About air compressors

[NES]

I was wondering what size air compressor I would need for a 1/2 air impact wrench?

What are good brands of air compressors that would work?

 

[yamaha0343]

I don't want to be the guy that says search, but there is an absolute wealth of knowledge in compressor posts here that one couldn't even begin to type. Huge threads packed with info.

I'd get a pot of coffee going, you'll have a solid evening worth of info.

 

[6PTsocket]

I was wondering what size air compressor I would need for a 1/2 air impact wrench?

What are good brands of air compressors that would work?

Threre are two kinds of air devices, those that run for long stretches like sand blasters and DA sanders that use tons of air, and those that run in pulses or short bursts, like nailers and impact wrenches. You would be amazed with what you can get away with for an impact wrench. It just runs for a few seconds at a time. I have been working on the marginal edge of usability for years. I have a Campbell Hausfeld oil lubed double hotdog, optimistically rated 4cfm at 90psi. It pumps the tank to 125. With the regulator at 90, the pump runs a lot but I do the 135 lb/ ft lugs on my truck and rust belt frozen caliper bracket bolts on a number of vehicles with my older 1/2" Earthquake, from HF. I spend hardly any time waiting on the tank to refill. I would reccomend you go a little bigger than I did, even if you are not going to run anything more demanding than an impact wrench. Just do not buy an oiless. It is considered heresy here. They are noisy and short lived

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Git]

Home Depot is having a sale today - you should see if there is something you like

https://www.homedepot.com/SpecialBuy/SpecialBuyOfTheDay

 

[joe_padavano]

While I have a couple of large compressors, I occasionally run my impact wrench off of my small nail gun compressor, out of convenience and portability. Pressure is more than adequate for the impact wrench, but at most I get two lug nuts loose before I need to wait for the compressor to pump back up. It works for occasional use.

 

[vavet]

There are two questions here.
1. What is the bare minimum air compressor i can use? The answer is pretty doggone small. One of the 3 gallon units that go on sale for $40 at HF will probably work and be easily stored and moved.
2. What is the unit I would be happy with and not want to upgrade from? As other poster mention - an oil lube type for sure. I'm not sure I agree that non oil-lubed compressors are short lived. I've had mine for close to 20 years and I'm waiting for it to die so I can buy a new one. I primarily hate how loud it is. Probably a minimum of 20 gallon. From there it's preference - do you prefer a horizontal or vertical tank. Horizontal are easier to move. The top heavy nature of a vertical unit is awkward, but the footprint is much smaller. Do you require a portable at all? The 60 gallon units are not much more money than the 25-30 gallon units and give you a lot more air...but if you're powering up just to pump up a bike tire or even one car tire, you might be disappointed because now you have to pressurize 60 gallons to that pressure instead of just 30.
Is it strictly to remove lug nuts 3 times a year? Will you be using it for a lot of other things?

 

[sberry]

With 125 on the tank is should have that for full power to an impact, the 90 is at the tool. As long as it is working though that is the point.

 

[Citation]

Threre are two kinds of air devices, those that run for long stretches like sand blasters and DA sanders that use tons of air, and those that run in pulses or short bursts, like nailers and impact wrenches. You would be amazed with what you can get away with for an impact wrench. It just runs for a few seconds at a time. I have been working on the marginal edge of usability for years. I have a Campbell Hausfeld oil lubed double hotdog, optimistically rated 4cfm at 90psi. It pumps the tank to 125. With the regulator at 90, the pump runs a lot but I do the 135 lb/ ft lugs on my truck and rust belt frozen caliper bracket bolts on a number of vehicles with my older 1/2" Earthquake, from HF. I spend hardly any time waiting on the tank to refill. I would reccomend you go a little bigger than I did, even if you are not going to run anything more demanding than an impact wrench. Just do not buy an oiless. It is considered heresy here. They are noisy and short lived

I want to second this. My 4 gallon Emglo has basically the same specs. It never had trouble with my IR 231 impact wrench. Yes, it cycles frequently but it only takes 15 seconds to refill the tank.

That said, when I had a chance to upgrade to a CH 20 gallon, 5.5 CFM compressor I was much happier.

 

[Fierljeppen]

Most of the mechanics I know have switched from air to lithium-battery impacts.

 

[Citation]

Most of the mechanics I know have switched from air to lithium-battery impacts.

Probably makes sense for people who use the tool all the time. If you are an occasional used the air is better because it's both cheaper and the air tools don't have dead batteries. Also, you can't get a good battery powered air gun so I'm going to have the compressor anyway.

 

[CompressorPros.com]

We usually say roughly 4-5 CFM for most impacts. 3/4" and up use a bunch more.

We have a general guide for sizing compressors that you may find helpful.

Sizing an Air Compressor

 

[Trey T]

20gal w/ 1.5hp motor and pump will get a lot of jobs done w/ the 1/2" impact.