Topic: Some general air compressor questions.

[Jinxracing]

I know this isn't an air compressor forum, but I know a lot of you guys have them, so I have a few questions. Got a new 26gal vertical air compressor today and I've never owned one before. It's set up and seems to be working fine. I also got a 3/8" drive air ratchet and 1/2" drive gun. Here are the questions:

1. Is it safe to leave the compressor off but full of air when not in use? The instructions say to empty the tank after every use but I'd rather not unless I'm running a risk of blowing up the tank or causing damage to seals, etc.

2. The tools' instruction manuals say to oil them daily, and if they're not going to be used for more than a couple of days to oil them heavily for storage. How critical is this?

3. I've got about 42 different kinds of oils and lubricants out in the shop, but no oil specifically for air tools. Will something else work? Marvel Mystery Oil perhaps?

4. The instructions also call for air tool-specific sockets. Am I going to destroy my Craftsman hand sockets?

BTW, I'm not running a tire shop here...just working weekends on my CB750 project. Lightweight stuff.

Thanks! 

[mrbreeze]

Hey Jinx,You should be OK leaving the air in the tank but you should drain it off often to release any condensation build up. You shouldn't have to completely run it empty but enough to where only air is coming out. You should use impact sockets as much as possible because you will go through chrome ones quickly....they aren't designed for impact use. I would look into getting a 3/8 gun.....1/2 inch is total overkill on a motorcycle.As far as oil.....I use regular air tool oil...it doesn't cost much and it lasts a long time. I have heard of people using Marvel or even ATF but I just stick with the air tool oil. Happy wrenching!!!!

[BobbyR]

I saw a guy who had a tire shop run a bot of Marvel through his guns a couple of times a day. Said they lasted twice as long. He did not use much, just regular. Every place I worked as a kid the compressor unit was on all the time and they were pretty old units.

[kettlesd]

Yeah, for the odd bit of tinkering you dont have to oil the suckers constantly - like you said, your not running a tire shop. A few drops of light oil daily will do ya. I dont know any comparable  specs, but for the price of actual air-tool oil, thats what i go with. Its not going to break your budget for the amount you will go through! Like anything else, overoiling is not great for the works inside these things.

A 3/8 ratchet, and a 3/8 butterfly-style wrench is great on bikes - fits into tight spots great.

[kghost]

Mines full all the time.

I use marvel mytery oil.

Get a moisture separator for the outlet ...keeps water and oil out of the lines.

I sure love my 1/4 air ratchet. no specail sockets required for it. Doen't have enought troque.

1/2 inch is over kill for most things

[Jinxracing]

Thanks guys, I think I'll be buying an inline filter/oiler in the near future along with a 3/8" butterfly wrench.

Appreciate the helpful comments!

Jim