1-2 gallon hot dog/small compressors

[larry4406]

I have one of these around the house for small odd jobs - trim nail here, pump a tire there, etc. I have a large 22cfm 80 gallon "real" compressor in the garage for real work. Its nice to have a small portable.

Well, my Cambell Hausfeld 2 gallon FP2009202 (oil less) is on the verge of death. Not sure how old it is, but I am sure it is at least 10-12 years old. It would not build pressure beyond about 20 psi (drain closed).

The "motor-pump" assembly is obsolete and discontinued, the on/off switch broke while trying to take the leads off for disassembly, and then the check valve broke in half while I was loosening it to see if it was stuck. I did manage to get the broken half of the check valve out of the female tank tap. Motor and pump runs, and I can feel some air coming from the hose discharge but without the check valve, not able to check it for pressure buildup.

If I buy a new one (versus ordering a new check valve and switch; they are cheap), what small 1-3 gallon compressors do you guys use?

I want something small that I can run a trim nail gun, pump up a tire, can ride in the back seat of my car while I am nursing a slow tire leak, etc. Pancake styles are starting to get too large.

 

[zendriver]

I have had the 2 gallon Craftsman (now 3 gallon) for 14 years now.

I'll probably buy the 3 gallon, if this one ever quits.

 

[rq375]

Harbor freight 3 gal hotdog on coupon for $40, does fine with a brad nailer, tires, basket balls etc. I view it as disposable but have been using it for "household" stuff for about a year.

 

[RossOlsen]

Harbor freight 3 gal hotdog on coupon for $40, does fine with a brad nailer, tires, basket balls etc. I view it as disposable but have been using it for "household" stuff for about a year.

I was very disappointed with this compressor. Haven't seen a worse one yet. Rather use a 12v cigarette lighter powered compressor. Just my$.02

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[GarageGuy89]

I was very disappointed with this compressor. Haven't seen a worse one yet. Rather use a 12v cigarette lighter powered compressor. Just my$.02

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I was also disappointed in this compressor. I have the pancake version. Every joint on the thing leaks. I've taken it apart and re-sealed it many times. I've finally gotten to the point were it only kicks on every 30 seconds or so...it's been a nightmare.

I would go with a more known name brand.

 

[Citation]

What's the budget? For slow leaks I would get a 12v compressor and just accept the slow fill times. Otherwise, how big is too big? Do you care about noise levels?

 

[larry4406]

What's the budget? For slow leaks I would get a 12v compressor and just accept the slow fill times. Otherwise, how big is too big? Do you care about noise levels?

OP here. 12VDC is not acceptable for me, 120VAC required. It’s used around the house for various odd jobs and the occasional ride in the car fully charged. I want small similar to what I have/had regarding size. In its prime, noise was not obscene but for an oil-less not silent either. I guess budget-wise I think I’m in the $75-150 range.

Stupid check valve that sheared on removal is cheap, less than $5 ordered. Switch less than $10. Not sure if the check valve was the culprit.

 

[Catfishdan]

I'd check out the Senco PC 1010. 1/2 horse, 1 gallon. I run a trim gun with one no problem and it's pretty darn quiet. $110 or so.

 

[The Cobbler]

second the pc1010

 

[GarageGuy89]

Ran across this on youtube, cailfornia air tools California Air Tools Light & Quiet 1P1060S Portable Air Compressor

That would be my choice...heck I think I just talked myself into buying it.

 

[larry4406]

The Senco PC1010 appears to be upgraded to a PC1010N and looks quite nice. The California Air Tools 1P1060S also appears like a nice quite unit with better specs (more air, less noise) and price point!

Keep the recommendations coming please.

 

[Brand X]

The Senco is made in Taiwan,and the Californian is PRC..Just a difference. I bought a reman PC-1010N for $99.00 Mint though.. I also have a Rolair JC-10, another Rolair oil model 4 cfm oil model, Senco 4.4 cfm oil model, and Hitach 3.0 cfmi oil model.. Sold off a few so down to three. kept the little Senco for up at the garage, and the JC-10, and Hitachi stay in the shop.. Senco does a nice job on their build quality overall. Rolair the worst on it's China models,Hitach are nice too.. This was all in the last year, and had real good luck on A model Reman machines.. Like new, same or even better warranty as new..Oh yea, bought a Pancake reman from Bostitch too. that got traded for other tools.like a high end AC/DC amp meter.Put amp meters on all, for running on a inverter genny. like Yamaha 1000 watt... Senco would run on half that power.. Shoot, I can use the Rolair JC-10 on the Yamaha pretty easy too..I stayed away from Californian air tools because some of the reviews, Briend bought a BS (from amazon) made like the Twin Californian, and JC-10, and it's been a real good unit too..

 

[4Kings]

I've had this Craftsman for about 15 years as my carry around compressor. Works for me.

https://www.craftsman.com/products/craftsman-3-gallon-1-0-hp-oil-lubricated-air-compressor-accessory-kit-135-max-psi?taxon_id=1642

 

[MShaw]

I have that Craftsman also. It does not get used every day but have had it for 10 years without problems. Of course it is unknown what they are like today.

 

[The Cobbler]

I've had this Craftsman for about 15 years as my carry around compressor. Works for me.

https://www.craftsman.com/products/craftsman-3-gallon-1-0-hp-oil-lubricated-air-compressor-accessory-kit-135-max-psi?taxon_id=1642

great compressors too.

 

[zendriver]

I have that Craftsman also. It does not get used every day but have had it for 10 years without problems. Of course it is unknown what they are like today.

Mine (14 years old ) was made in China, so chances are good the quality latest model is probably even better.


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[ptgarcia]

I have a Senco PC1010 that a neighbor gave me a few years ago because it had a leak and he couldn't figure out how to fix it. I replaced the regulator and have been using it ever since. It's a great little compressor, and if it broke today I'd have a hard time buying a different brand over another Senco.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I think the Senco PC1010 is pretty much the standard with trim carpenters and such. Hitachi and California Air also make good small compressors. I can't stand pancake compressors, the little hot ********* are much quieter.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I have a Rolair JC10 my brother in law has a Senco PC1010.
Both work fine. The Senco is easier to carry around and cost $100ish. The Rolair is quieter and has more CFM, cost is over $200.
Either works fine with finish nailers. I don't think Ive ever tried filling a tire with either.

 

[unslow1]

Harbor freight 3 gal hotdog on coupon for $40, does fine with a brad nailer, tires, basket balls etc. I view it as disposable but have been using it for "household" stuff for about a year.

This is also the little one I use. No problems with it and I don't have to mess around with hose and firing up a large compressor just to top off a tire.

 

[mowkep]

I have the Rigid model that has wheels and tool box on top. Very nice

 

[RAS61]

Makita MAC700, 2hp 2.6 gal, very nice! Usually costs a little more than your budget, but you won't find a better compressor in this size.