The paintball CO2 tank is a crucial component of the game. It is used to fire the paintball gun and keep it in action. Just like most tanks, paintball tanks also run out of gas. This implies that you will be required to refill your tank from time to time. Now the question arises how to fill the paintball tank with an air compressor? Or how to fill the paintball tank in another way?
Paintball guns use the CO2 tank to operate. Refilling a CO2 tank can be difficult, but this article will help you in your quest to refill your paintball tank or at least guide you through the process.
There are two ways in which you can fill up your CO2 tank:
✔ With a paintball air compressor
✔ By taking it to a welding shop or a dive shop
But first you need to see what type of paintball tank you have.
CO2 Tanks vs. Compressed Air
The most common types of gas used in paintball are carbon dioxide or compressed air. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most common gas used, but compressed air is quickly becoming a popular option because CO2 can decrease the performance of your marker in cold weather.
In colder temperatures, CO2 can cause condensation inside the marker, which can shorten the life of your gun and block the valve, which will prevent you from firing your marker.
Compressed air does not have this problem because it does not cause condensation in colder temperatures. If you live in a cold climate, you should use compressed air rather than CO2 for this reason.
How to Fill Paintball Tank With Air Compressor/Filling Steps
➡ Preparing your Tank for Refilling
When you are going to fill your paintball tank with an air compressor, you must determine whether or not it is empty. Most markers will have a gauge on them that shows the amount or level of Carbon dioxide present in them. Make sure the paintball tank is empty and the valve is in the closed position.
If the paintball tank has a built-in bleed valve (most new tanks do), then open it to relieve any pressure in the tank before beginning to fill.
➡ Gather Equipment
Before you get initiated, bring in sure you have the right equipment.
You would need an air compressor, a refill adapter, and a regulator to avoid overfilling.
You’ll also need a wrench and screwdriver to attach the adapter to your CO2 tank.
Tip: Adjust your regulator so that it reads between 2,500 and 2,900 psi. If you don’t have a regulator, make sure that your air compressor doesn’t exceed 3,000 psi output pressure.
➡ Attach Air Compressor
One of the best ways to fill a CO2 paintball tank is to use a paintball tank refill adapter. You’ll need a compressor that’s capable of filling up your CO2 tank, and an adapter that will allow you to connect it to the tank. This adapter can be screwed into the compressor so that you don’t have to worry about any leakage.
Open the shut-off valve on your air compressor and allow it to fill with air until it stops.
Attach an air hose to the outlet of your air compressor. The end of the hose will have a quick-disconnect fitting on it that will attach directly to your paintball tank’s fill nipple.
Tip: Connect the free end of your hose to your paintball tank’s fill nipple and begin filling. Remember that most CO2 tanks are rated for 3,000 psi max fill pressure – if you’re using one of these tanks, stop filling as soon as you reach this pressure mark on your gauge.
➡ Release pressure to Avoid Overfilling
Make sure that you have a regulator attached between the air hose and your paintball tank – this will prevent you from overfilling or damaging your paintball tank. After you have filled your tank, there must be some gas present in the compressor. So you must release the pressure to make it free of excess air that can cause serious issues later.
➡ Detach the Hose
Last step is to detach the hose from your Paintball tank’s refilling nipple. After removing it from the tank, it’s crucial to keep it safe.
How to refresh a CO2 paintball tank at home Easily
To refill your paintball tanks at home, you will need an air compressor capable of filling up 4500 PSI tanks. The air compressor used commercially is usually capable of filling up to 5000 PSI, but they are expensive and a 4500 PSI compressor will work just fine.
The brief points for how to refill a CO2 paintball tank at home are listed below:
🔺 Attach the adapter to your compressed air tank
🔺 Connect the sock from your compressed air tank to the adapter through the regulator
🔺 Fill up your desired CO2 paintball tank from your compressor
🔺 Remove the sock from the tank refill adapter and tighten it back onto your CO2 paintball tank to prevent leakage
FAQ:
How Can You Refill a paintball tank with a regular air compressor?
Recharging paintball tanks with air compressors is becoming more and more common among an increasing number of paintball players. This is because recharging paintball tanks with an air compressor is economical and more convenient than taking your tank to the local fill station. Refreshing the tank at home also enables you to play paintball as long as you wish without having to be concerned about refills.
Can we try compressed air in a paintball gun?
The answer is definitely yes. Most players use compressed air instead of Carbon dioxide in their paintball guns for consistency. Compressed air tanks with high-pressure ratings are generally used by paintball players in their markers. But as I have mentioned earlier, you need a regulator to balance the airflow to get an ideal output.
Pro Tip:
You can find used air compressors online on sites such as Amazon or Facebook Marketplace for around $100 to $150 that will be able to refill paintball tanks with no issues.
You will also want a regulator for the compressor. The regulator acts as a safety valve that reduces the pressure from the maximum output of the air compressor (usually around 130 PSI) down to about 850 PSI. You can pick up a good regulator for about $25 on Amazon.
Don’t forget to read my blogs on paintball guns and paintball hoppers.
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