how would i fill up a 5 gallon air tank?

Question

I've read on a site that you could fill up those 5 gallon air tanks with those cheapie emergency tire inflators to about 42 psi just before the inflator starts to smell like smoke. I need to fill it close to the maximum psi level which is 135. What is the cheapest and easiest way to accomplish this? Can I do this at the air machine at the gas station? Thank you for your answers!!

Mr Cellophane-

The 5 gallon tank is rated for a maximum 135 psi.

Answer 1

DON'T use an emergency tire inflator. They squirt in a bunch of other stuff that will mess up your air tank. The gas station air machine will work fine. You might not be able to fill it to the max, but you'll have enough to fill up or top off a low tire or two.

If there is no air gauge on the tank, be sure and bring a tire pressure gauge. Those on the air hoses at gas stations are rarely correct.

Plan 2. Find a friend who has an air compressor at home, or even one that plugs into a car lighter and use it.

Answer 2

5 Gallon Air Tank

Answer 3

The first question I would ask is, "What pressure is your 5 gallon tank rated for?" I purchased one and it is not rated for 135 psi. It is unsafe, very unsafe to put more pressure in it than it is rated for. Industrial businesses usually have compressors that can pump to the pressure you are interested in. But most take these pressures down to 80 psi when being used for safety reason for the people using it.

Answer 4

Fill it up at the gas station, but bring an air pressure guage with you, otherwise the tank could blow up in your face...(if the tank doesn't have a guage on it already).!!