AndyT

Anyone using Nitrogen tanks to run their air tools at the track ? I have a generator door in my trailer but thought the N-tanks would be cheaper than spending a few thousand on a generator right now. I'm not even sure if this can be done, but i thought so ??? Andy

onasled

Yep, that's what you do at the track. Most tracks have someone local that can deliver tanks to you for the day or weekend rental if you don't want to transport it yourself. While your at it, fill your tires to Nitrogen also. (Must purge out all the air)

Your air tools don't need any mods to work with it. Just be save though and make sure all regulators are removed from the tank when it is being moved, or not secured. There are things that you need to develope a habit with when using Nitrogen tanks.

AndyT

Great thank you. I was curious about the Nitrogen in the tires too. I know it is lighter but does it not expand as much as air too ? Meaning less adjusting of pressures after each run.

onasled

Not really lighter. Just has much less expansion when tires get hot. Makes it a bit easier to tune the tire.

Professor Helmüt Tester

Biggest advantage: It's cheap. Air = ~75% nitrogen. No shortage in sight. Large bottle refill is ~ $13 here...we've done a whole 24 Hour race, running two airguns and filling tires, on a single bottle. If you're doing track days, one bottle will last you all year +++.

Minor advantage - it's dry, and the moisture is what leads to the variability in tire pressures cold-to-hot.

All other claimed advantages are just hooey.

AndyT

Great advice guys. Cheap is good, way less than a generator for me at this point too. !! I'm sold on it.

andy

ngoldrich

I also use nitrogen, just keep in mind that some air tools really empty big nitrogen bottles quickly. Especially things like die grinders, drills, blow guns. You can drain a full bottle in minutes.

Norm

John H

Is $225 for a regualtor a decent price? The local machine/gas shop said they'd give me the tank rent free but that i would need to buy the regulator and pay for the nitrogen ($19.00 IIRC).

ngoldrich

One thing to remember - is needed nitrogen flow. For big centerlocks on my GTP I had to get a high flow and high pressure regulator. For my airjacks I need 400 psi.

If you are not sure I would get a high flow and high pressure so you are covered.

I think I paid more than that maybe $275...

So just so it does what you need, you should be fine...

Norm

Cris Brady

I paid around $125 for my regulator, but I had to buy the tank for another $100 with refills at $12. Total out of pocket was around 225, so that sounds similar.

Bill935K3

I second that. From experence one welding or other significant repair will have you below 500PSI by the end of a weekend if you start full. AndI run a dewalt elec impact for this reason and use Nit. for tires and emergency repairs only. If you going to use NIT for everything I think you will need two bottles at the track for swap outs.

ngoldrich

I agree with Bill.. I forgot to mention that I too use a cordless impact whenever possible.

I do bring 2 bottles as well.

Norm

jrgordonsenior

2 bottles, one with high pressure reg for air jacks, one with low for tires and air gun. I loosen single lug nuts with the air gun just enough to break them loose as my 18volt Snapon won't do the job. I tighten them with the Snapon and then the torque wrench. Anyone tried Snapon's new 24 volt impact wrench?

Bull

A friend has one and it works great.

ltc

Yes, I paid $200 for mine and $25/bottle N2 from my local supplier.