Need suggestions on air compressor to clean out dust

[AdamK47]

My computer room is kept nice and clean since I'm a neat freak. Dust is my number one enemy and I need a way to eradicate it. I have a HEPA air purifier in my computer room that gets most of the dust, but some does get by. I go through too many cans of compressed air to clean my computer desks and PC peripherals/components.

What is the best air compressor / dust remover specifically for cleaning PCs?

 

[Deltaechoe]

you have a big case and lots of stuff to clean out, so the main problem you will have is with the gas dusters (the canned air ones) losing pressure due to becoming too cold. I have a case that's close to the same as yours and what I do is just buy 3 or 4 of whatever gas duster they have at the nearest target or walmart (they're the cheapest). This way when you lose pressure on one, you have another to finish the job. As far as brands go, it really doesn't matter since they really are all the same.

 

[nsafreak]

Bar none the best you can get is a Metro DataVac ED500. Yes it's more expensive than a can of air but it will pay for itself over time, the amount of time will vary based upon how often you dust but this duster does a great job and you don't have to worry about it running out of compressed gas.

 

[Steltek]

Any standard air compressor will work far better than canned air, even the cheapo Harbor Freight units. Just always make sure you empty the air tank after each use as water tends to accumulate in the tank over time and spraying water inside your PC really isn't recommended. The safest thing to do is to add a water/moisture trap to the air line between the compressor and air nozzle.

In absence of a compressor, a high pressure air tank with air nozzle filled at the corner gas station will also work (again, though, watch for moisture accumulation in the tank).

Do note that it is possible to break fan blades (especially larger fans) if you set them to spinning and suddenly stop them, so it is always a good idea to hold fan blades stationary when blowing them out.

 

[JimPhreak]

Bar none the best you can get is a Metro DataVac ED500. Yes it's more expensive than a can of air but it will pay for itself over time, the amount of time will vary based upon how often you dust but this duster does a great job and you don't have to worry about it running out of compressed gas.

I second the ED500. I have one and it's fantastic. Couldn't imagine using anything less from the moment I got it.

 

[AdamK47]

I'm looking for something compact and more specific to the eradication of dust in a PC. The Metro DataVac ED500 looks interesting.

I buy so many cans of air duster from Micro Center that I'm afraid they may think I'm huffing the stuff. Kinda like the TLC episode of "My Strange Addiction" where the girl was addicted to it.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Small oil-less air compressor in the 2+ gallon range and an air nozzle coupling to attach to hose.

 

[Gronnie]

That Metro DataVac thing looks awesome. Added it to my Amazon wish-list!

 

[OlafSicky]

Buy a small air compressor for $40 and be done with it. The dust cans have chemicals inside and get cold etc.

 

[pcsavvy]

I second the Metro Datavac 500. I have that and it is great. No worries about moisture and the micro tools allow you to get in tight spaces. It is loud though. But it is great to take the computer case out back and just thoroughly dust it out without having to worry about running out of air or pressure.

 

[Blain]

It's loud, but I like the Coleman air pump (I cut off the little protrusion from the tip, to allow for a straight stream of air).
Some people even take their cases outside and use an electric leaf blower.

One thing I do is to secure fan blades from spinning. Some fans will generate and feedback voltage into the MB if spinning wildly.

 

[MadScientist]

I use an old Conair hair dryer on the no heat setting. Works great. Borrow your wife's/GF's hair dryer or buy one, ~$10-$15., at Walmart.

 

[Doomer]

Vacuum cleaners generate a tremendous amount of static electricity. Found this out the hard way and will never let one near my PCs. And yes, i consider electric blowers to be just as dangerous.

 

[corkyg]

Doomer, there are very good static proof vacuum tools. However, my preferred tool is a box of Swiffers. I just wipe the dust up and dispose of the Swiffer. I don't believe in blowing dust around - it just settles someplace else.

BTW, I also reduce the amount of dust sucked into the case by taping a clean Swiffer across the intake screen.

 

[BeauCharles]

Bar none the best you can get is a Metro DataVac ED500. Yes it's more expensive than a can of air but it will pay for itself over time, the amount of time will vary based upon how often you dust but this duster does a great job and you don't have to worry about it running out of compressed gas.

Best investment I ever made for keeping my PC (and other things) clean. Extremely power and there's no "bitterant" to have to breathe in while your doing it. They began adding it to canned air a few years ago because idiots were huffing it to get high.

 

[akugami]

Any standard air compressor will work far better than canned air, even the cheapo Harbor Freight units. Just always make sure you empty the air tank after each use as water tends to accumulate in the tank over time and spraying water inside your PC really isn't recommended. The safest thing to do is to add a water/moisture trap to the air line between the compressor and air nozzle.

In absence of a compressor, a high pressure air tank with air nozzle filled at the corner gas station will also work (again, though, watch for moisture accumulation in the tank).

Do note that it is possible to break fan blades (especially larger fans) if you set them to spinning and suddenly stop them, so it is always a good idea to hold fan blades stationary when blowing them out.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

Agree 100%.

Just remember to wear a mask or something like an old sock (washed preferably) around your mouth and nose so you don't breath in the dust. If it's really bad, goggles as well.

The compressor, even a light duty one, can have many uses. Lots of pneumatic tools, and you can also fill up your tires if they're low. Cheap ones at somewhere like Harbor Freight cost about $60'ish. You get your money back from compressed air rather quickly.

Doomer, there are very good static proof vacuum tools. However, my preferred tool is a box of Swiffers. I just wipe the dust up and dispose of the Swiffer. I don't believe in blowing dust around - it just settles someplace else.

BTW, I also reduce the amount of dust sucked into the case by taping a clean Swiffer across the intake screen.

I just take my compressor, as well as the case I'm cleaning out of the back of the house and blow it all out. I definitely don't do that inside the house.

Best investment I ever made for keeping my PC (and other things) clean. Extremely power and there's no "bitterant" to have to breathe in while your doing it. They began adding it to canned air a few years ago because idiots were huffing it to get high.

Asians eat Bitter Melon, I don't think that will stop us.

 

[AdamK47]

Thanks guys. Just placed an order for the Metro DataVac ED500. It has a ton of excellent reviews on Amazon. Seems to be the best alternative to can air dusters.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Seems awfully pricey for something without any use outside of blowing air out of a computer.

An air compressor can be used for your computer needs and numerous other things for around the same price.

 

[mfenn]

Seems awfully pricey for something without any use outside of blowing air out of a computer.

Glances at Adam's sig. :ninja:

I don't think he'll notice. :awe:

 

[AdamK47]

The Metro DataVac ED500 is about 0.6% of the price of my PC. lol

I think it's worth it.