Double-Action Airbrush to Single Action

Tools Needed
Spanner wrench (with flat tips)

There are two basic types of airbrush actions: single and double.

Without going into too much detail, single-action means that the trigger on the airbrush only controls the amount of paint being released; the air flow is fixed.

Double-action airbrush triggers control both the amount of paint, and the amount of air—in most cases, press down for air, pull back for paint.

With a weak air compressor or pump, sometimes a double-action airbrush is not needed, and a single-action is far simpler and more convenient.

This is the valve on my double-action airbrush that controls the amount of air going in. The spring-loaded pin in the center is actuated by the airbrush trigger. Press down the trigger and the pin moves downwards, opening the valve.

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You can see the pin more clearly in this picture, along with the retaining ring inside the shell.

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Using the spanner wrench, unscrew the retaining ring slowly. Remember that there is a spring behind, so take care not to have the whole pin/spring/retainer flying off.

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When you're done, you should have these two parts separated. Place the removed parts in a safe place so that you can replace them should you decide to reverse the conversion.

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Good luck!

P.S. If you don't have a spanner wrench handy, a pair of tweezers or dividers will probably work too.