Air compressor hose size (1/4-3/8)?

[SK-Mike]

Just ordered a small Homeowner use Air Compressor

(Makita MAC700) 2.0 HP, 2.6 gallon tank capacity, max pressure 130psi

This compressor will be used primarily for 3 things.

1. Inflation of tires
2. Running a small finish/trim nail gun
3. Blowing dust/dirt when cleaning tools, etc.

I plan on buying the Rolair Noodle 50 foot hose, just wondering if the 1/4 or the 3/8 model would be best for my needs.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Get 3/8”

 

[dledinger]

I can’t imagine you’d notice a difference with those tasks in mind.

 

[Laminar]

If that’s all you’re going to use it for you might as well go with the lighter and cheaper 1/4” hose.

 

[Dodge]

Which ever size you get, get a Flexilla. You will be glad

 

[mike93lx]

1/4 will be lighter and completely sufficient. I almost exclusively use coiled 1/4 hoses for the tasks you listed and hate having to pull out my 3/8 Bluebird hose. You won't benefit from 3/8

 

[Torque&Recoil]

I use and recommend 3/8 Flexzilla. However, I have to reluctantly agree with others, that for your small tasks, you won't notice a performance difference between 1/4 and 3/8. You are going to end up with more than one air hose eventually, so you may as well get the smaller 1/4 (for now).

 

[SK-Mike]

I ordered the 1/4 Rolair Noodle from Acme Tools, I think I will also order the 3/8 in the not too distant future. The thing about tools, is there is a place for both I guess. LOL.

 

[Citation]

For what it's worth here is my normal suggestion.
Get a 3/8" hose and a 25' or 50' cheap yellow (or color of your choice) coiled hose. I have both and use each for different reasons. If I had a 3/8" hose real I might not used either but I don't

Anyway, the 1/4" is great for inflating, blow guns etc. If the lug nuts aren't too tight I can use it with my impact wrench but it's clearly throttled. I use my 3/8" hose for high flow tools like the impact or cut off wheel. But the 1/4 coiled hoses are just so easy to put away. I just let them hang from the wall. The 3/8" hose needs to be coiled up when I'm done. I started with the 3/8" because the impact wrench was my first air tool. I didn't think about the 1/4" hose until I got one with some other stuff. Then I decided it was really handy.

SK, in your shoes I would get the 3/8" good hose and go to Walmart or Amazon or HF and buy a 25' or 50' cheap coiled hose (unless you will use it everyday, then get a higher quality coiled hose).

Your compressor will run an impact if only for short, but usable, bursts. For that you will want a 3/8" line. For your original list 1/4 is fine.

 

[sberry]

I vote 3/8 and a reel.

 

[pilotmotor]

for what you intend to use it for 1/4 will be fine not much cfm to carry. 1/4 willalso be lighter to handle.

 

[d.mcfarland]

For what you want 1/4", but if you want more than that you will need a larger hose especially at that length.

 

[mike93lx]

I vote 3/8 and a reel.

From the king of trying to talk people into smaller air Compressor plumbing!

 

[sberry]

I do in some respects. When the pipe is 2x better than the demand ever will be I am for economizing and making it more practical. The 50 ft reel here gives reach without adding any insult to a puny comp that has a chance of being replaced with something better. If he tries an impact a 1/4 hose will be a factor.

 

[sberry]

Part of the reason I phrase what I do is,,, I done it about every way it can be done. Some good, some bad, some a huge waste. I have added all the features, most "good" ideas, lots of them I seen in industry. Not all played out well or were worth it. Last renovation I did actually removed more than I added, I changed some, mostly design and got rid of any water without miles of pipe and every gadget I could find.
There are a couple things I might still do different if I was to do it again but it's really an ocd matter vs seeing any real benifit.

 

[sberry]

The absolute fear of a little pressure drop from hypothetical wot is highly exagerated. Much of this drop concern is using figures way above actual demand. Very simar to electric,,, assumes every circuit with 20A breaker has 20A continious load which is rare. Contrary to popular belief the little welder will work from 50 ft of 12 cord without issue or effect on the operator.
Painted a couple semi from 150+ of 3/8 hose by using 2 stage.

 

[Professional Tool User]

1/4 NPT. All the applications listed don't require a lot of air. Mobility with the nailer outweighs the bigger hose. You might even be able to get away with smaller hose.

 

[sberry]

I agree a light piece might be handy for the nailers.

 

[SK-Mike]

One more question about my new compressor.

I plan to switch to Amsoil Synthetic oil in this compressor after the break in.

Which Weight should I purchase?

1. ISO 46, SAE 20

Or

2. ISO 100, SAE 30/40

 

[mike93lx]

One more question about my new compressor.

I plan to switch to Amsoil Synthetic oil in this compressor after the break in.

Which Weight should I purchase?

1. ISO 46, SAE 20

Or

2. ISO 100, SAE 30/40

What does the manufacturer say.?