Best valve for compressor... mine keeps freezing

[PopeyeMike]

Hi all,

Looking for reommended valve brands/types - the Home Depot brass ball valve I have keeps "rusting" shut after a few days of use.

I have an IR 5 hp air compressor, with some black iron pipe running air through the garage. I have a long length running back and forth, to condense as much was as possible. I then have a pipe running down to a drain valve; off this down pipe the air to my tools is T'ed off.

The drain valve at the end of the "down run" keeps failing.

I've been through two brass ball valves I've bought at Home Depot - not sure the brand, but it is made in Italy.

Any advise from the experts for a specific brand of valve that will not instantly fail? Should I get a gate valve?

Thanks,
Mike in Charlotte

 

[fordracing200]

try a harbor freight one! haha..never know. My friend has one and hasn't had any issues in 2 years

 

[benjamming]

Apollo ball valves are pretty good & are/can be made in USA.

 

[Jeepguy]

Watts, or Parker Valves are pretty good too

 

[nate379]

Dunno, never had a valve do that before.

I have a few on my truck that are Ducati brand, made in Italy. I thought that was cool.