- Includes: 2 air outlet kits, 1 compressor manifold kit, 100' nylon tubing, and tubing cutter
- Nylon tubing designed for compressed air and unaffected by compressor oils
- No special tools or skills needed for installation; put up your system in an afternoon
- Versatile system allows compressed air access anywhere from ceiling to outside walls
- Aluminum blocks allow you to choose between surface mount, in wall, and ceiling mount
I spent a lot of time researching and reading reviews before finally deciding to get this RapidAir kit for my new workshop. I bought it because of the overall value but I was concerned, based on other reviews, that I would have problems with leaks or that the hose wouldn't stretch out straight.
Well, let me say that I didn't have any problems at all!
When I got the kit, I unrolled the hose and let it sit in my workshop for about 24 hours before attempting anything. During that time, I pulled out all the included parts and decided how I wanted the system laid out. In my case, I hooked the air compressor up to the manifold using a coupler (that wasn't included) and then installed 2 air access points on opposite ends of the workshop probably a fairly common install.
It turned out that I didn't need all of the elbow connectors that were included but I also needed some pieces that weren't in the system. That was easy enough to resolve using the standard 3/8" to 1/4" reducers that are sold inexpensively at the local home improvement stores. I also picked up some 1/2" hooks for routing the hose along the walls and ceiling of the workshop, as well as some more teflon tape since I ran out half-way through this project.
Installing the entire system only took a couple of hours. The flexible hose is very easy to work with and isn't too hard to get laid out straight especially using the 1/2" support hooks. The one thing I did was to mark the hose before making each connection to be sure it was inserted far enough into the connector.
Once the install was done, I checked for leaks and didn't find any then I was able to immediately start using the system.
Overall, I'm extremely pleased with this system! It was easy to install, relatively inexpensive, and now I have far more convenient access to compressed air in my workshop!
If you're on the fence about this, then I would say don't worry and just go for it! I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Buy RapidAir Master Kit, Model# 90500 Now
I'm less forgiving than the other reviewers here. If it's anything I hate is being nickel and dimed and especially having to run to the store or internet for more parts. What comes in the master kit is enough parts to almost install two outlets in a simple install. Their website says they listened to their customers and made the tubing more flexible. I sure feel sorry for the poor saps that got the "stiff" stuff. The first thing I did was remove the tubing and stretch it out in the 95 degree Florida sun. This had little effect. The tubing is very stiff and fights you all along the way, trying to curl up. I can live with that. Perhaps that's the best it can get. It has to handle a lot of pressure after all. But they don't supply any support clips. I don't see any way to install the system without them and they are cheap, so why not just include them in the kit? So you'll have to run to the store if you didn't order them with your kit.
There is no adapter to hook to your air compressor so don't run to the store too early, you'll need to buy one of those as well.
In the simple configuration they suggest, you will need to make an 'L' bracket to secure the manifold to the wall. I guess you could just leave it hanging by the tubes, but if you want a neat install, I don't see a way around this. The holes in the manifold, outlets and elbows are very small diameter even though they are deep. This means you have to have long small diameter screws to secure them. Such screws do exist, of course, but usually the longer the screw the larger the diameter, especially if you use tapcons, like I had to to secure the system to a concrete block wall. You are far less likely to have these in your garage, so add them to your shopping list!
If you have straight runs to your outlets from the manifold then, as mentioned you will have all of the elbows you need, as long as the straight runs come down from the ceiling, but if you need to install one under cabinets so that the tube comes in from the side or if there are any obstacles in the way at all, that you need to go around or take an extra turn, you will need two more elbows, which are not supplied. You get 4. Buying two more will set you back another $12.00 on ebay, shipped. But you'll have to wait for them to arrive unless you figure this out ahead of time. The outlets have a moisture release valve on the bottom which I presume needs to point downward, so if you come in from the side, you need an elbow to turn the outlet downward.
If you only need one outlet, then you must decide to leave the manifold out. If you include it, thinking you might expand the system later, then you're out of luck because there are no plugs to plug the second hole in the manifold. This is no big deal if you know what you want. It was a problem for me because when I came up short on elbows, I couldn't really pressure test the system to see if everything was connected properly because completely installing one outlet with the manifold in line meant that the other incomplete outlet could not be sealed up. At this point I don't have the elbows, so I don't know if it leaks yet.
You will also need to add teflon tape to your shopping list so that the metal adapters don't leak. Again, this is cheap and could be included. Strangely half of the connectors came with teflon already on the threads, but not all of them.
Finally, some installation notes. The instructions said that the tube must push in 3/4" minimum. If you pay attention to this, you will be fine. But make sure you do. When you push the tube in, it will naturally stop. Don't be fooled! Keep pushing and twist a little bit and you will feel it seat a second time. This can be very difficult and require a lot of force because the tubing is so stiff, it fights you.
You will probably want a more flexible tube to go on each end since the tubing is so stiff. Again, it would be nice if some was included, but that's not something I would have expected, just would have been nice. If you are careful, you can make a neat install, but the stiffness of the tubing always wanting to curl up makes it difficult unless you install twice as many support clips as you would expect and continually force the tubing into a straight run. Just FYI.
I may be picky, but if the kit included two or better yet four extra elbows, some teflon tape, and a bunch of support clips so that you could actually install the kit straight out of the box, I think it wouldn't be too expensive for the manufacturer and would make a big impact on the consumer.
Hope this helps someone.
Read Best Reviews of RapidAir Master Kit, Model# 90500 Here
With some trepidation I bought this product. Read the instructions, and went to their website for further info. There were articles on installation, and videos. I assembled the Manifold and Outlet as instructed. Then I the Manifold and Outlet in their respective locations. Measured the lengths of hose as I proceeded across my shop. First from the compressor to the manifold, then to the hose outlet. Then from there across the shop using a 90o angle. This went to another 90o angle down to the Outlet. Hooked up another hose with a blowing air nozzle. Turned on the compressor and used soapy water to search for any leaks.
Found one and fixed it in the nozzle. No leaks in the system. So far works great with two usable outlets for a nail gun and other tools, as well as blowing off my bench and floor.
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The Rapid Air system works great for my small personal work shop (32 x 24, 2 story). I needed to run lines to each wall on the shop (both floors) to get away from rubber hoses everywhere. Since steel pipe is hard to work with (and costly) and PVC is not safe for compressed air (read the safety warnings)I went this route. I bought two Master kits, and a few extra parts. Once installed I was thoroughly disappointed. Leaks everywhere. Then I discovered that several of the leaks were at the point the fittings were screwed into the Aluminum junction blocks (manifolds). Removing the fitting, putting on a good Teflon tape, and reinstalling, that problem was solved. (This is why I gave it a 4 star rating). I'd recommend doing this to EVERY fitting before installing. Still had some leaks where the flexible pipe went into the fitting. Make sure the pipe is cut square, and verify it is actually seated fully into the fitting. Some felt seated, but were not. Examining and reseating solved these issues. You can remove and reseat the line easily. You will feel it actually hit the wall inside the fitting. Also, allowing the flexible line to warm up before installing (I hung it in front of the heater vent) helps to unroll it and get it straight.
It has now been installed for a few months, and works great.
slightly dissapointed, complete kit is awesome works well and easy to use, only problem is the kit does not have an interface meathod to air compressor, most household singe and small 2 stage compressors use an 1/8 or 1/4" npt fitting this is all 1/2" npt so you have to make an addaptor what whould a couple of reducers cost? also no means to support hose, in their defense they did offer to sell a pak of 10 for a couple of bucks but if it where included it would be just that much easier.
BOTTOM LINE I WOULD AND MOST LIKELY WILL BUY MORE OF THESE, WILL BE DOING MY GARAGE WITH THIS SYSTEM AS WELL AS BOTH RACE CAR TRAILERS.
I have three Porter Cable finish nailers, the 18 gauge brad nailer, the 16 gauge finish nailer, and the 15 gauge angle finish nailer.
