In the last post of this series, we talked about finding and fixing leaks in your compressed air system. Many readers found that step especially valuable—leak detection alone can uncover major savings opportunities. Now, it’s time to move on to step three in the Six Steps to Optimizing Your Compressed Air System: implementing engineered solutions.
Engineered solutions (like EXAIR Intelligent Compressed Air Products) are the efficient, quiet, and safe choice.
This is where our Application Engineers can really help. Whether your application calls forAir Knives, Super Air Nozzles, or another one of our engineered products, we can guide you to the right solution. If you already know the consumption rates of your existing setup, we can even help you calculate the savings you’ll see by switching.
Step three is often where customers begin to notice the biggest impact. Replacing an open pipe or a non-engineered blowoff with an engineered solution can drastically reduce compressed air usage. The difference becomes obvious when your compressor cycles less frequently—or in some cases, when you’re able to shut down a secondary compressor altogether.
In the next post of this series, we’ll cover step four: an even simpler way to extend your savings by turning air off when it isn’t needed. Until then, keep working toward a more efficient compressed air system.
EXAIR has an extensive line of Safety Air Guns that will meet a variety of applications. Our VariBlast Precision, Compact, Soft Grip, Heavy Duty and Super Blast Safety Air Guns, and TurboBlast will give you a wide range of options to choose from. These options can be expanded on even further through the addition of our Air Gun Accessories. In this blog I want to cover a few of the ways you can customize and personalize your Safety Air Gun to make sure you are getting the most out of our products.
Features & benefits of the new TurboBlast Safety Air Gun
Once you have selected your particular Air Gun, you will want to make sure that you have the right nozzle. Every Air Gun has multiple nozzle options with different force and flow specifications. If your main concern is low sound levels, then the Mini Super Air Nozzle may be the best option. If you need more force, then the 2″ High Power Flat Super Air Nozzle would be preferred. We also have Back Blow Nozzles that are great for blind holes.
In addition to this, there are several different material choices. Zinc-aluminum for general purposes, Type 303 stainless steel for corrosion resistance, Type 316 stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance and mechanical wear, and finally PEEK thermoplastic for non-marring and chemical resistance.
Model 1210 Soft Grip Safety Air is fitted with an EXAIR Super Air Nozzle. We can also supply it with a Rigid Extension and Chip Shield (right).
After you have determined the right nozzle, do you need to add a Chip Shield? If you have the potential for flying debris, and you want to protect your operator, then our Safety Air Guns can be equipped with a durable polycarbonate shield. They are also useful for preventing coolant from splashing back, helping you to avoid a mess. You can see a Chip Shield in action in the video below:
We also have various length extensions for when you need more reach for your blowoff operation. Depending on the Air Gun, we have lengths ranging from six inches to six feet. These are great when used in conjunction with our Chip Shields. If you need something more flexible than a straight extension, our Soft Grip Safety Air Gun can also be used with our Stay Set Hoses. These hose have a ‘memory’ to allow for precise positioning without creeping or bending.
Specifically with our Soft Grip Safety Air Gun, we have a special extension and scraper combination, covered in detail in this blog. The Soft Grip Super Air Scraper is highly effective at removing stubborn debris from various surfaces.
Coiled Hose
Finally, we stock a 12‘ coiled air hose. These are available with 1/8NPT, 1/4NPT and 3/8NPT male end swivel connections. This will help you avoid messy and tangled air lines.
In the fast-paced world of industrial manufacturing, keeping equipment clean is crucial. Chips, coolant residue, and debris can accumulate inside pipes, tubes, hoses, and channels, leading to downtime, reduced performance, and even safety hazards. Traditional forward-blowing air tools often push contaminants deeper into these confined spaces or out the wrong end, creating more problems than they solve. Enter EXAIR’s Back Blow Nozzles and Air Guns—a game-changing solution designed to tackle these challenges head-on. If you’re new to these tools or just curious about how they work, I highly recommend checking out this insightful video blog fromone of our Application Engineers. It offers a close-up look at the nozzles in action inside a pipe, demonstrating their 360-degree airflow in real time. It’s a quick, eye-opening demo that perfectly illustrates the “back blow” magic.
What Are Back Blow Nozzles?
At their core, EXAIR Back Blow Nozzles are engineered precision tools made from durable Type 316 stainless steel (SS) to withstand harsh industrial environments. Unlike standard nozzles that blast air forward, these feature an array of holes around the nozzle’s circumference that blow backwards. This creates a powerful, uniform 360-degree airflow pattern that “wipes” the internal surfaces clean as it travels backward toward the operator. The result? Debris, chips, and coolant are pulled out and ejected safely—without forcing them further into the pipe or creating projectiles that could fly out the far end. This backward-directed flow is especially valuable for:
Cleaning blind holes and dead-end channels.
Clearing long tubes where forward blowing is impractical.
Removing sticky or stubborn buildup from machining processes.
All EXAIR Back Blow Nozzles comply with OSHA standards for noise (29 CFR 1910.95(a)) and dead-end pressure (29 CFR 1910.242(b)), ensuring they are safe for operators while delivering high performance.
The Lineup: Sizes for Every Application EXAIR offers three Back Blow Nozzle models, each optimized for specific pipe diameters. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Power Up with Safety Air Guns
While the nozzles shine on their own, attaching them to an EXAIR Safety Air Gun takes functionality to the next level. These guns feature ergonomic designs, automatic shutoff valves, and variable force options to reduce fatigue and enhance control. Plus, they’re OSHA-compliant, with dead-end pressures well below the 30 psi limit to prevent injuries from air bursts. Here are the key air gun options compatible with Back Blow Nozzles:
VariBlast Compact Safety Air Gun: A lightweight, variable-force tool with a rugged aluminum body and ergonomic grip. Ideal for the 1004SS nozzle in smaller applications—perfect for quick, precise clean outs without overkill.
Soft Grip Safety Air Gun: Built for extended use, this features a cushioned handle and full-grip trigger to minimize hand strain during long shifts. Available with 1004SS or 1006SS nozzles, plus extensions up to 72″ and optional Chip Shields for blow back protection.
Heavy Duty Safety Air Gun: Tough as nails for demanding environments, with a reinforced handle and high-impact durability. Pairs well with the 1006SS for reliable performance in gritty workshops.
Super Blast Safety Air Gun: The powerhouse of the bunch, delivering maximum force for the 1008SS nozzle. Extensions up to 6 feet make it a beast for large-scale pipe cleaning, like hydraulic cylinders or industrial conduits.
No matter which gun you choose, adding a Chip Shield is a smart move—it keeps flying debris away from the operator, turning a potential hazard into a hassle-free task.
Heavy Duty Back Blow Safety Air Guns come with Chip Shields, and Rigid Extensions from 6″ to 72″ in length.
If you have an application you would like to discuss, give us a call!
Safety in the workplace is of paramount importance, and most organizations recognize this by implementing annual safety training programs. A fundamental message from these sessions is that safety is a collective responsibility, not just the duty of a select few. At EXAIR, we prioritize safety in all aspects of our operations. Our commitment is evident in the design of many of our products, such as the Flat Super Air Nozzle, which emphasizes our dedication to safe practices. This focus is particularly vital, as improper handling of compressed air can lead to significant health risks.
Meets or Exceeds OSHA Requirements
In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for enforcing regulations that promote safe and healthy working conditions. This agency has the power to levy significant fines for any infractions. Among the frequent violations related to compressed air are those concerning air guns and blow-off devices, specifically addressed in 29CFR 1910.242(b), which pertains to dead-end pressure and chip shielding, as well as 29CFR 1910.95(a), which sets forth the maximum permissible noise exposure levels.
The regulation 29CFR 1910.242(b) addresses the use of hand-held tools, specifically highlighting that blow-off devices must not operate at pressures exceeding 30 psig if there is a risk of compressed air becoming dead-ended. In situations where air has no escape route, it poses a serious risk of penetrating the skin and causing an air embolism. EXAIR’sair nozzles are engineered with fins that facilitate safe air release, thereby preventing skin blockage. Consequently, users can operate the EXAIR Super Air Nozzles confidently at pressures above 30 psig.
2″ Flat Super Air Nozzle
EXAIR’s Flat Super Air Nozzles distinguish themselves from other Super Air Nozzles by utilizing a design akin to an Air Knife, featuring a shim that determines the air gap instead of traditional fins for safe air release. The nozzle’s engineered lip at the outlet effectively prevents dead-ending, ensuring continuous airflow. In the event that the nozzle’s end becomes obstructed, air can still escape from the sides, maintaining safety and compliance with OSHA standards.
If you have any questions regarding the OSHA directives mentioned above, or anything regarding EXAIR and our products, please do not hesitate to reach out. We would love to hear from you!
