air compressor problem

[Western]

Ron, that is what I was going to suggest, until I Goggled the Kobalt, if he has the same type, he may have a problem (if a 1 piece cast manifold). If he can get the regulator "all open", then just install the shutoff "down stream" or at the outflow port.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

If your that cheap, eliminate the regulator and put on a ball valve. The compressor must have a high pressure shut off switch to shut off the motor.
If all your doing is filling tires, a tire gauge can be your regulator. Should be anyway, as the gauges on cheap regulators are usually not too accurate.

What he said.^

You don't need a regulator for the uses you mentioned.