A question about air compressors

[RiverRider]

When all my tools were stolen, they took my air compressor too. It wasn't a big one...all I need one for is to keep a multitude of tires inflated around the joint. Maybe run an airbrush once in a while.

Anyway, I found a small belt-driven (I think it's 3/4 hp) unit that looks like it was home built. Maybe I'll post a picture of it and someone can identify it. The thing needed new gauges and I took care of that, but I also found that it does not have the customary draincock on the bottom of the tank, just a bolt. It's functional but not convenient and I want to replace it with a valve of some kind.

I saw a youtube video where this fellow used the kind of valve you would use on an air line, I guess you'd call it a ball valve, on his compressor's tank to drain it. It looks like a good idea to me, certainly the most convenient way to drain the water...but I also know that sometimes a thing that looks like a very good idea sometimes just isn't---and you find out "why" the hard way.

So, what's the consensus? Is it best to stick with the customary draincock, and if so, WHY? Or is a ball valve a good option?

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

a ball valve will work fine

 

[McLatchy]

There's no negative to either. Pitcock kills your hands when tank is under pressure. People say let pressure out first. Lol. Well, why let it out first thru the tool? Ball valve ball valve ball valve.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Here's what I did, a cable pull drain, 'n the screw drain,.....

 

[RiverRider]

Ayuh,.... Here's what I did, a cable pull drain, 'n the screw drain,.....

Oh yeah, that's the ticket!

Thanks for a great idea, Bondo.