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Snap On Air Compressors

Wondering about Snap On air compressors?

Most folks in North America are familiar with the mid-size white vans with Snap On emblazoned in big red letters all over them, traveling their routes, and selling well-reputed Snap On Tools to shops and garages on the way.

As part of their product mix, Snap On offers their customers Snap On brand air compressors as well.

They have other channels to market for the Snap On air compressor range. They sell their shop / garage line of air compressors on line through their own web site, and their route sales people. The on line perception is that these products are of very good quality.

Fix My Compressor - Snap On air compressorsSnap On compressors are also available from Amazon, and other on line outlets. Many big box stores like Costco and The Home Depot sold Snap On compressors and presently they are still available from Northern Tool. The perception at on line news groups is that the Snap On compressors available from retail outlets are not the same quality as those bought directly from Snap On.

Who Makes Snap On Air Compressors?

Snap On does not manufacture their air compressors. Like other major retailers Snap On shops at various compressor companies for their compressors, buying a range or model from one, other models from other companies, all branded with the recognized Snap On brand.

Users indicate that over the years Snap On Air compressors have been built for them by companies such as Rolair and The Big Red One  made by Sleegers Engineered Products Inc.  in Canada. Another Canadian company, Brahma Compressors is said to have made compressors for Snap On as well. The thing is, even these companies don’t make all the parts, but assemble various components into a finished compressor that is labeled as Snap On.

Various Manufacturer’s Mean Parts Supply Issues

When you buy a Snap On air compressor, it is going to fail! Not just Snap On compressors will fail, of course, but when you buy any brand of air compressor and start using it, the clock is running, and one day, something will fail and your air compressor won’t work.

Where do you get parts for your Snap On air compressor?

The logical place to start is their customer service line from 8-5, Central Time, Monday to Friday: toll free number at 877-762-7664. You will want to have the model number and probably even any serial numbers handy when you call. Ask their service people about parts and if they are no longer available for your model, do they know who made the compressor for Snap On originally. If they have that info, contact the original manufacturer for parts availability.

Depending on what has gone wrong with your Snap On air compressor, many parts can be sourced elsewhere. Pressure switches, PRV valves, regulators and the like need not be Snap On brand to work on their air compressor.

Post your question or ask for parts help here!

This is your forum page about Snap On air compressors. Post a question, offer advice, however you can help with Snap On air compressors, this is the page to do it. Please note that questions or postings not related to Snap On air compressors will not be published on this page.

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Timothy Brown
January 7, 2021 12:21 pm

I have a snap on 2 stage compressor built by big red. Model number BRA618V and Serial number 530487. The head gasket blew out and I have the new one. I need the torque specs for the head bolts and sequence or is it normal cross side to side. Thanks!!

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
January 7, 2021 12:34 pm
Reply to  Timothy Brown

There are sites that show pump head torque specs, just not for this specific Snap On air compressor. Happy to post this in the hope someone has those, eitherwise, if it were mine, I’d look a what’s out there and tighten to the mid-to-upper range of what I was seeing. Good luck.

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Nathalie
November 19, 2020 1:56 pm

Hello, I have the Costco Snap On 15 Gallon air compressor, model #871000C, with a broken cylinder head. I need a new cylinder head and the cylinder head gasket. Where can I buy a replacement ??? I called Alltrade and they can’t help me. Thxs

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
November 19, 2020 3:00 pm
Reply to  Nathalie

Another vendor of consumer air compressors with no supply chain to help buyers after market issues. Is there a pump model number anywhere on any plates on the compressor? If so, Google “parts for xxxx compressor pump” to see if the actual manufacturer may have parts. Failing that, we’ll throw this request out into the internet world in the hopes some kind individual can assist. Good luck.

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joe
October 21, 2020 7:40 pm

hello i have a 30 gallon snap on verticle air compressor from 2003. the model # is bra5dv30vp. the model number on the jug is15max/dekko. it will only build approx 50 psi, i had this issue before and turned the reed valves over and it fixed the issue. but now i think its time for new ones. anyone have any leads on where to source them from as so far snap on has not been able to help.

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
October 22, 2020 10:39 am
Reply to  joe

I don’t have a picture of the reeds, so don’t know if this compressor has a plate or just the flappers. If the latter, folks have written that you can make your own out of spring stock. Lot’s of pages and comments on this site about how to do that.

I googled “flapper valve replacement for compressors” and found a number of sources. Measure the ones you have and see if any of the off brands might work too.

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Marc London
September 16, 2020 10:17 pm

I have 2 of the Costco Snap On 20 Gallon air compressors both with broken air manifolds. The air manifold that the 3 gauges screw into and the 2 hose fittings . Where can I buy a replacement??? Thxs

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
September 17, 2020 8:56 am
Reply to  Marc London

You could try the Snap On help line (see the Snap On website) but it’s doubtful as I can see no sign of these on line. I can’t see the manifold as there are no photos of it I can find. It is possible that your can “cobble in” another compressor manufacturers manifold. There are some available. Goggle “air compressor regulator manifold” to find a bunch. If that won’t work, you can build your own out of a selection of brass fittings (nipples, bushings, tees, elbows etc) available from a decent plumbing supply distributor.

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mike
May 29, 2020 7:27 am

looking at buying a snap on compressor bra6180v but the pressure switch/ contactor switch is missing. Cant seem to find that part or the correct part number anywhere. anyone have any information on that?

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
May 29, 2020 10:39 am
Reply to  mike

The part number bra6180v refers to the pump and is not the model number of the compressor. Can you find the model number of the compressor?

Description
SNAP-ON
5-7.5 HP TWO STAGE
AIR COMPRESSOR PUMP

PART# BRA6180V, BRA7180V, BRA8180V, BRA8380V, 0203
PAC# PMP22K30CHTHIS TWO STAGE PUMP WILL FIT OR REPLACE MOST BRANDS. AT 5HP, IT HAS AN RPM OF 800 AND AN ACFM OUTPUT OF 16.01 @ 175PSI. AT 7.5HP, IT HAS AN RPM OF 1200 AND AN ACFM OUTPUT OF 23.63 @ 175PSI.

CAST-IRON CYLINDER AND ALUMINUM-STANDARD FLYWHEEL
COMES W/ 15.16″ OD FLYWHEEL AND AIR FILTER
Source: http://www.pacificaircompressors.com

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Victor
May 9, 2020 11:25 am

I am looking for a motor for mod# 691915 air compressor. I am looking in Canada. 120 15 amp. Oil fill.

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Jim O'Hara
May 17, 2020 5:05 pm
Reply to  Victor

Any luck finding a motor ?

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
May 9, 2020 4:43 pm
Reply to  Victor

Did you try here:

CANADA CUSTOMER SERVICE

Canadian General Customer Service Locations, or to find the name of your local Snap-on Dealer
Western Canada: 800-263-8665
Eastern Canada: 800-665-8665

Comments or Questions contact us by e-mail

canadianquestions@snapon.com

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John
February 17, 2020 1:57 pm

Have a Snap-On Compressor Model No. BRA514V, Serial No. 261349
that needs a head gasket that leaks a very small amount of oil
Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
February 17, 2020 2:05 pm
Reply to  John

Yeah John, none that I can find anywhere either. You may have to make your own. Here’s one way.

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Dan
September 25, 2019 6:17 pm

Where do you find parts for a snap on air compressor model # 691915 in Canada?

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Matt
September 27, 2019 2:00 pm
Reply to  Dan

I also am looking for parts for this compressor in Canada, the manifold which looks to be white metal is broken. I believe this was supplied by Alltrade tools. I reached out to customer service for Alltrade via email but they couldn’t bother getting back to me.

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Matt
October 1, 2019 12:55 pm
Reply to  Matt

Just sent another message via the website… Now we wait and see if they contact me.

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Ryley
October 25, 2020 5:39 pm
Reply to  Matt

Looking to find this same part. Please post how everything works out

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
October 2, 2019 12:11 pm
Reply to  Matt

Good luck, Matt. You may have to simply Google compressor regulator manifolds and pick one that’s closest to the existing one.

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
September 25, 2019 6:24 pm
Reply to  Dan

What parts are you looking for? Some think that Campbell Hausfeld supplied this compressor to Snap On, but you’d likely have to contact them in the U.S.

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
September 25, 2019 6:23 pm
Reply to  Dan

I guess it would depend on what parts you are looking for. Some think this compressor is supplied by Campbell Hausfeld, so you might try them, but figure out what you need, first.

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Devale
September 15, 2019 5:39 pm

I have a air compressor that has a oil leak on the frunt ware the plat bolts on the frunt of the piston i cant see how the rubber gasket go on to seal it

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
September 15, 2019 5:43 pm
Reply to  Devale

I take it you’ve tried to tighten the existing bolts, with no luck. Wish I could see a photo of where the oil leak is. Perhaps you could upload one using the comment camera icon?

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Bob
August 21, 2019 10:01 pm

I own a Snap On Vertical 20 gal Compressor, product number 870765, the flat metal valve the controls the air intake into the compressor cratered… it is part number 691915-5. Any ideas on where I can get this part? I hear other companies made compressors for Snap On, possibly these parts can be sourced from the other manufacturer?

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
August 22, 2019 2:25 pm
Reply to  Bob

You might try Campbell Hausfeld, and if not them, call Snap On and ask who their other manufacturers of compressors are so you can contact each. That, or make your own using spring stock cut to size.

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Nathan B Roberts
August 19, 2019 1:17 pm

Found this page while trying to figure out which air compressor I have. I received a horizontal 2 HP white air compressor 2nd-hand that says Snap-On on the side, but I cannot figure out what model it is. The name plates I can find are for the motor, a Century motor that is a 230 Volt M56 frame, also says Gould(?)
And the tank says Melben Products Co. Inc. But I can’t find any sort of overall part number. Even though I was told it worked last time they used it I don’t want to start it up until I know I’ve checked the oil properly. Any idea what this is? I checked the snap-on website and they don’t have anything that is only 2HP.

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
August 19, 2019 5:31 pm
Reply to  Nathan B Roberts

Snap On still sells, though they don’t make any of the compressors they sell, as far as we know. You might contact Campbell Hausfeld 800-543-6400, Mon Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST as they evidently made compressors for Snap On.

Melben was in the compressor business too, their company originating in the sheet metal business, and perhaps they made the tank on your compressor.

This style is commonplace, and many parts off of other compressors will fit. You don’t show the whole pump, and I missed seeing if there was an oil fill port on top of yours as the photo doesn’t show the whole pump top. In the photo of the compressor you can see the oil drain plug at the bottom of the pump. With care, drain the oil from this port, and as far as what oil, visit your local hardware or big box store and acquire “Compressor Lubricating Oil”, not air tool oil, and you’ll be fine with that. Also, don’t use any oils that have detergents, and this leaves out auto / truck oil too. Just get “compressor lube oil” and that’s work OK.

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larry
August 6, 2019 8:31 pm

I have a 15 gal air compressor that only goes to 20 lbs pressure but keeps running and doesn’t build more than 20lbs.

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
August 7, 2019 8:54 am
Reply to  larry

Larry, that symptom typically points to a valve or gasket problem in the compressor pump. Either the valves are letting air in and out of the pump and not into the tank, or they are simply cycling air in the pump. A leaking gasket results in the same issue.

Probably time for a pump kit, and if you Google “parts for xxxx” where the xxxx is the make and model you’ll soon find out if kits are even available.

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Chad
August 1, 2019 3:56 pm

Looking for a rebuild kit for a model BRA718 serial 7E31361 I had found one about 5 years ago but lost the information . The electric motor is fine but the pump has blown a head gasket

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DAK
August 30, 2019 2:20 pm
Reply to  Chad

Try Big Red @ 1-800-231-5203–ask for Brian

(Phone number is for BRAMA, Division of SLEEGERS Tanks Inc., 5855 Kopetsky Dr., Suite I, Indianapolis, IN – Moderator)

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
August 1, 2019 6:27 pm
Reply to  Chad

I couldn’t find a photo of this compressor, nor could I find a source for parts. However, others have reported on other sites that they have been successful cutting out their own compressor pump gaskets from high heat gasket material purchased from an auto supply shop. Maybe this is an option?

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Chad
August 1, 2019 7:15 pm
Reply to  Fix My Compressor Moderator

Tried that once already and didn’t work

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
August 2, 2019 5:06 pm
Reply to  Chad

Dang. Sorry to hear that. One site I found suggests that Rolair can supply parts for older Snap On air compressors. Have you tried them yet? http://www.rolair.com

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gene
July 17, 2019 2:37 pm

i need the diagram for wiring in the starter box the model number is bra15312h snap on compressor. 10 hp 3 phase for every wire in there .

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Jerry Betts
July 4, 2019 4:20 pm

Model#BRA5DV30VP. The motor spins fine but the pump trys to lock up for what ever reason. Can I replace the pump if so where to purchase.

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Tim
August 19, 2017 1:27 pm

I have an 80 gal. Snap on compressor model# bra7180v and i dont think ive ever heard the tank draining. I was told that the drain was automatic but my owners manual refers to a manual petcock. Am i able to manually drain tank? If not is there a check process that i can do.

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
August 19, 2017 2:30 pm
Reply to  Tim

Snap On compressor drain petcock

I’ve uploaded an image of the Snap On bra7180v and added an arrow where, typically, the tank drain petcock is located. It is usually at the lowest point in an air compressor tank, to facilitate draining all the captured water.

Yes, you are able to manually drain the tank, and you should get in the habit of doing so regularly to help prevent standing water in the tank, and the ensuing corrosion of the inner wall over time.

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Ryan
May 24, 2017 3:31 pm

7 HP, 230V 1-Phase Baldor motor on 80-gallon Snap-On compressor started buzzing/stalling for about 1-1.5 seconds when it kicks on. Replaced the two capacitors, but that did not cure it. Spec sheet lists “mag starter,” is this an internal centrifugal switch that switches it from start to run windings as it starts up? Could that be the issue? Do you know of any drawings on how to get to it/replace it? Thanks very much.

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David Mansker
March 27, 2017 3:09 pm

My Br223p ser391699 has a blown out 1/4 inch quick release tube that plugs to the out let manifold where can I buy the tubing I need here in Phoenix Arizona.

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
March 27, 2017 4:23 pm
Reply to  David Mansker

This is a case where a photo would do much to let others help you, David. I cannot find an image of your Snap On air compressor Br223p, and I am not sure, from your description, just what tube you speak of. Can you please add a couple of images of the area on the compressor where this tube is?

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Mark Shipman
February 3, 2020 4:27 am
Reply to  Fix My Compressor Moderator

Do you have operators manual for this model….mine is a bra233p but hopefully is similar to yours. Can’t find it anywhere on the internet so would greatly appreciate it if you can post a pdf copy.

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
February 3, 2020 8:35 am
Reply to  Mark Shipman

I am sorry Mark. I do not. If anyone has this manual, please upload it as an attachment to a comment on this thread. Thanks.

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Rob-B
March 11, 2017 10:39 pm

Hey there. ..I have model BRA5dv30vp 30 gallon serial # Jac15099-122 compressor…when I bought the compressor brand new…I had no issues…now it only gets to about 40 psi and then blows the breaker…I had an electrician test it…and its drawing 45 amps instead of the max 25…anyone ever had these issues? Any help would be greatly appreciated! !!
Blessings
Rob-B

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
March 12, 2017 11:23 am
Reply to  Rob-B

Please see the page on this site about how to check your compressor motor capacitors, and then check them. Unless you’ve had a radical change in the electrical circuits supplying the compressor, I believe that the caps are the issue with your current Snap On compressor issue.

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Harry Vickers
December 21, 2016 11:27 pm

I need to buy an DRC manifold for snap on air compressor 870765 20 gal vertical. Pls help me. The manifold was broken.

Thank you,
HARRY VICKERS

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
December 22, 2016 9:15 pm
Reply to  Harry Vickers

When I Googled manifold for snap on air compressor 870765 I found many sources of what appears to be the manifold, Harry. If none of them suit, you can build your own using the various parts from the existing manifold, and using brass fittings to recreated the manifold.

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homer
October 17, 2016 8:41 pm

who sells parts for snap on compressor model 871000c. looking for a rebuild kit. thanks

Reply to original poster or commenter
Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
October 17, 2016 9:39 pm
Reply to  homer

Try contacting them directly:
Snap-on Incorporated
P.O. Box 1410
Kenosha, WI 53141-1410, U.S.A.
T: 262-656-5200
W: http://www1.snapon.com

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Ronnie
June 22, 2016 10:53 am

I purchased this compressor used for my friends Bodyshop but while being transported some careless person pulled off the yellow wires show in picture, how do I properly connect these yellow wires

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
June 23, 2016 9:22 am
Reply to  Ronnie

Ronnie, sorry, no image accompanied your post. Please start again, and upload the photo you refer to please.

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Kenny forrest
July 26, 2015 12:46 pm

Thanks for help about unloader valve . Fitted new one now the air escapes through the unloader valve all the time till tank
is empty. Took out tank check valve, it was very corroded and seized needs a new one . Where can I get one ?

Reply to original poster or commenter
Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
July 26, 2015 4:44 pm
Reply to  Kenny forrest

If you Google your model number, you will find parts for some of them. Otherwise, simply Google compressor tank check valve to find an assortment. Pick the one that is the same as yours.

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Kenny forrest
May 11, 2015 10:40 am

I have snap on 2.2 kW single phase compressor 200 ltr tank iIt starts up fine on empty tank ,goes off at right pressure .When tank pressure reaches 80 psi motor tries to start but just buzzes and blows 13 amp fuse in plug top Its like there is tank pressure on top of the Pistons making it difficult for restart

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Anthony
October 14, 2015 9:53 am
Reply to  Kenny forrest

About the: “I have snap on 2.2 kW single phase compressor”. Kenny i believe it may be the start capacitor..Try spinning the motor with the belt attached! Also another way is to drain the tank an see if the motor still hums. If still hums i would get a new start capacitor or at least look into that area..Good luck

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
May 15, 2015 11:11 am
Reply to  Kenny forrest

Kenny, we think that the problem with your Snap On compressor is that the unloader valve may not be working. If air is trapped over the piston, it adds too much load to the motor circuit, and often the motor will buzz and the breaker let go. See the page on this topic on this site.

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