Custom cap for pneumatic tools

As I was trying out a new nailer, it occurred to me that the tool would probably last longer if I could keep dirt and grit out of its innards while the tool wasn't in use. So I made some plastic caps to cover the nailer's hose coupling.

I made the caps of in ID plastic tubing, the kind that is often used for water levels. With a butane lighter, I flamed the end of the tubing until it melted. Then I squished the end shut with a pair of wide-lipped pliers. After waiting a halfminute or so, I removed the pliers and cut off the end of the tube. The resulting cap is about I in long. As shown in the drawing, I used a large sewing needle to thread a loop of braided fishing line through the side of the cap. The line wraps around the nailer's handle, keeping the cap where I need it.

This technique can be used with larger or smaller diameter tubing, cut to different lengths, to make caps for innumerable items that have lost their original caps or didn't come with them. I've even used them to cap tubes of partially used caulk. By the way, filling the cap with the appropriate solvent before slipping it onto the caulk nozzle will prevent the caulk from hardening.

Ted Vish, Weaverville, NC