Air Compressor unloader line needs replacing

[Chicken]

I've got an old Campbell Hausfeld 20 gallon compressor. It wasn't working when i got it and has had a handfull of repairs over the years.

When I replaced the pressure switch I ran PTFE tube to the unloader valve. That was fine for a while but now that I am running a blast cabinet it wont cut it. The compressor runs A LOT and the heat destroys the soft tube pretty quick.

So i am wondering what I should actually replace the PTFE with?

On the pump side it's 1/4" NPT, so my options are wide open for fittings. The Switch side uses a compression fitting that I am not so confident in..

I've got some brake line around and a flaring tool. Do I need copper line?

Any info appreciated.

switch for reference: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHYERH0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[sberry]

Steel or copper.

 

[rlitman]

Brake line would be fine. Is that nicopp? That would be better than any plain copper tubing. I used plain copper on mine, because I had it.

Copper in particular work hardens easily. If you want it to last, you'll want to secure the line tightly in several places so that it doesn't get a chance to vibrate.

 

[Chicken]

the brake line I've got is 'green-ish' in color. I don't recall the material.

 

[rlitman]

Probably coated steel. It'll work, but may rust out in a few years.

 

[strutaeng]

1/4" compression copper tubing? That's what they used to be forever it seemed.

They started using plastic tubing some time ago. I was always wary of plastic, but have it on a Husky/CAT twin hot dog. I use it for nailing only, so it never runs a long time.

On my bigger compressors that run extended times, it is all copper. No problems there. Think Baldor motors, Square D pressure switches and magnetic starters, aftercoolers, etc.

I guess manufacturers decided to cut some costs and management think consumers actually read the instructions and obey the duty cycles on these things?

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Soft copper tubing with compression fittings. That's what most compressors manufacturers use. Easy to bend to fit.

 

[Chicken]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

On the ‘pump end’ I’ve got female NPT so not concerned there.

The switch side has what’s shown in my pics below. A compression fitting of sorts but the ‘middle’ part is a cone not the usual two sides type I am familiar with. It seems to be retained in the nut.

That said, I am not sure how to make it work? The other end of things on the switch is not removeable.

The old (ptfe?) tube for reference.

 

[The Cobbler]

a 1/4 copper compression would replace that . the extra pc is just a bit of reinforcing for the plastic tube