Do you often use an air compressor? If yes, then you are supposed to understand the importance of an air compressor.
An air compressor makes our task of tire maintenance easier. It is used to compress air in a storage and to use that air as energy that can be used for a lot of different purposes, mostly for tire inflation.
Using an air compressor should not be a big deal for anyone. Although not everyone knows how to use it, it can be learned easily.
If you already know how to use an air compressor, good for you. If you are one of those who don’t know how to use an air compressor, I suggest you stay with me to the end. Don’t worry, it is so easy.
I am going to give you the steps of using an air compressor. I hope that all of your problems will be solved regarding using an air compressor.
I have also reviewed some top rated off road air compressors. You can read this review if you ever plan to buy one or help someone who needs to know what to buy. It will help you to decide which one is best fit to your needs.
Plug it in
The first step of starting using an air compressor is to plug it in. Keep the air compressor in a flat area which is sturdy so that it does not break down under the weight of the air compressor.
You should keep it in mind that the air compressors power outlets switch is off when you are going to plug it in. The plug is supposed to come along with the three-pronged, so you need to make sure that you are going to plug it into a grounded outlet.
You should also make sure that the power outlet provides the right voltage. A too low voltage will render the machine useless. But a too high voltage can break the compressor, or might even cause serious injury.
Check the oil
Once the first step is done, you have to start your second step by checking the oil.
Here you need to keep in your mind about the type of air compressor. If your compressor is piston-type, then you need to make sure that there is sufficient oil in the crankcase.
You may remove the oil filter cap and add compressor oil to bring the level up to the full mark on the gauge. You have to check the level after each use.
Be sure you know how much oil on the air compressor you are using needed.
In reciprocating type compressors you can check the oil level on the oil sight glass, usually found on the base. You can see there is a dot on it which tells you if oil is too much or it is lacking.
If you are using a sump tank you can find the oil gauge in a rotary screw compressor. The best amount is when the oil is in the center of the dot. Above the dot is too much and there is a lack of oil when it is below.
If you put too much oil it will aerosolize or release the oil in the compressor lines when you use it. On the other side, Imagine, if you use it without oil it can cause the parts of the air compressor to expand due to excessive heat produced by friction while it is running and doing its task. You need oil to lubricate it to prevent that from happening.
Fill the air tank
After checking the oil level, make sure the drain valve is closed at the bottom of the air tank by tightening it with an adjustable wrench in a clockwise direction.
Then turn the switch on and let the compressor run a few times. After that, you have to check the built-in air gauge and make sure the compressor shuts off automatically when the air pressure reaches 100 to 115 psi to stop the mixture of air and oil from being released in the rotor-stator.
Of course, the pressure capacity will vary according to the model of an air compressor.
Adjust the air control valve
After filling the air tank, your next step is to adjust the control level. For this, you have to adjust the air control valve to match the maximum allowed air pressure on the air tool that you are using.
You can do this by turning the air control valve in either direction until the air pressure gauge reads the correct air pressure for the tool. Set the cut-in first then the cut-out. You can save energy costs by setting the pressure at the lowest as it can apply to what you will use.
Note this: You make sure NOT to set a too small difference between cut-in and cut-out because it will burn your compressor motor as the compressor will keep on starting then stopping too quickly.
Cut-in is where the compressor starts and it will stop and go low when it reaches where you set the cut-out and start again when it reaches the cut-in. The cycle goes on till you cease it. Read the manual to know what pressure is suitable to the air compressor you are using.
Connect the air hose
After that, connect an air hose to the compressor and also make sure that the length is sufficient to reach the work area.
Now you have to wrap the threaded end of the air hose first with two layers of Teflon tape and then thread the hose onto the compression fitting. Then tighten it in an adjustable range in the clockwise direction.
Connect the pneumatic tool
It is time to work together with your air compressor and the device to be used.
Now you have to connect the tool that you are going to use on the other end of the hose. Mostly you are supposed to quickly connect the fittings to accomplish this job.
On the other end of the hose, you will find a little spring-loaded collar. You need to pull it back and place it on the air intake part of the tool and then push. The connection will become secure once you let go of the collar.
Whenever you need to take off the tool, you have to pull the collar back and pull the tool off the hose.
Don’t forget to oil it regularly to avoid the build-up of the leftovers of oils that will cause deterioration.
Draining or Drain moisture after use
After the air compressor already fulfilled its mission, it is time for its tank to be maintained.
As there is a possibility of gaining moisture on the air compressor tanks, you need to make sure that you drain all of them off periodically.
You may drain the moisture from the air tank by loosening and removing the drain valve at the bottom of the tank with an adjustable wrench in a counterclockwise direction. Replace the drain valve and tighten it in a clockwise direction when all water has drained from the tank.
Now, you have learned how to use an air compressor. You are ready to go to use it.
Keep your tools well maintained to avoid encountering issues when you use it. Don’t neglect it so you can still use it smoothly next time. By doing so, it is not only sparing you from facing possible problems but it also sparing you financially because you have to buy some parts of your air compressor when it gets damaged.
Reference: Using an air compressor, Home Depot
