1/2" air hose question

[DeereTech]

My shop is plumbed to use 3/8 air hose. My question is, can I buy an adapter that will enable me to use a smaller inlet on my 1/2" air hose so that I can hook up to the shops air? And if I can do so, will I even see any advantage to the bigger hose because of the set up? The purpose of this is to get more out of my 3/4 impact.

Thanks!

 

[adcrawfo]

Adapters, yes. They make them for all sizes. If you can't find one that's exact then pipe fittings will help you make one.

Sent from my Milestone X2 using Tapatalk

 

[Outlawmws]

To get the max benefit you really need larger fitting at the main line. Can you replace the end fitting to allow maybe a tee with a 1/2" fitting and your std 3/8"?

 

[DeereTech]

Good idea Outlaw. I didn't think of that. But seeing as I'm not always working in the same area of the shop I would have to switch several end fittings. I could talk to my service manager and see if he will approve it. If all else fails, would my initial idea at least give me a noticeable improvement over my current setup?

 

[pipsters]

That is like widening the last 3" of a tailpipe and expecting better exhaust flow.

 

[Danglerb]

Check your fittings and make sure if you can that all are one of the high flow types, but its kind of a weakest link thing, big on the end doesn't fix not big in the middle.

 

[Outlawmws]

That is like widening the last 3" of a tailpipe and expecting better exhaust flow.

Check your fittings and make sure if you can that all are one of the high flow types, but its kind of a weakest link thing, big on the end doesn't fix not big in the middle.

Unfortunately true...

 

[Unearthed]

I had the same problem with my 3/4 impact. I came directly off of my tank with a 1/2 ball valve to a 1/2 T. Off the T one side supplies the rest of the garage and 3/8 lines. The other side of the T ends with a Milton G style coupler, that I plug a 1/2 air hose into for the 3/4 impact. This is a "for now" solution and works well. Eventually when funds permit, the G coupler will be removed, and a 1/2 line will run to a 50', 1/2" hose reel.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Good idea Outlaw. I didn't think of that. But seeing as I'm not always working in the same area of the shop I would have to switch several end fittings. I could talk to my service manager and see if he will approve it. If all else fails, would my initial idea at least give me a noticeable improvement over my current setup?

Not noticeably.

 

[JASTECH]

The HVLP ends do make a difference like Outlaw stated. I bought a box of Milton HVLP m/f ends from Northern Tool with free shipping. They had the best prices, gives impacts that extra umph that makes them feel like a new tool.

 

[Tunger]

At one of my old shops we had a 3/4" gun with a manifold and two 3/8" fittings attached, we would just string two airlines to the gun to get sufficient volume to the gun. Worked well, but this shop also had an abundance of air hoses unlike my current shop. If there are lots of hoses close enough together then that could be an option for you.

 

[lwlobo]

Would you only need more/max air for a few seconds to bust something loose? If so the increased volume of air stored in the 1/2 may help a little at first, and you could also consider getting an accumulation tank with a 1/2 hose plumbed to your impact.

Put as high of pressure in the tank as is practical and within ratings and you'll get a nice boost of flow initially. It's not a great solution as you'd have to move the tank around with wherever you need the 3/4" impact, but it might be ok for occasional use.

Using two 3/8 lines, also awkward, would work great.

 

[DeereTech]

Well thanks guys. Unfortunate, but at least I know how to approach the situation now. Jastech or outlaw, could you please post a link to the ends you guys are talking about? I sure would appreciate it.