Moving a compressor isn’t always simple. Maybe you just bought a new one, or you’re trying to fit your shop compressor into a pickup bed or trunk. The big question people ask is: Can I lay my compressor down? The answer depends on the type of compressor. Oil-free pancake and hot-dog compressors are usually fine … Read more
If your air compressor is producing oily discharge in the lines, chances are the oil separator is due for replacement. This crucial component ensures clean, dry air by separating oil mist from compressed air before it leaves the machine. Without it, your tools, paint jobs, and production equipment can suffer contamination. In this guide, we’ll … Read more
When shopping for an air compressor, you’ll see ratings like SCFM, ACFM, and sometimes ICFM. But what do they actually mean? These airflow ratings are critical, because they tell you how much usable air your compressor produces under different conditions. Misunderstanding them can lead to buying a compressor that doesn’t meet your needs. This guide … Read more
Your Craftsman air compressor is built to last—but only if you take care of it. One of the most important parts of compressor maintenance is using the right compressor oil. The wrong oil can cause carbon buildup, poor lubrication, overheating, and premature pump failure. So what oil should you use in a Craftsman compressor? In … Read more
Sandblasting (abrasive blasting) is one of the most demanding jobs you can throw at an air compressor. If you’ve ever tried blasting with a small compressor, you already know the frustration—pressure drops, airflow can’t keep up, and you’re forced to stop every few minutes while the tank refills. The key is having enough CFM (cubic … Read more
Air compressors power everything from small nail guns to industrial sandblasters. But with so many designs on the market, it’s not always clear which one is right for your needs. Should you choose a piston compressor for home use, a rotary screw compressor for your shop, or even a rotary vane compressor for quiet, continuous … Read more
It’s frustrating—you fire up your air compressor, but within minutes the reset button trips. You press it, restart, and it happens again. This is usually a sign of overheating, electrical overload, or failing parts inside the compressor. In this guide, we’ll explain why the reset button keeps tripping, how to troubleshoot the issue, and the … Read more
If your tools feel weak at the end of a long hose or pipe run, the culprit is usually pressure drop. As compressed air flows through pipes, hoses, filters, and fittings, friction reduces pressure before it reaches your tool. Knowing how to estimate pressure drop can save you from undersized piping and poor tool performance. … Read more
If one compressor isn’t giving you enough airflow, you might be wondering: Can I connect two air compressors together? The answer is yes—but it has to be done correctly. With the right fittings, check valves, and hoses, you can combine compressors for more capacity or higher CFM output without damaging either unit. In this guide, … Read more
You flip the switch, the motor kicks on, the pump starts working—then suddenly your air compressor bogs down. The motor slows, struggles, or even trips the breaker. This is a common issue that can affect any brand, from Kobalt to DeWalt, and it usually points to a handful of problems with the motor, power supply, … Read more