Inexpensive regulators

[Nostalgic Dave]

Are those cheap $10 regulator/water traps that you get at stores like Harbor Freight good enough for use with air tools in the shop, etc? Or are they like much of the other stuff sold at HF... pure junk? I see that HF sells a $30 regulator/filter unit that looks like a knock-off of the $100 Sharpe 606A... anyone have experience with that one? I'm setting up new air-lines in my shop and need to put something on my "drops". I know for the paint booth I'll go with brand name, but the rest I need to maintain the budget... but I also don't want to use junk either.

[Ed in SC.]

Hello Nostalgic Dave,
I have used this #92261 with out the oiler for 10 yrs.
This link may not work,
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...bCategoryName=

[All Dry]

Are those cheap $10 regulator/water traps that you get at stores like Harbor Freight good enough for use with air tools in the shop, etc? Or are they like much of the other stuff sold at HF... pure junk? I see that HF sells a $30 regulator/filter unit that looks like a knock-off of the $100 Sharpe 606A... anyone have experience with that one? I'm setting up new air-lines in my shop and need to put something on my "drops". I know for the paint booth I'll go with brand name, but the rest I need to maintain the budget... but I also don't want to use junk either.

I have the Sharp 880A $130.00 as the only water trap on my system and personally like it I have never seen any trace of moisture coming out of the supply line while using this trap/filter.Mike

[stealth1]

I have personally used the Sharpe 606a knock-off item 1118 from Harbor Freight and it is very well built for the money and goes on sale usually for $20. Their cheaper units like the 43242 have a plastic bowl and tend to leak and are made very cheap, but the 2 pack of disposable 38159 filters are very good for the money as a last line of defense against moisture and work just as good as a motor guard etc. that cost twice as much...................