Ok, so trying to decide between the Husky 20gal or the Kobalt 20gal compressor. Both are oil less and about same price. Seems very similar in specs..........any help or experience would be great. Just using for normal household stuff. No heavy duty use.
Husky vs Kobalt Air Compressor
- Thread starter Tn47361
- Start date
Don't buy an oil less the noise will drive you nuts and they are not as durable as an oil lubricated one.
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aka Larry
Well-known member
Neither. Unless you are legally deaf, or would like to be, save your money until you can afford an oil lubricated one.
I second not buying an oilless compressor. I bough my first compressor from Sears in about 1991 (oilless) and returned it the same day because the thing was so damn loud. As for the difference between Kobalt and Husky, I'd guess it is a wash. You might consider harbor freight or even Craigslist. I saw a 20 gal 3hp on Craigslist here this week for $50. If you go that route, run it and make sure the tank fills and that the motor shuts off at the correct pressure. And make sure there are no tank leaks. Leaks at the piping coming out of the compressor can be fixed pretty easily.
To answer your question, I would pick the Husky compressor out of the two. The higher 175 PSI vs 150 PSI means you can get more work done before the motor needs to kick in.
Oil-less is fine if you don't plan on using it for an extended period of time.
Oil-less is fine if you don't plan on using it for an extended period of time.
ddawg16
Well-known member
A third vote for no oilless....
I was in your same boat...but once you plop down that $200 and crank it up for the first time? You will understand why we are saying no to OilLess.....
Look for a used 'real' compressor. I picked up a 60's vintage Farmer Brothers 2 stage for $100. 240Vac...as long as you keep oil in it, it really doesn't wear out.
I was in your same boat...but once you plop down that $200 and crank it up for the first time? You will understand why we are saying no to OilLess.....
Look for a used 'real' compressor. I picked up a 60's vintage Farmer Brothers 2 stage for $100. 240Vac...as long as you keep oil in it, it really doesn't wear out.
Good advice. I would just add to make sure that the tank is not showing any serious signs of rust and if it runs, vent the tank to make sure it does not spew rust. That is always a concern with older compressors.
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As I just mentioned, the condition of the tank on an old compressor is always a concern. That sounds like you got a really good deal. That is $750 for a 2 stage at HF when they are on sale.
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cvcman
Well-known member
Check Tractor Supply..I agree the oil less ones are ****...I havea Campbell Hausfeld cast iron 2 cyl American made pump...I think its a 5hp 30 gallon horizontal ....
I think I paid around 400.00 for it but it will do anything I want from it,,,quiet,,,should last a loooonnngggg time...
I know sometimes the budget doesn't allow but id rather buy a GOOD solid used one than the two you are thinking of..
I know IR makes a good one...good luck
I think I paid around 400.00 for it but it will do anything I want from it,,,quiet,,,should last a loooonnngggg time...
I know sometimes the budget doesn't allow but id rather buy a GOOD solid used one than the two you are thinking of..
I know IR makes a good one...good luck
crewchief888
Well-known member
oiled vs oil less controversy once again..
i agree an oiled compressor is better than an oil less.
but having some air, is better than not having any air...
i agree an oiled compressor is better than an oil less.
but having some air, is better than not having any air...
Some oiless aren't loud. Menards just had a sale on the California Air Tools 10020 compressor for $200. Its a 10 gallon, 5 cfm quiet compressor. Quiet as in dishwater not jack hammer. Anyway, I wouldn't assume either its better quality without specific models. Both companies are just contracting the manufacturer to compressor OEMs and both user some of the same companies. I would suggest looking used but suggestions to get a 240V compressor aren't useful if you don't have the wiring to support it or the need for it.
Depending on how much you are going to use it you might was to avoid oil free models. They have an earned reputation for wearing out. If you look at YouTube videos of compressor repairs you will see a lot of videos showing how to fix the piston seals that wear out. But if you are using it too much or for to long on one stretch then I would not reject an oil free compressor. Just be sure to check the noise specs before buying.
Depending on how much you are going to use it you might was to avoid oil free models. They have an earned reputation for wearing out. If you look at YouTube videos of compressor repairs you will see a lot of videos showing how to fix the piston seals that wear out. But if you are using it too much or for to long on one stretch then I would not reject an oil free compressor. Just be sure to check the noise specs before buying.
There have been a lor of bad reviews on the low end IR's. The pumps are made in India.
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16again
Well-known member
Spend a few extra dollars and get an oiled compressor. Wait until you have the extra few bucks and buy right the first time. Trust us on this, some of us (me) have been there and done that. ***** buying things twice...
That's a great price. I have a CAT compressor and it's quieter than any oiled comsumer-grade compressor I've used. I can afford to run it all day long if needed so the smaller tank size doesn't matter as much. It's that damn quiet.