Air Compressor questions

[cweidert03]

So my In-laws got me a 21 gal 2.5 hp Harbor Freight Compressor for Christmas. I asked for a 20/30 Gal Compressor and that is what he got me. I think it will be fine as I've never had a compressor but what tools and accessories should I get first and where from??

Im thinking I should get a 50ft hose and reel to hang on the wall. Are there any decent ones to look at that won't break the bank?

Ive seen a 50pc Kobalt set for $75 and a craftsman set on amazon for $75 would these just be a waste of money or worth getting as starter set.( i have a cordless Dewalt 1/2 impact)

Thanks

 

[jkwilson]

Inflator and blow gun should be priorities. Quick connects and a hose. Most tools will need a lot more CFM than that compressor can supply if you use them heavily. If you are patient and don't need to hurry you can use some of the higher SCFM tools.

Menards has a good deal on a Flexilla 50ft hose.

 

[CNGsaves]

For Black Friday, there was nice Goodyear hose reel at Northern Tool that was $99 if I remember right. Check for coupons at RetailMeNot.com and you might get close to that price now.

 

[99LeCouch]

Go buy Milton V-style or HF automotive (IIRC) style fittings. Put those on the compressor, the hose ends, and the tools that absolutely need lots of air. Impacts, higher-power ratchets, stuff that needs a lot of flow for a brief period to generate torque. It'll also make every other tool work better.

The cheap fittings are fine for blow guns, tire inflators, and the like. The cheap HF fittings leak a bit even when connected with other cheap HF fittings, so use those fittings for tools where airflow doesn't matter as much.

If nobody told you about oil, change it after 30 minutes run time and again after running it for a few hours of real use. That will get out a lot of the break-in crud and let the pump live a long, happy life.

Cobble together or buy a good tank drain valve. I went with the Husky 6" drain valve on mine. Kind of spendy for what it is, but it sure works and was a piece of cake to install. Drain the tank regularly, and it too will be around for a while. Making it easy makes sure it gets done.

I know, that's about another $50-60 of parts. It will work somewhat with cheaper parts. It will work noticeably better and for longer with those upgrades listed above.

 

[cweidert03]

Go buy Milton V-style or HF automotive (IIRC) style fittings. Put those on the compressor, the hose ends, and the tools that absolutely need lots of air. Impacts, higher-power ratchets, stuff that needs a lot of flow for a brief period to generate torque. It'll also make every other tool work better.

The cheap fittings are fine for blow guns, tire inflators, and the like. The cheap HF fittings leak a bit even when connected with other cheap HF fittings, so use those fittings for tools where airflow doesn't matter as much.

If nobody told you about oil, change it after 30 minutes run time and again after running it for a few hours of real use. That will get out a lot of the break-in crud and let the pump live a long, happy life.

Cobble together or buy a good tank drain valve. I went with the Husky 6" drain valve on mine. Kind of spendy for what it is, but it sure works and was a piece of cake to install. Drain the tank regularly, and it too will be around for a while. Making it easy makes sure it gets done.

I know, that's about another $50-60 of parts. It will work somewhat with cheaper parts. It will work noticeably better and for longer with those upgrades listed above.

Thanks for the info! Was exactly what I was looking for.. I'd rather spend a little more setting it all up and can get tools as I need them which probably won't be many..


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