Air Compressor Troubleshooting

[Bird]

I tried the wrench w/o the regulator and bingo it worked like a charm! Rather than order another one from Harbor Freight, might there be another regulator I could get that would work 'better'?

Personally, I'd probably be looking at Northern Tool if I were looking for a regulator because they're close to me. I'm sure other places are just as good. Even Sears has them. Just what do you use that compressor for, besides the impact wrench. You know you don't really need a regulator for the impact. Impact wrenches, and most other air tools, are rated at 90 psi. More air pressure just gives you more power. A lot of mechanics are working with 175 psi. Of course, too much of that, too long, may cause something to break. When I was repairing air tools, I figured (1) too high air pressure, (2) inadequate lubrication, and (3) moisture & dirt in through the air inlet are what keeps air tool repairmen in business. But mechanics who use their tools every day may figure a repair bill occasionally is worth it to get their jobs done quicker. My current compressor works from 125 to 150 psi, I don't use my impact wrench a great deal, but I'd never bother to adjust the regulator for it.

 

[snpower]

Might run a nailer at some point but the day in day out use is to inflate tires and use air pressure to clean.

 

[Bird]

Might run a nailer at some point but the day in day out use is to inflate tires and use air pressure to clean.

I turn my regulator down when I use the paint spray gun; but nothing else that I can think of.

 

[kenmac]

might there be another regulator I could get that would work 'better'?

I bought my regulator from Lowes. Works good on my large compressor

 

[tallyho8]

I put a Tee on my Harbor Freight compressor with one side going to the regulator and the other connection straight from the compressor.

I rarely use the regulator side.

 

[Soundguy]

on my comp.. a 30g upright, it will pump up to 120 psi.. when i paint I turn down to match gun.. anything else.. I open it up full.

I have a 3/4 impact gun I run on 1/2" ID line off a t at the comp body to get more flow. it's paperwork also specified 90psi and some scfm.. but it runs great as do my 3/8 butterfly gun, and 1/2" gun and the air chissle /hammer.

soundguy

 

[kenmac]

I have to use the reg. My 1/2'' drive impact ( 600 + ft.tq.)will snap bolts if I'm not careful

 

[Soundguy]

I have to use the reg. My 1/2'' drive impact ( 600 + ft.tq.)will snap bolts if I'm not careful

my 3/4 is 2x that can twist off 1.25" headed bolts if not watching it..... however has a dial on it I can lower it's output right on the gun.. way easier to use the guns dial that dink with the reg on the compressor continously.

soundguy

 

[RobertN]

The local NAPA's carry that kind of stuff.

I tried the wrench w/o the regulator and bingo it worked like a charm! Rather than order another one from Harbor Freight, might there be another regulator I could get that would work 'better'?

 

[Larry Caldwell]

That 90 PSI and scfm rating on the tool is minimum air needed to run the tool, not maximum.

BTW, I have air tools that take more air than my 2 hp, 20 gallon compressor will provide, so I tapped out of the tank pressure to a recycled 40 gallon tank. It gives a much larger air reservoir, and gives the compressor time to get ahead of demand.