How To Use Air Compressor

Air compressors are machines that can be used for a variety of applications. In general, they operate a range of tools that are used for construction work or buildings, such as pneumatic hammers, sanders and grinders. Air compressors pump high-pressure air to fill gas cylinders, to supply divers, to assist with the supply of pneumatic HVAC controls and to supply pneumatic tools. They can also be used for household applications such as tire inflation. Here is a brief guide to what work can be done with air compressors.

Air compressor for car

1. Best rated air compressors
2. Types of air compressors
3. How do air compressors work?
4. Pneumatic devices working with air compression
5. Home and car repair projects
6. Other applications of air compressors
7. How much CFM will you need?

Air compressor accessories

Air compressors were once found in the workshops of the most dedicated DIY enthusiasts and mechanics, but with a wide selection of smaller compressors now available, they are no longer just for professionals or experienced DIY enthusiasts. They can power a wide range of air powered (pneumatic) tools used in many applications. Read our review The Four best 30 gallon air compressors and choose the one!

What is the main purpose of a compressor?

Air compressors work by storing compressed air in a steel tank and releasing it in a controlled manner to operate a variety of tool holders, from air wrenches to sanders and grinders to air nailers and painting tools. An electric motor on the compressor unit pumps air under pressure into a storage tank and maintains it at high pressure to drive the tools connected to the tank via air hoses. During normal tool operation, the compressor motor automatically starts and closes when the air pressure in the tank fluctuates. For example, if you are operating a paint sprayer, you will hear the electric motor enter when the air in the tank drops, and it will shut down each time the tank pressure reaches its set limit. When you can’t choose a right air compressor for impact wrenches, so read our review: How to choose air compressor, Best Air Compressors For Impact Wrenches, Best Portable Air Compressor, 80 gallon air compressor, 60 Gallon Air Compressor, 30 gallon air compressor. Best 110v Air Compressor For Car Tires and Best small 120v Air Compressor For Tires.

Types of air compressors

Air compressors allow the use of air tools that make DIY a breeze. Compressors are also suitable for beginners, because the assembly is as simple as plugging in the hose and power cable. Monitor the pressure gauges to keep the air pressure in the hose below the level indicated on your power tool. Remember to adjust the pressure when you change the tool and release the release valve when you are done. Take these precautions every time to make your work safe and efficient.

So maybe you’re wondering:

How do I start? What supplies do I need? How exactly do I use a 12V air compressor? Getting started is often the most difficult part. After you’ve used the machine for a while, you’ll find that it’s not that hard to use after all.
This article will help you to know what you need to do in order to successfully operate your air compressor.

Accessories you need

Before you start, collect your needed supplies. It is important that you protect your eyes from deposits or parts that might hit your face. It is therefore important to wear glasses during use.
If your air compressor is electrically powered, be sure to place your machine near an electrical outlet. If your machine needs oil to operate, you should have some oil nearby. Make sure that you have all mounting tools nearby, such as a tyre inflator, if your projects involve inflating bicycle tyres.
It is also good to have the machine manual at hand, which will help you better understand your specific air compressor.

Here are some basic instructions for using air compressors that apply to all models.

Step 1 Connecting the compressor
Place the compressor on a firm, level working surface. Make sure that the mains switch is switched off. Connect the power cord to an earthed (three-pole) outlet.

Step 2 Checking the oil
If your compressor is a piston, make sure there is enough oil in the crankcase. Check the oil level by looking into the sight glass at the bottom of the compressor engine. If necessary, remove the oil filler cap and add compressor oil to reach the level up to the full mark on the display. Check the oil level after each use.

Step 3 Filling the air tank
Make sure that the drain valve at the bottom of the air tank is closed by tightening it clockwise with an adjustable wrench. Turn on the power switch and let the compressor run for a few minutes. Check the built-in air meter and ensure that the compressor automatically shuts off when the air pressure reaches 100 to 115 psi. The pressure capacity of the tank varies depending on the model.

Step 4 Adjusting the Air Control Valve
Set the air control valve to the maximum allowable air pressure of the air tool you will be using. Turn the air control valve in both directions until the air pressure gauge indicates the correct air pressure for the tool.

Step 5 Connecting the air hose
Connect an air hose to the compressor and make sure that the length is sufficient to reach the working area. Wrap two layers of Teflon tape around the threaded end of the air hose and then run the hose onto the compressor fitting (near the air pressure gauge). Tighten clockwise with an adjustable wrench.
Some compressors may have quick-release hose connections for connection to the air tank.

Step 6 Connecting the Air Tool
Connect your air tool to the other end of the air hose using the quick coupling. Pull back the spring-loaded collar on the hose and push it firmly onto the air inlet on the tool. Loosen the cuff to secure the connection.
To disconnect the tool, pull the collar back while pulling the tool off the air hose.

Step 7 Drain moisture after use
Regularly discharge the moisture from the air reservoir (see operating instructions) by loosening and removing the drain valve at the bottom of the tank counterclockwise with an adjustable spanner. When all the water has been drained from the tank, replace the drain valve and tighten clockwise.

Checking the safety valve

Pull the safety valve. You should find it near the hose line. If you pull it and hear air hiss, you are in good shape. Slide the valve back into position before operating the compressor. If you can’t hear any air escaping but can get the valve back into position, you’re probably still in good shape.

Under pressure

Switch on the compressor and wait until the tank is full. You will know that you are ready to start work when the needle on the tank pressure gauge stops moving forward and the engine stops.

Calculate how much air pressure your tool needs to work properly. Typically, this information is printed on the bottom of the tool. If you can’t find it on the tool, the manual will definitely have this information available. Each tool has a different PSI rating, so you will also need to adjust the hose pressure when changing tools.
However, PSI is not the only consideration. You should also check the SCFM requirement or the airflow the device requires. Tools such as nailers only require a quick burst of air, while something like an air grinder requires a constant flow of air at a high level.

Each time you use your power tool, the pressure of the tank drops as the compressed air flows through the hose to your tool. If the pressure in the tank becomes too low, the compressor will restart and refill the tank.
However, PSI is not the only consideration. You should also check the SCFM requirement or the airflow the unit requires. Tools such as nailers only require a quick burst of air, while something like an air grinder requires a constant flow of air at a high level.

Types of air compressors

The typical types of air compressors you will see are electric or gas powered compressors. In the past, construction sites may have had a single power source to control each tool through a range of applications. Today, however, using a mechanical system to power a variety of tools is the key to saving energy. Air compressors are used at corner gas stations, production sites and construction sites throughout the country. They are also becoming increasingly popular in cellars, garages and DIY shops. They can operate nail guns, drills, wrenches, and spray guns, as well as a variety of other power tools that you can buy from your local tool retailer.

How do air compressors work?

The great thing about air compressors is that they do not require a large, bulky motor; instead, they can use the compressor, which has a single motor, to convert electrical energy into kinetic energy. This means the unit runs quietly and does not have so many parts. Many compressors use reciprocating pistons. These have crankshafts, connecting rods/pistons, a cylinder and a valve head. The air is directed from the tank to the tools, and the engine turns on and off automatically to ensure that sufficient pressure is maintained.

Pneumatic devices working with air compression

What else can an air compressor do? You might want to get one if you are interested in crafts, building or carpentry. Nailers are easy to operate with an air compressor. Since pneumatic nailers are much lighter than the industrial versions, you can power them with a compressor.

How does an air compressor work?

Air compressors also make it very easy to spray paint. Fine painting jobs such as kitchen cabinet painting require a sprayer to achieve smooth and well-designed results. Air compressors in combination with sprayers give you exactly what you are looking for.

Home and car repair projects

In addition, if you want to perform auto repair work yourself, smaller jobs such as tune-ups or installing PCV valves can be done at home. The difficulty with such work is the easy removal of screws in confined spaces or if you have a rusty component. Air ratchet tools make this job especially easy; all you need is an air compressor in combination with the tool to quickly remove hard screws in a few minutes.

Other applications of air compressors

Typically, you can use air compressors for a variety of applications. For home use, you can inflate car tires, balls or bicycle tires. You can use the compressor to power a blower and blow leaves or dirt from your garage floor. If so, a lighter air compressor should be fine for you. This will most likely be a direct driven compressor type.

Air compressor for sale

However, if you plan to use the compressor for industrial applications, you will need to consider a lubricated or belt-driven pump compressor. Compressors can also be used for equipment that cleans stone, bricks or house panels. You can also use them to power household appliances or transport them to the construction site.

Air compressor repair

You can also use an air compressor to power hammers, wrenches, saws and nailers. You can paint a fence, build a deck or roof your house. The key is simply to determine where you will be using the device, whether there will be power and how much PSI/CFM you will need.

How much CFM will you need?

Determining how much CFM you need is simple: you just need to know how much CFM the tool you want to run will use. For example, if the compressor itself produces 6 CFM at 90 PSI, it can operate tools with an air requirement of up to 6 CFM. So the higher your CFM requirements on your tools, the more power you need. Think long-term: What will you need later for larger projects? It is cheaper to buy a compressor with a little more power than to have to buy a new one later.

How to use air compressor Video