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