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Air compressors are great equipment that are commonly used to inflate tires and to operate pneumatic tools. The use of an air compressor is easy once you know how to go about it. You can either do it yourself or hire a professional if you lack the knowledge and tools. Having an air compressor in your trunk is essential for emergencies such as flat tires if you own a car. These simple machines simplify life by reducing the wheel-changing time, allowing you more time on the road. Air compressors also come in handy when inflating other items like mattresses, pool toys, and hydraulic jacks, among many others. Here are steps on how air compressors work and how to use them:
Ensure the area where you will be working with an air compressor is clear of potentially-flammable items or objects that can be damaged by high-pressure jets of compressed air. They must not contain anything that can catch fire under normal circumstances. When learning how to use an air compressor, you should work in a closed-in area with little to no airflow. That can lead to potentially hazardous situations such as carbon monoxide poisoning. Notably, you should always wear protective gear, especially when doing heavy-duty work or working with sharp tools, because they might inflict damage upon you.
If you use the air compressor frequently, check its oil level each time you store it. Never operate an air compressor without the required amount of oil to avoid damage to the internal components and prevent dangerous accidents or fires from occurring.
The machine should be turned off when checking the pressure using the gauge. You can also use a gauge tester if you don't have a gauge on your compressor. It is important to check the pressure before every use to avoid damaging your equipment. In other words, you need to know the right amount of pressure that you should release. That is also affected by what material or object is being handled.
If you are planning to use this for a home improvement project, consider the size and space of your property first before starting anything else. Also, note that most household projects don't require heavy equipment like an air compressor because they all need manual labor power. You should also remember to avoid forcing any tool into something incompatible with doing its task properly without causing damage on either side.
Ensure that the hose length is correct for your intended use, and then connect it to one end of the extension cord. This procedure should be done in reverse when disconnecting the cord at the end of usage to prevent damage while removing it.
Set up a tire changer machine or another accessory based on what you intend to do with your air compressor. Once everything is connected properly, ensure that all connections are locked to prevent leakage while inflating. Lower the pressure on the tire gauge before you switch it on. That will protect your tires from being damaged by excess airflow.
Once you have your air compressor home and set up next to the work area, fill it up using the built-in fill valve. Make sure you've got the right pressure setting selected for whatever task you intend to use it with - most compressors will come preset at 100 PSI, which is fine for most tasks, but if you need to use lower pressures (such as in paintball guns), then this needs to be changed accordingly.
You might ask yourself how air compressors work. In fact, the working principle of an air compressor is to press air into a closed space or object and pressurize it. Start the compressor by turning on the power switch, and then press the "on" button or trigger the inflation gun to start inflation. After that, the air is forced through the opening in the tank to build up the pressure. Once filled, you can leave the unit running for about an hour to pressurize the tank properly before attempting any work.
Most automobiles have the ideal pressure written in small writing near one of their tires. Ensure that you check it before filling up next time. However, the pressure should be readjusted once the required amount is reached. Most importantly, if there are any leaks, find them carefully and re-tighten your connections carefully. Do not use excessive force when doing this to prevent air leaks and damage.
Once you are done, switch off your machine, disconnect the compressor's hose, then roll up the hose after removing it from your tires. Ensure that all connections are properly locked before switching off the main power source and secure them well in place.
If you are using an air compressor for the first time, the guide above highlights a few aspects of how air compressors work. Like any other machine or tool, there are correct procedures on how to use an air compressor. However, these procedures vary depending on what your main purpose is when handling an air compressor.