What typically regulates the pressure supplied to pneumatic tools?

The regulator is the device specifically designed to maintain and control the pressure in a pneumatic system, ensuring that the pressure supplied to pneumatic tools remains consistent and within the desired range. By doing so, it helps prevent damage to the tools and ensures optimal performance.

Regulators work by taking the varying pressure from the air supply—often produced by a compressor—and reducing it to a steady level suitable for the specific application or tool being used. This is critical in pneumatic systems, where tools rely on precise pressure levels to operate effectively.

While other options such as relief valves, flow meters, and compressors play important roles in an overall pneumatic system, they are not specifically meant for regulating pressure. The relief valve is designed to prevent excessive pressure from building up in the system, while the flow meter measures the flow rate of air, and the compressor generates the compressed air needed for the system. None of these functions include the precise pressure regulation provided by a regulator.