tip of the day: air compresser drain

reible · Post by **reible** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 2:02 pm

Hi,

Just happen to have my air compressor out today and was thinking we have had some discussions about them over the winter so since a few of you maybe new owners.

I can't say all compressors tell you to drain the tank at the end of the day mine does. Almost always you can see the water that has condensed out so I'm convinced it is a good practice. However with a bad back getting under the tank to turn the valve can be a real pain.

So many years ago I added an extension to get the valve out from under. This was shown in maybe a popular mechanics many many years ago so I can't take credit for the idea but I can share it with you. All the parts are from the hardware store and no pipe threading was done, just stock parts. Of course if you want to fine tune yours and have to tools have at it.

I think the pictures make it clear enough that I'll just go with those for how it works.
[ATTACH]3552[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]3553[/ATTACH]

Ed

tom_k/mo · Post by **tom_k/mo** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 3:36 pm

Good tip Ed, helps keep the inside of the tank from rusting on the bottom and developing a weak spot. As an added bonus, if you're spraying paint or lacquers, or sandblasting as I do, moisture in the tank (and lines) is your enemy. Harbor Freight has an Automatic Compressor Drain Kit that you can install on tanks too. I've got an Ingersol-Rand 5HP 80gal. vertical tank compressor (19.1CFM @ 90PSI continuous). I need the volume when sandblasting/sandcarving.

reible · Post by **reible** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 4:02 pm

While we are at it here are a couple more ideas for those new to this.

I mark my hoses if they are used for oil as can be seen here.
[ATTACH]3557[/ATTACH]

I also have several parts that I can attach depending on what I need at any one time. A small inline oilier or perhaps a larger one? A secondary air pressure gauge, a dryer... All you have to do is remember which piece to put first, second etc.
[ATTACH]3558[/ATTACH]

Ed

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 4:49 pm

I was going to do that to my upright stationary compressor. Simply because it's hard for me to get up after I'm on my knees to open the valve.

I had this great idea to put in another elbow and a riser so I could just open it without bending too far. After a few days of cogitating, it dawned on me that I wasn't going to get much moisture out that way.

When the LOML is working with me, I try to con her into opening it.

Problem is she can never figure out which direction to turn it. By the time she tells me that she can't get it open, it's so tight I gotta get the big pliers out.

So, now I'm thinking curb cock

bobgroh · Post by **bobgroh** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 7:05 pm

Excellent idea - adding a much more accessible drain. Almost blindlingly obvious - except I never thought of it! Got to look at that for my little pancake compressor - the drain is difficult to access without lifting the unit. And then it spits water on the floor.

Thanks for the photos and the idea.