Impact and Compressor Matching

[md21722]

It is not likely worth the time or money. The cheapest and easiest ways to deal with pressure drop is to keep the hose short and use high flow fittings like those from Flexzilla or Milton V which should be readily available. You may gain an extra 10 psi from dragging around a 1/2" hose with big couplers. Plus, impacts typically use significantly more air at free speed than when they are busting off a nut. The best way to measure pressure at the tool is when spinning off a rusty axle nut or suspension bolt but most just do it at free speed if they do it at all.

 

[KMdef9]

wouldn't the flow still be restricted since its only 1/4" coming from the compressor?

No. The air will expand again through the 3/8 fittings/lines and allow more flow. It's worth it to upgrade all the fittings/hoses you can to 3/8.

Air you just free spinning your gun at the end of the line? You'll never see 90psi unless you put it under load. Try backing off a rusty suspension bolt and observe the psi.

 

[skidude]

Can't find this online, but does anyone know if either a 3/8 hose with 3/8 connectors is available? Or are there high flow fittings like the Flexzilla or Milton V that can be used to "repair" a hose - if so maybe the 1/4 fittings could be cut off and the Flexzill or Milton V put on.

 

[md21722]

I'm sure you can buy hose with 3/8" ends or couplers that can be crimped on but the question is why? Stick with commodity items, 1/4" NPT ho-flow fittings are fine.

 

[Schurkey]

The 1/4" pipe thread is not as much of a restriction as the "ordinary" 1/4" hose QUICK-COUPLER is.

Put a Milton V or other high-flow 1/4" coupler on the 1/4" pipe thread fitting on your 3/8 hose, and call it a day.