Air Compressor

[matt151617]

I know nothing about air compressors; I'd like to get one. I only plan on using it to add air to tires, and to take lug nuts off. No idea what size, type, etc to get. I'd rather spend not that much, since I'd use it infrequently.

 

[6-Speed]

If that's the case then I suggest buying a small compressor, like a three gallon to pump up tires and buy a decent cordless 1/2 Dr impact wrench for the lug nuts. I have a 3 gallon Craftsman compressor that will pump up tires, which is available for under $100. Their C3 19.2V impact wrench removes lug nuts with ease.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I can't believe I'm saying this... but...

If you aren't going to use it very often, and don't want to do any more maintenance except for draining the water out of the tank, then an oil-less unit will probably suffice.

Home Depot has a Husky 20-Gallon vertical for $180. Search "Husky 20 gallon" on Home Depot and you can see what I'm talking about. It's oil-less so it will be noisy, but I absolutely hate air compressors with smaller tanks than 20 gallons. It's better to get something a little bigger than what you need at the moment because if you ever start using it more then you have the capacity instead of needing a bigger air compressor.

You can also check CraigsList... People are *always* selling compressors of all sizes and you can usually pick them up for easily half or less than retail.

 

[Bob C]

I can't believe I'm saying this... but...

If you aren't going to use it very often, and don't want to do any more maintenance except for draining the water out of the tank, then an oil-less unit will probably suffice.

I can't believe you said it. Are you feeling all right?


My suggestion is to buy a 3hp on a 20 gallon 120 Volt belt drive oil lubed compressor. Why? You will use it for alot more than you think once you have it. It is a good starter compressor.

 

[RECox286]

If all you need is an occasional shot of air in the round black things on the car, then

a bicycle pump will work ! Nah. Any starter type of air supply will suffice. HF,

Sears, Pep Boys, Wally World... they all have comprable units for an affordable price.

I would check the want ads, CL, etc for a deal on a unit that was bought on the same

premis that you stated, but then, once gotten, found it was way too small for the job.

Uncle Bob

 

[pipsters]

I can't believe you said it. Are you feeling all right?


My suggestion is to buy a 3hp on a 20 gallon 120 Volt belt drive oil lubed compressor. Why? You will use it for alot more than you think once you have it. It is a good starter compressor.

A 3hp 120v unit would require something like a 30 amp breaker. I doubt most people have a 30 amp line run

 

[DekeT]

I know nothing about air compressors; I'd like to get one. I only plan on using it to add air to tires, and to take lug nuts off. No idea what size, type, etc to get. I'd rather spend not that much, since I'd use it infrequently.

You would get the best advice if you had a target price.

 

[SweetD]

Hey, I was born in Plattsburgh! At the old Air Force base in 1971!

I have a 6 gallon Porter Cable compressor and it does what you are talking about. It even came with a finishing nailer gun.

But I can certainly see the advantage of getting something with more power, as I do agree that if it was bigger, I would use it more...just don't tell my wife!

Dave

 

[6-Speed]

The IR Garage Mate is a good 2 HP, 20 Gallon compressor that runs on 120V single-phase AC. It has a vertical tank and an oil-less motor that is relatively quiet. The drain valve is easily accessible so there's no need for special plumbing to drain the tank. Sears has a good price on them right now. Northern Tools carries the Puma brand, which offers a compressor that is almost identical to the Garage Mate, but at a lower price point. Here's my Garage Mate slightly modified with a filter. I use it to pressurize tires and run a few air tools.

 

[Bob C]

A 3hp 120v unit would require something like a 30 amp breaker. I doubt most people have a 30 amp line run

LOL No. It draws 15 amp. Plain everyday household electric. I sell them daily for the past 23 years.

 

[pipsters]

LOL No. It draws 15 amp. Plain everyday household electric. I sell them daily for the past 23 years.

Do you have a link?

3hp = 2237 watts / 120v ~ 19 amps and that is running, and assumes a 100% efficient motor, which I don't think even exists today.

 

[ElectroLight]

^ Here we go... But Sears sells 5hp 120V compressors?

 

[alan camby]

This compressor puts out a lot of cfm for a 120 volt unit. I think It would be a high quality unit since it is a Quincy. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200483164_200483164

Notice that it pulls 19 amps and it is 2hp.

 

[IONH]

A 3hp 120v unit would require something like a 30 amp breaker. I doubt most people have a 30 amp line run

Don't worry. They were baiting you to derail the thread. Happens all the time.

 

[Bob C]

Well pipsters is right if you follow the electric guidlines. I am used to calling the little compressors on 20 gallon a 3HP (For years the companies referred to them as such)but finally the companies got the stuff back in line and list them as 2HP. I know what I meant, but the OP may not have. pipsters just jumped on it to keep me in line. Thanks buddy.