Why does nobody talk about the difference between canned air and a proper electric duster?

I was cleaning out a dusty office server in Phoenix last month, the kind that hadn't been touched in years. I used a can of air first, like I always have. It got cold fast, started spitting liquid, and barely moved the thick dust. I switched to a cheap electric duster I bought for about $60. The difference was huge. The electric one had constant, strong air that got into the heat sinks and power supply without any mess. It took me half the time and I didn't have to shake a can every ten seconds. I felt silly for not trying one sooner. What other small tool swaps have saved you guys a ton of time on a common job?

2 comments

2 Comments

murphy.wyatt2d ago

Wait, isn't the liquid from a can just the propellant getting cold? That's why it stops working well. The electric duster avoids that whole issue by just moving air.

avery_stone952d ago

You know, I always thought the liquid was just condensed water from the air. Your point about it being the cold propellant makes a lot more sense, @murphy.wyatt. That explains why the can gets so icy and loses pressure. I guess the electric version really does sidestep that whole messy problem. It's one of those things you don't realize until someone points it out.