Clean inside of PC with air compressor

[Red Squirrel]

While I can use compressed air cans to clean dust in PCs, and possibly other electronics, it is a disposable product, and I try to do my best to find alternatives to non recyclable disposable products especially if I plan to use it a lot.

I've been thinking of getting an air compressor, basically the cheapest model I can find:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST...2BAir%2BCompressor.jsp

Would the PSI of such compressor be too high for the inside of a PC? What would be the PSI of a typical compressed air can, for comparison? This would probably work well to get debris out from in between keyboard keys too, with vacuum on the other end to suck it up. (might flip a breaker if I run both at once though lol)

Also, would tire compressors provide enough of an air stream? Those are more pumps then they are compressors, but they are listed as being compressors on the site. I could easily find a source of 12 volt, and modify the end if I need to.

Is this overall a bad idea, or would it work ok? I might just give in and get a few compressed air cans, but thought I'd look into this idea first.

 

[spaceman]

ive done it works well and fine

 

[l0cke]

Get an oil filter

 

[spaceman]

compressed air is for vespa spaceball
paintbrush kompressor vaccum

 

[hennessy1]

Don't quote me on this but I heard using compressors like that are a bad idea because there is moister in the air they release. I can't verify this since I have not used one and I am in the same boat as you as I would like to not speed money on something I use repeatedly and save as much as I can. I guess using a compressor is in comparison to turning a can of compressed air upside down and using it.

 

[natto fire]

Filter with desiccant will work. It has been so long since I have had a case that didn't have a good filter that I could just swab dust off or blow it with my lungs...

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: l0cke
Get an oil filter

Yep. Don't want to be spraying oil onto your stuff, do you?

 

[duragezic]

I've used an air compressor at least 5 times to clean out my rig with no problems at all. I would just let it build up pressure then turn it off to use it, because I didn't want too much force to possibly rip off some components or something. As the pressure wears down, I simply get closer. It got a ton of dust out of the case, the CPU heatsink and fan, and the video card.

That's not to say that it is fine though. Not sure about the moisture thing but that could be. I generally didn't wait at all after cleaning it to bring it back in and turn on, but might not be a bad idea.

 

[SonnyDaze]

Just throw it in the dishwasher.

I've used a compressor quite a bit cleaning PC's. If you have an adjustable regulator for the hose keep it below 30psi. To avoid condensation in the lines you could run a moisture trap (it's a good idea to use one anywho to keep moisture out of your air tools).

Don't get too close to capacitors and definitely don't blow high volume air into your fans so they're moving at 55,000 rpms.

 

[Newbian]

Make sure you use a oil free one.

As long as you don't go full blast it will work fine and I have used them for a few years with no issues.

 

[thescreensavers]

why spend money just grab a hair dryer and put it on the cool setting and clean it out lol.

 

[sao123]

an air compressor usually has condensation inside the tank...
a shop vac will do the same (use exaust side) as a blower.

 

[xcript]

Works fine for me.

 

[Exterous]

Originally posted by: hennessy1
Don't quote me on this but I heard using compressors like that are a bad idea because there is moister in the air they release.

I had heard the same thing - but where I work they have been using the machine shop's air compressor for 5 years on the companies computers with no ill effects - or so they say

 

[spaceman]

Originally posted by: Exterous

Originally posted by: hennessy1
Don't quote me on this but I heard using compressors like that are a bad idea because there is moister in the air they release.

I had heard the same thing - but where I work they have been using the machine shop's air compressor for 5 years on the companies computers with no ill effects - or so they say

its a scam how else would they get us to buy canned ham/air

 

[pontifex]

i've used the one here at home many times, no problems. I even used them at my previous job as well, no problems there either.

 

[videogames101]

I use a 150 PSI air compressor, works fine.

 

[Colt45]

dont run it at a million pounds and it will be alright. I usually pinch the hose a bit.

 

[SonicIce]

As long as water doesn't come out. And don't blow directly on the fans, you'll force dust into the bearings and ruin them easily.

 

[0roo0roo]

can o air + vac

 

[skyking]

The high pressure can blow dirt into fan bearings. Use care around the fans, blowing across them indirectly.

 

[Rowboat]

Just don't get carried away spinning the fan with the air. Better safe than sorry.

 

[dawp]

Originally posted by: spaceman

Originally posted by: Exterous

Originally posted by: hennessy1
Don't quote me on this but I heard using compressors like that are a bad idea because there is moister in the air they release.

I had heard the same thing - but where I work they have been using the machine shop's air compressor for 5 years on the companies computers with no ill effects - or so they say

its a scam how else would they get us to buy canned ham/air

Humm, I've never tried to use a cand ham to clean my PC, maybe I should try that. :evil:

I've used one of those small contractor compressors for years with no issues.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Hmm never considered moisture, but is it so fine that it wont matter much? I'd probably keep the hose a few feet away from what I'm blowing.

The hair dryer idea sounds good too though. Though anyone have experience with the model I posted? (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST...BAir%2BCompressor.jsp) That seems like the most promissing one if I go with one. I don't need a massive 90 gallon one lol.

Also how do the filters work, is it just an attachment you buy and add to the hose?

 

[dawp]

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
Hmm never considered moisture, but is it so fine that it wont matter much? I'd probably keep the hose a few feet away from what I'm blowing.

The hair dryer idea sounds good too though. Though anyone have experience with the model I posted? (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST...BAir%2BCompressor.jsp) That seems like the most promissing one if I go with one. I don't need a massive 90 gallon one lol.

Also how do the filters work, is it just an attachment you buy and add to the hose?

they go between the hose and the compressor

and that link to the compressor is bad, had to cut and paste it to see it.

That's fine in all you need it for is to air up tires and lite work around the house, but i paid a little more and got a dewalt 4 gallon one that is a bit more capable from home depot. one with twin tanks.

this simular to the one i have
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_1...pressors+%26+Inflators

tho i didn't pay that much for it. got mine several years ago.