Canned Air Duster

Lakevren · Dec 22, 2005, 07:34 AM

(didn't know where to exactly put this, so...)

Anyone know a good, cheap, but effective air duster?

You know, those spray cans, with compressed air. Put them upside down, and they freeze stuff.

Maybe discount by wholesale? I need these cans at like... 2 bucks a pop, and each can being at least 10 oz. Anything more than 2 bucks, and it gets expensive.

Or maybe a permanent alternative to it? Because to be honest, those canned air are expensive canned air.

Oh, and I tried "ReAir", which is basically refillable canned air duster... the can doesn't really last. After like a few sprays, it's out, then you have to refill it again. Really not effective. Also has a very low pressure spray by the time you get to the 5th spray.

Lowfat · Dec 22, 2005, 07:44 AM

I just use an air compessor

Razgriz · Dec 22, 2005, 07:45 AM

well, an alternative would be to go out and by a small air compressor, like for airing up bike/car tires, football etc. Just use that, its the same thing.

Btw, have you ever turned the can upside down and inhaled it. It can kinda freeze your tongue, but, it makes your voice really low. Like the exact opposite effect of helium. It's fun, albeit, dangerous. Ahh just another misuse of a common product.

Lakevren · Dec 22, 2005, 07:51 AM

Ok, can anyone link me to a good small, cheap air compressor? Good and small, being reliable... and emphasis on small (something not bigger than a shuttle pc).

Razgriz · Dec 22, 2005, 08:00 AM

well, your local lowes and home depot (or other hardware store..), would be your best bet to look at. I found a link at lowes that you could take a look at.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...o=12&N=5000952

The_Neon_Cowboy · Dec 22, 2005, 08:07 AM

go to wally would last I liiked they had one for around $40
and then you just need like a $10 attachment (asumeing that
it doesn't come with, it could)

just take care a air compressor has enough air speed to spin
a fan fast eoungh that it will fail. ( Least I've sen that happen)
so blow from a distance, works real well!!!

Lakevren · Dec 22, 2005, 08:11 AM

Hmm, Maybe I should emphasize *cheap*.

Would this work:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...otive&v=glance

riles9262 · Dec 22, 2005, 07:53 PM

I get a 3 pack at costco, the brand is heavy duty i think, and they come out to about 3-4 bucks canadian per bottle.

niceguyrichy · Dec 22, 2005, 09:46 PM

yeah. considering it's air in a can, seem's people want a lot for it.

I haven't found it for under a fiver a tin.

is it really worthwhile getting a compressor?

I run 4 comps, one server and a lappy. would it be worthwhile to buy myself one

Necrosis · Dec 22, 2005, 10:54 PM

Yeah definitely nice. Heck you can blow up your car tires, and clean out your computers. I bought one this past summer.

Babalou · Dec 22, 2005, 11:52 PM

compressors are great!
use caution with them however.
I had bought a 2.5hp compressor with tank, and it did wonders.

daedal · Dec 23, 2005, 02:52 AM

If you get a compressor to blow out your case, buy a moisture trap to put in your line.
Essentially what happens is that compressors, as their names state, compress air to store in their tanks. This is done by cooling the air so a higher ammount of it can be stored. When expelled, the air heats up rapidly therefore creating moisture. The same moisture is very oftenly found in the bottom of your tank so a moisture trap is a requirement, not a suggestion if you're going to use a compressor. I have two traps on mine when I paint: one right after the tank's output and one before my paint gun.

However, this is not required if you're going to use a straight-duty (no tank) compressor as some links above have pointed out. The downfall of these is that they are oftenly underpowered and I'm not too sure how much CFM it would generate but I don't think it's be enough to thoroughly (sp?) clean a case with. Your best bet, IMO, is to order a couple of cans online. Allot of stores offer bundle deals with 3 or more cans packaged together which greatly lowers the cost.

Refillable aircans, as far as I know, use the same process as an air compressor, only cheaper which is why they offer very little use and pressure. Use non-refillables as these are actually filled with another substance (no clue what it is) that, when it hits the ambient temperatures, evaporate into air. The advantage of that "substance" is that is can be very compressed easily. This allows for a much bigger ammount to be stored in a single can with higher pressure.

Good luck!

**dj_stick** · Dec 23, 2005, 05:21 AM

daedal it's probably nitrogen or some hydrocarbon in the cans

Razgriz · Dec 23, 2005, 07:40 AM

CO2 maybe?

Yousaif · Dec 23, 2005, 10:33 AM

From teh Wikipedia:

Canned air, also called duster or dust off, is a product consisting of liquified difluoroethane, trifluoroethane, or tetrafluoroethane in a spray can, with a very long nozzle that enables the user to direct a precisely focused blast of air. Contrary to popular belief, the cans do not contain compressed air, as inert gases such as tetrafluoroethane are much easier to compress into liquid

Lakevren · Dec 23, 2005, 11:18 AM

Anyone got a cheaper alternative to compressors? or link to a cheap (under 50 bucks) compressor that can clean?

Edit: Actually, what's a good enough compressor that I can use to clean my dusty PC? And will probably fit a blow gun accessory.

daedal · Dec 23, 2005, 12:25 PM

Any compressor that can provide, I would say, around 40PSI depdnding on the air gun you pick up.
Tank size doesnt matter as it's not for lenghty uses so you could find one pretty cheap if you go to local "cheap parts/tools" stores. If you have a Wal-Mart nearby, they usually have small no name compressors which are perfect for the job. If possible, stay away from compressors requiring oil lubrification as those tend to heat up quite a bit and can cause a mess if you're using it indoor.

If you do decide to go with a compressor, there is small maintenance to do every time you use it such as emptying the tank of moisture and air as well as lubing the bleeding valve every few uses so keep in mind that's it's not a "use it and forget it" kind of thing like cans are.

It boils down to how often do you blow out your PC: if it's a regular thing for you, then you're better off investing in a compressor, air gun and moisture trap(s). If you only blow it out once per month or bi-weekly, then air cans are the way to go. Hope this helps you out a bit.

zexx11 · Dec 23, 2005, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lakevren

Anyone got a cheaper alternative to compressors? or link to a cheap (under 50 bucks) compressor that can clean?

Edit: Actually, what's a good enough compressor that I can use to clean my dusty PC? And will probably fit a blow gun accessory.

I got tired of paying 5-6 dollars a can for compressed air also the moisture problem and bought a 2 gallon wetvac on sale at Home Depot for about 30 plus dollars.Just hook the hose end to blow and if you feel its too much pressure you can add a vent hole in the tube with a drill.

The_Neon_Cowboy · Dec 23, 2005, 01:32 PM

buy one with a tank!!!!!

Robert McClelland · Dec 31, 2005, 05:11 AM

I used air compresseer too lol ours kinda old but leaks lol. But still gets job done ever 3months if I have dust it out

Necrosis · Dec 31, 2005, 05:52 AM

Sam's Club has the 6 pack 12oz cans again for $17.00.

Dec 22, 2005, 07:34 AM	#1
Lakevren MedicalEntropy Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 294 Rep Power: 0	Canned Air Duster (didn't know where to exactly put this, so...) Anyone know a good, cheap, but effective air duster? You know, those spray cans, with compressed air. Put them upside down, and they freeze stuff. Maybe discount by wholesale? I need these cans at like... 2 bucks a pop, and each can being at least 10 oz. Anything more than 2 bucks, and it gets expensive. Or maybe a permanent alternative to it? Because to be honest, those canned air are expensive canned air. Oh, and I tried "ReAir", which is basically refillable canned air duster... the can doesn't really last. After like a few sprays, it's out, then you have to refill it again. Really not effective. Also has a very low pressure spray by the time you get to the 5th spray. __________________ [COLOR=darkorange][COLOR=SeaGreen]Opteron 170 @ 2500 MHZ (In Need of Better HSF)[/COLOR] [/COLOR] [COLOR=darkorange][COLOR=Yellow]DFI LanParty UT SLI-DR Expert[/COLOR] [/COLOR] [COLOR=red]HIS IceQ3 X1900XT @ 680/785 [COLOR=YellowGreen]Corsair XMS Pro DDR 400 1GB[/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=royalblue]CoolerMaster WaveMaster Case[/COLOR]

Dec 22, 2005, 07:44 AM	#2
Lowfat Xtreme Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Grande Prairie, AB, Can Posts: 4,254 Rep Power: 101	I just use an air compessor __________________

Dec 22, 2005, 07:51 AM	Thread Starter #4
Lakevren MedicalEntropy Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 294 Rep Power: 0	Ok, can anyone link me to a good small, cheap air compressor? Good and small, being reliable... and emphasis on small (something not bigger than a shuttle pc). __________________ [COLOR=darkorange][COLOR=SeaGreen]Opteron 170 @ 2500 MHZ (In Need of Better HSF)[/COLOR] [/COLOR] [COLOR=darkorange][COLOR=Yellow]DFI LanParty UT SLI-DR Expert[/COLOR] [/COLOR] [COLOR=red]HIS IceQ3 X1900XT @ 680/785 [COLOR=YellowGreen]Corsair XMS Pro DDR 400 1GB[/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=royalblue]CoolerMaster WaveMaster Case[/COLOR]

Dec 22, 2005, 08:07 AM	#6
The_Neon_Cowboy HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 16,009 Rep Power: 92 System Specs	go to wally would last I liiked they had one for around $40 and then you just need like a $10 attachment (asumeing that it doesn't come with, it could) just take care a air compressor has enough air speed to spin a fan fast eoungh that it will fail. ( Least I've sen that happen) so blow from a distance, works real well!!! __________________

Dec 22, 2005, 08:11 AM	Thread Starter #7
Lakevren MedicalEntropy Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 294 Rep Power: 0	Hmm, Maybe I should emphasize cheap. Would this work: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...otive&v=glance __________________ [COLOR=darkorange][COLOR=SeaGreen]Opteron 170 @ 2500 MHZ (In Need of Better HSF)[/COLOR] [/COLOR] [COLOR=darkorange][COLOR=Yellow]DFI LanParty UT SLI-DR Expert[/COLOR] [/COLOR] [COLOR=red]HIS IceQ3 X1900XT @ 680/785 [COLOR=YellowGreen]Corsair XMS Pro DDR 400 1GB[/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=royalblue]CoolerMaster WaveMaster Case[/COLOR]

Dec 22, 2005, 07:45 AM	#3
Razgriz Intelligence? Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: On the edge of insanity Posts: 1,183 Rep Power: 55	well, an alternative would be to go out and by a small air compressor, like for airing up bike/car tires, football etc. Just use that, its the same thing. Btw, have you ever turned the can upside down and inhaled it. It can kinda freeze your tongue, but, it makes your voice really low. Like the exact opposite effect of helium. It's fun, albeit, dangerous. Ahh just another misuse of a common product.

Dec 22, 2005, 08:00 AM	#5
Razgriz Intelligence? Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: On the edge of insanity Posts: 1,183 Rep Power: 55	well, your local lowes and home depot (or other hardware store..), would be your best bet to look at. I found a link at lowes that you could take a look at. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...o=12&N=5000952

Dec 22, 2005, 07:53 PM	#8
riles9262 Driverheaven brewmaster Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: British Columbia, Canada Posts: 4,842 Rep Power: 72 System Specs	I get a 3 pack at costco, the brand is heavy duty i think, and they come out to about 3-4 bucks canadian per bottle. __________________ A beer a day keeps the doctor away.

Dec 22, 2005, 10:54 PM	#10
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Yeah definitely nice. Heck you can blow up your car tires, and clean out your computers. I bought one this past summer.

Dec 22, 2005, 11:52 PM	#11
Babalou HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 132 Rep Power: 0	compressors are great! use caution with them however. I had bought a 2.5hp compressor with tank, and it did wonders.

Dec 23, 2005, 02:52 AM	#12
daedal Uber Coffee Drinker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gatineau, Quebec Posts: 2,250 Rep Power: 0	If you get a compressor to blow out your case, buy a moisture trap to put in your line. Essentially what happens is that compressors, as their names state, compress air to store in their tanks. This is done by cooling the air so a higher ammount of it can be stored. When expelled, the air heats up rapidly therefore creating moisture. The same moisture is very oftenly found in the bottom of your tank so a moisture trap is a requirement, not a suggestion if you're going to use a compressor. I have two traps on mine when I paint: one right after the tank's output and one before my paint gun. However, this is not required if you're going to use a straight-duty (no tank) compressor as some links above have pointed out. The downfall of these is that they are oftenly underpowered and I'm not too sure how much CFM it would generate but I don't think it's be enough to thoroughly (sp?) clean a case with. Your best bet, IMO, is to order a couple of cans online. Allot of stores offer bundle deals with 3 or more cans packaged together which greatly lowers the cost. Refillable aircans, as far as I know, use the same process as an air compressor, only cheaper which is why they offer very little use and pressure. Use non-refillables as these are actually filled with another substance (no clue what it is) that, when it hits the ambient temperatures, evaporate into air. The advantage of that "substance" is that is can be very compressed easily. This allows for a much bigger ammount to be stored in a single can with higher pressure. Good luck! __________________

Dec 23, 2005, 07:40 AM	#14
Razgriz Intelligence? Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: On the edge of insanity Posts: 1,183 Rep Power: 55	CO2 maybe?

Dec 23, 2005, 11:18 AM	Thread Starter #16
Lakevren MedicalEntropy Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 294 Rep Power: 0	Anyone got a cheaper alternative to compressors? or link to a cheap (under 50 bucks) compressor that can clean? Edit: Actually, what's a good enough compressor that I can use to clean my dusty PC? And will probably fit a blow gun accessory. __________________ [COLOR=darkorange][COLOR=SeaGreen]Opteron 170 @ 2500 MHZ (In Need of Better HSF)[/COLOR] [/COLOR] [COLOR=darkorange][COLOR=Yellow]DFI LanParty UT SLI-DR Expert[/COLOR] [/COLOR] [COLOR=red]HIS IceQ3 X1900XT @ 680/785 [COLOR=YellowGreen]Corsair XMS Pro DDR 400 1GB[/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=royalblue]CoolerMaster WaveMaster Case[/COLOR] Last edited by Lakevren; Dec 23, 2005 at 11:32 AM.

Dec 23, 2005, 12:25 PM	#17
daedal Uber Coffee Drinker Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gatineau, Quebec Posts: 2,250 Rep Power: 0	Any compressor that can provide, I would say, around 40PSI depdnding on the air gun you pick up. Tank size doesnt matter as it's not for lenghty uses so you could find one pretty cheap if you go to local "cheap parts/tools" stores. If you have a Wal-Mart nearby, they usually have small no name compressors which are perfect for the job. If possible, stay away from compressors requiring oil lubrification as those tend to heat up quite a bit and can cause a mess if you're using it indoor. If you do decide to go with a compressor, there is small maintenance to do every time you use it such as emptying the tank of moisture and air as well as lubing the bleeding valve every few uses so keep in mind that's it's not a "use it and forget it" kind of thing like cans are. It boils down to how often do you blow out your PC: if it's a regular thing for you, then you're better off investing in a compressor, air gun and moisture trap(s). If you only blow it out once per month or bi-weekly, then air cans are the way to go. Hope this helps you out a bit. __________________

Dec 23, 2005, 01:32 PM	#19
The_Neon_Cowboy HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 16,009 Rep Power: 92 System Specs	buy one with a tank!!!!! __________________

Dec 31, 2005, 05:11 AM	#20
Robert McClelland PAX Tweaker, PAX Expert. Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Somewhere in Wood County Ohio Same Town :) Posts: 10,648 Rep Power: 196 System Specs	I used air compresseer too lol ours kinda old but leaks lol. But still gets job done ever 3months if I have dust it out __________________ "XTREME AUDIO IS CRAP!" "There no support for it. It's crapist card on face of the earth it should be throw into the sun" http://www.speedtest.net/result/1949536385.png

Dec 31, 2005, 05:52 AM	#21
Necrosis HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,838 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Sam's Club has the 6 pack 12oz cans again for $17.00.