ISO 2787:1984

Overview - ISO 2787:1984 (Rotary and percussive pneumatic tools - Performance tests)

ISO 2787:1984 is the second edition (replacing the 1974 edition) that defines a standardized method for measuring and reporting the performance of rotary and percussive pneumatic tools. The standard specifies test procedures, ambient and supply conditions, measurement techniques for power output, air consumption, torque, shaft speed, impact energy, and blow rate, and provides formatted test-report annexes for both rotary and percussive tools.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose: Ensures comparable, repeatable performance data for manufacturers, test laboratories and users.
• Test conditions:
  • Typical test pressure: tools generally tested at 6.3 ± 0.15 bar gauge unless designed for a different recommended pressure (which must be stated).
  • Ambient conditions to be recorded and maintained (e.g., ambient temperature ~20 ± 2 °C, atmospheric pressure range given in the standard).
• Measurements specified:
  • Power output, air consumption (under load and no‑load), rotational speed (no‑load and under load), torque (including starting, static stall and dynamic values), impact energy and blow rate.
  • Pressure measurement location: measured immediately upstream of the tool (total pressure at inlet of tool hose).
  • For percussion tools, a minimum 3 m hose length is recommended between pressure-measurement point and tool to address pulsating flow effects.
• Calibration and instrumentation: Gauges and instruments must be traceably calibrated; pressure gauges should allow reading within 0.5% of full-scale accuracy and operate in the middle scale range for best precision.
• Sampling and reporting: Due to production variability, a minimum of five tools of the same type should be tested and averaged. Annexes provide standardized test report formats:
  • Annex A - Rotary tool test report format
  • Annex B - Percussive tool test report format
  • Annex C - Procedure for impact-energy measurement (strain‑gauge method)

Practical applications and who uses it

ISO 2787 is used by:

• Manufacturers to specify product performance for catalogs and to support design verification.
• Test laboratories and quality departments to perform standardized, reproducible performance testing.
• Procurement and maintenance teams to compare tools and select the correct tool for industrial, construction, mining or assembly tasks.
• Regulatory and certification bodies that require harmonized test data for compliance or product claims.

Related standards

Standards referenced within ISO 2787 include:

• ISO 31 / ISO 1000 (quantities, units, symbols)
• ISO 1180 (shanks for pneumatic tools)
• ISO 2944 (fluid power - nominal pressures)
• ISO 5167 (flow measurement)
• ISO 5391 / ISO 5393 / ISO 6544 (related compressor and pneumatic tool performance and torque standards)

Keywords: ISO 2787:1984, pneumatic tools, rotary tools, percussive tools, performance tests, air consumption, power output, impact energy, torque, test report.