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Buying, using and fixing your air compressor

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Bostitch Air Compressors

Bostitch air compressors is also in the business of hand tools. Why sell air compressors?

I believe that Bostitch focuses on the hand tool business, including a broad range of air tools, and they offer Bostitch air compressors to augment the sale of air tools. If you are in the market for an air tool and need an air compressor to run it, why not get a compressor from the same brand? Makes a one stop stop if you have issues with either the air tools or the compressor.

Ever wonder about how the name Bostitch came about? How about the Boston Wire Stitcher Company. Over the years the name was contracted to Bostitch.

Bostitch air compressors - www.fix-my-compressor.comThe thing is Bostitch, like so many other brands of air compressors, are not made by Bostitch. They are private-labeled for them with the Bostitch markings, and sold through the Bostitch outlets.

That they don’t make them makes the supply of spare parts, and the knowledge to specify what spare part is needed, as suspect. The Bostitch air compressors are sold through all the big box stores North America wide. Ever seen any spare parts for the Bostitch compressor pump or electric motor at any of these outlets? Not likely.

Lots of used Bostitch air compressors can be found on all on-line auction sites.

Bostitch air compressors parts and service

But if you need parts or service, where do you go?

You go here: http://servicenet.bostitch.com/

It is interesting to note that this service outlet supports Bostitch, Porter Cable, Black & Decker and DeWalt compressors and tools. Makes you think they are all connected, doesn’t it. Well they are. It seems all are part of the Black & Decker organization.

In any case, you have an issue with a Bostitch compressor you, so far, cannot solve. Post your question as a comment below. Maybe we can help, or certainly, other Bostitch air compressor users may be able to.

Make sure you include your model number, and a photo too, if you would.

Do you own and use a Bostitch air compressor? Please have a look at the questions posted, and if you can offer a suggestion, add a comment.

Other pages on this site to do with Bostitch compressors include:

  1. Air dies out on a Bostitch 6 gallon air compressor.
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Robert Yaske
November 29, 2020 12:46 pm

Not sure you received my initial question so here’s text to go with photos I sent. The pressure switch on my Bostitch CWC200ST disintegrated so I purchased a look alike one from Amazon. It’s a 4 port 80/120 cheapie. After installing it, when I started up it ran good, shut off at 120. But then all the fittings on the pressure switch started leaking air (badly). I started tightening but still leaking like crazy, around threads. Used dope of course. I’m afraid to tighten too much because it’s an aluminum casting. I pulled the check valve and cleaned that. I can’t figure out what’s going on. I’m mechanically able but compressor dumb. Hope you can help!

EEC3599D-DD73-40B4-809A-7BEE630F36F0.jpeg
1718ACBB-2F4D-413E-B2D5-221467D11C5A.jpeg
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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
November 29, 2020 3:10 pm
Reply to  Robert Yaske

I saw the earlier post but could not relate it to any earlier one, Robert.

If the compressor stops, and air is bleeding out of fittings on the pressure switch… where is the air coming from? The only place on the compressor that has stored compressed air when the compressor is not running is the air tank. How can that air be bleeding up and out of the pressure switch? It HAS to be a leaking check valve. There is no other place the air can be coming from. If you cleaned the check valve and that didn’t stop the leaks, then it’s time to replace it, as far as I’m concerned. Good luck.

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Robert Yaske
November 29, 2020 8:51 pm
Reply to  Fix My Compressor Moderator

What about where the pressure switch is connected to the tank? There’s a short line going from the tank into the pressure switch. Isn’t that where it senses the pressure in the tank?

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
November 30, 2020 10:44 am
Reply to  Robert Yaske

Good thought, but no, Robert. The “pipe” from the tank to the pressure switch has to be fully open so the pressure switch can “read” the pressure in the tank. If there are a host of leaks in the fittings in the switch, I suppose that could be the issue.

The “cheapie” switch may have a fitting issue, but normally it’s where the line connects to the fitting in the switch, not normally the threads of the fitting.

Are you saying that even after pulling the fittings, doping them, and reinserting them, there’s air leaking from the threads? Did you use a “soap test”? Thanks.

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Robert Yaske
November 30, 2020 9:25 pm
Reply to  Fix My Compressor Moderator

Yes and yes to your questions. I feel like I’m making some basic mistake here but I don’t know what it is. I think I’m going to get a new switch and check valve and give it all another try. I’ll keep you posted!

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
December 1, 2020 9:02 am
Reply to  Robert Yaske

Is there be a mismatch between fittings and threads, then? A metric thread can accept most of an NPT male, but the threads will not seal properly. Possible? That or just a crappy threading of the boss holes in the compressor.

Anyway, thanks for the update

Good luck.

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Robert Yaske
December 4, 2020 2:06 pm
Reply to  Fix My Compressor Moderator

I think you’re right, I probably have a thread mismatch situation. It’s really all that makes sense. Trouble is the problem is difficult to solve, and I’m not sure there’s anywhere to get metric threaded fittings around. Even the flare fittings are metric. I may have to retire this unit.

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
December 4, 2020 4:25 pm
Reply to  Robert Yaske

Before your do, a Google search will show many sources of metric fittings. Might be cost advantageous to chase them down rather than buy a new compressor?

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Mike Clover
April 15, 2020 6:02 pm

Bostitch pancake compressor just started this. Comes up to pressure then releases air somewhere then the compressor cycles back on.
Can you help

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
April 16, 2020 9:43 am
Reply to  Mike Clover

Be good to know where the air is coming / leaking out. In all cases like this I suggest the first thing to do is dump all the air, remove the pipe from the pump head where it connects to the tank, and make sure that the tank check valve is working. If it is not, air will leak out of the tank every time the compressor stops.

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luther Poston
March 9, 2020 6:03 pm

Have a Bostitch6 gal pancake compressor when you plug it in to receptacle nothing happens. Is there a reset switch or a fuse that would keep pump from running

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
March 9, 2020 8:57 pm
Reply to  luther Poston

Likely, but there could be other reasons. Please have a look at this link, and do the checks noted on the page. Add a comment if you’re still stuck when you’re done.

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Tony Gulyash
October 1, 2019 8:46 am

My neighbor gave me his old Stanley Bostitch “The Builders Series” compressor. I cannot find any model # markings anywhere. With some internet digging I believe it is a CWW150 model. I got the 1.5hp electric motor running and am now working on the pump. Again, the pump has no info anywhere on it. I am concerned because it needs an air intake filter and I have no idea which one to get. I have included a pic of what I have of the air intake filter. At wits end. Any info would be great. Thanks.

Bostitch CWW150 wheelbarrow compressor.jpg
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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
October 1, 2019 8:50 am
Reply to  Tony Gulyash

Tony, your post was moved to the Bostitch page and, in the transition, the image of your intake filter was lost. Sorry, please upload another.

As to which air intake filter to get, measure the port size, and make sure that whichever make or model of compressor intake filter you acquire has an intake opening at least as big as that intake port, preferably a little bigger, and I expect you’ll be good to go.

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Tim
March 23, 2019 4:47 pm

My bostitch pancake compressor would not shut off at 150 psi as it should and blows the safety valve.

I replaced the pressure switch and it continued to do the same thing.
The cutout /cut in is 150/120.

I tested the new switch and it would not open at 150 psi.(it states on the switch the cutout is 150). I felt i had a defective switch and got a new one. Same thing.

The compressor will not cut out at 150 with any of the 3 switches that were on it.

If i pull either of the two wires off of the switch the compressor will stop. I am befuddled. What else could it be on such a simple system?

bostitch-pancake-compressor.gif
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Tim
March 24, 2019 12:34 am
Reply to  Tim

Here are some pictures.

Air Compressor (2).jpg
Air Compressor Pressure Switch.jpg
Air Compressor Switch (2).jpg
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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
March 24, 2019 10:08 am
Reply to  Tim

Tim, I was working on the theory that your compressor had a larger, multi-wire, pressure switch, as opposed to one that simply closes and opens a circuit as the pressure changes in the tank. As you point out these are basic compressors with basic controls.

The symptoms of the compressor problem all continue to point to the pressure switch being the issue. And, two separate suppliers off Amazon were likely selling the same sourced pressure switches meaning that if it was a bad batch, both new ones could have been from that same source.

Do you know anyone that has a CAP 2000 that’s working? If so, “borrow” the pressure switch from that one and see what happens with it on your compressor. If the pipeline is full of failing pressure switches from the same off-shore factory, buying a new one may not even solve the problem if it comes from the same batch.

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Tim
March 24, 2019 12:47 pm
Reply to  Fix My Compressor Moderator

I agree, it HAS to be the pressure switch.. The two I got from Amazon looked different but,…. I am going get the factory part and see how that works.

I will let you know.

Thanks
TIm

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
March 23, 2019 4:55 pm
Reply to  Tim

Hi Tim. I moved your post to the Bostitch compressor page (after I fixed the commenting issue – it seems to work OK now).

The Bostitch is not shutting off at 150 PSI like it should. I get that. What I don’t know and need to is at what pressure the PRV cracks open? Just over 150 PSI, at 170 PSI, what?

I ask as none of the components on this compressor are of really high precision quality. It is possible that a compressor with a 150 PSI cut out might show 155 PSI on the gauge before it shuts off, for example. It may not be a pressure switch issue, but a gauge that’s off a bit, which is typical for one that costs about $1.00 to make and is sold for under $10.00 new.

The same applies to the pressure relief valve. It may be correctly set to crack open at 170 PSI for example, but the gauge may be showing it cracking at 166 PSI or something like that.

So please, at what gauge pressure is the PRV on this Bostitch air compressor cracking open?

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Tim
March 23, 2019 5:11 pm
Reply to  Fix My Compressor Moderator

The safety valve blows at around 172 according to the gauge. the adjustable “out” pressure reads within a pound or two of the main gauge AFTER i adjust it to its highest setting.

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
March 23, 2019 5:29 pm
Reply to  Tim

Darn, I was hoping that the PRV was cracking at 155 PSI or so, which is within the margin of error of cheap gauges. By pulling the wire off you are effectively emulating the switch, and cutting power to the motor, and it stops. That makes sense.

The problem was created as I understand it when one day the pressure in the tank blew through the normal cut out until the PRV cracked at 172 PSI so you acquired a new switch. The original pressure switch had failed requiring you to buy a new switch with the same pressure settings and voltage range and install it. Right so far?

Please double check the terminals in the new switch to see if, by chance, you’ve got black or white wires inadvertently wired to the wrong terminal. There should be one each from the power cord attached to the line / power side of the switch, and one of each from the motor attached to the the motor or load side of the switch. Make sure the ground wire is firmly attached to the ground terminal too, will you?

Wired correctly? Then are all new switches from the same source. I can only surmise that you’re into a bad batch of switches, unless… and this is a stretch, there is something in the nipple from the tank to the pressure switch that is stopping the switch from “seeing” the tank pressure.

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Tim
March 23, 2019 8:51 pm
Reply to  Fix My Compressor Moderator

First, you were right so far..

Both wires on the terminals of the switch are black. I have followed both and they are hooked up according to the pictorials on parts suppliers web site. I switched the wires on your suggestion, no go. Good idea well worth a try tho.

Ground, nice and tight.

The switches are both from Amazon, but from different sellers.

Checked the pressure getting to the switch a few days ago. Getting a bunch of pressure.

I am stumped.

.

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Russell Perkins
May 31, 2017 12:39 pm

I have a Bostitch 6gal air tank when it gets to 150psi it releases the air down to a 100psi and keeps running what do I do to fix it?

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
May 31, 2017 3:46 pm
Reply to  Russell Perkins

Please tell me from where the air is being released, Russell. Is it the PRV, for example? Where?

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Kyle
April 16, 2017 5:41 pm

I have Bostitch 150 psi 6 gallon oil less air compressor. When I turn on the compressor the tank fills and the regulator registers the air pressure. When I connect the tool I want to use to the discharge connector directly and pull the trigger air will come out of the tool itself. When I connect the tool to the end of the air hose and pull the trigger you can hear the air die out almost immediately.

I am hoping that you can confirm whether I need the entire manifold regulator assembly that i found before i buy it since its about half the cost of a new air compressor. I appreciate your help and I think this website blog was very helpful.

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
April 18, 2017 10:19 am
Reply to  Kyle

Kyle, when you insert the connector on the air tool directly into the discharge coupling, you say you have air. Does the tool run? Can you determine if it is running correctly? If so, and when you plug the same tool connector into the coupler on the air line, and you lose pressure, that points either to a connector / coupler mis-match on the air line, or, something is plugging to the hose. If the air tool dies when plugged directly into the discharge coupler on the compressor, then that suggests that the regulator is failing.

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David Orange Jr
November 6, 2016 8:08 pm

I have a new bostich compressor that keeps running, the out psi is stops at 90 and the other about 80 but keeps running and neither gauge goes up?

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
November 7, 2016 6:35 pm
Reply to  David Orange Jr

Make sure the tank drain is shut. Make sure there are no leaks. Have a look at this page: http://fix-my-compressor.com/compressor-will-not-build-pressure/

All else fails, if it’s new, take it back and ask for one that works.

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Paul Hai
June 26, 2016 8:41 am

The image shows a Bostitch Textor twin cylinder air compressor model HHG-12.

I have one of these and would like to know firstly about lubrication of the compressor and where to get more information so I can restore and maintain it properly. `

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
June 26, 2016 7:23 pm
Reply to  Paul Hai

Is it possible that your compressor is a Bostitch Textron compressor? We did see one listing on line for this model, same image in fact, but do not have any further information except that the cut in is supposed to be 115 PSI and off at 150 PSI.

As to maintaining it, drain the tank. Examine the liquid for rust and particles, which may suggest a weakened tank wall. We cannot see from the image if this compressor has an oil sump, oil fill port or dipstick. If it does not, you don’t need to be concerned about adding oil. Clean off the compressor, including carefully cleaning air intake to the motor and any cooling fins on the pump. Remove and clean the intake filter. Start it up, let it run up to 30 PSI and shut it down. Listen and look for air leaks. Drain the tank again. Start and run up to 40 PSI. Repeat, this time pulling and pushing on the PRV. Use a soft rubber mallet and tap firmly – but not hard – all over the tank watching for easily indented areas which would suggest a weakened tank wall. Any tank weldments need to be paid special attention to. You cannot be sure of the safety of any old compressor tank without a hydraulic pressure test of the tank. Be aware of that. All good. Run up the tank pressure in increments to be ensure no leaks develop. Eventually you’ll get to cut out pressure. Make sure the compressor stops there. Then open the tank drain and drop the pressure back to cut in to make sure the pressure switch works properly. Examine the gauges as they do fail over time. Keep it clean, don’t over use it, and if it is oil lubed, change the oil and keep the sump full to the sight glass or dip stick level.

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Ralph
June 16, 2016 12:43 pm

I have a Bostitch Model CAP60PB-OF COMPRESSOR THAT stopped sending air to the hose.

It shows pressure in the tank but I need to push very hard on the regulator cap to get it to pass air thru to the hose. The locking ring threads are ok but should the exterior cap also have threads that allow it to turn in to reduce the pressure and engage the diaphragm?

I need to press the cap down real hard to get air out of the hose.

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
June 16, 2016 10:11 pm
Reply to  Ralph

Howdy Ralph. It sure sounds like a regulator malfunction to us. Consider having a look at this page for some more information. http://fix-my-compressor.com/only-a-short-burst-of-air/ and this one too: http://fix-my-compressor.com/compressed-air-will-not-come-out-of-the-air-hose/.

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Josh
November 23, 2015 6:28 pm

I have a bostitch cap1580wb that is giving me a headache. The initial problem was that air would continue to drain from the unload valve while the pressure switch was set to auto. It would not stop releasing pressure. Then when the pressure got low enough the motor would try to start again but then fail and trip a breaker. I have replaced the pressure switch but have now found a new problem. The replacement switch had a lower cut off psi which I did not think would be a problem but as I have found now the compressor just keeps running. Since this is an older machine I have not been able to find any information on how to resolve this issue. Please help before I loose my noodle.

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
November 23, 2015 9:50 pm
Reply to  Josh

Interesting, when we check and see what type of compressor you have, the Bostitch part number you provided returns a gasoline powered air compressor as shown below?

bostitch-cap1580wb

Regardless, the original compressor problem was likely caused by a leaking tank check valve.

When you say the current problem is a lower cut off PSI yet the compressor keeps running? A lower PSI setting on the pressure switch should mean that the compressor turns off faster. If the pressure in the tank never gets to the cut out pressure setting however, that does not sound like a pressure switch problem, rather, it suggests you have a pump problem. Likely a valve or gasket failure, or both.

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