What company makes Craftsman air compressors?
Craftsman is a brand name, so Craftsman air compressors (including model 919165220) have been built by different original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) over the years. The maker depends on the specific model and production run; the most reliable way to identify it is the data plate on your compressor.
How to identify who made your Craftsman 919165220
Check the label (data plate) on the tank or shroud and look for:
- A manufacturer name (sometimes listed as “MFG” or “Manufactured by”)
- A model or spec number in addition to 919165220
- A date code or serial number
- A UL/ETL listing label that may name the company
- Any prefix/suffix codes tied to the production run
Common OEMs you may see associated with Craftsman compressors
Different Craftsman air compressor families have been sourced from different OEMs. These are commonly referenced for various eras and models:
- DeVilbiss Air Power (common on many older units)
- Campbell Hausfeld (seen on some older Craftsman units)
- Alton Industries / MAT Holdings (common on many newer Craftsman-branded compressors)
| What you see on the label | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| A clear manufacturer name | You have the OEM | Use that info when matching parts and specs |
| Only Craftsman branding | OEM is not printed plainly | Use the full model and serial/date code to narrow it down |
| Multiple numbers (model/spec) | One may be the OEM’s internal ID | Record all numbers before ordering parts |
Why it matters
The OEM affects parts compatibility for key systems like the pump, pressure switch, regulator, check valve, and gauges. Two compressors can both say “Craftsman” but use different internal components, even if they look similar.
Getting the right parts
We recommend using the full model number 919165220 plus the serial/date code from the data plate when searching. If you do not see the part you need listed for this model, search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
For troubleshooting help while you identify the OEM, use our DIY guide: air compressor common questions.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common cause of air compressor failure?
For a Craftsman air compressor model 919165220, the most common cause of failure is poor maintenance that leads to overheating and accelerated wear. Dirty intake filters, restricted cooling airflow, moisture left in the tank, and running the unit beyond its duty cycle commonly damage valves, seals, and the pump.
Most common failure drivers (what we see most often)
- Overheating from blocked cooling fins, poor ventilation, or long run times
- Restricted intake airflow from a dirty or clogged air filter
- Air leaks at fittings, regulator, drain valve, or check valve that force longer run time
- Moisture and corrosion from not draining the tank regularly
- Electrical stress (weak outlet, undersized extension cord, failing pressure switch, bad capacitor)
Quick checks that prevent repeat failures
- Unplug power and let the compressor cool fully.
- Inspect and clean airflow paths: shroud vents, pump fins, and fan area.
- Check for leaks: pressurize the tank and listen; use soapy water on fittings.
- Drain the tank after use to reduce internal rust and water carryover.
- Confirm proper power supply: dedicated outlet, correct breaker size, and avoid long/light extension cords.
Symptoms and the most likely root cause
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start | Power issue, pressure switch, capacitor, motor overload | Follow air compressor won't start |
| Runs but won’t build pressure | Leaks, worn pump valves, bad check valve | Follow air compressor won't build tank pressure |
| Tank loses pressure sitting | Leak at drain valve, fittings, check valve | Follow air compressor tank won't hold air |
| Safety valve pops | Overpressure, faulty pressure switch, restricted airflow | Follow air compressor safety valve keeps popping open |
Why it matters
When maintenance issues cause overheating or leaks, the compressor runs hotter and longer. That increases wear on pump components and electrical parts, turning a small airflow or leak problem into a full no-start or no-pressure failure.
Parts and diagrams
If you are matching parts by diagram for model 919165220, start with the parts list for this model; for broader model-based searching, use Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Are air compressor parts interchangeable?
Most parts on a Craftsman air compressor model 919165220 are not interchangeable across brands or even across different compressor models. Internal components (pump parts, valves, piston/seal parts, pressure switch settings) must match the exact design so the compressor starts correctly, builds pressure, and shuts off safely.
What’s usually interchangeable (and what isn’t)
Often interchangeable (if you match the specs)
- Quick-connect couplers and plugs (same “style” and body size)
- Hose fittings with the same thread standard and size (commonly NPT)
- Air hose (rated for the compressor’s PSI and airflow)
- Basic accessories like blow guns, tire chucks, and inflators
Usually not interchangeable
- Pump assemblies and pump internals (cylinder, piston, reed valves, gaskets)
- Pressure switch (cut-in/cut-out range, port layout, amperage rating)
- Check valve and unloader setup (must match tank port and switch/unloader design)
- Regulator and manifold parts (port sizes, flow capacity, mounting)
How we recommend matching parts for model 919165220
Use this checklist before you buy or swap anything:
- Match the model number: 919165220 first
- Match thread type and size (for example, 1/4-in NPT vs 3/8-in NPT)
- Match pressure rating (PSI) and flow needs (SCFM) for regulators and fittings
- Match electrical ratings (voltage and amps) for switches and motors
- Match port orientation and mounting so lines and guards fit correctly
Quick compatibility table
| Part type | Can it be “universal”? | What must match | Common risk if mismatched |
|---|---|---|---|
| Couplers/plugs | Sometimes | Style, body size, thread | Leaks, poor tool fit |
| Hose fittings | Sometimes | Thread type/size, seal method | Stripped threads, leaks |
| Pressure switch | Rarely | Cut-in/out, amps, ports, unloader | Won’t start, won’t shut off |
| Pump parts | No | Exact pump design | Low pressure, overheating |
Why it matters
Air compressors rely on the correct relationship between the pump, tank check valve, unloader, pressure switch, and regulator. A “close enough” part can cause hard starting, constant leaking, failure to build tank pressure, or unsafe pressure control.
Helpful troubleshooting and repair resources
If you’re trying to swap a part because of a symptom, these guides help you pinpoint what actually needs to match:
- Air compressor won't start
- Air compressor won't build tank pressure
- Air compressor air leaks
- How to replace an air compressor pressure switch
- How to replace an air compressor check valve
For replacement parts, we recommend starting with the parts list for model 919165220, or searching by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth it to repair a compressor?
Yes, repairing your Craftsman air compressor model 919165220 is worth it when the issue is a common service item (pressure switch, check valve, regulator, gauge, or a small air leak) and the tank is sound; it is not worth it when the air tank is damaged or the pump is severely worn and needs a major rebuild.
Quick decision checklist
- Repair it if it runs but has a control or leak problem (won’t shut off, hissing, won’t regulate).
- Repair it if the fix is one part plus basic labor (typical DIY).
- Repair it if you use it often and the motor and pump sound normal.
- Replace it if the tank has deep rust, pinhole leaks, or damaged welds.
- Replace it if output is low and it runs hot or loud even after basic checks.
Common “worth repairing” problems
| Symptom | Likely cause area | Typical effort |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t start | Power supply, pressure switch, start components | Low to medium |
| Won’t build tank pressure | Major leak, pump valves/seals | Medium to high |
| Air leaks | Fittings, drain valve, check valve, regulator | Low to medium |
| Can’t adjust output pressure | Regulator | Low |
Use step-by-step troubleshooting like air compressor won't start and air compressor won't build tank pressure to pinpoint the failure before buying parts.
Why it matters
The tank is the pressure vessel; if it is compromised, repairing other components does not make the compressor safe or reliable. Fixing the root cause also prevents long run times that accelerate motor and pump wear.
Parts and diagrams
We list model-specific diagrams and replacement parts for Craftsman 919165220 on the model page; for broader part searching by model number or description, use Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
