Air Regulator Review

This video is a review on 5 of the most popular Air Regulators for Spray Guns from spraygunsdirect.co.uk they sent them out to help them point customers in the right direction when purchasing a new air regulator.
I have spent a few weeks putting them all to the test and you may be surprised at the winner.
Learn how to Spray Paint like a Pro by following this step by step guide to Automotive Refinishing.
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[@bosshawg7427]

The majority of so-called regulators are nothing more than simple valves that do nothing for pressure surge at the gun on initial trigger pulls. Of course, this could and should be somewhat remedied by keeping the first wall pressure regulator down to a few lbs over needed, but another alternative is small diaphragm regulators like the Lematec AR-02 that relieve pressure without the trigger pull being necessary. The Lematec also has a glass lens, and pretty durable construction that has withstood multiple solvent cleanings and still functions like new. It's been my new go-to that I've bought for every new gun purchase, and they're inexpensive ($30 delivered)! Wish Gunny could review one.

[@krallopian]

I just got my first order delivered from Spraygunsdirect. That ANI regulator is awesome! I took a video of it not working at first, BUT that's because I didn't tighten it down well enough - didn't leak at the threads, but leaked from the top. You need to crank it down to seal it, super low price and best quality one I've used.

[@jimmiller4951]

I just purchased an ANI regulator on Amazon ( 40.00 ) and then I watched this video because Amazon said it is The Gunmans top choice ! that's good enough for me !. Best informative videos on youtube. Thank you for your dedication Mr. Gunman..... Peace

[@donaldlayton714]

Just want to say thank you. I have bought two spray guns since I've been back in the industry. Both after watching your reviews. I own a devilbiss gti millennium and my most recent purchase was the tekna pro light. I really appreciate you taking the time to teach us real world application. Thanks again! Keep up the great work!

[@Tom-xt6eq]

Just got myself two of the ANI regulators because of this, have yet to use them but they look and feel really well made to my hands, especially for that price. Also, bonus points for matching my pro lites

[@rfhracing]

Good video Gunny, I don't keep regulators on each gun- I just use the 1 regulator for the lot- coupling fitting on each end of the regulator.. easy way to keep it away from thinners during cleaning. I use another regulator with a 90 degree elbow if I need to get into confined areas with the gun.

[@asheetuglasse]

you need to try the RTi regulators by far the best I've ever tried you can also switch the air adjustment to either side so if you are either left or right handed painter you won't regret buying an RTi regulator

[@wojciechzyczkowski1321]

Ciszę się, że jest taki człowiek jak Ty który wszystko przekaże nam tak jak być powinno!!! Dzięki Gunman!!!!!👍

[@direct998]

thank you for the video . just purchased this from sgd to go along with the flg 5 gun .

[@aaronobst0140]

I appreciate the unbiased nature of this list, gotta say I was expecting the DeVilbiss to come in at number 1 given your general appreciation for the brand but you judged them on their merits alone. Cheers Gunny.

[@rpw2003]

Hi gun. After your test I ordered an Ani and its really nice. Very good for the price. Ordered yesterday and got today. Very fast delivery from spraygunsdirect.

[@TxStang]

I need to get one of the ANI regulators myself , Thanks for the reviews

[@darkzine]

Thanks for the review. And here i was about to purchase a cheap regulator from flebay. ... I've now gone to SGD and purchase three items to recommended .... ANI R150, Moldex 7000 and now the ANI air regulator. Your a legend!

[@TheGunmanChannel]

Thanks mate, yeah be careful with those cheapies

[@peteshelby21]

Thanks as always for reviews. I cant tell you how many regulators I have tried and bought. I not paint often but still like to use the regulators and I also use hvlp many times a day in detailing. But never seemed to find a decent regulator without ordering the millions. Gunna try the ANI

[@jasonevans6720]

Gunny, good review, one thing i must add when i done my apprenticeship the first thing i was told was this is the AIR regulator don't put it in a PAINT cleaning solvent all my regulators are removed before cleaning, and second, use the cling film trick to protect the glass from over spray, see my video's on gun cleaning. Look's like your back in your happy place Gunny

[@ThePoleLine]

very good video i didnt get air regs on my guns over the years. shocking but since i have its given great consistent results since. thanks gunman

[@LiloUkulele]

You're the man!....my only complaint with the RP/1 is the broad range on the gauge: 0-145 PSI...pretty difficult to adjust for 2 or 3 PSI. ANI makes a RP/2 which is the regulator without the gauge, allowing you to pick the most appropriate gauge

[@edgarrubi046]

thanks for all you reviews I'm going to try out the ani look the most comfortable in the hand thanks

[@samerawaragi3041]

Hello sir, thanks for your videos. I was wondering if you can shed some light on the pressure control devices types. There are many choices out there; air valves; flow, pressure controllers etc. Which one you recommend to use. thanks for your video Sam

[@James.Sorenson]

There's so much misinformation about these regulators that it's probably worth doing a follow-up video just to absolve some of the misconceptions. There are countless comments disparaging these types of regulators as "cheater valves" and suggesting that they hinder gun performance -- that's simply inaccurate and as misleading as they suggest these devices are. All regulators operate on the same basic principle of utilizing a restricting element -- wether that is a poppet, needle, butterfly valve, or some other convention -- to regulate flow to achieve the desired result on the regulated side. The only functional difference is wether that restricting element is dynamically or statically controlled. The reason most paint outfitters do not use dynamically controlled regulators is because the cleaning solvents wreak havoc upon the control element's diaphragm. It's simply a matter of choosing the right tool for the right application. Most of the complaints make mention of incoming pressure fluctuations; however, they fail to point out that such a fluctuation suggests that the supplying system is either inadequate or improperly designed. These type of regulators operate on the assumption that the incoming pressure will remain consistent during operation, which is typically the case in an industrial application. In those environments these regulators work perfectly fine which is why many top name brands produce them this way. However, not everyone has an industrial air supply and in that case these regulators often get a bad name simply due to misunderstanding their operation and making a few mistakes during setup. These regulators are designed to be run in a dually regulated system. The mistake many make with these regulators is ignoring the wall regulator and setting the desired pressure only at the gun which only works if your system can adequately meet the supply demands of the pressure set on the wall regulator. Ignoring the wall regulator often prematurely introduces line pressure instability as it minimizes the ability to take full advantage of tank volume and tank pressure -- keep in mind most compressors have better flow rates at lower working pressures. For the DIY'er -- do yourself a favor and lower your wall regulator significantly to give yourself a line pressure approximately 10 psi higher than your gun requirements. This will give you the granular control you need at the gun while maintaining stable line pressures and maximizing the effectiveness of both your tank volume and compressors working efficiencies.

[@rixsta9630]

I'm surprised mate, I really thought devilbiss would take that out. but you make a valid point. I do like the way to adjust ani regulators tho. awesome video thanks very much for that was insightful.

[@icebmwpower]

*Hey Gunman, great video but a bit outdated. Tell me which are the best (TOP 3) pressure regulators today (if the price is not an issue)?*

[@TheGunmanChannel]

SATA SATA SATA if price is not an issue. They'll last a lifetime.

[@icebmwpower]

@@TheGunmanChannel are they “diaphragm air pressure regulators”? Any particular model to recommend? Thank you in advance.

[@TheGunmanChannel]

@@icebmwpower they're not diaphragm regs, they're more just cheater valves with a gauge. I like to run a 3 stage wall reg/filter suitable for breathable air. ANi have the best quality and by far the best value one. spraygunsdirect.co.uk/product/a-n-i-3-stage-breathing-quality-filter-regulator/

[@icebmwpower]

@@TheGunmanChannel Man, that’s so valuable info. Thank you so much for helping me out. Stay safe and keep going that way. 🙏 PS, Love your channel.

[@Fritsvrolijk]

Thanks Gunny i have the number 1 regulator for 30 euro from the UK Done the first spay job and it great fun Regards From Holland

[@oh8midnight]

I got a pair of the ANI regulators and they only work on my iwata guns. They thread on to the other guns, but stop threading before they tighten up. Any idea what to do? I really like the regulators when spraying with my expensive guns but I don’t always want to use those guns.

[@ThurgoodJenkinz]

I just ordered a Iwata 8131 AK1 regulator. Its range is from 0-60psi, which gives you a more precise reading. Ive been researching about them and have found that most are not true regulators. I hope this iwata is a good one, cause i paid $70usd

[@bluearkcreative]

Thats a great review Gunny and thanks. Need to get some regulators soon so you've made my work a lot easier, cheers !!!! :)

[@darthvader8433]

Hey Gunman.. Ever tried using an actual regulator on your belt, then a shorter hose to the gun? Take out the variations in shop air pressure. The regulators are dirt cheap too. Just wondering..

[@MM-xx7op]

Why would you keep a regulator on the gun all the time? I have one with fittings on both ends with the value all the way open. I put it on the gun, then adjust the wall regulator. After the pressure is set, I throw the gun regulator back in the drawer. Is there any benefit to keeping one on the gun?

[@IsaacOLEG]

Great review , thanks for the ANI selection, looks good SOmething I want to ask I feel more at ease without regulator, or may be that was before I upgraded my airt flow from 25m3 to 40m3 , the flow looked better without any gauge, also a friend that teatch car painting told me the regulator is just used to verify the pressure , that is regulated t the line output (so obviously the regulator is open full, then dismounted once the good pressure is obtained) WHat are your points on this ? cant the air screw be used if less air is wanted ? The regulator is reassuring ? it shows when something goes wrong with the gun ? I use a ddevilbiss digital mounted so I can install it on any gun , test then put the tube directly on the gun May be it depends of what you are painting, I havr a few "corners" and need more space than with cars, that may be also a good reason best regards

[@creativesymon]

Off to SGD to buy a ANI :D Top suggestion. And yeh...I bought one of those sealys but I'll only use it on the shutz gun. I'll keep thinners well away. lol

[@mik22royal]

Gunman, I've purchased several regulators and one came with my tekna prolite but that one is digital and doesn't seem to read the correct pressure. However, i also have about 7 analog regulators and 4 of them leak air from the control knob, is the regular for them to bleed off air like that. I hate losing air that way

[@77bubba00]

Great information! Thanks! I've had a couple problems with my new HVLP gun that I'm hoping you can shed some light on. First, there is air leaking around the fluid knob threads. It's been this way since I bought it. BTW, it's a Central Pneumatic gun. Cheap.... I know, but seems to be working reasonably well. The second problem is that the gun spurts paint out the tip as I first start pulling back the trigger. It also does it just as the triggers is released completely. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[@constantinmoldovan9608]

Hi gunman. I use some of these regulator to but they are not suitable to be washed or dept in solvents.I have a anest iwata like in your video and i just whipe it gently to remove the paint and it work for 2 year

[@constantinmoldovan9608]

great review aniway i like your videos i've learned alot from you good job

[@LiloUkulele]

Just got my ANI regulator (took forever to deliver)...It won't thread onto my gun???? tightens down about half way and stops...afraid to force it...my old cheapy regulator screws dow tight??? HELP?

[@totalrestorations]

excellent review thanks - i notice spraygunsdirect no longer appear to list the sealey ones now and the ANI looks like good value

[@TheGunmanChannel]

Yep they told me they removed it from their site after seeing this review lol

[@totalrestorations]

Thanks for your reviews i have just ordered this regulator and a GPI with all of the fluid tips from spraygunsdirect based upon your reviews. I just need to start watching your "how to paint" tutorials now. thanks again.

[@marinercegovic8049]

Hi Gunman, which 1/4 air nipples do you use on those ANI regulators? Link please...

[@TheJackie2007]

Just great information mate. Thanks…

[@redbullgg666]

good that I have top1 air regulators, gunman how about a review on devilbiss pro digital or lite digital because I just have one and I would like to know your opinion and on its air pressure because I'm only apprentice , I know you bought not long time ago those blue guns but hopefully in short future you will get one digital gun.

[@r.in.shibuya]

I picked up one of those regulators ( small black body one ) for a different use case… do you think them can handle 800Psi input pressure? (CO2) Thanks

[@LiloUkulele]

Thanks for a great review...so helpful. just laying down last coats of cellulose lacquer...and regulator completely died....zero pressure adjustment...so here I am. I am a classical guitar builder and shoot all my instruments with lacquer. I normally shoot the sanding sealer at 32# and final lacquer coats at 28#....side note: with the regulator blown, the coats laid down heavy and wet and flowed out great(???)....Is the ANI a good choice for my application? WHAT is your recommendation for pressure setting for lacquer??? Thanks again...you should sell these on your site!

[@TheGunmanChannel]

Ok, so I usually spray clear at 29psi or thereabouts. And yes, I would highly recommend the ANi reg, they're great and affordable, just don't soak them in thinners and avoid putting too much thinners near it for prolonged periods and you should be right. I do have a sponsor who sells them, they send stuff out for review and I recommend them, they are a good company and sell online at spraygunsdirect.co.uk

[@beaupfeifferrecordings]

Good Info I Have A low Pressure gauge smg i think

[@eddiegarcia9657]

Do you recommend any of the diaphragm regulators?

[@danhenderson783]

Gunman, the ANI is the only true diaphragm regulator in your review, meaning that it will maintain a set pressure even with upstream air fluctuations. All the other “regulators” are just valves with gauges attached They work by causing a restriction in the airway thus lowering active air pressure. Not true regulators.

[@peterg902]

Hi, great helpful review. In your experience, could you advise which are the better water (and oil?) filters for a spray gun (I will be using IWata W-200 - with the ANI regulator). Perhaps there are expensive, but also some adequate cheaper filters?

[@TheGunmanChannel]

+Peter Gee ANI have an awesome 3 stage filter you can use an air fed with and it's affordable

[@peterg902]

Thanks. Sounds good. Is there an ANI place in Australia or have to buy from UK?

[@ertugrulkaradeniz9119]

G'day mate, what pressure do you recommend spraying PU onto MDF using the SATA JET LIGNUM 2. Cheers in advance

[@snitz157]

If you get thinners on the regulator and can't see through the plastic just wet sand it and 2 pack clear it and it'll never go hazy again

[@tylerc7545]

Devilbiss regulator on my sata gun is the best combo

[@michaelflexer1007]

I looked at the ins regulator and I saw reviews saying it's just an on off valve. I see this on most of the regulators. Is this true or am I missing something. FYI I am very new to spraying and still trying to learn.

[@cooksey187]

Thought you might of reviewed some digital ones...just wondered if they were any good..

[@Imsquidy]

Thanks for the very helpful videos. Do you have a filter you recommend?

[@TheGunmanChannel]

What kind of filter do you mean, air filter or paint filter?

[@Imsquidy]

Air filter/water separator

[@TheGunmanChannel]

@@Imsquidy they have a 3 stage filter also but it's out of stock. I highly recommend this one, it's much cheaper than the competition and just as good. www.spraygunsdirect.co.uk/index.php/a-n-i-2-stage-filter-regulator-up-to-65-c.html#sthash.1e2HswsO.dpbs

[@Imsquidy]

Thanks!!

[@tunichtgut5285]

Did you check the accuracy of the gauges? I found that the cheap ones can be off quite a bit.

[@JamilAhmed-ep7lr]

There is a regulator on ebay called duren, cheapest and works properly. Glass on guage, can't fault it.

[@tanker242]

Aren't all those just pressure guages with a flow restrictor? Air regulators are the types with the diaphragm at the side. Isnt it best to set pressure at source, and verify correct pressure with the stuff your showing? They should be set to wide open and should alow large scfm.

[@B0tinh0]

everyone loves a good giveaway..... bring it on mate

[@stratocastor89]

What size is the pps 2.0 fitting for the ani r160 t? I blieve is it s12 but i seen you install one on another video. Thanks in advanced cheers !

[@Jpcars636]

I can’t get my ani gauge to 29psi only if I adjust my devilbiss gun air screw in a lot can you help cheers as I thought it’s best to have that fully open and adjust on gauge but then I can only jet 20psi

[@BMCUSN80]

According to SATA they say to never mount a regulator on the gun only on the wall, I have a Satajet 5000RP. have you noticed any difference shooting clear using the regulator on your Satajet 5000???

[@oh8midnight]

I got a pair of ANI regulators based on the review. They only work on my iwata guns. They won’t tighten up on any of my other guns. I’ve gotten nowhere with trying to get assistance from ANI, spraygunsdirect, or anywhere else. I posted a video on a couple Facebook groups and nobody seemed to know what’s up.

[@TheGunmanChannel]

This doesn't make any sense to me either, they all have the same thread on the base of the gun, of it works on one gun then it's not likely to be the gauge, more likely to be the gun of you ask me. Do you always have the pressure adjustment valve fully open on the gun?

[@michaeljohnson1006]

That's a usefull gadget for at home with a 24ltr compressor running in the garage with a very long hose to the drive!

[@OldSchoolNoe]

I wonder if the Harbor Freight regulator is any good

[@beaupfeifferrecordings]

Epoxy bog carbosil around the join in the gauge will stop the thinners gettin in there im a boat builder know a bit about resins

[@jarrodwalker696]

Well I did not think the ANI would take out top spot! 2nd or 3rd maybe... thanks for the video! if you have a spare ANI regulator 😉😉 nudge nudge

[@renehummer5088]

Can I get away with using a cheap one off ebay? Just getting into it as a hobby, getting an FLG5 and good compressor. So I'd like to save money wherever possible, I feel like a cheap regulator wouldn't ruin the entire project, or would it?

[@sorincosma5185]

i have the ANI regulator but i don't like it, it's to long because of how the adjusment knob is placed, and sometimes that gets in the way when i do tighter spaces, and also it's starting to get really difficult to turn it, maybe i got paint under it or something, but for the price it is quite good, but not good enough, that's why i just ordered a SATA regulator from spray guns, making sure to mention your name ;)

[@carylamari6546]

The only complaint I have with my devilbiss regulator is the two screws on the back seem to always work loose and the lens rattles around.

[@glytch5]

So I bought a devilbiss regulator but... its nps and not npt? It seems they are all this way? I have zero access to NPS threaded fittings... what am I supposed to do here?

[@texasmagpie]

Right so my compressor has a regulator on it. Should I put another regulator on my guns and run the compressor at full? Or should I use the regulator on the compressor?

[@TheGunmanChannel]

You should lower the regulator on the compressor so it's low enough to just get enough pressure at the gun. Then if it goes lower you know the compressor is struggling to keep up. So I do recommend having a gauge on the gun for micro adjusting. The gauge at the gun isn't really a regulator. The one at the compressor is a regulator, hope that makes sense.

[@emanuelproductions97]

What size are the regulators and what size hoses do you use.

[@LiloUkulele]

Got the PR/1....any advice on water filter/separators?

[@showmethedammovie]

What's the name of the #1?

[@LiloUkulele]

see 10:17 ANI

[@КапитанСхарджбриджибаджибаев]

Hey Gunny your floor near paint stand is rather clean)))

[@TTRVision]

a cheap regulator valve will not obstruct air flow? a true 10mm line (line+connectors+filters, etc) will not be altered by such a device?

[@gokermugen6978]

I have a devilbiss regulator, but it leaks at the gun inlet, how can I fix that. Isn't seem any sealer at the contact point, I'd try teflon tape etc., nothing its working.

[@hiiiyou8678]

What size is the inside diameter of the high flow adaptor at the bottom of the guns?

[@josequiroz4605]

I have a. Dand new devilbiss regulator gauge, and at first it read accurate psi. Now I cant seem to get an accurate reading on the pressure

[@emmettcoen]

Guys a quick question, I am trying to source an automatic air regulator, or what exactly am I looking for, what happens is I have a 1000l single phase compressor, 1000 not hundred, I would like to not have to adjust pressure when painting, as in keep it at exactly 2 bar, as pressure drops I don't want to keep adjusting regulator on gun, but a unit to electronically or somehow keep pressure @ 2 bar regardless, obviously supplied air is always higher then this number!

[@johnsandlin09]

What’s is everyone’s choice for a sprayer around $200

[@arturobolanos9080]

Thanks for another great video

[@PixelGod240]

Hey guys I'm super noob, and have prob a dumb question. The question is, should I have the regulator at tank same psi as the gun reg? I've been told many conflicting storie. Main one being, having the reg at tank fully open, controlling the psi at gun with regulator..... Can anyone finally clear this up for me? Thanks guys!

[@Jiinxer]

personally, I don't run the tank at full open. I find that even with the regulator it seems to have a little "spit" when first pulling the trigger. The flow rate is more important. there is a huge difference between running a 1/4 inch or a 1/2 inch line. With a 1/2 inch line, I've never had to set my tank regulator at more than 70% of its' maximum capacity to maintain my Devilbiss GTI HVLP at full open. Now, I'm just a backyard painter, but I'm assuming that your compressor output is at least 16CFM at 90 psi. (450 LPM at roughly 6 bar ). If I'm wrong, someone please correct me.

[@mikejones-vz2vg]

Do you have any experience with an (Adam 2) regulator? I have 2 sata 5000 hvlps 3 sata 5000 RP’s and I use the Adam 2 docks and run my digital between the 5 just curious to see if you’ve ever used one compared to traditional

[@TheGunmanChannel]

+mike jones yeah I have used them, they did feel quite flimsy and I think they're quite overpriced.

[@kenmajersky6419]

What is the name of your first choice?

[@asicerik]

Nice video man, thanks a lot.

[@SLYDIT]

You should use tearoffs for the dial.

[@stevecourtneyscalekustomz2602]

Great video

[@hiiiyou8678]

What size hose do I need for the hv30 cap? I'm losing pressure as I pull the trigger

[@Urge38]

Is it not about time, the industry stopped buying generic gauges that read around 150 psi. I'd like to see a regular only read up to say 60psi You would get a nicer finer gauge gradient

[@Harolddespui]

It's two years later now, how does the ani hold?

[@broken1965]

Harbor frieght with the knob $10 use like disposal lighter

[@2fast4you1337]

Hi, can you tell me if it's possible to paint a car in a garage with a nice result? Thanks

[@TheGunmanChannel]

It is possible with a lot of polishing, I recommend a booth hire if there's one local.

[@jasonfulham4412]

thanks man great info

[@jamescole3152]

I need a regulator for a rivet gun. Not sure if these would work.

[@TheGunmanChannel]

I don't see why not

[@thomasmcchesney4155]

All cheater valves restrict the available CFM to the spray gun which in turn negatively affects the ability to develop a full pattern. Get a good regulator for the wall, and adjust there.

[@dwightalfred]

What's the brand and model number of the regulator you chose as number one?

[@vasvarvar4847]

www.amazon.com/ANI-AIR-REGULATOR-PRESSURE-GAUGE/dp/B01N1NXR3Y/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1505356054&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=ANI+air+regulator

[@coolhardware65]

Dude funny how you smashed that regulator Lmfao. hope i can get one .

[@zeomarmob]

These are not air pressure regulators. These are airflow regulators. Spray guns already have airflow regulators integrated in them to start with. Airflow regulators still let 125psi into your gun at rest. And when you press the trigger you get spit/burst effect, until air flow reduced to mimic the pressure. If you buy these cheap airflow regulators, you might as well don’t use anything at all. My one cent drop..

[@ThisIsTheRealMe2]

Get out there and SMASH some Shit!!! Thanks for all the videos Gun, please keep them coming!

[@kostakourt]

I bought my first regulator from ebay im not a professional so i didn't want to give a lot of money but! if the air on my gun is fully open the regulator shows 10 psi only. If you close the air on gun shows more is it correct? (sorry for my bad english)

[@TheGunmanChannel]

You should always leave the air gauge on the gun full or else you will get a false reading on the regulator

[@kostakourt]

with full open it shows only 10 psi always

[@TheGunmanChannel]

Your air compressor must not be able to get enough pressure to the gun

[@kostakourt]

on regulator i have 100 or 80, 50 psi and when i pull the trigger it is 10 again

[@kostakourt]

maybe regulator is faulty

[@slowdadox4762]

that iwatta regulator was too funny.

[@Fringeless]

Thanks my nigga just the vid I've been looking for.

[@ag-workshop]

I agree sealey regulators are shit as I found out the hard way , another top review by the gunman