| Air blow guns attach to air lines for | | | | (TPI) and outside diameter (OD). 1/8” |
| the manual actuation and/or control of | | | | NPT connectors have 27 TPI and an OD of |
| air discharge. They are used primarily | | | | 0.405”. 1/4” NPT connectors have 18 |
| for debris removal and purging, | | | | TPI and an OD of 0.540”. 3/8” NPT |
| non-contact part cleaning and drying, | | | | connectors also have 18 TPI, but an OD |
| and general laboratory or industrial | | | | of 0.675”. 1/2” connectors have 14 |
| applications. Most air blow guns are | | | | TPI and an OD of 0.840”. #10-32 NPT |
| made of plastic or metal and include an | | | | threads are also available. Air line |
| ergonomic grip or handle. A steady | | | | connections that can swivel or pivot are |
| stream of compressed air is delivered | | | | suitable for applications that require |
| through a sturdy metallic nozzle. Air | | | | versatile positioning. |
| blow guns that are equipped with an | | | | Air blow guns vary in terms of nozzle |
| internal fail-safe pressure mechanism | | | | type and actuation style. Standard |
| shut off automatically if the gun is | | | | safety nozzles are suitable for |
| dropped or the lip is blocked. Integral | | | | general-purpose applications. |
| pressure relief valves are used to blow | | | | Small-diameter nozzles can be inserted |
| off excess pressure before discharge. In | | | | into tight openings. Nozzles with rubber |
| the United States, products that meet or | | | | tips prevent the marring of surfaces |
| exceed standards from the Occupational | | | | while nozzles with flexible tips can be |
| Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) | | | | guided directly to the application |
| are commonly available. Typically, | | | | point. Air blow guns with extended, |
| manufacturers indicate whether products | | | | straight nozzles provide longer reach. |
| are suitable for high volume | | | | Devices with extended, angled nozzles |
| applications, or include a threaded | | | | are designed for use in |
| discharge port or vacuum attachment. | | | | difficult-to-reach locations. Venturi |
| Specifications for air blow guns include | | | | nozzles contain small holes that allow |
| pressure capacity and air line | | | | the discharge to draw ambient air to |
| connection type. Pressure capacity or | | | | increase the airflow. Air screens are |
| maximum rated pressure is rated at the | | | | often used to minimize particle |
| air inlet and measured in pounds per | | | | blowback. In terms of actuation, most |
| square inch (psi). Many types of air | | | | air blow guns include a discharge lever |
| line connectors are available. | | | | that is in-line with the air hose and |
| Quick-release connectors contain | | | | actuated by thumb. Pistol or |
| fittings that are attached internally. | | | | trigger-style devices are also |
| By contrast, push-on connectors include | | | | available. With these devices, the |
| barbed ferrules. Air blow guns use | | | | actuator is located at a right-angle to |
| several types of national pipe thread | | | | the air supply hose and incorporates an |
| (NPT) connectors, most of which are | | | | ergonomic handle. Button-actuated air |
| inch-based and female. Important NPT | | | | blow guns are also available. |
| measurements include threads per inch | | | | |