pieces;
  4. tool weight – 2.7 kg.

Benefits

  • lightweight device that fits in your hand;
  • easy to install at the installation point;
  • does not give any return;
  • due to the built-in shock absorber;
  • convenient plastic case with replaceable extension cords.

Drawbacks:

  1. high cost of the tool;
  2. inconvenient pairing of the back cover with the main body;
  3. complexity of repair and maintenance.

Average retail cost: between 24,000 and 27,000 rubles.

Since the provided Top 5 is based solely on actual customer reviews and lacks any explicit advertising, it is subjective. In this sense, the list is advisory in nature and should not be construed as a directive to buy products.

Rules for use and operation

Some important guidelines to remember when using compressed air-powered tools are as follows:

  • The device is set to the working position by adjusting the settings.
  • A pneumatic hose from the compressor with crimping clips is connected to the nipple on the handle.
  • Nails with the selected geometric characteristics are loaded into the machine.
  • The device is tested on a rough plane.
  • If necessary, the settings and operating mode are adjusted.
  • The gun nose is pressed exactly to the marking line.
  • A shot is fired by pressing the trigger.
  • The immersion depth and positioning accuracy of the hardware in concrete are checked.
  • The operation is repeated for each marked point.

You must thoroughly read the operating instructions and become familiar with master classes and video tutorials before using a pneumatic tool.

In the video, the tool’s features include:

Possible malfunctions and their elimination

The user may experience issues with pneumatic guns when hammering nails and dowels, but these can be resolved with minor repairs:

  • Depressurization of the connection of the nozzle with the pneumatic hose – replacement of the polymer coupling is required.
  • Stuck nail in the nose before feeding to the installation point – it is recommended to use only a high-quality clamp made of hardware, and also check the inner plane of the diffuser for deformations.
  • Decreased efficiency when triggered – check the settings of the modes and intensity of air supply, inspect the connections and polymer gaskets, if necessary, adjust the operating pressure in the air blower.
  • Frequent misfire of the tool – adjustment of the position of the striker is required to align the compressed air supply tube with the diffuser on the spout.
  • Breakage of the trigger – the device is disassembled to replace the spring with parts with similar geometric parameters.

The new equipment should not be repaired by you if it is still covered by warranty. The best course of action is to get in touch with a service center as soon as you notice any malfunctioning signs. There, a qualified technician will accurately identify the problem and replace any worn parts.

Pros and cons of the technique

Due to several benefits, consumers are using more pneumatic mounting guns for concrete structures.

  • High productivity and speed of work, compared to fastening guides or cables with dowel nails.
  • There is no need to use a hammer drill or screwdriver.
  • Reducing the cost of installation, when contacting professionals.
  • Possibility of work in any premises and outdoors.
  • No risk of overheating the device.
  • Ease of assembly and commissioning before the upcoming work.
  • Possibility of quick adjustment of working pressure.
  • Rate of fire of the tool.
  • Versatility of most devices, possibility of using nails with different geometric characteristics.
  • Most devices come with replaceable extensions, which allows installation on ceilings, walls, columns and other types of concrete structures.
  • Small recoil due to the absence of detonation of flammable substances, which leads to increased installation accuracy.
  • Reliability and low risk of physical wear.
  • Absence of noise and exhaust gases when triggered.
  • Optimal ratio of build quality, performance and low price.

The equipment in this category has several drawbacks in addition to the apparent benefits, which is why many customers choose gas or powder-actuated mounting guns:

  • When using a compressor there is a risk of damage to the air tube.
  • Intensive use of the gun leads to depressurization of the compressor-gun interface.
  • Relatively low shot energy, compared to powder and gas devices.
  • Difficulty of working with heavy concrete on granite filler.
  • Impossibility of operation for reinforced structures.
  • Difficulty of doing repair work yourself.

The best price-quality ratio of these products has long been recognized by many professionals and business owners, so the aforementioned drawbacks have no effect on consumer demand.

Average prices in the Russian Federation

Given the widespread use of pneumatic impact tools in the market and the desire of many manufacturers to obtain a competitive edge, these guns are currently available at comparatively low retail prices:

  • Compressor guns with a working pressure of up to 6 atm. – from 12 to 15 thousand. rub.
  • Compressor guns with a working pressure of 6 to 8 atm. – from 18 to 25 thousand. rub.
  • Compressor guns with a working pressure over 8 atm. – from 30 thousand. rub.
  • Autonomous tools with a combined connection of a compressor or cylinder – from 25 – 35 thousand. rub.

The costs mentioned above could alter based on the supplier’s or brand’s internal marketing guidelines, the tool’s technical specs, and other factors.

Type of Pneumatic Gun Design and Operation
Concrete Pneumatic Gun Used for spraying concrete, has a nozzle that directs the flow of material. Ideal for large-scale applications and projects requiring a uniform finish.
Spray Gun Designed to apply a fine mist of concrete, it ensures an even coat and is often used for detailed work or decorative finishes.
Shotcrete Gun Specialized for applying shotcrete, a form of concrete applied through a high-pressure nozzle. It’s used for reinforced concrete applications and structural work.
Grouting Gun Used for injecting grout into cracks or voids. It has a smaller nozzle for precision work and is essential for repairing concrete structures.

Concrete pneumatic guns are essential to contemporary building because they provide accuracy and efficiency for a range of applications. These instruments are essential on many construction sites because they make the application of concrete and related materials easier.

Choosing the appropriate tool for a given task is made easier by being aware of the various kinds of pneumatic guns that are available. Whether you’re working with spray applications or precise concrete placement, each variety has special qualities catered to various requirements. There is a pneumatic gun made for every purpose, ranging from compact hand-held models for tiny tasks to larger, more capable models for big projects.

Using and maintaining your pneumatic gun correctly is crucial to getting the most out of it. The tool’s dependability and continued good condition are guaranteed by routine inspections and observance of operating procedures. You can increase the longevity of your machinery and improve the performance of your concrete applications by adhering to these recommendations.

In conclusion, pneumatic guns are essential equipment for the concrete industry because of their efficiency and versatility. Selecting the appropriate kind and keeping it up to date will greatly improve the caliber and productivity of your work.

Video on the topic

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MP-654K-32 interactive model

PNEUMATIC PISTOLS. Frequently asked questions

The operating principle of a gas mounting gun using the SPIT Pulsa 700 as an example

How to use a powder mounting gun / Molot PT-02

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Dmitry Sokolov

Chief engineer in a large construction company. I have extensive experience in managing construction projects and implementing modern technologies.

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