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Alternative to "Dust Off" Approach

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by xpertdragon 2 views

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Hey Everyone, I was wondering if anyone could direct me to a vendor site in which I could purchase a air compressor that is suitable for computer cleaning use to take out all dust and dirt and other things that shouldn't be inside the PC. My current company uses cans of air, mostly the Dust Off brand by the case load. I am looking for a portable solution, in which a compressor could be charged up and carried around. Does anyone currently use a similar approach to cleaning PCs? Please direct me to a web site or other reference where I could purchase a suitable PC air compressor. Thanks for your time.

Paul M. Chavez

12 replies

by xpertdragon

Thanks for all the very useful information. I have a better perspective on this compressor issue now. Either way, I think I can find a sensible way to do the job right and save some money.

by ann777

They are sold at most major computer stores now. CompUSA has a can that can be pumped full of air from a hand pump or a compressor. Fry's does too. I have not been at a MicroCenter recently, but they should have them too.

The air coming fromthese are not quite as strong or as lasting as the real "dust off" kind (and other manufacturer's).

Here's a link :
http://www.compusa.com/products/products.asp

search for air compressor, you can buy the can there too.

by xpertdragon

Thanks for all the very useful information. I have a better perspective on this compressor issue now. Either way, I think I can find a sensible way to do the job right and save some money.

by thechas

There are 2 major issues with using an air compressor over canned air, and several minor issues.

First, you want an oilless compressor so that the air from the compressor is as clean as possible.
Second, you need a very good air dryer and outputfilter on the compressor.

The biggest advantage of canned air is that they use very good filters and dryers when they package the air in the can. Canned air is over 99% clean and dry. A typical compressor can have air that gets your hand wet when you blow the air over it.

Another dificulty with an air compressor is having a large static charge on the air. Many a circuit board has been blown from the static charge of compressed air. The industrial answer is to use a several $100 ionizing air nozzel.

There are sources for canned air at a lower cost than Dust-Off. One is Stoner Chemical.

If you want to persue the air compressor, I would look for a medical or laboratory grade compressor.
Check out Cole-Parmer, they may have areasonable cost solution.

Another option would be to contact an industrial gas company, and see if they have a method for you to fill small bottles from a dry nitrogen tank. You would have the advantage of a clean dry inert gas. With minimum hassle for you. And, it may actually cost less than the maintenence on an appropriate air compressor and filter system.

by xpertdragon

Thanks for all the very useful information. I have a better perspective on this compressor issue now. Either way, I think I can find a sensible way to do the job right and save some money.

by jereg

The only thing I would add is theat many of the portable vacs marketed for computer use are crap. The reason, as mentioned above, is the static charge created by most vacs. The only one i know of that is certified static free is manufactured by 3M. It's the only one you'll find most copier repair people carry. In fact, you may want to call a copy repear place and ask them. Copiers are far more sensitive then PC's, so they might be able to point you in the right direction.

by xpertdragon

Thanks for all the very useful information. I have a better perspective on this compressor issue now. Either way, I think I can find a sensible way to do the job right and save some money.

by bohicam1

I agree with avoiding the portable vaccuum..the static on the head is a killer. I went to an autoparts supply store and bought a tank that I could fill to 125psi from any gas station tire pump (or any compressor) for that matter. It was $60 and has served me well...everytime I fillup the gas tank, I go and fill the air tank....find a gas station that still has free air ;-)
Look for one with an airjet on it for a nozzle, if it comes with a tire fitting nozzle you may have to purchase the separate head for it...also, you may want to purchase a longer hose with it as well.
Good luck!

Mike

by xpertdragon

Thanks for all the very useful information. I have a better perspective on this compressor issue now. Either way, I think I can find a sensible way to do the job right and save some money.

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