Man, I got my Badger Airbrush out again and it was working great. I went to clean it and put it back together... Now the trigger is not depressing. I took the valve assembly apart, spring works fine. The whole assembly works fine when the airbrush itself isn't between the trigger and the "plunger."

In other words, I can depress the trigger when it and the valve are not connected to the body. I am simply pressing the trigger onto the plunger directly. It depresses fine. The problem happens when it's all put together... I don't understand what's wrong.

My guesses: The trigger somehow got worn down and is not long enough to depress the plunger, which is silly because I haven't used this airbrush much. Next guess, some part of the valve assembly is somehow sitting lower, preventing the trigger from fully reaching it. It just baaarely depresses when I push down. Air doesn't flow because the plunger hasn't depressed yet. If you guys want a picture or something, let me know. I just really want to know what to do...

Something similar happens to mine (Iwata) if i get solvent in the trigger area. I usually put a small drop of lube (Iwata Super Lube) on the end of the trigger (part that goes into the airbrush) and that usually fixes it.

Ryan,
Badger air valves can be taken apart. You could have paint in the valve, or a swollen o ring that prevents the plunger from moving. That's normally caused by getting some sort of solvent in the air valve. Take it apart, clean it and put it back together with airbrush lube and you should be fine unless the seal is torn completely or melted to the plunger by lacquer thinner or such. If the o ring is very swollen, you can let it dry out for a few days and it will shrink back to normal size. Of course a new o ring is very cheap, and a complete new air valve can be had on line for under $15.00

Hope this helps,

Paul H

Hmm, I see... But the plunger moves as normal when the full air valve isn't connected to the airbrush. As soon as I connect it, and add the trigger, it will not depress.

What model airbrush?

Badger Renegade Velocity.

Could be paint in the channel between trigger and plunger, or plunger binding in the valve and not protruding far enough for the trigger to engage. I have Badger brushes that are well over 20 years old and all still have original triggers, so I seriously doubt the trigger is worn. I'll be offline In a few minutes, but you can post a picture of the assembled air valve and the trigger and we might be able to see what the issue is.

Paul H

The Velocity air valve should look like this if it is good...

Here is mine with my trigger.
Seems the plunger tip is not protruding as much as yours.


Disassembled.

It looks like you'd air valve plunger is not protruding all of the way out. The o ring is looks swollen and is probably keeping it from returning to the fully extended position. Take it apart, clean the o ring and the inside of the valve body with alcohol and let it dry over night. Lube the parts with airbrush lube and see how it works. If you don't have airbrush lube, some glycerin will work until you get some. No petroleum based lubes should be used in the air valve or paint path.

Hope this helps,
Paul H

One additional note, the lubricant should be rubbed on the parts and wiped off. Do use a lot or you have more problems when it gets In Your paint in large quantities.

Will give it a go tomorrow sometime and let you know. Any particular kind of alcohol?

did you put the coil spring to the correct place?

I'd recommend 90% pure, as the resins in the lower grades can leave sticky residue, but if you don't have it, 70 % pure will probably cut any paint residue on the parts well enough and you can rinse with water.

Paul H

Will see if I have some today. Thank you. I'll reply tomorrow with the results.

If you cant figure it out Badger is guaranteed for life. Ive had mine repaired . it cost $8 shipping Does take a month or so . look on line to get the address

Oh, I got it. (: Just needed a new O-ring.

I had the same issue with my Patriot Airbrush. Just bought a new $15 valve. Works awesome now.

Jon,

thanks for that one, you just solved a problem over here!

H.