Harbor Freight Tools 93657 User Manual

Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions

Save This Manual Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, operating,

inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number in the back of the manual
near the assembly diagram (or month and year of purchase if product has no number). Keep this manual and
the receipt in a safe and dry place for future reference.

oilless airbrush
compressor

Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com

REV 11l

When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact

and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken,

please call 1-800-444-3353 as soon as possible.

Copyright© 2005 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved.

No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in

any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.

Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing

improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.

Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.

Email our technical support at: [e-mail]

ITEM 93657

Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.

Table of Contents

Safety ......................................................... 2

Setup .......................................................... 6

Specifications ............................................. 6

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

Operation .................................................... 7

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards.

Maintenance ............................................... 8

Parts List and Diagram .............................. 10

Warranty .................................................... 12

WARNING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS

Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in minor or moderate injury.

Addresses practices not related to personal injury.

Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 93657

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

General Safety Warnings

WARNING Read all safety warnings and instructions.

Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

The warnings, precautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction manual cannot cover all possible
conditions and situations that may occur. It must be understood by the operator that common sense
and caution are factors which cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.

1. Work area safety

a. Keep work area clean and well lit.

Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.

b. Do not operate the Compressor in explosive

atmospheres, such as in the presence
of flammable liquids, gases or dust.

Compressor motors produce sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.

c. Keep children and bystanders away

from an operating compressor.

2. Electrical safety

a. Compressor plugs must match the outlet.

Never modify the plug in any way.
Do not use any adapter plugs with grounded
compressors. Standard plugs and matching

outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.

b. Do not expose compressor to rain or wet

conditions. Water entering a compressor
will increase the risk of electric shock.

c. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the

cord for unplugging the compressor.
Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges
or moving parts. Damaged or entangled

cords increase the risk of electric shock.

3. Personal safety

a. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and

use common sense when operating this
compressor. Do not use this compressor
while you are tired or under the influence
of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment

of inattention while operating a compressor
may result in serious personal injury.

b. Use personal protective equipment.

Always wear ANSI-approved eye
protection during setup and use.

c. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the

switch is in the off-position before connecting
to power source or moving the compressor.

4. Compressor use and care

a. Do not use the compressor if the switch

does not turn it on and off. Any compressor
that cannot be controlled with the switch
is dangerous and must be repaired.

b. Disconnect the plug from the power source

before making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing the compressor.

Such preventive safety measures reduce the
risk of starting the compressor accidentally.

c. Store an idle compressor out of the reach

of children and do not allow persons
unfamiliar with the compressor or these
instructions to operate it. A compressor is

dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

d. Maintain the compressor. Keep the

compressor clean for better and safer
performance. Follow instructions for
lubricating and changing accessories.
Keep dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
Check for misalignment or binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts and any other
condition that may affect the compressor’s
operation. If damaged, have the compressor
repaired before use. Many accidents are

caused by a poorly maintained compressor.

e. Use the compressor in accordance with

these instructions, taking into account
the working conditions and the work to
be performed. Use of the compressor for

operations different from those intended
could result in a hazardous situation.

5. Service

a. Have your compressor serviced by a

qualified repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that the

safety of the compressor is maintained.

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 93657

Air Compressor Safety Warnings

1. Risk of fire or explosion - do not spray flammable

liquid in a confined area or towards a hot surface.
Spray area must be well-ventilated. Do not

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

smoke while spraying or spray where spark or
flame is present. Arcing parts - keep compressor
at least 20 feet away from explosive vapors,
such as when spraying with a spray gun.

2. Risk of bursting - do not adjust regulator higher

than marked maximum pressure of attachment.

3. Risk of injury - do not direct air

stream at people or animals.

4. Do not use to supply breathing air.

5. Do not leave compressor unattended

for an extended period while plugged in.
Unplug compressor after working.

6. Keep compressor well-ventilated.

Do not cover compressor during use.

7. Drain Tank daily and after use.

8. Do not remove the valve cover or
adjust internal components.

9. Compressor head gets hot during operation.
Do not touch it or allow children nearby during
or immediately following operation.

10. Do not use the air hose to move the compressor.

11. The use of accessories or attachments not
recommended by the manufacturer may
result in a risk of injury to persons.

12. All air line components, including hoses, pipe,
connectors, filters, etc., must be rated for a minimum
working pressure of 150 PSI, or 150% of the
maximum system pressure, whichever is greater.

13. USE OF AN EXTENSION CORD IS NOT
RECOMMENDED. If you choose to use an
extension cord, use the following guidelines:

a. Make sure your extension cord

is in good condition.

b. Be sure to use an extension cord which is heavy

enough to carry the current your product will draw.
An undersized cord will cause a drop in line
voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating.
Table A shows the correct size to use depending
on cord length and nameplate ampere rating.
If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The
smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.

14. Industrial applications must follow OSHA guidelines.

15. Maintain labels and nameplates on the
compressor. These carry important safety
information. If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.

16. This product is not a toy.
Keep it out of reach of children.

17. Operate unit on level surface.

18. People with pacemakers should consult their
physician(s) before use. Electromagnetic fields in
close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure.

19. WARNING: The brass components of
this product contain lead, a chemical
known to the State of California to cause
birth defects (or other reproductive harm).
(California Health & Safety code § 25249.5, et seq.)

20. This Compressor will automatically shut

off on overload or under excessive heat.

Should this occur, turn the Power Switch (34) to
its “OFF” position. Wait until the Compressor
cools. Then, turn the Power Switch to
its “ON” position to resume work.

21. Spray painting only. Never use this unit with
gasoline, kerosene, or any other flammable solvent.

TABLE A: RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE

GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS

(120 VOLT)

NAMEPLATE

AMPERES

(at full load)

0 – 6 18 16 16 14

6.1 – 10 18 16 Do not use.

10.1 – 12 16 16 Do not use.

12.1 – 16 14 12 Do not use.

EXTENSION CORD

LENGTH

25′ 50′ 100′ 150′

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 93657

Grounding

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK AND DEATH
FROM INCORRECT GROUNDING WIRE CONNECTION:
Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded.

Do not modify the power cord plug provided with the compressor.
Never remove the grounding prong from the plug. Do not use the compressor if the power cord or plug is
damaged. If damaged, have it repaired by a service facility before use. If the plug will not fit the outlet, have a
proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.

110-120 V~ Grounded Compressors: Compressors with Three Prong Plugs

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

1. In the event of a malfunction or breakdown,

grounding provides a path of least resistance for
electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock.
This compressor is equipped with an electric
cord having an equipment-grounding conductor
and a grounding plug. The plug must be
plugged into a matching outlet that is properly
installed and grounded in accordance
with all local codes and ordinances.

2. Do not modify the plug provided –

if it will not fit the outlet, have the proper
outlet installed by a qualified electrician.

3. Improper connection of the equipment-grounding

conductor can result in a risk of electric shock.
The conductor with insulation having an outer
surface that is green with or without yellow
stripes is the equipment-grounding conductor.
If repair or replacement of the electric cord or
plug is necessary, do not connect the equipment­grounding conductor to a live terminal.

4. Check with a qualified electrician or service

personnel if the grounding instructions are
not completely understood, or if in doubt as to
whether the compressor is properly grounded.

6. Repair or replace damaged or worn cord immediately.

Grounding

Pin

125 V~ 3-Prong Plug and Outlet

(for up to 125 V~ and up to 15 A)

7. This compressor is intended for use on a
circuit that has an outlet that looks like the
one illustrated above in 125 V~ 3-Prong Plug
and Outlet. The compressor has a grounding
plug that looks like the plug illustrated above
in 125 V~ 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.

8. The outlet must be properly installed and grounded
in accordance with all codes and ordinances.

9. Do not use an adapter to connect this
compressor to a different outlet.

5. Use only 3-wire extension cords that have
3-prong grounding plugs and 3-pole receptacles
that accept the compressor’s plug.

Symbology

PSI

CFM

SCFM

NPT

NPS

Pounds per square inch of pressure

Cubic Feet per Minute flow

Cubic Feet per Minute flow
at standard conditions

National pipe thread, tapered

National pipe thread, straight

V~

A

Double Insulated

Canadian Standards Association

Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.

Volts Alternating Current

Amperes

Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 93657

Specifications

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

Setup - Before use:

Electrical Rating 120V~ / 60Hz / 2A
Motor 1,750 RPM
Power Cord 6′ Long Power Cord (18AWG x 3C)
Thermal Protection Automatic shut-off on overload/overheat and automatic reset
Maximum Air Pressure

/ Automatic Shut Off
Automatic Restart 43 PSI
Air Output .5 CFM @ 20 PSI
Air Outlet Size 1/8″-28 NPS Air Outlet with 1/4″-18 NPT Male Adapter
Hose Dimensions .236″ OD x .157″ ID x 10′ Long (1/8″-28 NPS Female Adapter - both sides)
Base Dimensions 7-3/8″ L x 5-3/8″ W x 1″ H

Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this

manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.

58 PSI

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY
FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch “OFF” and unplug
the Air Compressor from its electrical
outlet before assembling or making any
adjustments to the compressor.

Note: For additional information regarding the

parts listed in the following pages, refer to the
Assembly Diagram near the end of this manual.

Before operating, make sure the Air Compressor is set
up in a well-ventilated area, on a flat, level, solid surface
well away from any flammable objects, such as drapes.
Never paint in an area without proper ventilation,
or near possible ignition sources.

Pressure

Regulator (40)

Pressure

Gauge (11)

Water Drain

Valve (41)

Air Hose (43)

Handle

(30)

Power

Switch

(34)

Figure A: Functions

Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 93657

Operating Instructions

Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this

manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.

Compressor Area Set Up

1. Designate a work area that is clean and well-lit.
The work area must not allow access by
children or pets to prevent injury.

2. Locate the Compressor on a flat level surface to
ensure proper pump lubrication and to prevent

damage to the unit. Keep at least 12″ of space

around the unit to allow air circulation.

General Operation

1. Insert the Power Cord Plug (35) into the
nearest 120 volt, grounded, electrical outlet.

2. Connect an Air Brush (not included) to
the Air Hose (43) of the Compressor.
Use Hose Adapter (44) if needed.

Note: Use this Compressor only with air
brushes; do not use this compressor with
any other type of painting equipment.

3. Turn the Power Switch (34) on.

Note: The Compressor will automatically begin
to run when the air pressure falls below 43 PSI.
When the maximum air pressure (58 PSI) is reached,
the Compressor will automatically switch to
idle and the Compressor will stop operating.
The Compressor will automatically restart
when the air pressure falls below 43 PSI.

3. Route the power cord from the compressor
to the grounded wall outlet, along a safe path
without creating a tripping hazard or exposing
the power cord to possible damage.

4. Adjust the regulated air pressure output as
shown on the Pressure Gauge (11) by lifting
the Regulator Knob (40), turning it to the
desired pressure and pressing it back down.

5. When finished using the Air Compressor, turn its
Power Switch (34) off. Release any remaining air
in a safe fashion and disconnect the Air Brush.
Briefly depress the Water Drain Valve (41) to
empty the unit of water after each use.

6. Store the Air Compressor in a clean, dry,
safe location out of reach of children
and other unauthorized people.

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 93657

Maintenance and Servicing

Procedures not specifically explained in this manual must

be performed only by a qualified technician.

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch “OFF” and unplug the Compressor from its electrical outlet
before performing any inspection, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM COMPRESSOR FAILURE:
Do not use damaged equipment. If abnormal noise or vibration occurs,
have the problem corrected before further use.

Cleaning, Maintenance, and Lubrication

1. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general
condition of the Air Compressor.
Check for loose hardware, misalignment or binding
of moving parts, damaged belts, cracked or broken
parts, damaged electrical wiring, and any other
condition that may affect its safe operation.

2. AFTER USE, push the Water Drain Valve (41)
under the Filter Cup to drain out the moisture.
Also, wipe external surfaces of the
compressor with a clean cloth.

3. Store the Air Compressor in a clean, dry,
safe location out of reach of children
and other unauthorized people.

4. WARNING! If the supply cord of this

compressor is damaged, it must be replaced
only by a qualified service technician.

Page 8 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 93657

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions

The motor does
not work.

The motor runs,
but it makes
irregular noises or
a knocking noise.

Not enough
pressure when
painting or
spraying.

Poor spray pattern. 1. Loose air connections(s).

Motor runs
properly, but no air
pressure or lack
of air delivery.

1. No electrical power.

2. Damaged power cord.

3. Electrical wiring within
the unit is defective.

4. Power switch is defective.

1. Bearing is loose or damaged.

2. Screws in the connection
rod are loose.

1. Loose air connection(s).

2. Air hose is damaged.

3. Screws on cylinder cover are loose.

2. The paint is too thick.

3. The air brush nozzle is
plugged or dirty.

1. Valve plate is loose or out of place.

2. Retainer ring is damaged after
excessive use at high pressure.

1. Plug the power cord into a working,
120V~, grounded, electrical outlet.

2. Have a qualified service technician
replace the power cord.

3. Have a qualified service technician
replace electric wiring.

4. Have a qualified service technician
replace power switch.

1. Have a qualified service technician
replace the bearing.

2. Tighten the screws, or replace them if necessary.

1. Check all air connections, and
tighten them if necessary

2. Replace air hose.

3. Tighten screws.

1. Check all air connections, and
tighten them if necessary.

2. Add paint thinner and mix thoroughly.

3. Clean or change the nozzle.

1. Open the front cover and make sure
the valve plate is in the proper position.
Tighten the screws if necessary.

2. Have a qualified service technician
replace the retainer ring.

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the compressor.

Disconnect power supply before service.

Page 9For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 93657

Parts List and Diagram

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR
MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE OR SHE IS
QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE
ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY
STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND
LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY
ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS
THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.

Parts List

Part Description Qty

1 Screw 8
2 Rear Cover 1
4 Rear Body 1
5 Screw 4
6 Stationary Motor 1
7 Bearing 2
8 Rotary Motor 1

9 Front Body 1
10 Counterweight 1
11 Pressure Gauge 1
12 Bearing 1
13 Retainer Ring 1
14 Compression Ring 1
17 Cylinder 1
18 Valve Plate 2
19 Valve 1
20 Screw 1
21 Front Gasket 1
22 Front Cover 1
23 Rear Gasket 1
24 O-Ring 1

Part Description Qty

25 Cylinder Block 1
26 O-Ring 1
27 Cylinder Head 1
28 Cap Screw 4
29 Filter 1
30 Handle 1
31 Pressure Switch 1
33 Condenser 1
34 Power Switch 1
35 Power Cord/Plug 1
36 Rubber Pad 4
37 Connector 1
38 Air Outlet 1
39 Link 1
40 Pressure Regulator 1
41 Water Drain Valve 1
43 Air Hose 1
44 Hose Adapter for Air Brush 1
45 Male Adapter 1/4″-18 NPT 1
46 Thread Seal Tape 1

Record Product’s Serial Number Here:

Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.

Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only,

and are not available individually as replacement parts.

Page 10 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 93657

Assembly Diagram

40

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

Page 11For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 93657

Limited 90 Day Warranty

Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and durability standards,
and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the
period of 90 days from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly,
to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, criminal activity, improper
installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries
to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of
our product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.

To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation charges
prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise.
If our inspection verifies the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may
elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will
return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted
from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • [phone]