Have you ever had to air up a flat tire on your car and found out that the compressor in the trunk doesn’t work? Odds are, it’s because at some point somebody tried to seal one of the fittings with duct tape. Don’t make that mistake! Here’s how to properly seal an air compressor fitting.
Tools and Materials:
- Pipe Tape (not Duct Tape)
- WD-40 (or other air compressor oil)
- Pencil Torch / Butane Micro Torch (Optional but helpful for removing old tape or glue residue)
- Air Compressor with Fully Charged Tank
How to Seal Air Compressor Fittings? Step By Step Guides
- Step 1: Inspecting the fitting and tubing
- Step 2: Removing old tape/glue residue
- Step3: Applying Pipe Tape
- Step 4: Applying WD-40 (or other air compressor oil)
Step 1: Inspecting the fitting and tubing
Before we even get to the good part (sealing), take a look and see what’s going on with your air compressor fittings. This will save you time and money! Common problems are:
-Bent Fittings
-Rusty or Corroded Fittings
-Cracks in the fitting (due to corrosion or excess pressure release)
-Discoloration on Fittings (excess pressure release)
-Sealing tape has been used on these fittings previously.
If you have any of these problems, it’s time to take your compressor in for a tune-up or buy a new one. If the tubing is cracked or corroded, you risk air leaking out and will need to replace that as well.
Step 2: Removing old tape/glue residue
Before you can apply the pipe tape, you’ll need to remove any old sealing material. This is usually done with a torch of some sort. If you don’t have a torch, WD-40 will work as well. Just make sure whatever you use is compatible with the metal of the fittings.
Step 3: Applying Pipe Tape
Once the old sealant is removed, it’s time to apply the pipe tape. This is a very important step, so make sure you do it right! Start by wrapping the tape around the threads of the fitting. You want to make sure it’s tight against the metal and that each piece is touching the previous one.
After your first layer of tape, add a second layer 90 degrees from the first. This will make sure it’s properly sealed but not too tight on the fitting to make it difficult when putting back together. Repeat this until you have at least two layers completely covering the threads.
To complete the sealant process, add a final layer of tape around any tubing that attaches to the fitting.
Step 4: Applying WD-40 (or other air compressor oil)
To finish things off, spritz a little bit of WD-40 or other compressor oil into each of your fittings and let it drain down into any exposed areas in between the layers. This will help prevent corrosion and keep everything lubricated.
Now that your fittings are properly sealed, it’s time to test them out! Connect your air compressor and tank, turn it on and check for any leaks. If all goes well, you’re good to go!
Different types of sealing methods for air compressor fittings
The most popular sealing methods are pipe tape, sealant, Teflon tape, and PTFE tape. Each of these sealing methods has certain advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered while making a purchase decision. It is important to understand when to use which type of sealant on air compressor fittings.
Pipe Tape
Pipe tape is composed of non-woven fiberglass, which provides for a good seal on the threads of the fittings. It is an inexpensive and easy to use sealant for metal air compressor fittings. The only downside with pipe tape is that it does not provide a permanent fix.
And it can come off if the fitting gets extremely hot. Pipe tape must be applied in a specific way to make sure the seal is effective. It is important to follow the correct instructions for use.
Sealant
Sealant is a more permanent fix than pipe tape and can withstand high temperatures without coming off. It is available in both liquid and paste form with the paste being more common. It is easy to use.
But the downside with sealant is that it can be messy and does not work well on plastic or paint. The other problem with sealant is that it may cause swelling or damage to certain types of tubing.
Teflon tape
Teflon tape consists of thin sheets of Teflon resin which are tightly wound together to form a tape. It is made specifically for air compressor fittings. It can resist high temperatures and prevent leaks.
Teflon tape is the best sealant to use on plastic or paint. It is ideal for long-lasting applications such as large tanks and closed-loop systems that use plastics.
PTFE Tape
PTFE tape (also known as thread seal tape or PTFE thread seal tape) is similar to Teflon tape. It consists of thin sheets of PTFE resin which are tightly wound together to form a tape.
The main difference between the two is that Teflon tape has an adhesive coating, while PTFE does not. It must be held in place with a crimp band or clamp. PTFE tape is ideal for use on metal fittings as it can resist high temperatures and prevent leaks. It also has a low coefficient of friction, making it easier to install and remove.
How To Choose The Right Air Compressor Fittings Seal For The Air Compressor?
The right air compressor fittings seal is important to keep the compressor running smoothly. There are a few different factors you’ll need to consider when choosing the right seal:
Compatibility With The Compressor
Make sure the seal is compatible with the type of compressor you have.
Material
Most seals are made from brass or steel, but there are also some made from plastic. Make sure the material is compatible with the type of tubing and fittings you’re using.
Type Of Sealant
There are a few different types of sealants available. So make sure you choose one that will work with your equipment. Pipe tape, for example, won’t work well if there’s already a sealant on the fittings.
Size
The size of the sealant is also important. Make sure it’s the right size for your fittings.
Once you’ve considered all these factors, you should be able to find the perfect air compressor fittings seal for your needs.
Final Words
Air compressor fittings should be sealed in order to prevent liquids and other contaminants from leaking out of the air tank. The most popular sealing methods for air compressor fittings are pipe tape, sealant, Teflon tape, and PTFE tape. Each type of sealant has its own set of pros and cons that need to be considered when making a purchase. It is important to understand when to use which type of sealant on air compressor fittings in order to get the most out of your purchase.
