I have a 20 gal PorterCable air compressor. The last time (3-4 years ago????) I tried to open the drain on the bottom to evacuate water, I seem to recall it was a clockwise opening valve? Is that right? I don’t want to twist it off by turning it the wrong way. That’s why I’ve not been draining it regularly……
Thanks
Replies
I have two Porter-Cable compressors and both drain cocks open by turning them counter clockwise. You should drain your compressor after every use, especially if you only use it ocaisionally, to allow moisture to escape. If not, rust could form in the tank weakening it and it might possibly explode when under pressure. I've never seen this happen but a guy I knew about 15 years ago had and he said that it wasn't a pretty sight. One guy lost part of one of his ears. Also, make sure to drain your tank during periods of high humidity.
Righty-tighty (clockwise, closed), Lefty-loosey (CCW, open). A little phrased used in the power plants to ensure when you check the valve closed, you don't open it by mistake. Unfortunately, BTDT.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
CCW as you are LOOKING at it ...............that would mean the tank is now upside down!!
If the tank is sitting in its normal position you will want to turn it clockwise as you look down on the compressor.
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Not to beat this to death, but you know clockwise to tighten if you're facing the valve.
The only reason I say this is that, if it's a vertical tank with the valve on the bottom, sometimes your brain gets mixed up (or at least mine does) as to what's clockwise and what's counterclockwise, particularly if you're reaching under there with your non-dominant hand.
Yeah, but my right hand knows which way is tight and loose better than my brain. When using a wrench in an odd position I often have to make the motion with my right hand near the bolt to remember which way to go.
If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader
Daily is how often to drain that beast!
It is likely rusted shuit and will break anyway now, even twisting the right way.
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>>Daily is how often to drain that beast!<<
and leave the drain valve open until you start it again - tomorrow, Monday morning, week from next Tuesday,....... There is no sense in shutting up the tank if not needed - let it dry out as best you can.......wait a minute, isn't that in the owner's manual?
If the drain valve breaks, he can replace it with a 1/4 turn valve - nicer in the long run.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
"and leave the drain valve open until you start it again"
Really? I like the idea, but realistically will there be enough air flow through such a tiny opening to do any good?
No but when you turn the compressor on next the building air pressure will drive out the moisture that has accumulated.
I kind of like the idea too.
I switched my shop compressor over to an elbow going into a flex line system (used in automated mfg. systems) with a proper draincock that I can direct into a bucket and will try to figure out how to do my portables one of these days. The "t" type drains are garbage.
The knurled nut type are not bad as long as you use them once in awhile.
On a hill by the harbour
don't need air flowing. The drain is at the bottom of the tank so there will be water lingering on the sides if the tank that drains over time
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Has anyone here tried that automatic drain valve HF sells? It has a sense line that t's into the unloader, cycles the drain on each shutdown. I bought a couple , gave one to a barber shop that had a compressor I drained about 6 gal of water out of, never got around to putting either one on.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46960
Off topic but when I went to look for the above link I saw these, looks like fair knock-off of Fastcap Third Hand.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95746
Do they work? Will they get knocked off on construction site compressors?fka (formerly known as) blue
Beats me, I asked first (:-). Does look like a potential for breakage. I was going to put it on my Craftsman Vertical one that lives in the basement and hardly ever goes anywhere.
Bob
"Daily is how often to drain that beast."
At my age I have to drain the beast two or three times a nite. If I don't then it feels like it could explode. On the other hand I can't leave the drain open or I have to wash the linens every morning. What's a guy to do.
Piffin, usually you give better advice than that.
Get one of those auto-draining thingies. Drain it into a bag.
If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader
LOL, they have medicine for that.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
rwjiudice,
The Home Despot sells a nice replacement valve, Husky I think. It even comes pretaped. Little easy turn knurled knob.
KK
I know the feeling. I've had several tanks that had hard to figure out pitcocks. Come to think of it, I've only had one that worked good every time.
fka (formerly known as) blue