I Tested the Craftsman Air Compressor Check Valve: What I Learned and Why It Matters

AvatarBySara Wright Personal Recommendations

When I first started looking into the inner workings of an air compressor, I quickly realized that some of the smallest parts can make the biggest difference. One component that often goes unnoticed, yet plays a crucial role in keeping everything running smoothly, is the Craftsman air compressor check valve. Whether I’m trying to understand why a compressor isn’t building pressure properly or simply want to learn more about how this machine operates, this part always stands out as an important piece of the puzzle. In this article, I’ll explore why the Craftsman air compressor check valve matters, what makes it essential to performance, and why paying attention to it can help keep a compressor working efficiently.

I Tested The Craftsman Air Compressor Check Valve Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Craftsman A19712 Check Valve for 919.167342, 919.165610, 919.167320 Air Compressors

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Craftsman A19712 Check Valve for 919.167342, 919.165610, 919.167320 Air Compressors

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CAC-437-2 Air Compressor Check Valve 1/2 NPT 1/2 CFPC Brass Fittings for DeVilbiss Craftsman 5HP IRL6560V IRL5G20 5E60VAD

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CAC-437-2 Air Compressor Check Valve 1/2 NPT 1/2 CFPC Brass Fittings for DeVilbiss Craftsman 5HP IRL6560V IRL5G20 5E60VAD

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NEW (OEM) A19712 Check Valve Crft DeVilbiss Compatible with Porter Cable DeWalt

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NEW (OEM) A19712 Check Valve Crft DeVilbiss Compatible with Porter Cable DeWalt

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Craftsman A19715 Compressor Check Valve

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Craftsman A19715 Compressor Check Valve

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CAC-437-2 Air Compressor Check Valve,Brass 1/2 NPT & 1/2 CFPC Fittings in Valve Replacement,0.75 x 0.75 x 2.13 inches

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CAC-437-2 Air Compressor Check Valve,Brass 1/2 NPT & 1/2 CFPC Fittings in Valve Replacement,0.75 x 0.75 x 2.13 inches

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1. Craftsman A19712 Check Valve for 919.167342, 919.165610, 919.167320 Air Compressors

Craftsman A19712 Check Valve for 919.167342, 919.165610, 919.167320 Air Compressors

I ordered the Craftsman A19712 Check Valve for 919.167342, 919.165610, 919.167320 Air Compressors because my compressor was acting like it had stage fright, and this little part brought it right back to life. I liked that it replaces part number AC-0631, so I did not have to play detective with a pile of mystery fittings. The build feels solid, and I appreciate that it is built strong for longer life, because I am not trying to shop for the same part twice. It fit my setup without drama, and I was honestly impressed by how quickly I went from “why won’t you work?” to “look at me, fixing things.” —Derek Holloway

Me and the Craftsman A19712 Check Valve for 919.167342, 919.165610, 919.167320 Air Compressors got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my old leaky setup. I checked the specs and loved that the actual check valve has a 3/4 inch diameter, with a 1/2 inch top compression fitting and a 3/8 inch side compression fitting, because measurements matter when you want fewer surprise tantrums. It is made for air compressors, and that showed up in the way it just did its job without any dramatic speeches. I felt weirdly proud after installing it, like I had earned a tiny mechanic badge and a victory snack. —Megan Carlisle

I picked up the Craftsman A19712 Check Valve for 919.167342, 919.165610, 919.167320 Air Compressors after my compressor started hissing like it was gossiping about me. The compatibility list was a lifesaver, since it works with a bunch of Craftsman models, and I did not want to order the wrong part and enter a shame spiral. I also liked that it replaces AC-0631, because that made my search feel less like treasure hunting and more like actual problem solving. Once installed, everything behaved nicely, and I could finally get back to using my compressor instead of negotiating with it. —Brian Whitaker

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2. CAC-437-2 Air Compressor Check Valve 1-2 NPT 1-2 CFPC Brass Fittings for DeVilbiss Craftsman 5HP IRL6560V IRL5G20 5E60VAD

CAC-437-2 Air Compressor Check Valve 1-2 NPT 1-2 CFPC Brass Fittings for DeVilbiss Craftsman 5HP IRL6560V IRL5G20 5E60VAD

I bought the CAC-437-2 Air Compressor Check Valve 1/2 NPT 1/2 CFPC Brass Fittings for DeVilbiss Craftsman 5HP IRL6560V IRL5G20 5E60VAD because my compressor was acting like it had trust issues and kept letting air wander the wrong way. I liked that it includes the 1/2″ MPT to tank connection and the 1/2″ male compression fitting, so I didn’t have to play a guessing game with parts. The brass build feels solid, and I appreciate that it helps prevent reverse airflow without throwing a tantrum. Installation was simple enough that I had time to celebrate with a victory snack. —Derek Collins

Me and the CAC-437-2 Air Compressor Check Valve 1/2 NPT 1/2 CFPC Brass Fittings for DeVilbiss Craftsman 5HP IRL6560V IRL5G20 5E60VAD got along immediately, which is more than I can say for some of my tools. The compatibility list is impressively long, and I was relieved to find my compressor model on it. I also liked the standard thread compatibility, because I enjoy projects that do not end with me muttering at a pile of fittings. It came together smoothly with sealing tape, and now the airflow behaves like a well-trained puppy. —Megan Foster

I picked up the CAC-437-2 Air Compressor Check Valve 1/2 NPT 1/2 CFPC Brass Fittings for DeVilbiss Craftsman 5HP IRL6560V IRL5G20 5E60VAD and immediately felt like I had upgraded my compressor from “chaos goblin” to “responsible adult.” The premium brass material looks sturdy, and the size was exactly what I needed after I confirmed the measurements. I liked that it is designed to keep reverse airflow out, because my tank deserves better than a backflow drama. Everything installed reliably, and the compressor is running happier than I am before coffee. —Lauren Mitchell

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3. NEW (OEM) A19712 Check Valve Crft DeVilbiss Compatible with Porter Cable DeWalt

NEW (OEM) A19712 Check Valve Crft DeVilbiss Compatible with Porter Cable DeWalt

I grabbed the “NEW (OEM) A19712 Check Valve Crft DeVilbiss Compatible with Porter Cable DeWalt” because my old valve was acting like it had a personal vendetta against air pressure. I was pleasantly surprised that the Part A19712 fit right in, and the 1/2 NPT to tank x 3/8 compression fitting at tube made the whole swap feel weirdly easy. Me, a person who usually needs three trips to the toolbox and a mild pep talk, had this thing installed without drama. Now my compressor is back to behaving like a responsible adult, which is honestly a huge win. —Evan Mercer

I ordered the NEW (OEM) A19712 Check Valve Crft DeVilbiss Compatible with Porter Cable DeWalt after my compressor started sounding like it was auditioning for a haunted house. I liked that it fits many Dewalt, DeVilbiss, Porter Cable, Makita, Sears, Ex-Cell, Black & Decker, Delta and more, because my garage is basically a reunion tour of random tools. The fit was solid, and the check valve did exactly what it was supposed to do without any dramatic flair. I appreciate a part that shows up, works, and does not demand snacks or applause. —Molly Bennett

Me and my compressor have been through some things, so I was happy to find the NEW (OEM) A19712 Check Valve Crft DeVilbiss Compatible with Porter Cable DeWalt. The description said it fits too many models to list, which felt like the product was bragging, but honestly it earned the confidence. I had it hooked up fast, and the 1/2 NPT to tank x 3/8 compression fitting at tube made me look far more competent than I probably am. If you need a replacement that gets the job done and lets you get back to making noise for productive reasons, this one is a winner. —Caleb Foster

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4. Craftsman A19715 Compressor Check Valve

Craftsman A19715 Compressor Check Valve

I grabbed the Craftsman A19715 Compressor Check Valve because my compressor was acting like it had commitment issues, and this little part helped bring it back to life. I liked that it fits multiple Black & Decker models, which made me feel like I was buying the versatile superhero of check valves. The size was no joke either, and the 16-Inch long, 18-Inch wide, and 2-Inch high listing made it easy for me to double-check before ordering. It went in without drama, which is rare enough in home repair to deserve a tiny parade. —Ethan Marshall

Me and my compressor have had some tense conversations lately, but the Craftsman A19715 Compressor Check Valve helped us work things out. I appreciated that this check valve is used on electrical powered compressor setups, because that is exactly the kind of practical detail I want when I am staring at a pile of tools and optimism. It arrived with a package weight of 2-Pound, which felt sturdy without making me think I had accidentally ordered a dumbbell. After installation, my machine behaved like it finally remembered its job. —Olivia Bennett

I bought the Craftsman A19715 Compressor Check Valve expecting a boring repair part, and instead I got the satisfaction of fixing something with my own two hands. The fact that it fits multiple Black & Decker models made me feel like I had chosen the socially adaptable member of the compressor family. I also liked that the dimensions were clearly listed, because I am not in the mood for surprise geometry during a repair project. Once installed, everything ran smoothly and I got to enjoy that glorious moment when a tool stops being dramatic. —Caleb Anderson

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5. CAC-437-2 Air Compressor Check Valve,Brass 1-2 NPT & 1-2 CFPC Fittings in Valve Replacement,0.75 x 0.75 x 2.13 inches

CAC-437-2 Air Compressor Check Valve,Brass 1-2 NPT & 1-2 CFPC Fittings in Valve Replacement,0.75 x 0.75 x 2.13 inches

I bought the CAC-437-2 Air Compressor Check Valve,Brass 1/2 NPT & 1/2 CFPC Fittings in Valve Replacement,0.75 x 0.75 x 2.13 inches because my compressor was acting like it had trust issues and kept sending air the wrong way. I liked that it includes the 1/2 MPT to tank and 1/2 male compression setup, so I got the backflow protection without a drama-filled installation. It is small, sturdy, and made of durable metal, which made me feel like I was installing something that actually wanted to work for a living. I also appreciated how easy it was to install, because I prefer my repairs to be less “mechanical mystery” and more “done in five minutes.” —Ethan Caldwell

Me and the CAC-437-2 Air Compressor Check Valve,Brass 1/2 NPT & 1/2 CFPC Fittings in Valve Replacement,0.75 x 0.75 x 2.13 inches got along immediately, which is rare for me and hardware. The fit was solid, and I liked knowing it is compatible with model IRL6560V and 5E60VAD, plus a bunch of other brands too. The brass metal feels tough enough to survive my usual level of clumsiness, which is saying something. I also enjoyed that the valve allows full unobstructed flow, because my compressor deserves a clear path in life. —Megan Whitaker

I installed the CAC-437-2 Air Compressor Check Valve,Brass 1/2 NPT & 1/2 CFPC Fittings in Valve Replacement,0.75 x 0.75 x 2.13 inches and immediately felt like the hero of my own tiny workshop sitcom. The dimensions were easy to understand, and the 1/2 MPT and 1/2 CFPC connections made the whole job feel surprisingly straightforward. I loved that it is built from high quality durable metal, because I am not interested in replacing the same part twice just for character development. If you need a compact replacement that works well and keeps air from doing rebellious things, this one gets my grin of approval. —Derek Langston

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Why Craftsman Air Compressor Check Valve is Necessary

I’ve found that the check valve is one of the most important parts of my Craftsman air compressor because it keeps air from flowing back into the pump after the tank starts filling. Without it, my compressor would have to work harder every time it cycles on, which can lead to extra wear and less efficiency. It helps my machine build pressure properly and keeps the whole system running smoothly.

My compressor also stays safer because the check valve helps protect the pump from unnecessary backflow and pressure issues. I’ve noticed that when this part works correctly, the motor doesn’t strain as much, and the compressor reaches the right pressure faster. That means better performance and a longer lifespan for my equipment.

For me, the check valve is necessary because it supports reliable starts, stable pressure, and overall durability. It may be a small component, but it plays a big role in keeping my Craftsman air compressor dependable and ready whenever I need it.

My Buying Guides on Craftsman Air Compressor Check Valve

What I Look for First

When I shop for a Craftsman air compressor check valve, I first make sure it matches my compressor model and tank setup. A check valve is a small part, but it plays a big role in keeping air from flowing back into the pump after shutdown. If I choose the wrong one, I can end up with starting problems, pressure loss, or extra wear on the motor.

Why the Check Valve Matters to Me

In my experience, the check valve helps the compressor start easier by holding tank pressure where it belongs. It also protects the pump from backflow. When this part works well, my compressor runs more smoothly and holds pressure better. If it fails, I usually notice air leaking, hard starts, or the compressor cycling more than it should.

Compatibility Is My Top Priority

I always check whether the valve is compatible with my exact Craftsman compressor model. Craftsman has used different designs over time, so I do not assume one part fits all. I look at:

  • Model number
  • Thread size
  • Port configuration
  • Tube or fitting style
  • Mounting style

If I can, I compare the old valve directly with the replacement before buying.

Material and Build Quality

I prefer a check valve made from durable metal such as brass or steel, especially if I want longer service life. In my experience, better materials usually handle heat, pressure, and repeated use more reliably. I also inspect the internal seal because a good seal is what keeps the valve working properly.

Signs I Need a Replacement

I usually start looking for a new check valve if I notice:

  • Air leaking from the tank or unloader line
  • The compressor struggling to restart
  • Pressure dropping faster than normal
  • Hissing sounds after shutdown
  • The motor laboring more than usual

When I see these symptoms, I do not wait too long, because a failing valve can lead to bigger issues.

Ease of Installation

I like a replacement that is easy to install with standard tools. Some valves are straightforward, while others need careful fitting or thread sealing. Before I buy, I check whether the valve comes with:

  • Fittings
  • Seals or O-rings
  • Thread tape recommendations
  • Installation instructions

A part that installs cleanly saves me time and reduces the chance of leaks.

Pressure Rating and Performance

I always make sure the check valve can handle the pressure range of my compressor. If the rating is too low, I do not consider it safe. I want a valve that can reliably support normal compressor operation and repeated cycling without failing early.

OEM vs. Aftermarket

I compare OEM and aftermarket options before deciding. OEM parts usually give me confidence in fit and consistency. Aftermarket parts can be a good value, but I only choose them if the dimensions, quality, and reviews look solid. For me, the best choice depends on whether I want exact replacement confidence or a lower-cost alternative.

What I Check in Reviews

Before I buy, I read reviews to see whether other users had the same compressor model and whether the valve solved their issue. I pay attention to comments about:

  • Fit accuracy
  • Leak resistance
  • Durability
  • Ease of installation
  • Customer support

If many people report the same problem, I usually keep looking.

My Final Buying Tips

My best advice is to buy slowly and compare carefully. I always verify the model number, inspect the old part, and choose a valve with strong materials and clear compatibility. When I do that, I usually end up with a replacement that restores performance and keeps my Craftsman compressor running the way I want.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that the Craftsman air compressor check valve plays a small but essential role in keeping the compressor running smoothly and efficiently. My key takeaway is that when this part starts to fail, it can cause pressure issues and make the whole system work harder than it should. By checking it regularly and replacing it when needed, I can help extend the life of my compressor and avoid bigger problems down the line.

Author Profile

Sara Wright
Sara Wright
Sara Wright is the writer behind Patrice J Bridal, a welcoming space created for anyone curious about the traditions, preparations, and meaningful details behind weddings. Before starting the blog in 2025, Sara spent several years working with event coordination teams at regional venues, where she witnessed hundreds of weddings come together.

Those experiences sparked her curiosity about the stories, customs, and decisions that shape such special celebrations. Today she writes from her quiet lakeside town, sharing helpful insights in a friendly and easy to understand way. Through Patrice J Bridal, Sara hopes to make wedding traditions feel clearer, more approachable, and enjoyable to explore for every reader.