How to Use an Air Compressor

Co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle

Last Updated: February 25, 2022 References

Air compressors enable the usage of pneumatic tools, which make DIY work a breeze. Compressors are also beginner-friendly, since assembling one is as simple as plugging in the hose and electrical cord. Monitor the pressure gauges to keep the air pressure in the hose below the amount listed on your power tool. Remember to adjust the pressure when you switch tools and release the drain valve when you're finished. Take these precautions every time to make your work safe and efficient.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Setting up the Compressor

1
Check the pump oil level if your compressor isn’t oil-free. Old compressors, as well as large ones, tend to be oil-filled. Locate the dipstick near the bottom of one of the compressor’s ends. Pull it out and check to see that the oil level reaches about ⅔ of the way up the stick. If it doesn’t, pour some compressor oil into the tank.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If you need oil, it can be found at most home improvement, hardware, and auto parts stores.
- If you’re unsure about what kind of compressor you have, consult the owner’s manual. Most small compressors are now oil-free, so that’s why you may not see an oil tank or dipstick.
2
Attach the hose to the regulator valve. Set the compressor on flat ground. Find the regulator valve, which should be right next to the smaller pressure gauge on 1 end of the compressor. It’s a round, copper-colored, metal plug with a big hole in the middle. Push the pointed end of the hose into the valve to attach it.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Plug your power tool into the hose. Hold the hose in 1 hand and the power tool in the other. Slide the tool’s plug into the hose’s free end and twist them together until the tool locks in place. When the tool is on securely, it won’t slide off.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- If you are pumping a tire, push the coupler onto the tire’s valve.
4
Plug the compressor into a grounded 3-prong outlet.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
Expert Interview. 17 February 2022.} Make sure the compressor’s power switch is turned off before plugging it in. Avoid using extension cords if you can’t reach a working outlet. Instead, get another air hose and plug it into the first one.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- To attach 2 hoses together, slide the plug end of 1 hose into the receiving end on the other hose. It works the same way as attaching a power tool to the hose.
- Extension cords aren’t recommended because they can cause the compressor to overheat.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Operating the Compressor

1
Put on safety goggles and closed-toed shoes. This is important to do in order to operate power tools safety. Wear polycarbonate goggles to protect your eyes. A good pair of shoes or boots shields your toes from any dropped tools. Put on all your safety gear before attempting to operate the compressor.
- Some tanks and tools can be pretty noisy, so consider wearing ear muffs as well.
2
Pull on the safety valve to test it. Look for a copper-colored plug near the hose line. It will be tightly in place on the compressor and may have a ring that makes it easier to pull. Tug it towards you to release the valve and listen for the hiss of escaping air.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
Expert Interview. 17 February 2022.} Push the valve back in place before starting the compressor.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Hearing air hiss out of the valve is a sign that it works. Otherwise, if you are able to pull the valve out and put it back in securely, it should be fine even if you don’t hear any air escape.
3
Turn on the compressor and wait for the tank to pressurize. Flip the electrical switch on the tank to turn it on. The machine will buzz to life. Watch the larger pressure gauge on the tank's side. Wait for the needle to stop moving, signifying that the air inside has reached the maximum pressure.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- The second, smaller gauge near the hose displays the air pressure in the hose. The display on that gauge won't move at all for the moment, which is fine.
4
Check your tool to find how much pressure it needs. This information is usually printed on the tool. Look for a sticker or letters on the tool’s underside, near the handle. If you can’t find it there, consult the owner’s manual for more information.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- For example, the information may state that the tool functions with a maximum of 90 PSI. For safety, keep the hose pressure at 75 to 85 PSI.
- Every tool has a different rating, so you will need to adjust the pressure every time you switch tools.
5
Adjust the pressure regulator knob to match the tool’s PSI.^{[10]
X
Expert Source

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
Expert Interview. 17 February 2022.} The pressure regulator knob will be on the hose. Twist it counterclockwise to increase the amount of air flowing into the hose. Watch the smaller pressure gauge, also located on the hose, until it shows that the pressure is at the level you need.^{[11]
X
Research source}
6
Operate the power tool while air is in the tank. Once pressurized air is in the hose, your tool is ready for use. Every time you use the tool, the pressure in the tank will drop and begin refilling automatically. You won’t need to make adjustments until you switch to a different tool.
- Check the pressure gauge again if the power tool suddenly seems to stop working. This happens with smaller tanks that can’t refill fast enough to accommodate larger tools. Wait a moment for the pressure to rebuild.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Shutting off and Maintaining the Compressor

1
Open the air tank drain valve to let out condensation. The valve will be on the air tank, on the underside. Twist the valve counterclockwise so that the pressurized air blows out any collected moisture. Put the valve back in place by twisting it clockwise until you can no longer hear the air flow.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- If you can’t twist the valve by hand, try using pliers.
- To keep your compressor functional, drain the condensation after every use.
2
Turn off the compressor to drain the pressure. Leave the hose in place until the compressor is turned off. Twist the pressure regulator knob near the hose to shut off the hose's air supply first. Then turn off the compressor and wait for the pressure to leave the system. Pull the pressure relief valve to speed up draining process.
3
Remove the hose and store the air compressor. Unplug the compressor from the wall, then remove the hose. Without pressure in the tank, it should slide right out. Store the compressor and hose in a dry, temperature-controlled area such as a closet.
4
Replace the oil every year if you have an oil-filled compressor. Like with any machine, clean oil is integral for operation. This is typically done by using a socket wrench to remove the plugs on the oil tank. Keep a container on hand to catch the old oil. Then, use a funnel to add new compressor oil.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Consult your owner’s manual for more instructions on opening the oil tank and changing the oil.

Expert Q&A

Question

What should you not do with an air compressor?

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses.

Ryaan Tuttle

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

You shouldn't just plug it in without first draining it. Since you can't be sure if the previous person that used it drained it correctly, the first thing you should always do is let any residual water or air out.

Warnings

Read the pressure guideline on a tool before using it. Never use it with more pressure than the recommended amount.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
Extension cords can cause the compressor to overheat, leading to a fire. Use extra hoses when you need more reach.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1