Compressed air doesn't cut it anymore..what else?

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skeedo

Senior member
Nov 29, 2004
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I'll admit I'm a messy person, and my computer is being strangled by dust especially since it has two 250mm fans (one of em is dead its so clogged with dust). Compressed air is a waste of time and money, not enough blast, and doesn't last very long. I'm trying to find some sort of mini air compressor I can use to hose my case out, but I can't find anything that doesn't require a cigarette lighter for power. I bought a cigarette lighter to wall plug adapter for my mini tire inflator/ compressor, but it doesn't work, not getting enough juice.

Anybody have any ideas before I have to drop $300 on a full sized air compressor?
 
A

atran5e

Golden Member
Sep 13, 2008
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Where can you find a full sized air compressor locally? I'd be interested as well.
 
B

Blain

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
23,643
3
81
All the cool kids use an electric leaf blower.
I would place something in the fan blades (maybe some alligator clips), to keep them from turning with the air and possibly feeding voltage back into the MB.
 
P

piasabird

Lifer
Feb 6, 2002
17,168
60
91
Be cheaper to purchase another fan maybe. Sometimes they sell these emergency compressors that you can plug into a cigarette lighter at wal-mart or a auto parts store.

Put a giant pair of pantyhose around the case [joke].
 
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corkyg

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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Wipe it out with Swiffer pads/sheets.
 
frowertr

frowertr

Golden Member
Apr 17, 2010
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I use my 90 gallon air compressor at my business for this purpose. I bring my machine up every 3-6 months for a clean-out.

You can get smaller air compressors from Home Depot or Lowes, but expect to drop $200 on them. Kinda overkill for your purpose unless you like to build things and want to buy a nail/braid gun at the same time.
 
crucibelle

crucibelle

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Feb 21, 2005
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frowertr said:
I use my 90 gallon air compressor at my business for this purpose. I bring my machine up every 3-6 months for a clean-out.

You can get smaller air compressors from Home Depot or Lowes, but expect to drop $200 on them. Kinda overkill for your purpose unless you like to build things and want to buy a nail/braid gun at the same time.
Click to expand...

The one that PottedMeat posted is only $60.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-gallo...sor-95275.html
 
S

Slugbait

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
3,633
3
81
I use a kit like this: http://www.nancysnotions.com/product/supplies/machines+&+accessories/mini+vacuum+attachment+kit.do

It's especially handy for getting under the fan blades and dislodging the gunk stuck in-between the fins of a Zalman flower heatsink, and does a much better job than compressed air. It was just last week that I did this: tried from the sides and underneath with compressed air first, which was an epic fail, then grabbed the micro-attachment kit...so I know of which I speak.

And while the description states, "Clean hard to reach areas with full vacuum power", that actually isn't true. You cannot completely close the carbs, so the suction power is considerably less than the "full power" that your vacuum provides. So it won't pull capacitors off the mobo. Just be careful to vacuum around jumpers and headers instead of vacuuming top-down so you don't pull jumpers or cables off.
 
RebateMonger

RebateMonger

Elite Member
Dec 24, 2005
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I like the leaf blower idea. Those are available for $30 at Home Depot.

And if the leaf blower doesn't fix the problem, Home Depot also sells wood chippers.
 
strep3241

strep3241

Senior member
Oct 3, 2010
953
3
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Using an actual air compressor is not a good idea because there is moisture inside the tank. You may not see it when it comes out but it is there.

I use a pump that you use to blow up a air mattress and it works great. You can either get one that runs off batteries or a electric one. They put out alot of air. I never use compressed air any more.
 
B

Blain

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
23,643
3
81
Watch out using a vacuum cleaner, that static doesn't zap your components.
When I use one I always hold the hose close to the end with one hand, and hold onto the metal of the case with the other.

Edited...
 
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J

jobz

Member
Jun 9, 2009
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Blain, you mean hose, right? Do you need to keep computer plugged in to discharge static?
 
corkyg

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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Blain's caveat is valid, however, there are static proof tools that make vacuuming a safe and better solution tghan blowing dust all over the place. It will always settle again. These tools can be picked up at any Oreck store.

vactools.jpg
 
tweakboy

tweakboy

Diamond Member
Jan 3, 2010
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That is good it works, vaccum will suck all the dirt in.

Still a hardcore expensive air compressor blower is whats best. You wait until PSI gets up and you use it ull see balls of dust appearing you have to clean those from the ground. Or use your vacume to clean the dust balls etc..
 
corkyg

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
27,370
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I look at blowing dirt as akin to sweeping it under the rug. You blow it and it goes somewhere. Then it settles. If you have to vacuum it up then, why not do thast in the first place and eliminate on operation and piece of equipment?

BTW, all generalizations are false, including this one. :)
 
G

Glob

Member
Jan 4, 2008
72
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I have an 8-gallon compressor I bought off a guy on craigslist for $65 in my garage, periodically take the PCs out into the garage and blow them out with the overhead door open. It's been a great investment since compressors are good for lots of other things, like impact wrenches, nailers, tires, etc.
 
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