Lowes Air Pressure Regulator Exploded!

[HotRodHudson]

This morning the Lowes Air Pressure Regulator literally exploded as I began to use one of my air tools. I'm lucky the top wasn't pointed at something or someone who could have been seriously damaged. When this broke parts went flying everywhere & did manage to get a scratch in my dodges paint from one of the parts. This part was only a couple months old, so I'm going into the local store & see what they will do if anything.

So, what do you guys recommend for a replacement? 3/8" or 1/2" can work.

 

[ttpete]

I wouldn't buy a consumer grade plastic one again. Get an industrial grade regulator that is made of metal.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...lator&sprefix=compressed+air+pressure,aps,204

 

[Nor'Easter]

I bought one off MSC, it was like $120. All plastic, but not cheap stuff like HD and Lowe's. Then I have another after my filters. Devilbiss QC3. And another right before it hits the paint gun.

 

[kd3pc]

Go to a welding shop and see what they offer. Mine is an old one, all metal...I don't think I would trust big box stores for something like this. Budget items seldom perform.

 

[countryroad82]

Just as soon as I saw the pic I could tell the problem. Never trust air pressure to plastic. Ever.

 

[ovrrdrive]

Different color but looks like the same POS I have on mine. I've been seeing this more and more recently. The one I have is stamped max 150psi on it and my compressor puts out 155. As these newer compressors put out higher and higher pressures I bet we see this more and more until the regulator industry catches up. They won't care until someone gets injured and sues them...

 

[gungatim]

Just as soon as I saw the pic I could tell the problem. Never trust air pressure to plastic. Ever.

agree. my FRL unit exploded when the air tool oil in it ate away at the plastic and the cup flew off...god knows what kind of resin they use when they mold some of those cheap parts...

 

[cowboy73]

Wow! Kinda like mine did the other day....... http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=303633

I got mine replaced. I found a steel bodied one at Rural King to replace mine.

 

[iScream]

Different color but looks like the same POS I have on mine. I've been seeing this more and more recently. The one I have is stamped max 150psi on it and my compressor puts out 155. As these newer compressors put out higher and higher pressures I bet we see this more and more until the regulator industry catches up. They won't care until someone gets injured and sues them...

If you are running 155 PSI to a 150 PSI rated regulator, you deserve to have it inserted into your forehead when it explodes.

 

[sberry]

**** happens. I had a Victor take a dump on me a while back.

 

[ovrrdrive]

If you are running 155 PSI to a 150 PSI rated regulator, you deserve to have it inserted into your forehead when it explodes.

Do you always miss the point or did you make an exception just for me?

 

[Tech89]

I bought a Parker regulator from Napa for my compressor. 300 PSI max. It's all metal, except for the pressure adjustment knob. It was around 70 dollars, didn't come with a gauge (I already had one) so you'd have to buy your own. I haven't had any trouble with mine. Always stays where I adjust it too, never has leaked. Parker is a pretty good name too.

-Pat

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

 

[toplessHO]

had a Sears Craftsman one that was part of a set(compressor,spray gun,regulator,) explode in the drier containment area that was clear plastic.
compressor oil had weakened the plastic. If you get a plastic one(tank only part) make sure it has the metal surrounding it.

 

[johninct]

Don't replace it, your air tools will run better!!!! I run all of my air lines directly 125 psi on -150 psi off and never had a problem.

 

[toplessHO]

Don't replace it, your air tools will run better!!!! I run all of my air lines directly 125 psi on -150 psi off and never had a problem.

some tools say best to run at 90 psi
how do you dry your air?

 

[Blt2Lst]

Let me guess, it was made in China.

 

[Blt2Lst]

If you are running 155 PSI to a 150 PSI rated regulator, you deserve to have it inserted into your forehead when it explodes.

Even if it was operated at 155psi or slighty higher it should not have exploded.
In engineering, most things are designed with a factor of safety to account for such things. It should not have exploded even if subjected to 250 psi.

 

[engineer2]

As mentioned, oil is weakening the plastic. I know some synthetic oils will eat plastic even better.