How to use an air compressor

How to Set Up an Air Compressor:

Once you’ve found the right compressor for the job, you’ll want to learn how to operate your air compressor safely and efficiently, and our guide will give you a quick rundown of how to do just that.

Below is a general guide on how to set up an air compressor, but be aware that while there are a lot of similarities among air compressors, you’ll want to look at your user manual and check with a Repco staff member to make sure you’re following the correct setup for your machine.

1. Attach Components

Unpack your compressor and attach any of the specific components for the compressor as instructed by your manual. This may include things like wheels, handles, or other accessories, especially if you have a portable compressor. In the case of a larger compressor, you’ll likely want to bolt it to the ground for stability, though these are usually for commercial use.

2. Check the Oil Level

If you’ve purchased an oil-filled air compressor, the first thing you’ll want to do is check the oil level. Most older compressors and a lot of the larger ones are oil-filled, so you’ll want to be familiar with the process.

Find the dipstick at the bottom of one of the ends of your compressor, remove the dipstick and make sure that the oil level reaches roughly 2/3 of the way up the dipstick.

If the oil level is lower than 2/3 then simply add some oil and replace the dipstick.

Note that many smaller air compressors are oil-free and won’t require oil to operate; this also means that a dipstick and oil tank won’t be present on the machine.

Oil for your air compressor will be different depending on your brand and model, so you’ll want to consult the owner’s manual to see which oil is suited to you. Check out the Repco range of compressor oils online to see if they work for your air compressor or head to your nearest Repco store to get more information from our friendly staff.

3. Attaching the Hose to the Regulator Valve

Start by finding the regulator valve on your air compressor. This will usually be located near one of the machine’s pressure gauges. You’ll need to look for a copper-coloured plug with a hole in it and then just press the pointed head of the hose into the valve. Different compressors will have different couplings for the air hose, so you’ll need to check and match the couplings between the hose and valve.

4. Plug in Your Tools

If you’re using your air compressor for air tools, then the next thing you’ll want to do is attach your pneumatic tools for use. There are a number of different hose connections that are used and one of the most common is the Nitto type connector that has a spring-loaded collar that you slide back as you connect your air tools.

For pumping up tyre, you’ll want to attach the hose directly onto the tyre valve or use an air chuck for a more controlled approach.

5. Plug in the Air Compressor

Now you’re ready to plug your air compressor in. Make sure you use a grounded outlet and ensure the power switch on your compressor is off before turning it on at the mains. You’ll want to avoid using extension cables as the voltage drop can cause the air compressor to overheat.

If your connection is too far from a power outlet then use an extra air hose connected to the first one to give your air compressor extra reach instead; do this by attaching the receiving end of one hose into the end of the other, as you would when attaching a power tool.

How to Operate Your Compressor:

While you’re likely ready to get the air flowing, there are a few things to consider before you power up your machine.

1. Safety First

Safety gear is a must when operating power tools or heavy machinery, so the first thing you’ll want to do is put on safety goggles for eye-protection, a pair of closed-toe shoes, earmuffs, and any other protective wear you might need for safe operation of your tools and compressor.

2. Turn on the Compressor

Now that you’re prepared, use the switch on the compressor to turn it on and evaluate the pressure of the tank by looking at the larger pressure gauge on its side —similar to a tyre pressure gauge you’d use for checking your tyre’s PSI.

The needle will stop moving once the air reaches the maximum pressure and you can check the smaller gauge near the hose to make sure that the pressure inside the hose is normal as well; the gauge shouldn’t move for now, but it will be important once the air hose is in use.

Using Your Compressor With Air Tools

Being able to use pneumatic tools is one of the major benefits of owning an air compressor, but many of them have specific requirements and setup instructions you’ll need to know about.

1. Check the Pressure Requirements of Your Tools

Pneumatic tools require different amounts of pressure to function. Most tools will range from 70-90 PSI, but it’s important to get the air pressure correct or the tool won’t operate properly. To figure out your tool’s requirements, look for a sticker or lettering on the bottom of the tool that indicates the PSI needed. This will usually be given as a maximum value, for instance 90PSI, but it’s best to be safe and keep the pressure in the range of 75-85 PSI in this scenario.

Make sure that you are checking the requirements for each tool you attach to the compressor for safe operation.

2. Adjust the Compressor to Match Your Tool’s PSI

If you need to change the air pressure to match a tool’s specifications, you’ll need to adjust the pressure regulator knob on the hose. Turn the regulator knob counter-clockwise to increase the airflow and use the smaller pressure gauge we mentioned earlier to ensure that the level of pressure your pneumatic tool is receiving matches the recommended PSI.

3. Adjusting the Air Pressure for Your Tools

Now that you have air in the tank and pressurised air running through the hose, you’ll be able to use your power tool or inflate the 10 flat footies you’ve had lying around the garage for years.

When using a power tool, the pressure in the tank is going to drop and will start to refill itself, however, if the power tool stops working, you may need to wait for the pressure in the tank to build up again.

This can often happen with smaller air compressors being used with larger air tools that require more PSI to operate, and if your compressor can’t handle the required amount of pressure, you’ll have to wait long periods of time for the pressure to rise to usable levels again. With that in mind, you’ll want to make sure that your compressor is powerful enough to accommodate more air-hungry tools.

This comes down to the CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) of the compressor you’re using. If you want to be able to run most power tools, a 3hp air compressor will likely do the trick and anything more powerful than that will only make your jobs run more smoothly —just don’t get too excited and burst your tyre from all that extra pressure!

Enhancing Your Air Compressor Experience with Repco

Now that you’ve got a solid understanding of how to setup and operate your compressor, you’ll want to learn the proper way to turn off your machine and how to maintain your air compressor so that it’ll last.

If you’re in need of a compressor or other parts, Repco has a large stock of air compressors for sale that will service a variety of different needs, as well as air tools, air hoses, accessories, and connections.