Kobalt SGY-AIR176NB User manual

ATTACH YOUR RECEIPT HERE
Serial Number Purchase Date
Questions, problems, missing parts? Before returning to your
retailer, please call our Customer Service Department at
1-888-3KOBALT, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., EST, Monday – Friday.
ITEM #0192525
MODEL #SGY-AIR176NB
HVLP PAINT
SPRAY GUN
Français p. 24
Español p. 47
AB171025
Kobalt® is a registered trademark of LF, LLC.
All rights reserved.
1
Air Flow

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Information..........................................................................................3
Compressor Requirements............................................................................2
Package Contents.........................................................................................9
Product Specifications...................................................................................3
Preparation...................................................................................................10
Spray Gun Set-up.........................................................................................10
Operating Instructions..................................................................................12
Assembly Instructions..................................................................................11
Care and Maintenance.................................................................................15
Troubleshooting............................................................................................19
Warranty.......................................................................................................23
COMPRESSOR REQUIREMENTS
3.7
SCFM 29 PSI
Tool Requirements
Exigences relatives aux outils
Requisitos de herramientas
@
IMPORTANT:To operate correctly, this tool requires airflow of at least 3.7
cubic feet per minute (SCFM) at 29 pounds per square inch (PSI) at the tool.
Check the specifications of your air compressor to be sure that it can support
both the minimum SCFM and PSI required. The air hose length could affect
how much air pressure the tool is actually receiving. You may need to adjust
the air pressure higher on the air regulator to achieve the max working
pressure of 29 PSI.

3
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
COMPONENT
SAFETY INFORMATION
Please read and understand this entire manual before attempting to
assemble, operate or maintain this product. If you have any questions,
please call our Customer Service Department at 1-888-3KOBALT,
8 a.m. – 8 p.m., EST, Monday – Friday.
Improper operation or maintenance of air tool could result in serious injury
and property damage. Read and understand all warnings and operation
instructions before using spray guns. When using spray guns, basic safety
precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of personal injury.
WARNING
GRAVITY
INTERNAL
0.059 IN. (1.5 MM)
20 TO 29 PSI
29 PSI
3.7 SCFM
1/4 IN. NPS (M)
3/8 IN. NPS (M)
FEED TYPE
MIX TYPE
FLUID NOZZLE I.D.
WORKING PRESSURE
MAX. WORKING PRESSURE
AIR REQ'D ( SCFM@ 29 PSI )
AIR INLET
FLUID INLET
Wear protective safety glasses or face shield to protect eyes.
Dress properly and wear protective clothing.
Wear a respirator when operating a spray gun.
Keep work area clear from clutter and other work hazards.
Do not use this product in unsafe work conditions.
Be aware that air hoses may present tripping hazards.
Keep tool out of reach of children and never allow children to handle
equipment or tool.
Recommended Safety Equipment
Safety Glasses, Respirator, Gloves, Clothing, Ear Protection

4
SAFETY INFORMATION
RISK OF EYE OR HEAD INJURY
WARNING
WHAT COULD HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
Eyes and face can come into direct
contact with sprayed materials,
causing serious injury.
Spraying improper materials or
materials not intended for spray
application could result in serious
injury or death.
Certain materials that can be used
with sprayers may cause skin
irritation if they come in direct
contact with skin.
Always use a face mask/respirator
and protective clothing when spraying.
Always read the label or
Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
for the
materials and/or chemicals before
spraying to determine if they pose a
risk of cause skin irritation.
Do not spray acids, corrosive
materials, toxic chemicals, fertilizers
or pesticides.
Always read the label or Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the
materials and/or chemicals before
spraying to ensure they are safe to use.
Never aim or spray at yourself or
anyone else.
Always wear ANSI approved Z87.1
safety glasses.
Wear a respirator in accordance with
ANSI Z88.2.
Always wear nitrile gloves.
Always wear protective clothing when
spraying.
Always spray in a well-ventilated area
to prevent health and fire hazards.
If eyes or face come into direct
contact with sprayed materials,
contact your local doctor or
emergency room for immediate help.

5
SAFETY INFORMATION
RISK OF EYE OR HEAD INJURY
WARNING
WHAT COULD HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
This tool is capable of spraying
flammable materials which can result
in fire or explosion.
Never operate sprayer in the vicinity
of open flame or near ignition sources
(pilot lights, cigarettes, portable
electric lamps, etc).
Never operate tools near flammable
substances such as gasoline,
naphtha, cleaning solvents, etc.
Work in a clean, well ventilated area
free of combustible materials.
Never use oxygen, carbon dioxide or
other bottled gasses as a power
source for air tools.
PAINT SPRAYER HAZARDS
WARNING
WHAT COULD HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
Use of fluids that are incompatible
with aluminum in pressurized
equipment can cause serious
chemical reaction and equipment
rupture. Failure to follow this warning
can result in death, serious injury, or
property damage.
Do not use chlorinated solvents
(e.g. 1-1-1-trichloroethene, methylene
chloride). Many spray guns contain
aluminum, which reacts strongly to
chlorinated solvents. Contact the
solvent or coating manufacturer
regarding questions about potential
chemical reactions.
Compressed air can be hazardous,
propelling objects or particles that
can cause injury into soft tissues
such as eyes and ears.
Never direct air at yourself or anyone
else.
Never leave a pressurized tool
unattended.
Disconnect tool from air supply when
tool is not in use or when changing
accessories to prevent accidental
operation.

6
SAFETY INFORMATION
RISK OF LOSS OF HEARING
WARNING
WHAT COULD HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
Exposure to noise produced by air
tools can lead to permanent hearing
loss.
Always wear ANSI S3.19 hearing
protection.
RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY
WARNING
WHAT COULD HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
An unattended tool could be
activated by unauthorized/untrained
persons, leading to their injury or
injury to others.
Air tools can become activated by
accident while being handled, during
accessory changes, tool changes,
maintenance or repair.
Disconnect the tool from the air
supply during accessory changes,
tool changes, maintenance or repair.
Never carry the tool by the air hose.
Never yank the air hose to disconnect
it from the tool or the air supply.
Always carry the tool by the handle.
Remove air hose when the tool is not
in use and store tool in a secure
location away from reach of children
and untrained users.
Avoid unintentional operation. Never
carry the tool with the trigger
depressed or engaged.
Only an authorized service
representative should service the tool.

7
SAFETY INFORMATION
RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY
WARNING
WHAT COULD HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
Loss of control of the tool can lead to
operator injury or injury to others in
the work area.
There is a risk of bursting if the tool
is damaged.
Poor quality, improper or damaged
attachments can detach or fly apart
during operation, sending projectiles
through the work area and causing
serious injury.
Check for misalignment or binding of
parts, broken parts and other
conditions that affect safe tool
operation.
Never use a tool which has been
dropped, damaged or appears to
malfunction.
Never use tools which are leaking air
or have missing parts.
Remove damaged or malfunctioning
tools from the workplace immediately.
Before changing accessories, making
repairs, or when tool is not in use,
shut off air supply and release/drain
air pressure from hose.
Disconnect tool from air supply and
store in a safe location.
Never use the tool while using drugs
or alcohol.
Keep proper footing at all times. Do
not overreach, as slipping, tripping,
and or falling can be a major cause
of serious injury and/or death.
Be aware of excess air hose in the
working area or work surface.
Keep handles dry, clean and free
from oil/grease.
Stay alert. Use common sense.
Do not operate tool when you are
tired.

8
SAFETY INFORMATION
RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY
WARNING
WHAT COULD HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
There is a risk of bursting if the tool
is damaged.
Poor quality, improper or damaged
attachments can detach or fly apart
during operation, sending projectiles
through the work area and causing
serious injury.
Improperly maintained tools and
accessories can cause serious
injury.
Using an accessory not intended for
a specific tool increases the risk of
injury to the operator and everyone
else in the work area.
Repetitive motions, awkward
positions.
Can be harmful to hands and arms.
Discontinue use of tool if discomfort,
tingling feeling or pain occurs.
Consult a physician before resuming
use if any of these symptoms occur.
Always use accessories and
attachments designed for the tool
and the work at hand.
Do not improvise or modify tools or
accessories.
Maintain the tool and accessories
with care.
Do not abuse hoses or connectors.
Keep hoses away from heat, oil and
sharp edges.
Always check air hoses for weak or
worn connections before each use
and make certain that all connections
are secure.
Do not use pressure exceeding the
recommended operating pressure of
the lowest rated system component
(hoses, fittings, etc.).
Do not modify tools or attachments.
Always follow assembly, operation,
maintenance and repair instructions.
INHALATION HAZARD
WARNING
WHAT COULD HAPPEN HOW TO PREVENT IT
Paint spraying tools generate paint
vapors which can be harmful to the
lungs and respiratory system.
Abrasive tools such as grinders,
sanders and cut-off tools generate
dust and abrasive materials which
can be harmful to the lungs and
respiratory system.
Wear a respirator in accordance with
ANSI Z88.2.

9
PACKAGE CONTENTS
Part
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
Description
Air Cap Ring
Fluid Nozzle
Paint Needle
Fluid Adjustment Knob
Air Adjustment Knob
Paint Cup
Cup Lid
Air Pressure Regulator
Spray Pattern Adjustment
Knob
Wrench
Paint Filter
Quantity
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
LAir Distribution Ring 1
Air Flow
A
F
D
C
IE
H
G
BL
K
J

10
PREPARATION
SPRAY GUN SET-UP
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM EXPLOSION:
Use only clean, dry, regulated, compressed air to power this tool. Do not use
oxygen, carbon dioxide, combustible gases, or any other bottled gas as a
power source for this tool.
Lubricators should not be used with spray guns. The use of inline
lubricators will contaminate the material and will ruin the paint finish.
Before beginning assembly or operation of product, make sure all parts are
present. Compare parts with package contents list. If any part is missing or
damaged, do not attempt to assemble the product.
Estimated Assembly Time: 1-3 minutes.
Tools Required for Assembly (not included):
• 9/16 in. or Adjustable Wrench
• Thread Sealant Tape
• Female Plug
WARNING:
Air Supply Set-up
1. Not all accessories shown are included, but are recommended for best
performance (See Figure 1).
2. It is recommended that an in-line air filter be incorporated into the air supply.
1
1
owl
F
r
iA
3
H
4 3 4
7
5
6
6
Recommended Air Line Set-Up
PART NO. Description
1
H
3
4
5
6
7
HVLP Spray Gun
Air Pressure Regulator
Female Plug (not included)
Female Coupler (not included)
Air Hose (not included)
In-Line Filter (not included)
Air Compressor (not included)

11
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Tighten female plug (not included),
turning clockwise with wrench for
air tight connection (See Figure 1).
DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
1
H
NOTE: Use threaded sealant tape
(not included) on the male threading of the
air pressure regulator (H).
2. Attach the Air Pressure Regulator (H) to
the Air Intake on the handle bottom.
Tighten by turning clockwise, using
wrench (J) (17 mm) for air tight connection
(See Figure 2).
DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the Paint Filter (K)
is installed in the bottom of the Paint Cup (F)
prior to attaching the Paint Cup to the sprayer.
3. Attach the Paint Cup (F) to Air Paint
Sprayer. Tighten by turning clockwise,
using wrench (J) (19 mm) for air tight
connection (See Figure 4).
DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
2
3
4
Air Flow
H
J
F
K
J
F
Air Flow

12
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
4. Attach the Cup Lid (G). Connect the air
hose coupling to the female plug and turn
on the compressor (See Figure 5).
5
Load paint
Lid
F
G
AirFlow
NOTE Make sure the tether plug is pushed
into the vent hole on top of the cup lid
before operating the spray gun.
6
E
H
5. Fully open the Air Adjustment Knob (E).
While pulling the gun trigger on the paint
sprayer, adjust the air compressor
pressure up or down until the Air Pressure
Regulator (H) on the paint sprayer is
within the green range (See Figure 6).
AirFlow
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1
The paint sprayer will not properly spray unless the fan direction is either set
vertically or horizontal.
• Before using desired paint in the spray gun, spray a compatible thinner or
solvent through the gun to remove any containments and residue.
• Before adding paint, make sure all thinner or solvents are removed from the
spray canister.
• It is recommended that you pour the material through a filter into a smaller
container prior to filling the paint cup.
• Set up a piece of cardboard or other scrap material to use as a target to test
spray. Continue to test spray until the desired spray pattern is achieved.
WARNING
NOTE
1. Adjust the direction of the fan by loosening
the air cap ring (A) by hand and turning it
to either the horizontal or vertical direction.
Tighten the air cap ring by hand.
Air Cap
Air Cap Ring
Horizontal Fan
Vertical Fan

13
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2
2. For a full spray pattern, turn spray pattern
adjustment knob (I) counterclockwise.
For a smaller pattern, turn spray pattern
adjustment knob (I) clockwise.
3. Loosen lock knob and turn turn the fluid
adjustment knob (D) fully clockwise until
closed.
4. Fill the Paint Cup (F) about 3/4 of the way
and secure the Cup Lid (G).
5. With the spray gun 6 in. to 10 in. away from
workpiece, spray a short burst while turning
the Fluid Adjustment Knob (D)
counterclockwise. Observe the spray
pattern on the workpiece and adjust the
Fluid Adjustment Knob (D) until desired
pattern/atomization is obtained.
I
4
5
Lid
Load paint
F
G
NOTE Before spraying on workpiece,
practice a few minutes on a cardboard
target to ensure that the pattern size and
consistency are set correctly.
3D
NOTE If the spray is too fine (caused by too
much air), reduce the air pressure or open
the Fluid Adjustment Knob (D) to spray
more paint. If the spray is too coarse or
spitting blobs, reduce the amount of paint
with the Fluid Adjustment Knob (D) or thin
the paint more (See Figure 5).
Paint too fine
Correct
Paint too coarse
Pattern Consistency (Atomization)

14
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
6
7
8
9
6. Keep the gun at a 90° angle to the surface
(See Figure 6) while spraying.
NOTE: Always keep the gun in motion while
spraying. Stopping gun movement in
mid-stroke will cause a build-up of paint
and will result in runs. Do not fan the
gun from side to side while painting. This
will cause a build-up of paint in the center
of the stroke and an insufficient coating at
each end (See Figure 8).
NOTE: The amount of paint being applied
can be varied by the speed of stroke,
distance from workpiece and adjustment
of the fluid spray pattern adjustment
knob (D). If the speed stroke is too slow,
the paint will be wet on the workpiece and
it may run. If the speed stroke is too fast,
the paint will be dry and uneven on the
workpiece.
NOTE: Two thin coats of paint will yield better
spraying results and have less chance of
runs than one heavy layer.
7. For proper spraying techniques, start by
moving the gun at the beginning of the
stroke before squeezing the trigger.
Always release the trigger before stopping
gun movement at the end of the stroke.
This procedure will feather/blend each
stroke with the next without showing
overlap or unevenness (See Figure 7).
8. Overlap strokes just enough to obtain an
even coat (See Figure 9).
9. Use a piece of cardboard as a shield to
catch overspray at the edges of the
workpiece to protect other surfaces. Use
masking tape to cover other areas if
needed.
6-10in.
6-10 in.
Pull Release
Trigger Trigger
Start Stroke End Stroke
Thin coat Heavy coat Thin coat

15
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
To properly maintain and keep your sprayer working at its optimal
performance, it is strongly recommended that the spray gun nozzle be
cleaned and cleared of any clogs or debris using recommended cleaning
solutions such as Mineral Spirits, Paint Thinner or Lacquer Thinner. Consult
with your local retailer in choosing the right clean solution for the material you
are using.
DO NOT USE ACID BASED SOLVENTS, AS ACID BASED SOLVENTS
CAN DAMAGE THE SPRAYER.
ALWAYS REMOVE THE AIR SUPPY FROM THE SPRAY GUN PRIOR TO
PERFORMING ANY CLEANING OR MAINTAINENACE.
KEEP AWAY FROM ANY IGNITION SOURCES.
ALWAYS WEAR PROPER PPE WHILE CLEANING OR PERFORMING
MAINTENACE ON THE SPRAY GUN.
NEVER SUBMERGE THE SPRAY GUN HOUSING INTO SOLVENT
MATERIAL.
WARNING
Cleaning Instructions
1. Remove the air supply from the spray gun.
2. Remove the Cup Lid (G) from the Paint
Cup (F) and empty any remaining paint back
into the original container.
1
2
F
GPull out
AirFlow

16
CARE ANDMAINTENANCE
3. Fill the Paint Cup (F) about 1/4 full of cleaning
solution and spray the entire contents out into
a secondary container.
5. Unscrew the Air Cap (A) by hand turning
counterclockwise and place it in the
secondary container to soak.
6. Unscrew the Fluid Adjustment Knob (D) by
turning counterclockwise, using a damp cloth
with cleaning solution on it wipe off the fluid
adjustment knob and set it aside.
7. Pull out needle spring and the paint needle.
Place it in the secondary container to soak.
4. Remove the Paint Cup (F) from the Spray
Gun by turning counterclockwise, using the
wrench (J) (19mm), and place it in the
secondary container to soak 3-5 minutes.
Note: You will need to add additional cleaning
solution to the container.
3
4
5
6
7
Load paint
F
J
F
Counterclockwise
A
Counterclockwise
D

17
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
8. Using wrench (J), unscrew the Fluid Nozzle
(B) by turning counterclockwise and place it
in the secondary container to soak.
9. Pull out the Air Distribution Ring using Wire
Hook (not included) and place it in the
secondary container to soak.
10.After 3-5 minutes, remove each item and use a clean dry towel to wipe
off the entire item and inspect it for any remaining paint or dirt to wipe
remains.
RE-ASSEMBLING SPRAY GUN
If paint or dirt debris is still present, use a non-wire soft bristle brush and
brush the area.
8
9
J
B
L
L
Wire Hook
1
IMPORTANT: To ensure all residue of material is removed from the part, use
a blow gun with an approved OSHA gun tip to blow any excess cleaning
solution off the part that a rag cannot get to.
NOTE: Soaking of parts may require longer to get all paint residue off the
part.
1. The Air Distribution Ring (L) can only be
inserted correctly one way
(See Figure 1 and 2).
NOTE: The line on the Air Distribution Ring (L)
(Figure 2) must be lined up to the hole shown
in Figure 1. 2

18
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
2. Screw the Fluid Nozzle (B) into the face of the
spray gun by turning it clockwise, using the
wrench (J) (13 mm) to tighten securely
(See Figure 3).
3. Screw the Air Cap Ring (A) onto the face of the
spray gun by turning it clockwise and hand
tighten (See Figure 4).
4. Slide the Paint Needle through the back of the
Spray Gun (See Figure 5-6).
5. Slide Needle Spring over the Paint Needle
(See Figure 7).
Clockwise
3
4
J
B
Clockwise
A
5
6
7
NOTE : Make sure the hole in the trigger is
properly aligned or the paint needle cannot be
inserted.

19
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
TROUBLESHOOTING
6. Screw on the Fluid Adjustment Knob (D)
clockwise.
If you have any questions regarding sprayer performance, please call our
Customer Service Department at 1-888-3KOBALT, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.,
EST, Monday–Friday.
Storage
1. When not using the spray gun, turn the fluid
adjustment knob counterclockwise (to open) which will reduce the spring
tension on the needle fluid tip.
2. Store the gun in a secure area and out of the reach of children.
When storing for longer than 1 week, add a couple drops of lubricant into
the air inlet.
8Clockwise
D
Improper spray pattern
Improper spray pattern
1)One side of air cap
is clogged.
2)Dirt on one side of
fluid nozzle.
1)Loose air cap/dirty
seal.
2)One side of air cap
is clogged.
3)Dried material on
one side of fluid
nozzle.
Remove air cap and soak in
solvent, then blow air
through until clean. Wipe
off nozzle tip using a rag
moistened with thinner. To
clean holes, use a broom
straw or toothpick. Never try
to detach dried material with
a sharp tool.
1)Tighten air cap.
2)Remove air cap and soak
in solvent, then blow air
through until clean. Wipe
off fluid nozzle using a rag
moistened with thinner. To
clean holes, use a broom
straw or toothpick. Never
try to detach dried material
with a sharp tool.
SPRAY PATTERN/PROBLEM
POSSIBLE REASON SOLUTION

20
TROUBLESHOOTING
SPRAY PATTERN/PROBLEM
POSSIBLE REASON SOLUTION
Improper spray pattern
Improper spray pattern
Intermittent/
sputtering spray
1)Atomization air 1)Reduce atomization air
pressure.
2)Open fluid adjustment
knob.
3)Partially close pattern
adjustment knob.
pressure is set too
high.
2)Material too thin;
fluid adjustment
turned in too far.
3)Fan pattern open
1)Atomization air
pressure is set too
low.
2)Material too thick.
3)Fan pattern closed
too far.
1)Material level too
low.
2)Container tipped
too far.
3)Loose fluid inlet
connection.
4)Needle seat loose/
damaged.
5)Packing around
needle valve is
dried out or loose.
6)Fluid nozzle loosely
installed, or dirt
between nozzle and
body.
7)Clogged air vent.
1) Reduce atomization air
pressure.
2) Thin to proper viscosity.
3) Partially open pattern
adjustment knob.
1) Refill.
2) Hold more upright.
3) Tighten.
4) Adjust or replace.
5) Lubricate/tighten.
6) Remove, clean, tighten.
7) Clean vent hole.
too far.
Improper spray pattern
Unable to get round
spray Fan adjustment screw
not seating properly. Clean or replace.
1)Gun improperly
adjusted.
2)Dirty air cap.
3)Nozzle tip
obstructed.
4)Sluggish needle.
1)Re-adjust gun. Follow
instructions carefully.
2)Clean air cap.
3)Clean.
4)Lubricate.