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So I've been a derp and forgot about the psi regulator that came with my compressor, and I screwed it on but when it's tight, it's basically sideways, and if I unscrew it a little to make it straight up and down, it leaks air. Any reason for this? I'm assuming since it has a humidity catcher, sideways is a no go. Any help would be awesome!

It's just how the threaded section it screws into was put in.

You could try using some teflon plumber's tape on the thread as well. It helps make the seals more air tight.

It sounds like you cross-threaded it when you screwed it on. Back it off and check to make sure yo didn't damage the threads. When you screw it back on make sure the faces are straight and everything is properly seated before cranking down on it.

 chromedog wrote:
You could try using some teflon plumber's tape on the thread as well. It helps make the seals more air tight.

Thread sealing tape doesn't actually "seal" the joint; it's purpose is to lubricate the threads to allow them to tighten easier, which alone is responsible for an air or water-tight seal. Just wrapping it with tape won't prevent leaks unless the fittings are properly seated and wrapping the threads with too much tape is even worse.

PTFE does serve as a lubricant, but it's also a deformable filler: since the two parts of the screw are not a perfectly machined fit, air can escape between the cracks, and the tape seals that up.

Practically speaking, though, tape does change where the regulator will feel like it's tight. And you really need to tape it anyhow, because otherwise, it's almost certainly going to leak

 Talys wrote:
PTFE does serve as a lubricant, but it's also a deformable filler: since the two parts of the screw are not a perfectly machined fit, air can escape between the cracks, and the tape seals that up.

I know that's what Wikipedia says (just about the exact wording), but it is not true; PTFE tape does not seal a threaded joint (especially on an NPT thread, which is what the fittings on an air compressor are).

I know this because it's what I do for a living.

Practically speaking, though, tape does change where the regulator will feel like it's tight. And you really need to tape it anyhow, because otherwise, it's almost certainly going to leak

No, it won't because that isn't how it works. If you are threading a fitting on and it feels tight because of tape, you use way too much tape.

If someone has a leak on a threaded joint, the solution will never be "just put some tape on it" or "just put more tape on it."


Automatically Appended Next Post:
OP, I just re-read your post and I misunderstood your issue. Is the entire regulator turned sideways or is the threaded connection? If it's the former, you can either adjust the starting point when you thread it on (it's okay if it's a little cocked when tight as long as the moisture trap is more or less pointed down) or go to the hardware store and get a couple of short nipples and a union in the size you need (probably 1/8" or 1/4"). If it's the latter, just do what I said in my first post.

Here's how it looks screwed tight, I think I may need one of those adapters you're talking about. Would you be able to link what I need from Home Depot or some other website so I have a better idea? Thanks!