If you're like many wives, your husband's garage full of tools might seem like a useless pile of expensive toys. Most of them are probably as foreign to you as your eyelash curler is to your husband, but there is one tool in his collection that is worth its weight in gold – the air compressor. In this article you'll learn why air compressors aren't just for men, how you can use it in your home and how to maintain it properly.
How Air Compressors Work
When your husband insisted that he needed that expensive air compressor, you probably wondered what on earth he needed to compress air for. An air compressor is a tool that compresses and delivers air for tasks, such as inflating tires and powering nail or staple guns and other pneumatic tools.
There are two basic types of air compressors: piston-type and portable. A piston-type compressor uses one or two pistons to compress air and deliver it to a storage tank. Portable air compressors are smaller units that do not have storage tanks and are popular for home use.
What an Air Compressor Can Do for You
While traditional uses for air compressors are likely more interesting to your husband, there are several that they can make your life easier and more fun, including:
- Housekeeping
A pressurized stream of air can come in very handy for dusting and cleaning areas that are hard to reach, such as dryer vents, high shelves and other cracks and crevices. Computer cleaning can be made simple by using an air compressor to remove dust and dirt. You can also pressure wash vinyl siding and decks to make them shine like new.
- Party Preparation
Need to inflate dozens of balloons for a birthday or anniversary party? An air compressor can save you a lot of hot air. In addition, a specific attachment can make your air compressor into an air brush for painting festive signs and banners.
- Entertaining the Kids
Inflate bike tires in a snap with your air compressor. Make a day at the beach more fun with inflatable water toys and keep sports equipment in tip top shape by quickly and easily airing up volleyballs, basketballs and soccer balls. For your older kids, use your air compressor to make a homemade paintball gun – just be sure to use a small compressor with a low pressure setting and always wear safety gear.
- Arts and Crafts
Besides using an air brush attachment for painting signs and banners, you can also make personalized t-shirts, bags and other accessories. Use your air compressor to sandblast, sand and refinish antique furniture.
How to Maintain Your Air Compressor
To keep your air compressor in good working order, it is important to take the following maintenance steps:
- Drain moisture from the tank. Be sure to use the draining valve to remove excess moisture from the tank after use.
- Clean intake vents. It is important that the vents through which air is drawn into the compressor remain clean and free of debris.
- Tighten screws, nuts and bolts. The vibration of the running air compressor can cause fasteners to become loose. To prevent damage, check and tighten fasteners regularly.
- Check hoses. Hoses that are cracked or damaged will put unnecessary strain on your compressor and negatively affect pressure. Make sure hoses are in good condition before and after use.
- Maintain air filters. Filters should be checked regularly. Filters that are clogged with dust and grime will damage your compressor by causing it to work harder and by allowing dust inside the tank.
Following these steps will ensure that your air compressor runs well and provides consistent pressure and air flow.
The uses for your husband's air compressor are endless and only limited by your imagination and inspiration. Whether cleaning, playing, creating or repairing, an air compressor can make your life much easier and more interesting. Click here for more info.
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