Let’s say you have a paint gun and are rushing on the battlefield with your teammates. Unfortunately, your tank ran out midway. What would you do?
Of course, you will need to refill your paintball tanks to return the game. Yet, it’s not as simple as when you pump your tires.
It is impossible to use a tire inflator to fill your paintball tanks. You will need the help of compressors instead.
So how to fill a paintball tank with an air compressor?
Let’s read on to get the correct answer!
What Are Paintball Tanks?
This part provides the pressure source to power a paintball gun (or marker). Used gas comes in two primary types: CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) and compressed air.
In the case of Carbon Dioxide, when CO2 converts from liquid into a gas state, it will expand and create pressure that fires the paintballs.
On the other hand, the compressed air tank is pressurized up to the rating of 3000 or 4500 PSI.
After that, pressure is regulated through the regulator down to a lower PSI (from 450 to 850) to shoot the paintball.
How To Fill A Paintball Tank With An Air Compressor?
Step 1: Identify the Maximum PSI
Before refilling, determine how much PSI they can hold is needed. You can usually find this information on the sticker.
On average, the capacity ranges from 4,500 to 5,000 PSI. Remember to never go too beyond the tanks’ capacity.
For CO2 tanks, start with refrigerating them to stabilize their temperature. Thanks to that, you can refill them without any problem.
Step 2: Let the Air Go Out
Before filling CO2 or HPA tanks, ensure no air is inside them. It is easy to release the air. All you need to do is open the valve to allow the air to go out.
We recommend doing it in a safe place to prevent troubles related to breathing.
Step 3: Connect the Compressor
After removing the air, it is time to connect its nozzle to the nozzle of a compressor. Make sure these nozzles are matched and connected correctly.
Step 4: Turn Your Compressor On
Once you’ve correctly connected your tank to a compressor, you will need to install your compressor.
Refilling may take a few minutes, depending on the compressor you choose and the size of your tanks.
Ensure the power cable of your compressor is connected properly.
Step 5: Keep an Eye on the Gauges
You will need to pay attention to the gauges when refilling. One gauge is on your compressor, while another is on your gun.
Closely tracking these gauges are needed when refilling to countercheck the function of the gauge. In most cases, these gauges move similarly.
Step 6: Never “Quickly Fill”
One of the common mistakes that many players make when refilling is doing it too quickly. It takes place when players push the lever or button too much.
It can seriously damage your tank, so avoiding rushing or doing it quickly is best.
Step 7: Releasing the pressure
Once you have refilled your paintball tank, remember that some air is still inside your compressor and is ready to pass into your tank.
Some users forget it, and they end up with issues later. The leftover air might be released through your compressor’s release valve.
If you push this valve, all the leftover air will be released.
If you forgot to release the pressure before removing the hose, your tanks would likely experience a problem requiring replacement.
Step 8: Remove the Hose
Once you have released all the pressure, it is time to remove the hose from the fill nipple of your tank by a pull.
After removing the hose, put it gently back in one safe compartment. Then, you are all set to return to the battlefield.
Safety Tips to Consider When Using a Tank
- We recommend taking the tank for inspection at least once every five years.
- Do not rush when filling up paintball tanks. If you fill them up quickly, they will lose PSI when they cool off.
- Ensure it is empty when refilling.
- Avoid overfilling your tanks beyond their PSI limit.
- Avoid dropping the paintballs.
- Remember that compressed air is very explosive. So never do this near flammable substances.
- Never try to clean things using compressed air as it might cause severe damage and injury. Instead, you should use specific air cans.
- Please do not leave paintball tanks in a hot car or the sun as they can explode and stain around.
FAQs
Is Paintball Safe?
The answer is yes. Just obey the rules, have fun, and you will not go far wrong, yet, sometimes injuries still happen. So, compliance with regulations is essential.
How to Store A Paintball Tank?
We recommend storing it in a dry, clean area.
You should keep it away from other lighter fluids, gasses, and flammable materials. Also, ensure it’s out of reach of animals and your kids.
If you want to store it for a long time, such as two to three months, it is wise to release the air in one safe area outdoors.
But if you want to keep one filled tank, store it in one temperature-controlled room.
How Much PSI Should Tanks Have?
The PSI level will depend on the kind of paintballs and the size of the tanks.
Can I Fill Paintballs at A Gas Station?
It’s not a good idea. Most tires work well with a psi range of 30 to 35, which may not be effective at refilling your tank, especially for tanks that support at least 1000 PSI.
It is best to refill paintball or scuba shops.
What Kind of Air Compressor Should I Use for Refilling?
You should consider an air compressor that features at least a 4500 PSI.
Although this pump may be expensive, it will work well for filling tanks. Also, using it is easy.
How Many Kinds of Paintball Tanks Are There?
Three kinds of paintball tanks are available, including CO2, Nitrogen, and Compressed Air Tanks.
Nitrogen models are far less standard than compressed air and CO2 ones.
Which Paintball Tank Is More Popular?
When comparing CO2 and HPA tanks, most players favor HPA ones, meaning most players like to use HPA rather than CO2.
The reason is that temperature significantly affects CO2.
If the ambient temperature of your tank is too hot, the liquid inside it will likely expand and damage your tank.
If the temperature is too cold, the CO2 will contract, resulting in a drop in the pressure inside your tank. So, you won’t be able to shoot at a long distance.
Since paintball matches often take place in places where it can be too cold and hot, this can be a significant drawback for CO2 tank users.
So why do some players go with the CO2 models? It is about the price. CO2 tanks are cheaper and cleaner if you care about the environment, but they are not as efficient as HPA.
Is Paintball Dangerous?
Serious injuries related to paintball can be ear injuries, eye injuries, and even death. Meanwhile, common minor ones include welts, cuts, and bleeding.
Twisted ankles and sprains also happen, and there are some cases where players suffer breathing difficulties after being shot in their throats.
But despite what you may think, this sport is very safe compared to others.
You are 19 times more likely to suffer a severe injury playing soccer than you’re participating in paintball.
How to Prevent Paintball Injuries?
The following are common ways to prevent bystander and participant injuries. These include:
- Players must be at least fourteen years old.
- Qualified referees.
- Players should undergo safety orientation, including safety rules, course layout, and equipment use.
- Get goggles and other defensive gear.
- Player-supplied goggles should undergo testing before playing.
- Use the right footwear, such as athletic shoes and hiking boots.
- Strictly obey all safety requirements like wearing eye goggles.
Wrapping It Up
Refilling paintball tanks is not as complicated as it seems.
You can do this project yourself without the help of professionals, as long as you follow our guide. Once you do it the right way, go have fun paintballing!
But if you do not have the skills to do it correctly or the time to spend working on it, you can always get help from an expert.
Our post has carefully explained the simple steps you must follow to refill your paintball tank with a compressor. Hopefully, it is helpful to you.
Thanks for stopping by!