Power Tools, Paint and More: What is an Air Compressor Used For?
Posted by: electime 24th August 2020
Do you own a home or a business? Do you fancy yourself as a DIY type of person?
If you said yes to either or both of these, then you may want to consider getting an air compressor. It may not have crossed your mind to purchase this device, but once you know what an air compressor is used for, you’ll wonder how you’ve done without one this long.
Keep reading to find out the answer to the question “What is an air compressor used for?”, and how it can help you!
What Is an Air Compressor?
Before we launch into the many uses for an air compressor, it’s important to understand just what an air compressor is.
An air compressor is a device that stores compressed air for later use. It uses diesel or electric power and converts it to potential power in the form of pressurized air.
There is an inlet on the compressor that allows air to enter a high capacity tank. Once the air in the tank reaches its maximum capacity, it shuts off. There is also an outlet valve that lets the air release from the tank. When the tank reaches its lowest capacity, the compressor fires up again to draw more air into the tank.
Typically, an air compressor runs by electrical power. Smaller compressors for home use are ideal for simple jobs. But medium or heavy-duty compressors are often used in industries with larger-scale jobs. Such compressors run cooler and more quietly because they are lubricated with oil.
What Is an Air Compressor Used For?
As mentioned above, there are different types of air compressors for different jobs. But whether it’s for home or work, an air compressor can serve many purposes. Among them are the following:
- Inflating Tires
From cars and trucks to trailers, tractors, and all-terrain vehicles, an air compressor can keep your vehicles moving. To keep things safe, just inflate them to proper PSI.
- Powering Pneumatic Tools
If you’ve ever swapped out a hammer for a pneumatic nail gun, you know how much easier it makes a job. Many types of pneumatic nail guns can be used with an air compressor.
A pneumatic staple gun also runs on an air compressor. These are great for repair upholstery or affixing roofing paper and shingles to an old shed or another outbuilding.
- Painting
Ditch the paintbrush and rollers. Similar to swapping out the hammer for a pneumatic nail gun, attaching a spray painting gun to a gast air compressor (or another brand) will significantly decrease the time it takes to paint a building.
Plus, since spray guns put out an even flow of paint droplets to cover the surface, you’ll use less paint and have a smoother finish without drips or messes.
- Cleaning
Compressed air can be used for getting into small spaces that regular cleaning just can’t touch. It’s like using compressed air to clean your laptop keyboard, but on a bigger scale.
Ideally, cleaning with compressed air is not your first line of defense. It’s important to clean as much as you can with manual equipment first.
Make Life Easier
The above four things are just a short answer to the question, “What is an Air Compressor Used For?”. So why not explore this versatile device for yourself?
You’ll be glad you did.
And in the meantime, keep checking back with our blog on all things electrical.
