Compressor tank exploded on Craftsman air compressor

by Gregg Pfaff
(Elkhorn, WI.)

This compressor was a 1978 model Craftsman / DeVilbiss compressor and was stored for many years but, only used approx 5 years. it doesn’t appear to be rusted out. it was not up to its operating pressure and was running when it blew.

I was wanting to contact DevilBiss but, cannot find their contact emails.

I contacted Sears with some responses. What were Sears responses, I wonder?

What do you think?

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Gregg. I sure hope no one was hurt when this air compressor tank exploded. Compressed air is a very powerful force as your photos so eloquently display. Thank you for sharing them with us.

So, what do I think?

I think that you have a compressor tank that is approximately 35 years old, and I surmise was left for many years without the tank drain being open to allow condensate and free water to drain out.

In time, that water in the bottom of the tank weakened the metal.

It is not a surprise to me that the tank blew along the bottom then, as that would be where the moisture had gathered to corrode the tank.

I think that all concerned were lucky that no one was badly hurt or even killed by the exploding tank. Fortunately, the rupture pattern is typical of a metal tank, in that it blows open, but does not normally hurl bits of metal around the area.

And, I think you need a new tank! 🙂

Cheers and again, glad you were not hurt.