Most of the time, you fall into the incident of a flat tire at a very unexpected and inconvenient time. When it happens, your mood not only gets disturbed but also your purposes become unsuccessful many times. To get rid of such an embarrassing situation, you have to use a portable air compressor. Now, the question is how to use a portable air compressor most effectively. In this article, we will guide you on how to do that easily.
How to Use a Portable Air Compressor (Step by Step Guide)
Carrying, setting up, and making a portable air compressor properly functioning is very easy for a beginner to pro. The truth is that assembling an air compressor is as easy as plugging in the hose and electrical cord. To use a portable air compressor, simply you need to follow the below steps one after another:
Inspect the pump oil level in the case you are using an oil-free compressor
You need to check whether the oil level reaches about 2/3 of the oil reservoir by pulling the dipstick. If there is any shortage, you should pour some oil into the tank. You can do that by finding out the dipstick of the compressor.
Attach the hose to the compressor regulator valve
You must set your compressor on flat ground. Now, get the regulator valve. You will see it next to the smaller pressure gauge that is located on the one end of the air compressor. There is a metal plug with a big hole in the middle of this round and copper-colored regulator valve. What you need to do with it is to push the pointed end of this into the valve so that you can attach it.
Now it’s time to plug the power tool into the hose
At this step, you have to hold the hose with any of your hands and the power tool with the other hand. Into the free end of the hose, you have to slide the plug of the tool and twist the things together until you become able to lock the tool in place.
Into the grounded 3-prong outlet, plug the compressor
Before you plug this, you need to ensure that the power switch of the compressor is switched off. It’s better to skip using an extension cord even if you are unable to reach a working outlet. As an alternative, you can rather get another air hose. After that, you can plug it into the first hose.
Wear safety goggles and closed-toed shoes
Now, you are ready to operate your power tools and compressor safely. In this stage, you are actually entering the main process of how to use a portable air compressor. It’s important to wear and use all the safety gear while operating an air compressor.
Test the safety valve by pulling it
You have to find out the copper-colored plug that you will get near the hose line. Using the attached ring, you can easily pull it. You will be able to release it easily by tugging it towards you. Now start the compressor after pushing the valve back in the right place.
Switch on the compressor
After turning the compressor, you need to wait for the tank to pressurize. You can turn the compressor on by flipping the electrical switch. When you see that the needle of the larger pressure gauge has stopped moving, you will be sure that the inside air has got the highest pressure.
Match your tool’s PSI and continue your work with the compressor
To make sure everything is perfect, you have to match the PSI of your tools by adjusting the pressure regulator knob. Ensuring the right pressure level is very important. After that, you can continue your works until your purpose is served.
Benefits Of Portable Air Compressors
A portable air compressor will offer you a lot of benefits such as:
- An air compressor offers you help in woodworking, debris cleaning, pumping your flat tire, etc.
- It works as a source of power generation to operate many power tools such as painting tools, nail guns, etc.
- A multi-functional air compressor can provide quiet and effective services for different tasks.
- You can easily carry an air compressor anywhere to get the most out of it.
- It also reduces the cost of performing different tasks by providing ease of use and consuming less energy.
Air Compressor Safety
After having a quality air compressor, you need to operate it correctly. If you follow the safety tips we have mentioned below will be great for you as well as your air compressor:
- While using an air compressor, you must wear safety goggles, gloves, closed-toed shoes, and other safety gear.
- Always place your gar air compressor outside.
- Carry a regular inspection to check if there is any leak in your air compressor.
- Perform regular maintenance of your air compressor.
- Make sure the required voltage while using an air compressor.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have provided answers to some of your most frequently asked questions here related to the portable air compressor:
Is it safe to run an air compressor inside?
How long do air compressors last?
Is it OK to leave air in the compressor?
Do air compressors need to be inspected?
Final Thought
Since a portable air compressor can offer you versatile help and benefits, you should learn how to use a portable air compressor in the right way. If you can follow all the things we have discussed above, you will enjoy using an air compressor safely and be able to complete your tasks smoothly.
