Can you use compressor oil in air tools?

No, it is not appropriate to use compressor oil in air tools. Although both lubricants, compressor oil is intended to lubricate the inside parts of an air compressor and not the precision parts of air tools. Air tools (including pneumatic ratchets) consume a type of oil that is different to ordinary oils, called pneumatic tool oil, air tool oil, or air compressor oil, which is a lighter oil with anti-rust additives, and which is designed to lubricate the moving parts of the tool, without gumming up or damaging them.

Compressor oil can cause the air tools to perform low, to have internal corrosion and even become permanently damaged. Tool life is longer and the best results are obtained when using oil with special label air tools.