Is too much air pressure bad for tools?

[Jbullfrog]

I picked up a John Deere engine driven air compressor. It's 17.5 cfm and cut out is at 160psi. I replumbed the outlet with a 1/2" tee to a Milton "F" for my big impacts (3/4" and 1") and air jacks. I left the regulator with a regular Milton "M". The previous owner had a 50' 3/8" hose reel on it. Here is the reason for my question: My shop compressor runs 140psi, so a 50' hose reel restricts outlet pressure to about 100 psi running pressure. The reel on my portable plugs into the "F" coupler without a regulator and runs 130psi, is this too much for normal air tools like grinders and drills?

 

[4x4gearhead]

It can wear them out faster for the most part. No one i know actually runs their air tools at 90 psi. At work (heavy equipment shop) we have like 150 psi coming from the giant 3 phase IR horizontal. Most shops i have worked also ran similar pressure and honestly i cant think of many air tools ive had that have worn out quickly through the years. I would bet it depends on the quality of air tools youre using too.

 

[Sycan]

I run 180psi on my service truck, going on 4 years with my mg725 with no problems.

 

[Skin]

Air tools are generally 90PSI wide open (on) so you're actually pretty much right where you want to be.

 

[WittHay]

We have the 20 gallon JD gas compressor. The regulator is factory set for 150. I believe it goes up to 175. I have left it the way it is, as it is used mainly for cleaning and airing up truck and implement tires

Have always run 1" guns straight of the 2-stage compressors at 175 and a separate airline with regulator set at 120 for the smaller stuff

You can always use a mini-regulator at the tool, if there is issues with to much pressure

 

[Lelandwelds]

I have a nailgun with a cracked casting from 175 PSI shop air. I didnt think to ask before we built some doghouses, playhouses, and furniture. It still works fine but I always run a finger over the leak.

That weekend was a good weekend. Not the best way to remember it but an effective one.

 

[Danglerb]

I would run most of the time at more like 120 psi, unless I was having a problem, then maybe bump it up to get something done, then back down. Some tools are bound to react worse than others to high pressure, and if I don't need it, why take the risk.

 

[stikman56]

There are tools I wouldn't do it with. Some it won't affect much, others will break parts eventually.

 

[lightning02]

my compressor is rated for 175psi. i dont run any regulator what so ever. my air hose is hooked directly to the tank. i run my air tools with all the air. been doing that for over 10 years. have yet to break a tool. i also run highflow fittings on everything.

now im sure some people with paint guns and whatnot need to reg the air.

 

[Schurkey]

A sandblasting cabinet with glass bead media will bust a lot of glass beads if the pressure is too high. I keep mine right at 90 psi.

I think most air tools are run starving for air. Guys set the regulator for 90 psi, and that drops to 70 when they pull the trigger. I'd rather have high pressure on my impact gun, so I pull the trigger, it breaks the fastener loose immediately, than have low pressure and have to rattle...and rattle...and rattle to get the bolts undone.

 

[sberry]

Not good for air chisels and hammers. Mushrooms the parts in them.

 

[Nor'Easter]

Overspeeding rotary tools like die grinders can also occur. I regulate down to maybe 110-120 from 150.

 

[Jbullfrog]

Thanks all, I take pride in my tools. I started buying my air tools 25 years ago and haven't replaced, just added. I left the regulator and a coupler as an option for die grinders and air hammers.

 

[lakeroadster]

Rotary air powered tools are basically air motors. So looking at this another way, would you ask: Is it ok to over rev the engine on my truck above the red line every time I drive it?

Just buy a good quality pressure regulator....

 

[earlthegoat2]

I have worn out 90 degree die grinders running them with too much air volume and pressure. I put a restrictor orifice on the new one to tame it down for longevity and it has lasted much longer and works just as well.

 

[pepi]

I change the air settings/speed of the tool depending on the job at hand. No need to run a tool balls to the wall with every use. Scuffing metal before welding, removing gasket material come to mind.

Greg

 

[dnschmidt]

One tool that absolutely will not tolerate over pressure is an impacting air ratchet. These can go up to 110 psig but anything more than that will without a doubt limit their lifespan. This pressure is of course with the trigger pulled which is how you truly determine the operating pressure. This is critical with any spray gun.

 

[dr_clyde]

I can't stand it when shop air is too low. My first shop I started in ran shop air at 175 psi and I got used to air tools being able to do real work. Then I went to a new shop that had the most anemic low pressure and it drove me nuts.

The only tools that ever suffered from use was the cheapest 90° air die grinders the boss had. We used those constantly, and about once a year one would bite the dust. But for $30 or so we didn't care. Impact wrenches, air hammers, big air grinders, sandblasters, all worked way, way better at higher pressure.

We only regulated the paint booth and the CNC machine tools, because they had specific requirements.

Otherwise, WOT from the compressor.

 

[larry_g]

Rotary air powered tools are basically air motors. So looking at this another way, would you ask: Is it ok to over rev the engine on my truck above the red line every time I drive it?

Just buy a good quality pressure regulator....

And place that regulator close to the tool in use. No need to regulate the whole distribution system, just at the tools that require it.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[crewchief888]

the only stuff i'd regulate is a bead blaster, paint gun or an air nailer.


ive run all my air tools on whatever line pressure is.

garage compressor is 135psi
service truck compressor is 150psi
shop (at work)air supply 165psi
last dealership i worked at had 200psi line pressure

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Not enough air will wear YOU and the tool out prematurely. Ill take my chances with too much air.

 

[Jbullfrog]

I remembered to snap some pictures. I plan on using the regulator and my poly hose for nail guns and a 25' Flexzilla with die grinders and my Hammerhead ratchet. Looking forward to using the hose reel next week to top off the semi's tires before we start hauling beans.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Not enough air will wear YOU and the tool out prematurely. Ill take my chances with too much air.

In general this is not a bad philosophy. Kind of related to the old debate about using a tool as it was designed to be used or using what ever you have to get the job done.

 

[-Brent-]

Most times, most tools, you'll know right off the bat that you're over pressure.