As soon as you remove any air compressor part from the air compressor, you can potentially do serious damage to it. While some air compressor parts are attachments, other parts are vital to the operation of the compression engine. Making the most of compressor parts means knowing how to manage and control air compressor replacement parts so you never experience any extensive downtime with this vital piece of equipment in your shop.

If you own a smaller compressor, such as a Sears air compressor, parts are relatively easy to find. If you own a large industrial air compressor, similar to models made by Champion, air compressor parts are slightly harder to find. So you want to be sure to have necessary parts on hand, or at least have easy access to air compressors repair parts in order to keep your shop functioning.

Generally speaking, the parts you are most likely to need include:

1. Connectors that join hoses to other compressor parts.

2. Lubricants that keep your pumps functioning properly.

3. Filters that allow your air compressors to function efficiently.

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Know what air compressor parts you need for your brand of air compressor

The best way to do that is to keep a supply of parts such as filters and hoses on hand. You should also have access to owner's manuals so you can order specialty parts in a timely manner to minimize any downtime for repairs.

I recommend: Find air compressor parts and manuals for Campbell-Hausfeld compressors at Jack’s Small Engines & Generator Service. Master Tool Repair offers manuals to help you with your air compressors repair. It features Coleman, Powermate and Sanborn owner’s manuals on its website, but you can ask for other repair manuals for other brands of air compressors as well.

Rebuild air compressor parts rather than throw them away

This is a good way to get more value from your air compressor. If you don't have the skills to do the rebuilding project on your own, hire someone to do it for you.

I recommend: Air Compressor Equipment has air compressor motor parts and rebuild kits for sale. These kits allow you to rebuild your machines. Brands featured on the rebuild site include Ingersoll Rand air compressor parts. Have eCompressedAir.com rebuild your air compressor with air compressor repair parts and special retooling that helps the air compressor last longer. It can rebuild most brands. The air compressor parts you need to replace are part of the rebuild price.

Let specialists routinely inspect your compressor parts

Maintenance on compressor pumps and motors can prevent long-term damage to your equipment. Letting experts care for your air compressors can save you money on parts in the long run. Professional routine maintenance can also mean less down time for repairs.

I recommend: The Ingersoll-Rand Company offers “Package Care” for its air compressors. The service contract covers all air compressors parts that you may need. Aseco Air Systems & Equipment can customize a service package for you. This is a cost-effective way of making the most of compressor parts, as well as the compressors themselves.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure to store your extra air compressor parts in a clean, dry location. Leave the parts in their original packaging so you can easily identify them.

Air compressors are a mainstay in many businesses. From the extremely powerful units to those providing power for smaller jobs like filling tires with air, air compressors and air compressors parts have the same basic function. They take in air and then pressurize it by forcing it in to a contained space. The air is then used for inflation, cleaning or providing torque.

Quality air compressors and air compressor parts typically last a long time, making the investment in a compressor well worth the money, especially if you think you'll rely heavily on the machinery.

The best resources for finding air compressors or separate parts of a compressor include:

1. Sites dedicated to shopping and comparing air compressors and air compressor parts online

2. Companies that sell refurbished equipment

3. Big name brands for quality products and warranties

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Browse sites that compare air compressor parts for you

There are thousands of companies that sell air compressor parts. You can find them in hardware stores, online or even in local classified ads. Parts of a compressor range in complexity and price but quotes for parts are also widely available for online purchase.

I recommend: Peruse catalogs for a specific air compressor part or an entire system through ThomasNet.com. BuyerZone.com lets you shop for air compressors based on style and horsepower.

Find refurbished or used compressors and compressor parts for the best deals

There are several companies known and trusted for quality compressor parts. Buying used can save you money so if you're going to buy used or refurbished, look for companies who specialize in air compressors or compressor parts to get the best customer service and advice.

I recommend: Ingersoll-Rand and Harris Equipment Corporation, with a combined history of more than 150 years of selling compressor parts and air compressor motor parts, both provide a top-notch product line.

Find Sears air compressor parts and air compressor replacement parts online

Sears air compressor parts are available in its online store, as is its Craftsman line of air compressors, air compressor replacement parts and air compressor repair parts.

I recommend: Sears and its Craftsman line offer many models of air compressors. Craftsman tools all come with a special limited warranty when used in industrial or commercial settings.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always wear goggles when handling any kind of equipment that supplies torque.
• •  Secure air compressor hoses to prevent dangerous whipping in case a hose breaks or is cut off.
• •  Keep grease and oil off hoses to prevent damage and deterioration.

Some compressor parts are integral to the operation of an air compressor such as the motor, the tank and the pump. These parts are pretty much standard no matter what type of air compressor you have in your shop. Hoses, pneumatic tools and connectors do change. There’s a constant stream of new air compressor parts that you can find to use in your shop.

By following compressor parts news and trends, you can keep track of the latest air compressor replacement parts. As you read the trends, you can discover that new pneumatic tools often get most of the news, but air compressors themselves are also changing. Trends in air compressors, as well as their parts, include:

1. Using compressor parts that make the air compressor operate more efficiently.

2. Using safer oils to lubricate internal air compressor motor parts.

3. Reusing and rebuilding various air compressor parts.

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Study articles to find out more about compressor parts news and trends

Articles tend to present a more academic view of the topic, though some articles have a practical application. Find information that suits what you need to know.

I recommend: As you read the library of articles on eCompressedair, you can find different ways to use air compressors parts and information about new parts available from the company. The Plant Maintenance Resource Center has a number of articles on compressor parts news and trends, as well as practical advice for making the most of your air compressor repair parts.

Read newsletters to stay informed of compressor parts news and trends

Many companies offer newsletters on a regular basis. This is a good way to find out what products are new, as well as what accessories and parts are available to customers.

I recommend: The Mohawk Innovative Technology newsletters focus on new air compressor parts that allow air compressors to operate more efficiently. For example, they offer a new foil bearing that lets powerful compressors operate without oil. The GlobalSpec Newsletter highlights a number of compressor parts news and trends. Use the search function to find specific information about Sears air compressor parts and news.

Find blogs about air compressor parts

This is a good way to find out practical information about, as well as applications for, new air compressor parts. More companies are offering blogs as a way to keep their customers informed of news within their industry.

I recommend: The McGuire Air Compressors’ Weblog has news on various compressor parts, plus practical tips for air compressors repair. Red Hill Ventures offers a blog about air compressors and their parts on its Red Hill Supply blog. It has advice for Ingersoll Rand air compressor parts, as well as other makes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To get the latest air compressor part news and trends, you can often sign up for RSS feeds from many newsletters and blogs. This automatically lets you know when new information is available on the website for you to read.

Knowing the key terms of air compressors will help you select the right air compressor and enable you to keep it running safely and efficiently. Sizing and locating your compressor correctly with an eye for maintenance costs will pay off in the long run.

Air compressors take up space whether stationary or portable. They generate heat and noise, so you will want to plan carefully where to locate or store your air compressor. Factors to consider include whether noise will matter, where to locate air outlets, as well as the size and type of compressor.

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Rotary compressor

There are two types of rotary compressors. The rotary screw compressor operates at a lower noise level, generates less heat, and can run continuously without damage. It compresses air by using two screws or impellers that turn to compress air. A rotary vane compressor uses a rotor turning inside a cylinder to compress air.

I recommend: You can find an explanation of both types of rotary compressors at CompAir, along with moving illustrations to help you understand how each type of compressor works.

Reciprocating compressor

The reciprocating or piston-type compressor functions like an internal combustion engine. It has a piston and valves, a crankshaft and connecting rod. The piston compresses air as it moves towards the closed end of the cylinder.

I recommend: Pressure Products Industries illustrates the principle of a piston compressor. It includes several other compressor parts such as crankshaft, valves and connecting rods.

Dryers

Compressing air causes moisture to condense and collect in tanks and lines. Moisture kills air-powered equipment, so you must take steps to remove it from the compressed air system. You have a choice of refrigerated or desiccant dryers to remove moisture.

I recommend: ECompressedair lists both types of dryers and gives specifications for the machines it carries. ISC Sales provides an explanation of how desiccated dryers work.

Drive

Some air compressors use a belt between an engine and the compressor to run the compressor. Others may have the motor connected directly to the compressor. You will see 'direct drive' or 'belt drive' in the ads and parts lists.

I recommend: Northern Tool + Equipment pictures two belt driven compressors, as well as discussing aspects of buying and using an air compressor.

Control unit

All compressors must have a method of stopping the compressor when the pressure reaches a certain level. This is both for safety and to accommodate tools that operate within a certain pressure range. The control unit should restart the compressor when the pressure falls to a certain level.

I recommend: To see a typical control unit, go to Every Air Compressor.

Fittings

Air tools connect to an air compressor by pipes, hoses and a variety of connectors. Terms like quick couplers, chucks and nipples refer to the fittings that you can use to connect to the compressed air supply.

I recommend: Dino-Power Industry & Trade Co catalogs a variety of fittings with an international flair, showing couplers for air systems from many countries. Aubuchon Hardware displays air hose fittings such as couplers, connectors, nipples and chucks.