Little Freaked Out to Use Compressed Air

[turkey3_scratch]

I've never used compressed air before and am a little scared to, especially after reading http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_duster which says it can cause serious injury or death if inhaled. I am also scared of getting any of the liquid on my components. Is there some alternative I can use, such as blowing air through a straw, I don't care if it takes longer. Or are these things I'm reading about compressed air over dramatized and false?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

http://www.howtogeek.com/72716/how-to-thoroughly-clean-your-dirty-desktop-computer/

Canned air is safe here's a guide.

 

[tambeshakunt]

Compressed air is very easy to use if you just follow 1 rule:

- Use upright, in short bursts to avoid the LIQUID coming out

The liquid can potentially damage components so only use the short bursts until the 'air' is coming out of the can. If you keep going, the can will get colder and the liquid will be sprayed.


tutorial:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QZ8j46GB2w

 

[nukemaster]

Those air dusters are perfectly safe as long as you do not shake them and hold them nearly 90 degrees when using them.

It is only when tipped or even flipped upside down that they can spray liquid(freezing liquid).

Even if you get liquid on a component(within reason), it will evaporate and cause no issues.

 

[USAFRet]

If you stick the nozzle in your nose, squeeze the trigger gently, and inhale deeply....then you may have some side effects. Breathe enough, and yes, it could theoretically 'kill' you.
Don't stick it in your nose and inhale.

They have that warning because it is not 'just air'. Basically spray paint propellent, without the paint.
But in any normal use, you are absolutely fine.

As far as the liquid? Don't hold it upside down, and don't shake it too much.

 

[turkey3_scratch]

Okay cool! And on a curious side note, would blowing through a straw even work (even though it'd take longer)?

 

[USAFRet]

Okay cool! And on a curious side note, would blowing through a straw even work (even though it'd take longer)?

Depends on stuck on the dust is.