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So I got an airbrush and compressor for Christmas, and its awesome and I love it. The compressor didnt have a way to regulate how much PSI was going through so I ordered a regulator from Airbrush depot. The problem I am have is that I cant get the old one off!. Now my compressor is sitting there useless. Any help would be greatly appriciated!!

Pictures are helpful...

Normally the regulator is a simple threaded attachment. You will want to use two wrenches (one on the regulator, one on the compressor side) in order to avoid the torque from damaging the actual connection on the compressor itself.

Take off the old - put on the new. Teflon tape on the threads of the new regulator in order to ensure a good seal. Not much more difficult than changing a light bulb.

...That is provided it is a threaded fitting. I have seen a few of the cheaper compressors that use press fit connections. Those can be replaced, but normally require a specific technique for each type and some specialized tools.

Pictures and specifications could help.

Check the types of fittings and match them. Use converter fittings if there are issues and (I usually) use Teflon tape to prevent air leaking.

Dang ninjaed.

Thanks. I hadnt thought of using two wrenches,

From what I can see its a threaded, I just cant get it out of there, Gonna try two wrenches and see how it goes......

Yah - sometimes you may need some crow's foot or offset wrenches in order to get into it. You may need to remove certain things like shrouds that go over the pump itself to make it look more streamlined.

If you get into a pinch - check your local telephone directory for power tool repair places. I know a lot of Ace Hardware stores are capable of servicing tools. They may charge you a few bucks to swap out the regulator, but they generally have an old guy who has been doing it since Black and Decker was a premium brand and the tool cases were made out of cast metal.

Well..... It worked and it didnt, the old one came off.

Putting the new one on and the screw/bolt thing just snapped off in the compressor......

Good thing my wife got the no questions asked replacement warranty thing from harbor freight....now just have to figure out how to get the other half out of the new regulator.

Wait a sec harbor freight?

Did she get the 50 dollar compressor only one? or the 80 dollar one that comes with an airbrush but no regulator? because i got the 50 dollar one and was confused how to use the regulator on it. figured it out eventually though and works fine

The 80 dollar one with the brushes

Ah ok. Silly how the airbrush compressor that comes with an airbrush doesn’t have a regulator lol.

 Desubot wrote:
Ah ok. Silly how the airbrush compressor that comes with an airbrush doesn’t have a regulator lol.

Yep, I'm about frustrated to infinity right now. Been waiting for 2 weeks for the regulator to get here, I finally get the thing that was on there off. Go to put the new one on, I'm tightening it up with my hands and the nut breaks off!!!!! I can't win but for loosing.....

Wow tough break. It may be worth it to get the 50 dollar one or better yet save up some scratch and get a really nice one. I personally think I lucked out with mine as I have no problems with pulsation or any other problem but its harbor freight at least 3/4 are junkers.

Good news update, I took the now useless compressor back to Harbor Freight and they replaced it no questions asked!

Woohoo back in business.