How to Use an Air Compressor

  • July 26, 2010
  • 1,282 Views
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Whether you are using your machine to spray paint, inflate a tire, or connect to a pressure washer, don’t just plug it in and go. Follow these important steps for safety and to keep your garage appliance working for years.

You Will Need

  • Safety glasses
  • Air Compressor
  • Instruction manual
  • Oil
  • Power tools
  • Power supply

Always wear safety glasses when working with power tools.

How to Use an Air Compressor: Assemble the compressor

Step 1: Assemble the compressor

Assemble the air compressor to the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Connect the hose to the regulator valve.

How to Use an Air Compressor: Check the oil level

Step 2: Check the oil level

Check the oil level and add oil if necessary.

How to Use an Air Compressor: Supply power and check the relief valve

Step 3: Supply power and check the relief valve

Plug the compressor into a three-pronged, grounded outlet. Check to ensure the system relief valve is set correctly.

The system relief valve is a safety feature that will pop open if the pressure builds to more than the compressor can handle, preventing system failure.

How to Use an Air Compressor: Turn on the compressor

Step 4: Turn on the compressor

Turn on the compressor to pump up the tank and then close the tank drain valve.

How to Use an Air Compressor: Connect the power tool to the hose

Step 5: Connect the power tool to the hose

Connect a power tool to the hose. Adjust the compressor’s pressure to the tool’s specifications and the project you are working with.

Never exceed the pressure recommended by the power tool’s manufacturer.

How to Use an Air Compressor: Shut off the compressor

Step 6: Shut off the compressor

Turn off the compressor and unplug it. Disconnect the tool and then the hose when you’re finished. Finally, open the drain valve to drain the water from the tank. Store your compressor away from the elements so it’ll be in perfect working order the next time you need it.

Approximately 70 percent of all manufacturers have a compressed air system.

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Comments (1)

Caniac

Good Job man!

about 1 year ago by Caniac

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