Air or other gases can be manipulated by a piston type compressor, a mechanical device that utilizes pistons. This enables the gas to be used in a variety of ways including powering tools, filling balloons, and inflating tires.

A whole host of sizes and types of piston compressors are available, yet the operation of each is fundamentally the same. A piston is employed to pressurise air or gas, which is then delivered into a reservoir.

From the tiny, portable versions suitable for powering air tools and blowing up small balloons to the giant industrial-grade ones that are capable of inflating car tires, piston type compressors come in a range of sizes and can be utilized for a variety of applications.

Despite their basic mechanical structure, piston type compressors are relatively dependable. However, like any piece of machinery, they can face the occasional issue. In most cases, when something goes awry it is due to something within the piston, cylinder, or valve assembly malfunctioning.

Those with adequate mechanical experience may find that repairing a piston type compressor is relatively straightforward, owing to the availability of related parts. Nonetheless, for best results, it is recommended that one seek the assistance of an experienced technician.