Compressor Air: When to use a Filter-Regulator-LUBRICATOR???

[Bordeauxman]

Compressor Air: When to use a Filter-Regulator-LUBRICATOR???

I am currently using rubber air hoses that are hanging on hooks but I will soon be going to the Rapidair 3/4" FASTPIPE system. I will NOT be sandblasting. The air is used for air tools, lift safety locks and a rolling jack.

I suspect that the LUBRICATOR would be a good add on for my system requirements.

Can anyone opine on that?

Thank you in advance.

 

[larry_g]

Lubricators are most used on production machines and should be located close to the item needing lubed. I've seen some here that put the FRL at the compressor and imagine that the oil mist will travel many feet in suspension to the end of the air line and lube their rattle gun. In reality the oil drops out of suspension and coalesces on the wall of the piping system and gathers at a low point. Most mechanics shops do not need lubricators in the air system. If you still feel the need then add one inline just before the tool needing the lube. In addition to adding an oilier you need to think about the exhaust of the tool that is spewing out atomized oil. OSHA will have you pipe the exhaust to a coalescing filter to separate out the oil from the air released into the atmosphere that you then will be breathing.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Bordeauxman]

Larry G,

Thank you for your response. My runs are not long (45' maximum) but what you said makes sense.

What is your thought of 1 to 2 drops of air tool oil dripped into the air input hole of an air tool?

Thank you in advance. Jeremy

 

[fsae0607]

Put three drops of air tool oil in each tool before use. When you're done using it, put a few drops more, run air thru the tool for a few seconds and put your tool away. This coats the internals with oil for storage.

Never had a tool failure this way. Like was mentioned above, lubricators are good for point-of-use on machines in a manufacturing environment. Manually oiling your mechanic's tools is all that's needed. You could even get one of those fancy wall-mount air tool oiler stations!

 

[Zrexxer]

What is your thought of 1 to 2 drops of air tool oil dripped into the air input hole of an air tool?

In the 30 years that I've owned air tools, that's all I've ever done.

 

[e30bradley]

screw oilers.. Just put a few drops in before use.

 

[Bordeauxman]

Thanks guys. I'm new to air tools/wrenching even though I've just clicked 50! I do want to take care of my new equipment so a few drops of oil it is!

 

[fnieto]

If your only using pneumatic hand tools then simply pre-oil prior to use. If you have equipment that uses air then use a dedicated oilier for that. Example would be a milling machine equipped with a pneumatic tool changer.