If you have an old refrigerator, you can make it perform once again by turning it into a new air compressor. This recycling process will both save your money and handle the air compressor in DIY projects for free. But you have to learn how to make an air compressor from an old refrigerator properly and safely.
Turning the old refrigerator into an air compressor can be daunting as the refrigerator’s mechanical system is complex. Besides, you will need plenty of the right and compatible accessories to complete the converting process safely and successfully. But still, it’s a worthwhile operation as, for a fraction of the cost; you will enjoy a new compressor from unnecessary refrigerators.
Guides to make an air compressor from an old refrigerator
Today we will discuss a useful way of making an air compressor from an old refrigerator with a step-by-step guide. It’s a straightforward process, so any hobbyist can apply it and get a positive result.
The tools you will require:
- 110volt refrigerator
- Recoverable compressor and tank
- Safety release valve
- Some length of 3/8 I.D
- Some fittings
- An air hose
- And an air gauge
Evacuate the entire refrigerant
It is vital to remove all the parts properly from donor refrigerators. You can do it for free at many shops. During the removal process, check whether the compressor is running or not.
Chopped the copper tube
Once removed the entire gas, cut the copper tubes using a tubing cutter. You will find one ingoing and one outgoing preserved compressor module. Make sure you have left a length of the copper tube. Besides, don’t rotate the unit down while cutting.
Mark the wire and terminal
Now trace the wire from the power cord into the cabling connects throughout the divide fatals on the capacitor. Use masking tape to mark the terminal and wire to maintain proper configuration.
Prepare a note of wire at this place that will run to other set of terminals on the sealed compressor module. You have marked this terminal and the wires too.
Connect power cord
Remove all the wires except the pump and capacitor and attach matching power cord cables to the capacitor. Make sure you have connected the green ground cable to the bottom pump of the air compressor.
Bend the copper line on the pump
Now bend smoothly and carefully both the copper lines vertically on the pump and make sure you don’t bend them. Make the air pump unite secure so it can prevent pulling wires lose while walking from shaking.
Check the motor sound
Shift the pump far away from the wall or ceiling and don’t keep anything close to 15 feet of the pump. Now power on the motor and listen to its sound. If the motor doesn’t run, then power off it and recheck its power cord wire connection. It can happen if the copper tube discharges oil. Don’t worry; just mark the discharger as the deliver line.
Check the copper line
If you don’t find any oil blowing, then put your fingertip on the copper line’s end and you may feel a smooth vacuum. Still, you have to mark the copper line as a supply line.
Attach other accessories
Now attach a smaller air hose to the supply line and fasten it to a 1/4″ npt fitting attached to a 4-way “tee” with a release valve, 120 lbs or larger air gauge with a three-way “tee” with a 10-gallon air tank. Then attach a fast connect air chuck to one of the legs of a three-way “tee”. It will help you attach the air tool or inflate the vehicle tire.
Secure the pump
Use a strong cart or other sturdy frames to secure the pump, maintaining the unique rubber mounts and stage. Make sure you have mounted the air tank near the pump. Now clean the area and insulate the safety valve, wiring, and route air equipment to the gauge and fast join assembly. At last, your new and best air compressor is ready for further use.
FAQs on How to make an air compressor from an old refrigerator
What can I do with an old refrigerator despite making an air compressor?
There are many options to go for using an old refrigerator. You can turn the old refrigerator into a home-brewing beer keg or a makeshift ice machine. Especially when making home-brewing beer kegs you can use them as an emergency plumbing pipe. So an old refrigerator also brings plenty of opportunities so you can get an advantage.
Can I make an air compressor using canned air?
No, canned air doesn’t have sufficient power to run the piston in an air compressor. It is generally used to clean small parts and electronics like mice and keyboards. So, canned air won’t be a good alternative for the old refrigerator to drive the air compressor to inflate the tire.
What is the advantage of making an air compressor from an old refrigerator?
Despite saving a large amount by buying a new compressor, this conversion operator offers plenty of benefits. Converting old refrigerators into compressors is a recycling process that is good for the environment. Besides, it offers a powerful air compressor that can handle lots of tasks.
Safely make an air compressor from an old refrigerator
Throughout the guide, we have discussed how to make an air compressor from an old refrigerator step by step. It’s a secure and simple process that will offer you a new air compressor within moments. It may cause some money-gathering essential accessories, but in the end, the process will save a lot.
If you have an unused old refrigerator, why not give it a chance to bring those compressed air advantages? So follow these easy steps and enjoy the home improvement task for free.
