Leaking Air Tools (cheap ones)?

[geoffsurf]

Ok so I thought it best to post this new thread as I'm back at square one and also asking a new question.

I listened to everyones' opinions on the best brands of air tools and checked them out in various catalogues and websites. I really couldn't justify spending around £150 on each air tool at the moment especially for the amount I need them. So the plan was to buy some very cheap air tools from ebay and then try and buy some much better quality ones as time allows.

I bought this belt sander thinking that it would just allow me to carry on with my project for a week or two and get past the current difficult area. I thought that if it lasted me a year then even that would be fine. However once connected air leaks slowly out the exhaust when its not running.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/20MM-AIR-BELT...-/170492433882?pt=UK_Body_Shop_Supplies_Paint

I also bought this air body saw as it looked exactly the same as the toolstation one, the Sealey one, and most others around. Again I thought if this lasts me a few months till I can commit to better tools then that would be fine. However, this air tool leaks out of the trigger button quite badly.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-PRO-AIR-B.../380207607741?pt=UK_Air_Tools_and_Compressors

I only got my garage cleared and compressor set up today so I haven't contacted either seller yet to try and return either item. I'm guessing that neither air tool should be leaking at all like I describe? Is this normal for cheap tools? Would you take the risk of replacing it for the same item and hoping the next one doesn't leak?

I am now looking at the more expensive brands again. Not many brands seem to offer the 20mm belt sanders. Ingersoll Rand and Snap on don't seem to offer them. Chicago Pneumatic do sell one for about £150, Sealey £140, Draper £115, SIP £100. Below is the link to the Chicago Pneumatic one, is that a good price? Would everyone therefore buy the Chicago Pneumatic one even if just doing DIY hobby car restoration?

http://www.powertoolsalesuk.com/p/airtools/airsanders/beltsander/3324/

Apologies for the post after all the previous advice, it's like the classic situation. You take a chance on cheap products and it bites you.

 

[overload]

You will get some leakage but why don't you just disconnect the tool everytime it's not used?! It will be a pain but at least this cut down on the air leakage!

If you're using the tools for just this project you're doing, where's the harm in buying the decent tool to do the job and sell it after you're done to recuperate some of the money.
Simples!

 

[geoffsurf]

Are you saying that it is common on the cheaper air tools to get leakage? I mean leakage to the extent that you can hear and feel. I know I can disconnect the air tool, its more the fact that if the tools shouldn't be leaking then the seal inside might be broken and completely break in a week or two and then I can't take the tool back because I've actually used it and it will also be too late.

Yes I could buy the expensive ones and then sell afterwards. I thought about this a couple of weeks ago when I was looking for a compressor, but didn't think about it for the actual air tools. I'm not sure how much I would get back on a £150 air tool after a years use...

 

[rtbcomp]

completely break in a week or two and then I can't take the tool back because I've actually used it and it will also be too late.

The fact that you've used a tool doesn't matter, if it fails with 12 months (could be longer) you have a statuatory right to redress.

 

[ajlelectronics]

I bought a 20mm sander and had the same issue which I thought was a fault. THEN I turned up the pressure a smidge and it stopped. Looks like there is some sort of release valve that shuts at a high enough pressure, unless mine is duff too. The other point is to make sure the couplings are properly sealed. I have to use plenty of PTFE tape on all mine to stop the leaking.

 

[geoffsurf]

I first tried the belt sander without a regulator, then I tried it with a regulator. I tried turning the regulator right down and right up but it still leaks. Apart from the fact that it could compeltely break in the future, it's really annoying.

I have just bought some new good quality couplers and fittings and used PTFE tape myself and so all the connections seem good. What brand belt sander is it that you bought?

 

[outofthefire]

Low pressure occasionally causes the problem, it sometimes happens with mine at work if the compressor goes down. But its most likely caused by worn o rings. Air tools are pretty simple things, if you dont want / cant send it back strip it down and swap em. If you stick to decent makes spares are easy to come by failing that get a mixed box of rubber o rings there fairly standard.

 

[ajlelectronics]

I have just bought some new good quality couplers and fittings and used PTFE tape myself and so all the connections seem good. What brand belt sander is it that you bought?

Same as yours. However, seller is reluctant to provide a receipt even after prompting, so not prepared to make any recommendation.

One thing that did take me by surprise was the amount of dust created. I wanted to shape a fibreglass mould with it, but ended up looking like a snowman. Luckily I had the mask on!

 

[geoffsurf]

Right, I've sent the tool back, and I've bitten the bullet and ordered a Chicago Pneumatic 20mm belt sander. I'm hoping it will be a lot better.

 

[knoxville1971]

not trying to be smart but you get what you pay for. if it makes you feel any better i payed 320 euros for that belt sander (cp) about 2 years ago in ireland, rip of ireland, that is. but a great belt sander