#rama mining

There is a very common reason why pneumatic tools on construction sites fail earlier than they should. It is not rough handling, not bad quality, and not overuse. It is simply that the tools are running dry — no oil reaching the internal moving parts during operation.

A pneumatic lubrication system costs very little and takes minutes to install. Yet most sites either skip it or set it up incorrectly. The result is worn seals, damaged pistons, and tools that need replacing long before their time.

What Does a Pneumatic Lubricator Do

An air line lubricator introduces a controlled mist of oil directly into the compressed air stream before it reaches the tool. As the air travels through the pneumatic tool — driving pistons, rotating vanes, or powering impact mechanisms — the oil coats every internal surface it passes through.

This continuous lubrication prevents metal-on-metal contact, keeps seals supple, and removes heat generated by friction. Tools that receive proper lubrication run cooler, deliver more consistent power, and last significantly longer than those running without it.

The FRL Unit: Filter, Regulator, Lubricator

Most professional air supply setups use what is known as an FRL unit — a three-stage assembly that conditions the air before it enters any tool. The filter stage removes water, dust, and particles from the compressed air. The regulator controls the pressure delivered to the tool. The air line lubricator, at the final stage, adds the oil mist.

In FRL unit construction, the order matters. Air must be filtered and regulated before lubrication so that the oil is introduced into clean, pressure-controlled air. Installing the components in the wrong order reduces the effectiveness of the whole system.

How to Set Up a Pneumatic Lubrication System

Mount the FRL unit as close to the air supply point as possible, before the air hose runs to the tool. Check that the arrow on the unit body points in the direction of air flow — fitting it backwards is a common mistake that prevents oil delivery entirely.

Fill the lubricator bowl with pneumatic tool oil. Do not use engine oil or general-purpose lubricants. These contain additives that can damage rubber seals and internal components over time.

Adjust the drip rate using the adjustment needle at the top of the lubricator. A general starting point is one to two drops of oil per minute for a standard handheld tool. Increase the rate for larger tools or multiple tools drawing from the same line.

Check the oil level at the start of each shift and top up as needed.

The Bottom Line