The air compressor is a powerful and versatile tool. Thanks to its superior design and outstanding functionality, it has become a familiar tool for many projects. However, no matter how modern it is designed, it cannot fully meet all the needs of users. Therefore, to increase productivity and efficiency, air compressors often require some other accessories. Determining the type and size of an accessory is one of the top concerns. The supporting accessories need to be compatible for the best performance of the compressor. Choosing the wrong accessories may disrupt the operation or damage the machine. This will be inconvenient and affect your project a lot.
So how to choose the best air compressor fittings for our projects? Don’t worry, seeing this problem, we have researched and summarized a few important points when choosing to buy accessories. Factors that need to be considered are discussed in this article. If you are planning to buy accessories in an economical and efficient way, do not overlook the following helpful information.
1. Size of an Air Fitting Port
Some port connectors and tools are generally sold without the correct packaging or dimensioning documentation. Some experts can still discern the size of each, but not everyone can do it. The wrong size of the air fitting port can have a big impact when you need to replace a connector or install a new pipe.
Most air compressors (including woodworking equipment) use ¼ or 1/8 inch connectors. This size is often used for consumer or contractor appliances. However, depending on the age of the tool or the brand, dimensions may deviate from the standard. You’d better determine the size of the gate by measuring the diameter just above its center. The standard unit commonly used is inch. With this measurement, you will determine exactly the size of the tube, as well as the appropriate installation position.
2. A Strong Seal To Connect New Fittings
Whether replacing a coupling on the tool handle or between the compressor and the air tank, make sure you use the correct thread size and create a sturdy washer when attaching to the hardware. And this is not too difficult at all, even for those with little experience. To get an airtight seal you just need to introduce teflon tape into your thread.
Although the majority of today’s accessories meet the exact NPT chart specifications, there is a possibility that air will leak out of the accessory. Teflon tapes help create a tighter seal, preventing air leaks during working hours. Although Teflon tape works quite effectively, you should still be careful when wrapping the connectors. The thread should be wrapped sufficiently to cover the thread, but not on top of the connector. And don’t forget to remove any excess tape that extends over the tip of the thread. The high air pressure can cause excess tape to expand and clog in pipes, inside air tools or in other connections. It may not slip off, but excess tape can still partially or fully clog the compressor; reduces air flow and machine efficiency. Just carefully wrap the male threads and don’t let them overlap or excess, you won’t need to worry about the taste of air leaks anymore. In addition, this also ensures your device is not clogged when in use.
3. Automotive and industrial air accessories
When conducting research, we found that there are quite a lot of people who are confused by the brands of accessories. They often don’t know if they should choose industrial or auto accessories. Although this may sound highly specialized, the reality is that there is not much difference between them.
They are basically all estimates of an accessory’s compatibility with other tools on the market. Air compressor accessories are like accessories of other tools, they need to be correctly connected to the tool you will use. With just a few dimensional checks, you know if this type of accessory is right for your compressor.
4. Based on color code
The bright colors on the air compressor and accessories are not simply for the purpose of beautifying the product. They are actually symbols to distinguish the different types of accessories: the industrial type is called Type D, and is red in color; auto accessories are called Type C and are blue; and ARO accessories are called Type B in green. The division by such colors will make it easier for users to categorize the accessories to buy, especially those who do not have much experience.
Frequently asked questions
1. Are the types of accessories different?
Currently, there are four main types of air compressor fittings: Industrial, V-type, Automotive, and ARO.
In general, there is no big difference between them. The main difference between these accessories is the size of the opening. Therefore, it is recommended to use the multipurpose coupler if there is a connection incompatibility.
2. What is the difference between manual and automatic coupler?
Manual couplers require you to pull the sleeve back to plug in the plug. As for the auto coupler, simply push the plug in and the coupler will connect automatically. The auto coupling sleeve is pulled back without the plug. In general, the auto coupler will be more flexible and safe for the user.
Conclusion
A compressor that wants optimal performance requires good accessories. In particular, air compressor fittings are an extremely important part of the connection between air compressors and pneumatic tools. The quality of accessories will affect the working quality of the whole system. Therefore, please carefully refer to the specifications and materials before buying. You should also opt for your budget-friendly products.
Articles on how to buy our good air compressor fittings are pleased to end here. Hope it is really helpful for you. Have a good day.