Tool Review: Guardair Corp. Lazer Series Safety Air Guns
Product: Guardair Corp. says its Lazer Series Safety Air Guns offer patented ergonomic contoured grips with comfort triggers in palm-switch and pistol-grip styles. Available with aluminum extensions from 6” to 72” in length, the air guns are designed to maximize operator comfort and reduce hand fatigue. The integrated hanging hook and eyelet enable quick access and storage of the tool, which meets OSHA standards. The air guns have a lightweight, all-metal construction; aluminum venturi nozzle; and ¼” FNPT inlet.
Review: Done by: Eric Moore, co-owner of DeMary Truck in Columbus, Ohio, and Jim Phillips, shop foreman at Lau’s Tire and Auto in Milwaukee, Wis.
Moore, who tested the palm-switch version of the Guardair Lazer Series Safety Air Gun, said he liked this grip because it allowed him to grasp it and use it in the orientation it was picked up. "To be able to pick it up and just squeeze to use, is nice."
Phillips tested the pistol-grip style, which, unlike the palm-switch style, needs to be re-oriented prior to use.
Even though there was no manual included, both technicians found assembly to be fast and easy.
The air guns offer several choices of tips for multiple applications. Each gun came with several fittings and accessories, including a male fitting, rubber tip, extension wand, restricted tip and needle tip.
Moore commented on the setup process, mentioning that the ¼” male fitting needed to be installed into the inlet. From there, the user only needs to select the appropriate accessory for the task.
Various uses
Phillips said he liked the available rubber tip, which he used multiple times. He used the air gun to blow out heater cores and coolant passages, and to clean hardware and general surface work areas.
Moore’s shop used the palm-grip style for similar tasks, as well as for drying vehicles that were washed and clearing debris away from work areas and off vehicles.
While Phillips didn’t have any recommendations to improve the tool itself, he did comment on the packaging. "Once opened, the pieces fall around easily, making it difficult to store the items together without losing them."
Moore noted the ease-of-use with the air gun when using the rubber tip, but said it “was slightly awkward to use accurately at times, due to the closeness of the work piece. This sometimes meant adding the extension wand, which also added to the awkwardness."
He gave this tool a seven out of 10 rating. "Overall, it’s not earth-shattering, and the jobs for which it is designed can be accomplished with the tried-and-true designs that have been around for decades.”
Phillips, who found the pistol-grip version of this tool easy to handle and easy to change tips, gave the air gun a 10 out of 10. He felt it had a rugged design and "did what it was supposed to do."
