Stupid Compressor Question

[JPSmit]

I recently received an oil-free RIGID compressor. I've never owned a compressor before so I know nothing about maintenance.

This Xmas I received a bottle of Compressor oil. It seems to suggest I use it for the tools themselves. Do I need this? Does any of this make sense? In a seperate but related question, should I get a regulator for it to remove moisture etc?

TIA for your advice.

JP

 

[SilentUnicorn]

a water separator and a regulator are good ideas. a small amount of oil per use in your airtools is a good thing. I would NOT put oil in an oil-less compressor.

mark

 

[Banjo]

Silentunicorn is spot-on. I second everything he said

 

[JPSmit]

so where do I put the oil?

 

[Tim Hollister]

[ QUOTE ]
so where do I put the oil?

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, I occasionally put a couple of drops directly into the air inlet on the tool I intend to use. (helps if you hit the trigger on the tool so the oil can run in rather than...) Then reconnect the air line and exercise the tool a couple of times. Do not be surprised if/when you get some oil mist from the exhaust port on the tool. This little precaution keeps them lubed up and lasting a long time.

Tim

 

[Bugeye58]

If the tools sit for any appreciable length of time, it doesn't hurt to put a few drops of mineral spirits in the inlet, run the tool for a few seconds, and then oil as usual. It breaks up any gum that may have formed during storage.
Another trick I learned a long time ago, was to disassemble and thorougly clean a new air tool prior to first using it. I've found nasty metal shavings and grit inside that would have shortened the life of the tool immensely.
Jeff

 

[JamesWilson]

Your air tools should have an instructions sheet about how to use and maintain them. That should tell you where, when and how much oil should be used to lubricate their inner workings. As mentioned a couple of drops every once in a while in the air inlet is the usual approach. I've also seen in-line oilers for the same job but those seem prone to knocks and potential leaks or breakage. Tools with complex insides like ratchets, hammers and polisher will need lubrication. Sprayers and the like don't, so far as my experience shows....

 

[jerrybny]

Definitely follow the instruction manual. Those compressors can be dangerous if inproper maintence is performed.

 

[LLAngus]

Do not use an inline oiler from the compressor. You may want to use the air for painting and an oil injecter will screw up the paint job. Just put oil drops in the end of the fitting attached to the tool and reattache to air line.
I have both oil and oilless comressor and like then both.

Bruce L

 

[Biff]

Use an inline oiler that threads into the tool. They have ones made of metal so you don't have to worry about bumping them and breaking them. With one of them no oil gets in your airline so you don't have to worry about oil in your spray gun, tires, etc.. Put the water seperator and pressure regulator on the compressor end.