The Sears Craftsman Airless Sprayer, models 165.155282 and 165.155250, is a precision electric power tool designed for spraying various materials. Its "AIRLESS" principle of operation involves an electromagnetic motor activating an armature, which pushes a piston forward. As the piston retracts due to a spring, paint is drawn up the suction tube into a chamber, creating a partial vacuum. When the armature pushes the piston forward again, it forces the paint through the spray nozzle, causing atomization. The volume of paint delivered can be adjusted by turning a control knob, which changes the piston stroke.
Important Safety Precautions:
- High Pressure: The sprayer operates at high pressure, and improper use can cause serious injury from paint injection into the skin. In case of accidental injection, immediately contact a doctor and have them call the Pittsburgh National Poison Center at 412-681-6669 for treatment information.
- Handling: Always handle the sprayer with extreme care. NEVER point it at yourself or anyone else. The sprayer is equipped with a SAFETY NOZZLE GUARD, which provides some protection against accidental injection but is primarily a warning device. Do not place hands, fingers, or any body part over the nozzle guard. The nozzle guard must always remain in place and is an integral part of the sprayer.
- Flammable Liquids: When spraying flammable liquids, there is a risk of fire or explosion, especially in enclosed spaces. Ensure adequate ventilation and strictly follow the safety precautions and instructions provided by the paint and solvent manufacturers.
- Children: Keep the sprayer out of the reach of children.
- Electrical Grounding: The product must be grounded to prevent electric shock in case of a short circuit. It has a 3-wire cord with a grounding plug that must be connected to a properly installed and grounded outlet. If a 3-slot grounded outlet is not available, a temporary adapter (sketches B and C) can be used with a properly grounded outlet box cover, secured by a metal screw. This temporary adapter should only be used until a permanent grounded outlet can be installed.
- Extension Cords: Use only 3-wire extension cords with a 3-blade grounding plug and a 3-slot receptacle. Ensure the cord is in good condition and heavy enough to carry the product's current. An undersized cord can lead to power loss and overheating. For lengths under 100 feet, No. 18 AWG extension cords are recommended.
- Unplugging: Always unplug the cord when stopping spraying to prevent accidental activation.
Operational "DO NOT" List:
- Do not run the sprayer without paint or fluid.
- Do not switch on the sprayer if the pump is clogged (a low hum and rapid heating indicate clogging).
- Do not spray abrasive, grainy materials like paints with lime, ground chalk, cement, red lead, or glazes, as these increase wear on the pump and nozzle.
- Do not leave the sprayer uncleaned or allow paint to dry in the pump. A dirty sprayer may not work.
- Do not store the sprayer without running light oil (e.g., WD-40, 3-in-One) through the pump to prevent rusting of the piston and cylinder.
- Do not cross threads or overtighten when replacing the nozzle guard.
Before Painting – Practice:
It is crucial to practice with the sprayer before undertaking an actual painting job, regardless of prior experience. Using water on newspaper, cardboard, or other waste material is recommended to get a feel for the sprayer and its operating features. Pay attention to:
- The difference in delivery when adjusting the control knob.
- How quickly paint or water builds up on a surface when the sprayer is stationary.
Preparing Paint for Spraying:
Proper thinning of paint is essential for professional results and proper atomization. Paints are typically concentrated for brush or roller application and require dilution for spraying. If paint is not thinned correctly, the sprayer may spit and atomize poorly. Use appropriate thinners (water for latex, mineral spirits for oil-based paints, or consult paint can instructions). A general thinning guide is provided on page 11, but individual paints may vary. Gradually add thinner and test spray on a newspaper until a desirable pattern is achieved.
Setting Delivery Rate:
The control knob adjusts the piston stroke, thereby controlling the paint volume.
- Turn the knob counterclockwise to the stop for maximum setting (highest volume).
- Turn the knob clockwise to the stop for minimum setting (lowest volume).
- The average spraying distance from the surface should be approximately 12 inches. Moving too far back will cause excessive overspray.
Spraying Techniques:
- Maintain Distance and Movement: Keep the sprayer horizontal and at an equal distance from the painting surface. Move the sprayer evenly and steadily. Slowing down, accelerating, or interrupting the smooth rhythm will result in irregular patterns, splashes, runs, and orange-peel effects.
- Arm Movement: Do not flex your wrist. Use a smooth swing of the entire arm to maintain uniform spacing between the sprayer and surface.
- Cross-Hatch Pattern: For larger surfaces, spray in a cross-hatch pattern, moving in steady sweeps across the surface (left to right, return, top to bottom, and up again). Start and end sweeps outside the working area.
- Vertical Surfaces: To prevent runs, first apply a fine mist from a greater distance, then finish with proper spraying techniques.
- Horizontal Surfaces: Spray away from you, directing the jet at a 45-degree angle. Any bouncing particles will be covered by the next stroke.
- Thin Coats: Avoid applying too much paint in a single pass to prevent runs and streaks. Instead, apply a thin coat, allow it to dry, and then apply a second coat.
- Masking: Mask any areas not to be sprayed. Wet newspaper can effectively shield window panes.
Useful Accessories:
- Flexible Extension (Part No. 30-16312): For spraying at steep upward or downward angles, or vertically (ceilings, floors), and reaching inaccessible places like radiators or auto engines. Requires approximately 10% additional thinning.
- Suction Tube Extension (Part No. 30-16315): A 5-foot extension for direct feed from larger paint containers. Requires approximately 10% additional thinning.
- Nozzles:
- 0.7mm (Part No. 30-16327): General purpose, for oil-based, enamels, latexes.
- 0.4mm (Part No. 30-16324): For very thin viscosities (varnishes, stains, lacquers).
- 0.6mm (Part No. 30-16326): For finer atomization of medium viscosity paints and stains.
- 0.8mm (Part No. 30-16328): For latexes and thicker materials.
- Fan Spray Nozzle (Part No. 30-16318): Provides more control over the spray pattern and reduces overspray. Made of tungsten carbide for durability.
- Viscosity Test Cup (Part No. 30-16396): Enables precise thinning by timing how long paint takes to flow through a small opening. Latex paints typically empty in 80-85 seconds; other materials in 70-110 seconds.
- Extension Cords: Available in 25-foot (34-7797), 50-foot (34-7798), and 100-foot (34-7799) lengths. These are 16 gauge, orange, 3-wire, grounded cords.
Cleaning Procedures:
Proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial for the sprayer's longevity and performance.
- Disconnect Power: Unplug the electric cord.
- Clean with Thinner: Use appropriate thinner (warm, soapy water for latex; paint thinner for oil-based; consult paint can for others). Do not use mineral spirits for latex, as it will create jelly.
- Disassembly:
- Unscrew the container and pull out the suction tube.
- Unscrew the nozzle guard and pull out the spray valve.
- Unscrew the locking screw.
- Pull the complete pump out forward. The piston and spring can then be removed for cleaning. Force may be needed.
- Thorough Cleaning: Clean all parts thoroughly with a brush.
- Reassembly and Oiling: Reassemble the locking screw, spray valve, nozzle with guard, piston, piston spring, and pump. Plug in the sprayer. Tip it upside down, put a small amount of light oil (WD-40, 3-In-One, or equivalents) into the suction hole (front hole), and briefly trigger the sprayer to protect the piston and cylinder from rust.
- Final Assembly: Reassemble the suction tube and container.
- Vent Hole: ALWAYS keep the vent hole in the pump housing clean and open.
- Suction Tube Placement: When replacing the suction tube, insert it into the hole closest to the spray nozzle (front hole). The rear hole is for drainage overflow. The tube should fit snugly to prevent air leakage.
Troubleshooting - Seized ("Frozen") Piston:
Improper or insufficient cleaning can cause the piston to seize. If a low humming sound is heard when the trigger is pressed, do not continue, as this can burn out the motor. To free a seized piston:
- Unplug the gun.
- Dismantle pump parts.
- Immerse them in a suitable thinner for a few minutes.
- Clean all parts with a brush until all dried paint traces are removed.
Replacement of Wear Parts:
The nozzle, spray valve, and piston are wear parts whose lifespan depends on the abrasiveness of the paint sprayed (latex paints are particularly abrasive).
- Nozzle: If paint is not atomizing well or the sprayer spits, the nozzle orifice may have become too large and needs replacement.
- Spray Valve: Similar effects indicate wear. Check the size of the three holes on the head and the smoothness of the bumper surface. Worn valves will have larger holes and a worn/scratched bumper.
- Piston: Check periodically for scoring and replace if needed.
Minor Repairs:
Many minor repairs, such as replacing nozzles, worn pistons, spray valves, and general cleaning, can be done by the user. Spare parts can be ordered from the parts list. It is recommended to keep two spray valves (item 3, part no. 30-16319) on hand as spares.
Major Repairs:
For electrical system problems, the sprayer should be returned to a Sears store.
Control Knob Adjustment (if cover removed):
First, turn the control knob until the pin is at the 6 o'clock position and the control knob flange is in closest alignment with the screw boss face. Then replace the cover.
Remember for Trouble-Free Service:
- Thin material properly if needed.
- Thoroughly clean and oil the sprayer after each use.
- Use the proper nozzle and monitor nozzle and spray valve wear.
Warranty:
The Sears Airless Sprayer comes with a full six-month warranty. If it fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within six months of purchase, Sears will repair it free of charge. Return it to the nearest Sears store. This warranty provides specific legal rights, and other rights may vary by state.
Ordering Repair Parts:
To order repair parts or service, contact any Sears Service Center or most Sears, Roebuck and Co. stores. Provide the model number (165.155282 or 165.155250), part number, part description, and name of item. If parts are not stocked locally, the order will be electronically transmitted to a Sears Repair Parts Distribution Center.
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