Air tool woes - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**LEEVON** · 03-21-2011, 04:49 PM

I have a nice 60 gallon / 5hp / 220v compressor. I bought it lightly used, replaced the pressure switch, belt, changed the oil and now it's in top shape, quickly fills the tank up to about 120 psi where I have the cut-off set and does everything else a compressor should quietly and efficiently.

Directly from the tank I have a 3/8 ball valve to about 75' of quality 3/8 goodyear hose. The problem is that my air tools are so weak they are useless. They have no power, I can stop a ratchet or drill with my hand. It's not that the tank is quickly depleted because I could run a cut-off wheel for a couple minutes before the pressure goes down to around 95psi where the compressor kicks is.

I'm wondering if the size of fittings/hose I have are too restrictive? Could the 75' of hose be too much? It feels like the hose fills up and "absorbs" much of the pressure, I get a short blast of power, then weakness. It seems like a volume (CFM) issue more than pressure and supply?

I think I'm answering my own questions but before I throw $$$ at it I'm wondering if you all have any thoughts?

fastwillie 696969 · 03-21-2011, 05:14 PM

first of all i would get a water/oil seperator ,water will ruin air tools quicker than panties coming down on prom night ,
air tools take alot of air to run at top speed i dont think your compressor is big enuff

Restrorob · 03-21-2011, 05:28 PM

IMO the 75' hose is what's killing you more than the size compressor, Try a shorter 25' hose and see how your tools react to that.

**LEEVON** · 03-21-2011, 05:29 PM

Forgot to mention, I do have a water separator, it's kind of on the small side though could be a bottleneck...

I wish I had a 2 stage 80 gallon but I don't see any reason a 60 gallon shouldn't run say a 3/8 wratchet? Plenty of shadetree guys like myself using them.

67swb72klb · 03-21-2011, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEEVON

Forgot to mention, I do have a water separator, it's kind of on the small side though could be a bottleneck...

I wish I had a 2 stage 80 gallon but I don't see any reason a 60 gallon shouldn't run say a 3/8 wratchet? Plenty of shadetree guys like myself using them.

that separator and the hose combo is prob hurting you imo should be 1/2 size separator 25 foot of hose would be better

jhwkns · 03-21-2011, 08:15 PM

What do you have for a regulator? That compressor should almost run a jackhammer.

**LEEVON** · 03-21-2011, 11:03 PM

Picked up a bigger regulator today and some high flow quick-connects. I'm going to try 25' of hose, the bigger regulator and better quick connects. I'm also thinking about removing all of the fittings and making sure they aren't mis-fabricated, as in the holes aren't fully drilled.

donut · 03-21-2011, 11:31 PM

A 60 gal. should run most anything, providing the pump is large enough. (imo, I'm one of those shadetree guys.) Sounds to me like a flow problem.

I'd look at the plumbing first. I ran 1/2" up to the regulator, 3/8" to the water separator, and 1/4" quick connects for the line. I don't feel your 75' line is the problem unless it's broke down inside or has something like a rock in it and blocking the flow. If I need more hose, I don't have a problem adding another 50' length to mine.

Separator could be your restriction. esp if it's one of those separator/dryer combos. I've got a couple of the small ones that Home Depot/Lowes sells, one off of the tank (just past the regulator) and I'll plug the second into the line somewhere if needed.
I also run a few drops of air tool oil in my tools before I use them.

I'm not a painter, but can run a cheap DA, needle scaler. or die grinder if I want to.

Smoke break and slow typing got you in first, lol

treveiger · 03-22-2011, 11:53 PM

I got a craftman seperator on my tank then if i want a smaller one ill put right before my impact. My compressor tank is smaller but mine goes up to 155 and i run my guns around 120 and it works great for what i need.

Altec · 03-23-2011, 12:58 AM

I'd set the cut off higher myself... The shop I work in is set to 155. I consider 120 low. When I hit 120-110 you can just feel the power lose in the tools.

I would start ripping things out of the system to try. First the separator, then the regulator, and finally the long hose. I'm sure you'll find your problem there somewhere. I run roughly 20' 3/8" hoses, and have a second that I can plug into the first if I need the extra length. I also have two outputs. One through a regulator/drier and another straight from the tank with no real noticeable difference. But I also have a overkill regulator.

**LEEVON** · 03-27-2011, 10:41 PM

I figured it out, the quick connect fittings weren't "fitting" so much and restricting the airflow. I inspected and tested each of my male/female fittings and found out there are like 4 varieties, and some combos would allow no air, others some air and others full flow. I also upgraded the air filter/regulator to a larger one, removed an extra hose and bumped up the pressure cut-off to 130. WOW what a difference, I ran every tool I have on hard jobs and they all worked flawlessly. I was most impressed with my right angle air drill, it zipped through the frame, making 4 holes in less than 5 minutes.

I needed to remove the nuts on my axle u-bolts (tried a breaker bar and every other trick I know) so I bought this little puppy and it zipped them right off. Advertised 625 ft. lbs of torque and gets rave reviews online. It was $77 after a 20% discount and taxes, worth every penny IMO:

03-21-2011, 04:49 PM	#1
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Air tool woes I have a nice 60 gallon / 5hp / 220v compressor. I bought it lightly used, replaced the pressure switch, belt, changed the oil and now it's in top shape, quickly fills the tank up to about 120 psi where I have the cut-off set and does everything else a compressor should quietly and efficiently. Directly from the tank I have a 3/8 ball valve to about 75' of quality 3/8 goodyear hose. The problem is that my air tools are so weak they are useless. They have no power, I can stop a ratchet or drill with my hand. It's not that the tank is quickly depleted because I could run a cut-off wheel for a couple minutes before the pressure goes down to around 95psi where the compressor kicks is. I'm wondering if the size of fittings/hose I have are too restrictive? Could the 75' of hose be too much? It feels like the hose fills up and "absorbs" much of the pressure, I get a short blast of power, then weakness. It seems like a volume (CFM) issue more than pressure and supply? I think I'm answering my own questions but before I throw $$$ at it I'm wondering if you all have any thoughts? __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 03-21-2011 at 04:52 PM.

03-21-2011, 05:14 PM	#2
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	Re: Air tool woes first of all i would get a water/oil seperator ,water will ruin air tools quicker than panties coming down on prom night , air tools take alot of air to run at top speed i dont think your compressor is big enuff __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex

03-21-2011, 05:28 PM	#3
Restrorob The One And Only !!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hole in the woods Florida Posts: 4,567	Re: Air tool woes IMO the 75' hose is what's killing you more than the size compressor, Try a shorter 25' hose and see how your tools react to that. __________________ 93 Jeep XJ 88 Buick La Sabra Toys; 88 TA-GTA in the works.... 97 GMC Ext. Cab 502 Crate 5 Spd......Sucks Gas But Haulz Azz ! The primary function of an Engineer is to make it difficult for the Fabricator and impossible for the Mechanic. *"Why go out preserved when you can go out beat up, worn out, sliding in sideways screaming, Holy Sh!t What A Ride" !!!*

03-21-2011, 05:29 PM	#4
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: Air tool woes Forgot to mention, I do have a water separator, it's kind of on the small side though could be a bottleneck... I wish I had a 2 stage 80 gallon but I don't see any reason a 60 gallon shouldn't run say a 3/8 wratchet? Plenty of shadetree guys like myself using them. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 03-21-2011 at 05:31 PM.

03-21-2011, 08:15 PM	#6
jhwkns Registered Cruiser Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 2,230	Re: Air tool woes What do you have for a regulator? That compressor should almost run a jackhammer. __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

03-21-2011, 11:03 PM	#7
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: Air tool woes Picked up a bigger regulator today and some high flow quick-connects. I'm going to try 25' of hose, the bigger regulator and better quick connects. I'm also thinking about removing all of the fittings and making sure they aren't mis-fabricated, as in the holes aren't fully drilled. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

03-21-2011, 11:31 PM	#8
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Re: Air tool woes A 60 gal. should run most anything, providing the pump is large enough. (imo, I'm one of those shadetree guys.) Sounds to me like a flow problem. I'd look at the plumbing first. I ran 1/2" up to the regulator, 3/8" to the water separator, and 1/4" quick connects for the line. I don't feel your 75' line is the problem unless it's broke down inside or has something like a rock in it and blocking the flow. If I need more hose, I don't have a problem adding another 50' length to mine. Separator could be your restriction. esp if it's one of those separator/dryer combos. I've got a couple of the small ones that Home Depot/Lowes sells, one off of the tank (just past the regulator) and I'll plug the second into the line somewhere if needed. I also run a few drops of air tool oil in my tools before I use them. I'm not a painter, but can run a cheap DA, needle scaler. or die grinder if I want to. Smoke break and slow typing got you in first, lol __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around. Last edited by donut; 03-21-2011 at 11:32 PM.

03-22-2011, 11:53 PM	#9
treveiger Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: South Dakota Posts: 4,093	Re: Air tool woes I got a craftman seperator on my tank then if i want a smaller one ill put right before my impact. My compressor tank is smaller but mine goes up to 155 and i run my guns around 120 and it works great for what i need. __________________ 1969 Chevy c20(Miss Hackjob)

03-23-2011, 12:58 AM	#10
Altec Getcha Pull Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: MD Posts: 691	Re: Air tool woes I'd set the cut off higher myself... The shop I work in is set to 155. I consider 120 low. When I hit 120-110 you can just feel the power lose in the tools. I would start ripping things out of the system to try. First the separator, then the regulator, and finally the long hose. I'm sure you'll find your problem there somewhere. I run roughly 20' 3/8" hoses, and have a second that I can plug into the first if I need the extra length. I also have two outputs. One through a regulator/drier and another straight from the tank with no real noticeable difference. But I also have a overkill regulator. __________________ '81 K10 454/SM465 '86 S10 Blazer '95 H-D Softail '96 Integra

03-27-2011, 10:41 PM	#11
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: Air tool woes I figured it out, the quick connect fittings weren't "fitting" so much and restricting the airflow. I inspected and tested each of my male/female fittings and found out there are like 4 varieties, and some combos would allow no air, others some air and others full flow. I also upgraded the air filter/regulator to a larger one, removed an extra hose and bumped up the pressure cut-off to 130. WOW what a difference, I ran every tool I have on hard jobs and they all worked flawlessly. I was most impressed with my right angle air drill, it zipped through the frame, making 4 holes in less than 5 minutes. I needed to remove the nuts on my axle u-bolts (tried a breaker bar and every other trick I know) so I bought this little puppy and it zipped them right off. Advertised 625 ft. lbs of torque and gets rave reviews online. It was $77 after a 20% discount and taxes, worth every penny IMO: __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 03-27-2011 at 10:43 PM.



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