CO2 regulator ?

[Schattenjager]

What PSI do you use on your CO2 regulator for tires and air tools? I'm shopping for a new regulator and found this one - wondering if 150psi is enough.

Also, why do I need a true regulator when the tank has a pressure valve (on/off) built in? Something like this one is what I would really like:

I know some of the dual gauge setup are very pretty with liquid filled faces and rubber 'armor' on the instruments, but how is all that necessary for 4x4? Seems like simple is better in every regard. What say you?

 

[Metcalf]

A fixed non-gauge regulator will work fine for most things. If you plan on running an ARB or something you need a specific regulator. 150psi is more than enough for air tools and tires.

You need a regulator to drop the pressure from the very high tank pressure to something that can be used in most common air hoses and fittings. Internal tank pressure can be well above 500psi.

 

[WoldD90]

When selecting a regulator, quality and performance are important. I have used many types of regulators, most freeze up while filling tires or running impact tools.

I used a buddy's CO2 tank after the last off-road event, to top off my trailer tires. I had to wait about 15 mins for the regulator to thaw.

Another issue is the quality of the hose, a lot of cheaper hoses freeze solid and can break.

An adjustable regulator is a better option to have more control and usefulness. Impact tools are supposed to be run at 90 to 100 psi, not 150 psi.

 

[Herbie]

In general, I'd be more worried about flow, than pressure.

Many of my air tools require no more than 90psi, but will starve out or run cruddy if I use my small hoses instead of my big ones. I imagine the same would be true if I put a teeny regulator in the way instead of my big wall-mounted one.

Also, Metcalf was being conservative. The vapor pressure of gas-over-liquid CO2 is in the 800psi range at room temperature, IIRC. EDIT: 848psi @ 68 *F

When I was building Battlebots and I needed very small lightweight regulators, I used the stuff built for paintball and/or scale-model naval combat (to fire the guns, etc.). These worked, but I doubt they'd have the flow for airtools. Would be awesome just for a tire-filling rig, though.

 

[wanderer-rrorc]

I dont run more than 130psi off my garage compressor...so 150 is overkill for me....

I havnt had my co2 reg freeze yet..but Ive had it get dam cold!!

 

[bat]

I use the second one it is made by Hyperflo and has a 150 psi preset pressure valve. I have been using it for years never had a problem and can air up 6 to eight tires in a row without freezing the valve. With my setup I just found any size Co2 bottle on graiglist and exchanged it at airgas for a 10lb bottle for free. My setup cost me about $80.00 but it does not have a fancy paint job on the bottle.

 

[wjeeper]

My honest opinion is not to waste your money on an adjustable regulator. I have one and I always leave it set at 150 psi. I thought it would be nice to have the ability to adjust but I have never used it in three years.

The gauges can break if your not careful. Mine are broken and have been replaced with plugs.

MOST air tools will be just fine on 1higher pressures than 90psi. My impact has a 90 psi limit but its been run on 120+ psi for the last year with daily use. I think its mostly a CYA for the manufacturer.

I bought an ultimate air regulator. No problems with icing up even when using impacts for extended periods. It sure gets cold though.

The only drawback I have found with my set up is after trail rides everyone now wants to use it. Buddies know I have it so they air down further than they usually would figuring I will fill them up. My tank doesn't last more than two trips because of this!

 

[rtreads]

150 will be too much for everything except for filling tires. If I were you I would run a static regulator of 125 or so on your tank, then carry a small adjustable regulator so you can step the 125 down to 90 for air tools. Or you can even drop it to 85 to run an ARB.

This is what I do...

Just my .02

 

[Corey]

I crank my Powertank to 200 PSI when refilling the tires, and I turn it down to 95 to 100 when using the impact wrench.

My Powertank regulator has never froze when airing back up whether it was during a summer run or during a snow run.

Better regulators, less headaches.

 

[93BLAZER]

I use this one.

Top of the page. 49.99

Wont freeze up. Works with air tools.

http://www.offroadtuff.com/CO2Regulators.htm

No problems yet...

 

[mesha]

I use the second one. It stays fixed at 150 and fills tires, reseats beads, and runs my air tools just fine. I have used adjustable ones and the only thing better about them is you can crank them up a little higher if you want for beads. FWIW you can order the springs at different pressures on the fixed. If you wanted a 135 psi or whatever you could get it.