How to Convert an Air Compressor to a Vacuum Pump

If you are like me and you didn't know you can use your air compressor as a vacuum pump you shouldn't miss this instructable.

Step 1: Locating the Air Intake

The first step for this super easy conversion is to locate the air intake on your air compressor. Usually, it's located after an air filter or something similar to that. The next step is to remove the air filter or cover to access the intake hole directly.

Step 2: Connecting the Coupling or Adaptor

After accessing the intake, the next step would be finding a coupling connector or some sort of an adaptor that is compatible with your air compressor on one end and fits your need on the other end. In my case, these female couplings are just perfect. so I mount the coupling with a wrench to the compressor's housing.

Step 3: Cautions and Notes to Consider

As you can see in the photo I just sucked all the air from a Coke bottle and totally deformed it.

So, that was all you had to do, now you can use the vacuum force for any application that you had in mind. But before that, PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING NOTES:

• If you used a coupling like the one I used which shows in the picture, do not run the air compressor when it isn't attached to something, because these coupling won't let any air pass through them and you may damage your compressor.
• If you are planning to use your compressor as a vacuum pump, please open up the tank release. Doing so will significantly lower the load on the electric motor and pistons.
• If you are planning to suck any dirt, liquid, or any other material than thin and clean air you will need some sort of a reservoir tank between your materials and the air intake. (Check out the Oil extractor tutorial which I build by using this vacuum pump)
• Please remember although it's possible to use an air compressor as a vacuum pump, it is not designed for this purpose and you may damage your devices and put yours and others at risk. So do this at your own risk, I won't be responsible for any accident or damage caused by doing this instructable tutorial.

I hope you enjoyed this Instructable, you can also check the video tutorial of this project by clicking on the video which is located at the top of this page. Please feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below and also, you can check my YouTube channel for more projects like this.