FAQS

General

• What are the advantages of using air operated tools over electric / battery powered?

  The big advantage of air power is that each tool doesn't need its own bulky motor. Instead, a single motor on the compressor converts the electrical energy into kinetic energy. This makes for light, compact, easy-to-handle tools that generally run quieter and have fewer parts that wear out. Air tools also are electrically safer because they do not require powered extension leads which may cause havoc in busy working environments.

• What is the maximum extension lead recommended to run the compressor?

  It is not recommended that any length extension lead be used and instead use longer air hoses in compensation. In cases where air compressors may have failed due to the use of an extension lead, could lead to a void of the warranty.
  

• What is the term Air Displacement mean?

  The Volume of air drawn into the piston is called Air Displacement.
  This is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) or Litres per minute (L/min).
  Displacement CFM is a fixed number for each different compressor pump. It depends only on the size of the pump's cylinders and the speed at which the pump operates. The bigger the cylinders, the higher the displacement CFM.
  

• What does the term mean Free Air?

  Pressurised air leaving the compressor is called Free Air Delivery. This is measured in either pounds per square inch (PSI) or kilopascals (KPa).
  

• How do I know which CFM air rating to use, Air Displacement or Free Air?

  A relatively recent regulation is that all air compressors should be rated from the outlet (Free Air). Noticeably the CFM ratings of air compressors are slightly lower than previously as the old measurement of CFM referred to the Air Displacement (from the pump).
  

• How do you convert CFM to L/min?

  1 CFM = 28.31 L/min
  

• What is the purpose for the air tank?

  The tank simply holds the compressed air so it can be used by the air tool, spray gun etc. To control the release of the compressed air, an air regulator must be used.
  

• Why are there different sized tanks?

  The various sized tanks are used to simply hold more compressed air. The larger the tank the longer an air tool can operate at full pressure before the tank has to be replenished.
  

• How do I know what sized tank air compressor I should buy?

  Generally a 24-30 litre sized tank is suitable for most DIY applications such as air inflation or painting. For more frequent use and for tools that draw more air such as nail guns, it is ideal to use at least 40 litres and above.
  

• How do I choose the CFM rating of an air compressor to buy?

  To start figuring out what compressor to buy, add up the CFM requirements of all the tools you plan to use at any one time. Be aware that some products require higher volume (large tank) but operate on low pressure. eg. spray paint guns.
  
  Additionally a compressor may deliver changes at varying PSI. Most air tools have specific requirements for volume and pressure. These requirements must be met for the tool to function properly. When choosing a compressor, consider the tools you want it to operate. Select the tool that requires the highest CFM at the highest PSI, and add 50% to the required CFM for a margin of safety. For example if a tool requires 3 CFM at 90 PSI, select a compressor that delivers at least 4.5 CFM at 90 PSI. Use this formula to ensure that the tool receives enough air to function properly.
  
  

• Is it normal for the pump to switch on and off automatically?

  Yes this is normal operation.
  The pressure switch automatically turns off the motor when the tank has reached its maximum pressure. As the tool uses air from the tank, both the air pressure and volume drops. When the pressure reaches its minimum operating pressure level (factory set approx 80-85psi), the pressure switch activates the motor to automatically restart.
  

• Why does the pump automatically start even when I am not running any air tools?

  This will occur when there is any air leaks.
  Applying plumbers teflon thread tape to all air connectors should eliminate this.
  

• How do I know what pressure to set, to operate my air tool safely?

  The operating air pressure range will be specified in the tools instruction manual. Depending on the air tool you are using, you need to make sure that the correct pressure is set accordingly.
  

• Are all brands of quick fit couplings the same?

  No.
  Though they may look very similar, they are in fact different and are not compatible with each other.
  

• What brand/type of fitment are RYOBI quick fit couplers compatible with?

  Nitto type.
  

• Does RYOBI carry a range of couplers and fittings?

  RYOBI will soon range popular fitting types all Nitto compatible.
  

• How often should I drain the build up of moisture via the drain cock?

  It is recommended that the fluid is drained after each use to avoid corrosion of the tank.
  

• Can I adjust the point at which the pump re-starts to fill the tank?

  No.
  This is preset to approximately 80-85psi and no attempt to adjust this should be made.
  

• How much oil does the air compressor hold?

  This will vary between models.
  Simply fill the oil to the level as indicated by the instruction manual.
  This is typically to the red marker dot on the oil reservoir indicator window.
  

• What is an oil-less compressor?

  This type of air compressor are what you would find typically in use in portable tyre inflators etc. They have sealed bearings and require less maintenance than oil-lubricated compressors. Oil-free compressors have plenty of power for most non-commercial uses.
  

• Which sized air compressor is suitable for using a spray gun?

  Generally speaking they all can run a spray gun, but the duty cycle (time the tank air is depleted to a point where the pump re-starts and fills the tanks pressure back up) of the larger tanks 40ltr and up are most suitable. Smaller tanks run out of available air pressure much quicker and can result in the paint coming out to splatter. This may not be an issue when spray painting a wooden fence for example as the splatters can be easily brushed out. The quality of your spray gun will then determine what applications you can spray paint.