What is essential for daily maintenance to ensure tools remain in good condition?

Lubricating air tools is essential for daily maintenance to ensure these tools remain in good condition because it helps reduce friction, prevents wear and tear, and ensures smooth operation. Proper lubrication can also help to prevent the buildup of debris and contaminants that can affect the tool's performance. Additionally, it can protect against corrosion and extend the life of the tool by ensuring that moving parts operate efficiently.

While inspecting for rust, replacing damaged parts, and cleaning surfaces with water are all important aspects of tool maintenance, they do not address the immediate need for lubrication, which is critical for the functioning of air tools specifically. Lubrication reduces the likelihood of breakdowns and ultimately supports optimal performance on a daily basis.