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Compressed air - how long does it last?


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#1 Hardcore Til I Die

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Posted 29 November 2012 - 20:08

http://www.pcworld.c...810373-pdt.html

How long would something like that last? Seems expensive if it will only last for one clean of the inside of my PC!

It's grown unbearably noisy so I think the fan probably needs cleaning.

Thanks :)


#2 Hum

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Posted 29 November 2012 - 20:10

One can inflates my cat !


Using the blower from a vacuum cleaner would be cheaper.

OR

http://www.amazon.co...+Air+Compressor

Plug-in wall, blower tool

#3 TPreston

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Posted 29 November 2012 - 20:18

Not long if you waste it on fans its for cleaning the motherboard and other delicate parts not for cleaning dust off plastic or cpu coolers. If you do a lot of maintenance one of these is a great investment http://www.metrovacw...ectric%20Duster there are sellers in Europe that sell a 230v model.

Wouldn't use it on a motherboard but for fans and cpu coolers its great.

#4 OP Hardcore Til I Die

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Posted 29 November 2012 - 20:23

View PostHum, on 29 November 2012 - 20:10, said:

One can inflates my cat !


Using the blower from a vacuum cleaner would be cheaper.

OR

http://www.amazon.co...+Air+Compressor

Plug-in wall, blower tool

I read that vacuums create too much static and can damage components, is that right?

I've got a compressor for my car tyres, I might try using that!

Thanks :)

View PostTPreston, on 29 November 2012 - 20:18, said:

Not long if you waste it on fans its for cleaning the motherboard and other delicate parts not for cleaning dust off plastic or cpu coolers. If you do a lot of maintenance one of these is a great investment http://www.metrovacw...ectric%20Duster there are sellers in Europe that sell a 230v model.

Wouldn't use it on a motherboard but for fans and cpu coolers its great.

Had this PC for five years or so and I've never cleaned it :p

#5 +Phouchg

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Posted 29 November 2012 - 20:24

I'd advise to rather clean the fan by taking it out and cleaning carefully with wet cleaning wipes. There's this wretched type of fine dust that clings to fan blades and stuff and no amount of air will get that off.

Air cans are good for blowing out crap out of heatsinks and such hard or impossible to reach places and things. For everything else, wet wipes do a better job.

Now, given that you don't go nuts with it (and don't use it as a torch - which I do, it's fun!), 350ml bottle will last for quite many times.

#6 xendrome

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Posted 29 November 2012 - 20:32

Keep in mind, it's not "compressed air" in the can it's actually a gas - http://en.wikipedia....wiki/Gas_duster

#7 vetneufuse

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Posted 29 November 2012 - 20:40

I always just use an air compressor with a tank on it, I can change the PSI and just blow away with air, not a chemical using the nozzle tools... you just have to make sure you have one that doesn't let oil into the tank when compressing the air

#8 Detection

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Posted 29 November 2012 - 20:42

Until it becomes normal air :p

#9 xendrome

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Posted 29 November 2012 - 20:43

View Postneufuse, on 29 November 2012 - 20:40, said:

I always just use an air compressor with a tank on it, I can change the PSI and just blow away with air, not a chemical using the nozzle tools... you just have to make sure you have one that doesn't let oil into the tank when compressing the air

I'd be careful of condensation also, since there will be moisture in the line.

#10 +djdanster

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Posted 29 November 2012 - 20:46

If you want a manual can and not a machine, don't spend a RIDICULOUS £13!!!!!!

They're on Amazon for just under £4.50

#11 shakey

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Posted 29 November 2012 - 20:47

Compressed Air seems to last me till about the time I pull the trigger... Seriously, this **** has more than doubled in price, and seems to run out quicker than ever :p

#12 +warwagon

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Posted 29 November 2012 - 20:56

Another +1 for the DataVac Electric Duster 500. I have it, it is one of the BEST things i've bought last year. it makes PC's look like new and makes them fun to clean. Just remember to hold the fans in place as you blow them out so you don't kill the barrings.

#13 vetneufuse

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Posted 29 November 2012 - 20:58

View Postxendrome, on 29 November 2012 - 20:43, said:

I'd be careful of condensation also, since there will be moisture in the line.

yeah, that's one of the reasons you always unplug and remove CMOS batteries when cleaning, even alcohol wipes can ruin electronics when electricity is present cleaning the insides

#14 cybertimber2008

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Posted 29 November 2012 - 21:00

View Postxendrome, on 29 November 2012 - 20:43, said:

I'd be careful of condensation also, since there will be moisture in the line.
I've seen that on unmaintained compressors (not drained frequently and/or building sized ones that condensate in pipes), but for small home ones as long as you are draining the water every use or so, it should be fine for blowing the dust out of a computer.

#15 Hum

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Posted 29 November 2012 - 23:10

View Postwarwagon, on 29 November 2012 - 20:56, said:

Another +1 for the DataVac Electric Duster 500. I have it, it is one of the BEST things I've bought last year. It makes PC's look like new and makes them fun to clean. Just remember to hold the fans in place as you blow them out so you don't kill the bearings.

^ Fixed your spelling ^

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