How-To Blogs & Videos

The start of a new year is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a fresh slate for your workshop. Whether you are a professional contractor looking to streamline your workflow or a DIY enthusiast planning a major home renovation, your air compressor is the heart of your operation. However, even the best compressor is only as good as the accessories attached to it. If you’re still using the same worn-out hoses and leaky fittings from five years ago, you aren’t just lo …

The Vital Choice: Restore Your Workhorse or Start Fresh? Your air compressor is the heartbeat of your shop. Whether you’re a professional mechanic or a dedicated DIYer, you rely on it to deliver consistent power. But what happens when that power starts to fade? When you hear that tell-tale "hiss" or notice the tank is taking twice as long to fill, you’re faced with a critical decision: Do you refurbish the pump or replace the whole unit? At Master Tool Repair, we help thousands of cu …

The end of the year is more than just a time for holiday breaks—it’s the perfect opportunity to give your "shop workhorse" the attention it deserves. Your air compressor has likely worked through high humidity, dust, and heavy-duty projects all year. Without a proper year-end inspection, minor wear can turn into major downtime come January. To keep your business running smoothly, follow this essential year-end checklist: Drain the Tank & Check the Drain Valves: Moisture is the e …

Cold weather exposes weak links in any compressed air system. Thick oil, sluggish controls, and moisture turning to ice can push your motor and pump past their limits. Before the first freeze, take ten minutes to document your compressor: model and serial, motor HP, rated CFM and PSI, and the lowest ambient temperatures you expect. With those details, you can choose compatible parts and settings that keep your shop running. This guide explains why compressors struggle in the cold, which oils and …

There’s no sound more frustrating in a workshop than the failed attempt of an air compressor to start. Instead of the satisfying roar of a motor kicking on, you get a hesitant hum, a lonely click, or, worst of all, silence. When this happens, your project stops, but the solution is often simpler (and cheaper) than buying a new unit. At Master Tool Repair, we know these symptoms are clues. Here is your definitive guide to diagnosing the three most common air compressor motor issues and gett …