Guide to Air Compressor Accessories, Attachments & Parts
Compressed air isn’t a new concept. As a matter of fact, even the early romans knew how useful it could be, and created it by running water down a pipe, which forced air out of the bottom and into a furnace to increase the temperature while smelting metal.
The upgrade to an air pump happened in 1650 in Germany, then became motorized just before the year 1800 for the use of mining.
Since then air compressors have continued to change and has expanded into more uses, and the auto industry wasn’t immune to the power of compressed air.
Why are air compressors so valuable to an auto shop?
Air compressors work by drawing in air, compressing it with a piston, and forcing it back out through a very narrow valve.
The force that is produced can be used to inflate a tire, for use with spray paint guns, or with a wide array of power tools.
There are many auto projects that require more power, more torque, more speed, and a body shop air compressor creates that possibility. You just need to have the right attachments.
What accessories do you need for an air compressor
To get the most out of your air compressor you’ll want to consider investing in a series of attachments and accessories. The most common, and the ones you should keep on hand in your body shop, include:
- Air hoses
- Air couplers
- Blow guns
- Filters
- Dryers
- Pressure regulators
- Lubricants
- Paint guns
While having all of these attachments on hand is a good idea for any auto shop, you may find yourself using one more than another, depending on the type of work you’re doing.
Know which air compressor attachments are compatible with your equipment, and the types of projects you do most frequently.
Air Hoses
There are several different types of air hoses- different lengths, diameters, adaptors, and materials it’s made from.
These differences are important, since they determine whether or not they can be used with your particular air compressor, and whether it will work for your project.
For instance, a 10′ braided air hose will fit mini air compressors with fittings that are 1/8” or 1/4” and has a working pressure of 145PSI.
This might be great for a smaller shop operating sanders or other power tools, but generally isn’t sufficient for a larger body shop.
Or say you’re using a spray paint gun. In general, most sprayers require a hose of either 1/4” or 3/8”, depending on what the air cap requires.
Preference also plays a role in the hose you choose, since there are many different types of hoses- short, extra long, and retractable, such as the Ingersoll Rand 50′ Hose Reel, to name a few.
Air Couplers
In order to connect your air compressor hose to your tools, you need a coupler.
Couplers act like joints, twisting and moving with the user to prevent the hose from kinking.
They connect your tools and create a seal between all the air compressor parts so there is no loss in pressure, and each part remains in place.
And while each joint works the same, for the most part, there are many different types- from a 2 Way Swivel Splitter to a Tire Machine Grip Chuck- and not all of them will work for you.
Purchasing the wrong coupler could leave you with pieces that won’t fit together, or won’t connect properly, which could be dangerous. If the wrong coupler is in place, you could risk the pieces shooting off into your shop, posing a safety risk for anything or anyone in the way.
Before you buy, examine the mating connector and the internal configuration of the coupler you intend to buy, and make sure that they are compatible.
Blow Guns
Blow guns are most commonly used in body shops and detailing shops for use after sanding, drilling, painting, or for use in detailing.
This is because these air blow guns use intense and pin pointed air to blow away dust, shavings, and other debris from hard to reach areas such as an engine or in the seams of a seat.
Having this air tool is great for use in any shop, but there are several different types- some with flexible and rubber tips, others that can be used for air or fluids.
The style, reach, and air flow of these guns should be taken into consideration depending on the work you are doing.
Paint Guns
Auto spray paint guns are useless without an air compressor, which means you should ensure that you have a spray gun that can withstand the pressure, and an air compressor that can deliver the kind of power you need.
If your air compressor is too small, it likely won’t deliver the right amount of pressure. Before you purchase a spray gun, always ensure that your air compressor can provide what you need.
For more information on matching spray guns and air compressors, read our article «How to Find the Best Air Compressor for Painting Cars».
Filters
Air filters remove scale, condensation, rust, and other damaging particles from your hose and attachments- keeping your equipment clean for longer, leading to a longer life.
But that’s not all they’re used for. In fact, there are dozens of different filters, and each is suited for different levels of filtrations. Some, such as the Devilbiss Cam Air, offer five stage filtration that removes air and particles up to 40 microns.
On the other hand, the 3M Compressed Air Filter is meant to be mounted to a wall, and filters the air being delivered to the compressor from the very beginning.
Before you buy, always ensure that you are getting the correct filter for your project, and that it will fit with your compressor.
Dryers
Filters are a great option for most auto body shops, but there are other shops that would benefit from also incorporating an air dryer into their setup.
Air dryers are most commonly used in environments with a lot of air contamination (such as gas or paint fumes).
These air dryers filter through either refrigeration or desiccant absorption to create pure oxygen and can be used as a way to filter the gasses from your shop for health and benefit of yourself and your employees.
Because the size, style, and attachment ability vary, always make sure that you are getting the right filter for your needs.
Pressure Regulators
To prevent dangerous fluctuations in pressure output, use a pressure regulator.
Having a regulator keeps the pressure of the air flow at your desired or necessary level, no matter what the pressure is inside the tank of the compressor.
Sometimes you are able to get your filter and regulator in a single piece rather than as separate attachments.
Lubricants
If you want your auto air compressor to continue running efficiently for years, then make sure you have the right lubricant.
A great lubricant will help to keep your compressor from overheating and that the seals don’t leaks- both of which would cause the compressor to use more energy.
Keeping your compressor in good working condition will keep you working longer, more efficiently, and at reduced costs.
Air compressor troubleshooting
You should be concerned with keeping your air compressor and air compressor attachments in working order, but should you ever face issues, know that Auto Body Toolmart has the resources to help.
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Troubleshooting guide
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Air compressor FAQ
Find your attachments or build your air compressor accessory kit at Auto Body Toolmart!
Air Compressor Accessories
Air compressor equipment and machinery are critical elements in the productivity, efficiency and economy of today’s industry. Maintaining and upgrading your gas or electric air compressor units with these air compressor accessories can make it last longer, save time, money and keep equipment operating at maximum efficiency.
Air Compressor Accessories
Puncture-Proof Tires
Flat Free & Maintenance Free
- 13″ Tire
- White hub
- Fits MiTM Pressure Washer CW Series
(Shipping charge of $8.95 will apply on these items if the total order is less than $69.00)
| MODEL | DESCRIPTION | PRICE | PRICE |
| MT-14-0127 | 13″ Puncture-Proof Tire | $47. 90 |
$51.80 |
Air Chucks
Help maintain proper tire pressure.
(Shipping charge of $8.95 will apply on these items if the total order is less than $69.00)
| MODEL | DESCRIPTION | PRICE |
| MT-AT-3001 | 1/4″ FPT Dual Foot | $29.35 |
| MT-AT-3002 | 1/4″ FPT Ball Foot | $8.85 |
| MT-AT-3003 | Deluxe Air Inflator with 12″ Hose | $69.95 |
Engine Oil Drain Kits
The engine oil drain kits move the engine drain plug away from the frame so oil can be drained into a container.
(Shipping charge of $8.95 will apply on these items if the total order is less than $69.00)
| MODEL | DESCRIPTION | PRICE |
| MT-70-0357 | 196cc Honda Engine Drain Kit | $35.35 |
| MT-70-0358 | 270cc & 389cc Honda Engine Drain Kit | $44.40 |
| MT-70-0380 | 126cc, 211cc, 265cc, & 404cc Subaru Engine Drain Kit | $45.35 |
Air Compressor Accessories
Blow Guns
Providing a leak-proof seal for blowing dirt and debris from lines with high pressure air.
(Shipping charge of $8.95 will apply on these items if the total order is less than $69.
00)
| MODEL | DESCRIPTION | PRICE |
| MT-AT-3004 | Rubber Tip Blow Gun | $23.05 |
| MT-AT-3005 | Safety Tip Blow Gun | $23.05 |
| MT-AT-3007 | Safety Tip Blow Gun with 1ft. Extension | $38.25 |
| MT-AT-3008 | Safety Tip Blow Gun with 2ft. Extension | $43.20 |
| MT-AT-3009 | Safety Tip Blow Gun with 4ft. Extension | $52.20 |
Air Hoses
Ideal for most compressor lines and pneumatic tools. Non-conductive oil and abrasion resistant outer cover.
- 1/4″ NPT Fittings
- Rubber hoses have bend restrictors
(Shipping charge of $8.
95 will apply on these items if the total order is less than $69.00)
| MODEL | DESCRIPTION | LENGTH | PRICE |
| MT-15-0231 | 3/8″ PVC Air Hose | 25 ft | $41.95 |
| MT-15-0230 | 3/8″ PVC Air Hose | 50 ft | $43.50 |
| MT-15-0327 | 3/8″ Rubber Air Hose | 25 ft | $57.35 |
| MT-15-0328 | 3/8″ Rubber Air Hose | 50 ft | $100.85 |
Leader Hose
Leader hose attaches between the air hose and your tool, allowing for more flexibility and safety.
- Flexible hose
- 360° swivel fitting
(Shipping charge of $8.95 will apply on these items if the total order is less than $69.
00)
| MODEL | DESCRIPTION | PRICE |
| MT-15-0229 | 24″ Leader Hose with Swivel | $22.60 |
See Also
Hose Barb Fittings
Threaded end connect tools, fittings, couplers or plugs. Barb hose fitting repair or assemble damaged or bulk hose.
Couplers — Connectors
You will find here all the connectors you need!
Fittings, couplers, quick-connects, screw type, FNPT…
Pressure Gauges
enable the user to see what pressure levels their system is developing.
Classification and features of the use of air compressors — articles Pnevmomash
Compressor equipment designed to supply compressed air to production processes, has a wide range of design features. In this review, we consider the classification of modern compressors on the market.
Classification of compressors according to the principle of operation
In the vane compressor , one of the varieties of which is a centrifugal turbocompressor, gas compression occurs as a result of the interaction of an air flow with rotating and stationary blades. As a result of the design features, this type of equipment is able to create large volumes of low or standard pressure air. The installation of this technique is expedient and pays for itself only if the enterprise has a constant need for a high-capacity compressor, since starting a turbine is an extremely energy-intensive process, and the blade design does not provide for performance correction depending on consumption volumes.
The positive displacement compressor , on the other hand, is most often used when the amount of air consumed fluctuates depending on the time of day or day of the week. In equipment of this type, compression occurs inside a special cavity, which alternately communicates first with the inlet and then with the outlet.
According to the shape and method of changing the volume of the working chambers, positive displacement compressors are divided into:
Features of the piston design suggest that these compressors are quite noisy units with a high level of vibration, therefore they require a separate room and the construction of a special foundation. However, all the shortcomings of reciprocating compressors are compensated by a fairly low price.
Screw compressors are equipped with two rotors, one of which is the driver and the other is the driven. As a result of the rotation of the screw pair, the volume of the compression cavity decreases.
The main advantage of this type of compressors is the absence of unbalanced mechanical forces, which allows to develop a higher shaft speed and improves productivity. In addition, compressors of this design take up much less space.
Scroll compressors are usually composed of several blocks in which two scrolls are located, one of which moves inside the other so that cavities with varying volume are formed. A feature of this type of equipment is low productivity, as well as a minimum level of noise and vibration.
The rotary vane compressors consist of a rotating element with vanes that move air into a smaller space as they rotate. The disadvantage of this technology is the lack of reliability due to increased wear of the plates.
Classification according to other design and operational features
1. Subdivision according to the method of reducing friction in the compression cavity.
According to this parameter, compressors are divided into oil, oil-free and oil-free with liquid injection.
In the case of oil-free equipment, the load on the mating surfaces is reduced by the use of materials with a low coefficient of friction.
Oil and oil free compressors have both disadvantages and advantages, and the final choice between them usually depends on the application. Oil-free equipment is usually used in those types of industries where the technological process requires the complete absence of lubricant particles in the air supplied to the line and in the surrounding atmosphere. Such “clean” industries include the food, pharmaceutical, and microchip industries.
2. According to the heat dissipation method , compressors are divided into air-cooled and water-cooled machines. Water cooling is most often used in high capacity compressors when the air cooling system is not efficient enough. However, it should be borne in mind that water cooling implies additional requirements for the organization of a compressor station: an appropriate infrastructure for supplying and discharging water is required, in addition, water must comply with strict purity standards specified by the manufacturer.
3. According to the type of drive motor , there are electric, diesel and petrol compressors. Most often, if the work site has access to electricity, the choice falls on electric compressors, as they are more profitable from an economic point of view. Until now, the use of electricity as a driving force is a cheaper way. If this is not possible, diesel or gasoline compressors are used. Diesel engines usually have lower fuel consumption than gasoline engines, so they are installed on more powerful machines.
4. From the point of view of consumer characteristics, it is necessary to note the division of compressors in terms of performance and level of generated pressure.
Performance. Smaller compressors are designed for small jobs, their more powerful counterparts are installed in large enterprises and even combined into centralized compressed air supply networks.
When specifying the nominal capacity of a compressor, it is often possible to find a difference between the capacity calculated for the air consumed at the inlet and for the compressed air at the outlet, converted to the same volume under the condition of atmospheric pressure.
If the compressor creates a low pressure, these values \u200b\u200bare usually almost equal. With high compression, the output performance can drop significantly, for example, for piston units, the output performance is two times less than the input.
Pressure. Most often, compressors of normal (7-10 MPa), low (from 1 to 7 MPa) and high (up to 100 MPa) pressure are used for various purposes, however, in some cases, when it comes to pumping certain types of gases, units are used ultra-low (from 0.15 to 1.2 MPa) and ultra-high (over 100 MPa) pressure. In addition, there are vacuum compressors that operate at sub-atmospheric pressures.
5. According to the possibility of moving compressors, stationary machines and mobile units installed on their own wheelbase can be distinguished.
When choosing a mobile compressor, please note that not all of them are designed to be transported on public roads as a trailer. Some compressors are fitted with wheels solely for ease of transport around the facility.
6. And, finally, according to the type of gases used to compress gases, compressors are divided into gas and air compressors.
The fundamental difference between gas compressors and air compressors lies in the properties of the gases they are designed to compress. Some gases require the use of other materials in construction, others may have specific compression characteristics.
Related materials |
Articles: electric compressors |
Air compressors: device, principle of operation, purpose
An air compressor is a machine that compresses air and supplies it at a certain pressure to pneumatic equipment. When choosing compressor equipment for performing various types of work, it is necessary to take into account the compressor device, its design features, as well as the technical and operating characteristics of the installation.
Design features, principle of operation and design of the air compressor depend on the type of installation.
Modern compressors have several classifications, the main of which is the difference between compressors according to the principle of operation. Today, manufacturers of compressor and pneumatic equipment offer a large number of these installations of various types, the most common of which are screw and piston installations .
Piston compressors
Screw compressors
All types of compressors have both common elements and differences in design. In addition, depending on the type of equipment, various materials can be used in the manufacture of certain components of the compressors.
Screw type compressor design
In industrial sectors, the use of screw air compressors, which are characterized by high technical characteristics, is the most common. The device of an air screw compressor differs from similar installations in the presence of a screw block, which includes two rotors with a leading and a driven type.
The screw block is the main working element of this equipment.
At the time of operation of this compressor, the air that passes through the filtration system and valve enters the block with screws, where the air is mixed with oil. The use of oil is necessary to eliminate air bubbles and seal the space.
Next, the air-oil mixture is pumped by a screw block into the pneumatic system. At the next stage, the mixture enters the separator, where the air is separated from the oils and, through the radiator system, is supplied to the receiver or to the pneumatic equipment.
Since the block in which the screws are located is the main working element of the compressor, the principle of its operation must be considered separately. The teeth of the rotors — driving and driven, are engaged. The housing of the screw block and the open cavities of the rotors create a volume into which, when the screws rotate, air enters. The rotation of the rotors has opposite directions.
In this case, the open cavities are closed, which leads to a decrease in the volume between them and an increase in the discharge pressure.
Such a device of a screw compressor and its principle of operation ensures high efficiency of the entire installation, uninterrupted supply of compressed air to pneumatic equipment and the possibility of intensive operation of this system for a long time.
Screw compressors
Reciprocating compressor design and principle of operation
Another type of compressor system widely used in households and small businesses is piston-type equipment. The main difference between such an installation and screw and other types of equipment is a fairly simple device of a piston compressor and the principle of its operation.
The main elements of this installation can be divided into groups depending on the functions performed:
- cylinder group;
- piston group;
- movement mechanisms;
- control systems, which are elements that regulate the performance of equipment — pipelines, auxiliary valves;
- lubrication systems;
- cooling elements;
- hardware installation parts.
