Air compressor Use: How to Use an Air Compressor?

There are several awesome uses for an air compressor in auto garages, body shops, construction sites, woodworking shops, and medical and dental offices. Air compressor use is common across many industries in both small and large businesses. But what is the use of an air compressor?

Air Compressor Use in Industrial Settings

When you know how to use an air compressor, you know it is an extremely useful tool for several applications. Industries that commonly use air compressors include:

Construction

Construction often relies on compressed air to power tools at a job site, including pneumatic hammers, drills, and nail guns. They also use air compressors to work spray paint guns for building exteriors, jackhammers in road construction, and concrete compactors at demolition sites.

Auto Body and Mechanic Shops

Working on cars often requires sand blasting, spray painting, and using air-powered tools to make repairs. You’ve probably seen a service worker fill your tires with a compressed air hose during an oil change service.

Manufacturing and Finishing

Assembly lines and workers use air tools to perform tasks and compressed air to power tools on the line. Factories may use compressed air to eject parts from molds, form plastic containers, and automate assembly line tasks. Manufacturing facilities may finish metal parts with sandblasting air compressor use.

Agriculture, Dairy, and Farming

Farm equipment uses compressed air to power sprayers, conveyors, pumps, and other tools to spread seed, fertilizer, water, and nutrients in the fields. Greenhouses and dairy farms require air-powered ventilation systems to maintain breathable air indoors for plants and cows.

How to Use an Air Compressor

Many air compressors function similarly. To use your air compressor, follow the steps below.

1. If your compressor uses oil, check the oil level.
2. Check the drain valve.
3. Attach the air hose to the regulator valve.
4. Attach your air-powered tool into the air hose.
5. Using a grounded outlet, plug the compressor in.
6. Before operating the compressor, put on the appropriate safety gear.
7. Test the safety valve.
8. Turn on the power and allow the air compressor tank to fully pressurize by monitoring the gauge.
9. Adjust the hose valve to allow the tool’s recommended pressure into the tool. Do not exceed that limit.
10. Use the tool.

If you’re wondering how to use an air compressor for tires, it’s the same process, but you need a tire pressure gauge tool built into your attachment or to use a separate tire pressure gauge handheld tool to measure the tire pressure as you fill it.

What Size Air Compressor Do You Need?

Large compressors are often the better choice for a tool that requires continuous use, like a paint sprayer, or for larger tools, like a jackhammer. Higher-rated compressors fill their tanks more quickly, allowing users to change tools and get back to work sooner than lower-rated compressors.

Contact Greenshields Industrial Supply for an Air Compressor for Your Business

For a new  air compressor at your shop, contact us at Greenshields Industrial Supply in Everett, WA. We can help you find the right compressor for your business’s air compressor use.