If you're looking for power, reliability, and ergonomics in a drill, an air drill (also known as a pneumatic drill) is an excellent choice. Because their mechanisms are run by compressed air, these drills won't easily overheat, and their lack of batteries or electric motors makes them lightweight and comfortable for long periods of work.
When to use an air drill instead of a power drill?
If you have a suitably powerful air compressor that can output the right flow of air at the right pressure, an air drill is a great choice for drilling most materials or honing cylinders in your shop or garage. Despite their low weight, air drills are not very portable compared to corded or cordless power drills, as they require a rigid, heavy-duty air hose to operate.
Can you drill through metal with an air drill?
Air drills are an excellent choice for drilling through metal, since their motors can't overheat, plus they're lightweight and comfortable to use for long periods of time.