Power Tank - Page 2

BajaSportsmobile · 04-04-2013, 01:49 PM

All regulators will get "Frosty", what you really need to think about is the quality of the hose. I have four DIY CO2 setups like yours that I have had for 20 years. Before DC Impact Wrenches we used these in the pits and chase vehicles.

A cheap air hose will get brittle and break when it gets cold. I had one like the one you have in the picture stretched out to reach a tire and it froze up next to the regulator, broke off and went whipping around with some force. I replaced all the hoses.

rob_gendreau · 04-04-2013, 01:51 PM

Nice work!

TwoVans · 04-04-2013, 04:01 PM

If I was to build on from scratch as a DIY, I would still consider using the Power Tank regulator. It is very nice.

I have used mine with a finishing nail gun to put up crown molding. Worked awesome. Made my wife feel much better about the $ spent...

Viejo · 04-04-2013, 04:23 PM

Quote:

A cheap air hose will get brittle and break when it gets cold. I had one like the one you have in the picture stretched out to reach a tire and it froze up next to the regulator, broke off and went whipping around with some force. I replaced all the hoses.

Thanks for the note on the air hose. What do I need? Thick rubber like at the gas station? Woven jacket? ??
Whatever I get, I'll only need 6' or so.

rob_gendreau · 04-04-2013, 05:56 PM

There are bazillions to choose from, but in that size you're most likely to find little leaders for use in spools and such, say 3' to 5'. I dunno how you'd rig your tank; can we assume you'll drag it around from tire to tire? I kinda cringe at the idea of an supported high pressure tank tethered to a short hose from the unguided missile standpoint, but would work if you're careful.

I've used the curly hoses and although I'd never be in a situation to freeze them, I do find them rather annoying and almost more trouble to store and handle than heavier and bulkier regular PVC or rubber hoses. Like toting a slinky; been meaning to replace the one on my portable compressor, thanks for the reminder.

Harbor Freight has a selection of hoses of different types and lengths; I've had good luck with them so far, but I don't run an auto shop. They have a swivel 5' hose (normally intended to be attached to other stuff, so I’m not sure of the fittings) that would probably work. Get something that will work with your other compressor.

Rob

BajaSportsmobile · 04-04-2013, 07:05 PM

I got some red coiled hoses from Hose Pros that I think are Silicone and soft. They recommended them to me.

carringb · 04-04-2013, 08:23 PM

Hands down this is the best hose I've used:
http://www.flexzilla.info/

Goodyear sent me their new ultra-flex hose to sample. It wasn't even close.

TwoVans · 04-04-2013, 10:39 PM

I can recommend the hose that Power Tank sells. It is long enough to reach all for tires on my SMB while the tank is strapped to the front of my Adventure Trailer. I have frozen it many time airing up my Jeep tires with no issues.