Thread: Increase pneumatic tool air flow on 1/4" NPT compressors and fittings.

My old compressor's about to seize. Bought one at Harbor Freight because they don't make parts for it. I like HF, but I figured I'd have a little work to do.

You'll need to order or find local "Milton Type V" 1/4 inch NPT air fittings. (This write-up shows 1/4" but Milton makes Hi-Flo fittings in all sizes.)

First, I wanted to use the regulator I had from Northern Tool. Wasn't expensive, but is an improvement. - http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...FZSEaQodCjgPdw

The HF stock regulator is on the left. Northern Tool's has a bigger metal body. I think that plug can be removed to install another gauge or feed line, not sure.



Now the HF one is on the right. The spring or whatever in there makes it look cheap to me. Can't tell in the pic, but the new one has no exposed spring inside.



I held the fitting with the arrow, and used a vice grips to loosen the regulator. (can see teeth marks on it before the silver coupler)



Needed some of these to fit my misgendered regulator. You might not need them, because you'll probably look before you go to the store instead of just grabbing whatever.



Needed that female adapter on the right. Left was on the tank.



Changing them did make a difference. The red arrow's the fitting I removed.



I also had a Milton Type V 1/4" coupler. The silver one is stock. Note the Milton also accepts other 1/4 fittings, not just Type V.



Hmm, again the stock piece looked like I kinda wanted it outta there.



Checking the regulator body for the flow direction arrow. Ready to put back on.



It's on there, and yes the dial is "upside down." I don't care, lol.



Then some of these for tools.



Couple simple tools with old fittings next to the Milton on the right.



Also need to put some on the air hose, obviously. I've read that this really helps with cutters/grinders. I'll leave the rest of the research up to the reader.

Thanks!

Likely that won't change much. And good luck on that HF compressor. Buddy picked up the 125 psi stand up oil one. And ... if you read the directions, it says to keep oil on hand because it somehow uses some as you use the compressor. Never heard of that before...but it's definately written there.

Thanks for the feedback, bud. Always so cheerful?

Kinda sounds like "Why mess with that garbage? You're an idiot."

Keep it classy.

Yeah, this isn't even about the compressor. If I had enough money to hardwire one to the breaker, I would. Who'd worry about flow with that? For what use it's going to see, it's fine ..and under half the price of a DeWalt, which I also looked at. Maybe someday I can "own" a nice one at 23% interest, we'll see. Right now I live at an apartment raising a 3 year old.

Bottom line is this is a $35 project. It will increase airflow, and that's not to be read as "power." Some of us can afford the gleaming Snap-On swivel sockets at $60 a pop, some can't, right Bill?

I was going to take this down this morning, but I won't be chastised for the equipment I use.

Thank you.

I didn't mean that the way you read it at all. I was merely saying that I doubt you'll see a difference from the sizing of the fittings based on the amount of pressure being used. Then I tossed in the mention of the buddy and his HF compressor requiring oil in case you had that one and didn't read up. That way you wouldn't seize it based on being like me and not reading all the directions that come with a tool.

Had I wanted to be a dick, it would be very clear and dickish.

I didn't mention how you need serious hearing protection when using the compressor my buddy had enough though it was not considered oilless. As for being able to afford nice stuff, yeah as you work your way through life you'll likely get sick of breaking something and buying a different part. Personally I didn't buy more than 3 snap on swivel sockets because of the price vs quality of other tools I could buy. I actually got rid of a set of shallow snap on sockets and picked up craftsman. Reason.... ease of replacement if one broke.

Sorry if you read it the wrong way, this is one of those times where tone and inflection isn't obvious... or maybe I am a dick, I've had my moments.

It's np. We all have our moments or days or whatever cliche you wanna use. The whole sarcasm etc, text isn't always the best for clear communications. I agree.

One thing good about the internet is that no one really gets hurt, and there's probably more pertinent things.

Had you said all that like "Look @ssh*le, that isn't what I meant. Go f*ck yourself." I'd taken it as the same point.

And literally, I could not stop this from popping in my head the second I scanned your response.