Kobalt 1.8-HP 8-Gallon Air Compressor uses

[550_cord]

My father bought me this compressor for Christmas but I'm on the fence about keeping it. I can't imagine its good for much other than filling tires or using a finishing nail gun, both of which I don't need to do.

Any one have one of these and can you let me know what you use it for?

These are the specs:
1.8-HP 8-Gallon 150-PSI 120-Volt Horizontal Electric Air Compressor

1.8HP copper winding induction motor provides extended life
Oil-free pump for less maintenance
4.0-CFM delivered at 90-PSI pump provides rapid recovery
Integrated control panel with 2-in steel case gauges, regulator, and a brass quick coupler for easy access and operation
Pump/motor is fully shrouded for less noise
Removable handle and 6.5-in rubber wheels for easy moving and storage
6-ft power cord with core strap
Lever handle ball valve for easier maintenance
Perfect for use with a variety of air tool items

 

[SuburbanRuss]

Well You can't paint with it..... I would think air ratchet, 3/8 impact.... that really isn't enough cfm to run a whole lot.

 

[kctyphoon]

Kobalt, husky, and harbor freight all sell a similar 8 gallon compressor. I used a friends husky one day to do my brakes and I really liked it. It's fast and quiet for what it is, much better than an oilless model.. You can't use "constant" air tools, but neither can larger tank 25/30 gallon oilless compressors. I would gladly trade my big loud 25 gallon husky for a 2 stage 8 gallon..

 

[CNGsaves]

Kobalt, husky, and harbor freight all sell a similar 8 gallon compressor. I used a friends husky one day to do my brakes and I really liked it. It's fast and quiet for what it is, much better than an oilless model.. You can't use "constant" air tools, but neither can larger tank 25/30 gallon oilless compressors. I would gladly trade my big loud 25 gallon husky for a 2 stage 8 gallon..

You hit NAIL ON HEAD with the oil-less comment. What you used that WAS QUIET was the Oil-Splash model . . . it was just direct drive.

What OP has is the ultra-cheap oil-less model. Much different.

OP . . . sad to say your oil-less Kobalt will be noisy and short-life compressor that will have limited uses. Good for short duration use to air up tires, then shutoff, drain water, and not use again for months. Thus, it might last a few years using it this way. Also can use for brad nailing, etc where the compressor doesn't have to work very hard and it's mobility will be benefit . . . about the best thing you can say about oil-less compressor like that.

If it were me, I'd get receipt from giver and take it back.

A much better small first compressor would be OIL-SPLASH . . . either direct drive or belt driven. Bigger ones that are belt-drive would be much useful since higher CFM and long lived, even with longer run cycles. These belt-drive end up being more stationary as tougher to drag around.

Here's small one that's compromise . . . . direct drive but Oil-Splash and price is right since re-conditioned. DeWalt D55153R on Northern Tool website for $149.99 LESS another $20 using RetailMeNot promo code 197924 (call in to order as you'll get FREE ship-to-store). Net cost $129.99

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...sers&utm_campaign=neutral&utm_content=160x600

Lots of contractors use these twin-tank DeWalt compressors and their mobility is good, even though you're getting an oil-splash.

/ {.02 idea to switch out your Kobalt oil-less}

 

[Fugio]

I'd probably use it. It's the opposite of mine. Mine has a huge motor but a TINY tank which is equally useless. But I bet yours is a lot more quiet. Mine rattles the whole house.

And yours has WHEELS! Mine is a pancake, the most horrible design imaginable.

 

[550_cord]

I think I'll return it and get a pressure washer. I appreciate the feedback.

 

[kctyphoon]

You hit NAIL ON HEAD with the oil-less comment. What you used that WAS QUIET was the Oil-Splash model . . . it was just direct drive.

What OP has is the ultra-cheap oil-less model. Much different.

OP . . . sad to say your oil-less Kobalt will be noisy and short-life compressor that will have limited uses. Good for short duration use to air up tires, then shutoff, drain water, and not use again for months. Thus, it might last a few years using it this way. Also can use for brad nailing, etc where the compressor doesn't have to work very hard and it's mobility will be benefit . . . about the best thing you can say about oil-less compressor like that.

If it were me, I'd get receipt from giver and take it back.

A much better small first compressor would be OIL-SPLASH . . . either direct drive or belt driven. Bigger ones that are belt-drive would be much useful since higher CFM and long lived, even with longer run cycles. These belt-drive end up being more stationary as tougher to drag around.

Here's small one that's compromise . . . . direct drive but Oil-Splash and price is right since re-conditioned. DeWalt D55153R on Northern Tool website for $149.99 LESS another $20 using RetailMeNot promo code 197924 (call in to order as you'll get FREE ship-to-store). Net cost $129.99

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...sers&utm_campaign=neutral&utm_content=160x600

Lots of contractors use these twin-tank DeWalt compressors and their mobility is good, even though you're getting an oil-splash.

/ {.02 idea to switch out your Kobalt oil-less}

I assumed this was the same as the other 2 models, meaning you needed to add oil to the pump, and you then have the ability to change it as a maintenance procedure.. Guess not with this one.. Sorry for this mis-information.

 

[CodyY]

You haven't mentioned if you already own another compressor or not.

In which case any compressor is better than no compressor. And certainly better than a "tire pump" any day when you do need to air up a tire or basketball

 

[DennisH2014]

You hit NAIL ON HEAD with the oil-less comment. What you used that WAS QUIET was the Oil-Splash model . . . it was just direct drive.

What OP has is the ultra-cheap oil-less model. Much different.

OP . . . sad to say your oil-less Kobalt will be noisy and short-life compressor that will have limited uses. Good for short duration use to air up tires, then shutoff, drain water, and not use again for months. Thus, it might last a few years using it this way. Also can use for brad nailing, etc where the compressor doesn't have to work very hard and it's mobility will be benefit . . . about the best thing you can say about oil-less compressor like that.

If it were me, I'd get receipt from giver and take it back.

A much better small first compressor would be OIL-SPLASH . . . either direct drive or belt driven. Bigger ones that are belt-drive would be much useful since higher CFM and long lived, even with longer run cycles. These belt-drive end up being more stationary as tougher to drag around.

Here's small one that's compromise . . . . direct drive but Oil-Splash and price is right since re-conditioned. DeWalt D55153R on Northern Tool website for $149.99 LESS another $20 using RetailMeNot promo code 197924 (call in to order as you'll get FREE ship-to-store). Net cost $129.99

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...sers&utm_campaign=neutral&utm_content=160x600

Lots of contractors use these twin-tank DeWalt compressors and their mobility is good, even though you're getting an oil-splash.

/ {.02 idea to switch out your Kobalt oil-less}

I'd agree with this. I use my dad's (at least 10 years old) Alton compressor, which looks almost exactly like the DeWalt with the same design and it still works great to this day. I used it all the time for removing lug nuts and other stubborn nuts/bolts, and even for running an air ratchet.

 

[theoldwizard1]

My father bought me this compressor for Christmas but I'm on the fence about keeping it. I can't imagine its good for much other than filling tires or using a finishing nail gun, both of which I don't need to do.

Correct !

You will also need at least 50' of hose so you can be that far away from it and nor go deaf.

 

[Wuaname]

**** it up and use it until it dies, your father gave it to you.

 

[ilovevocs]

^ I agree. Run it till it dies unless you have funds to upgrade. Your not a production shop, if you have to wait for it to catch up, or take a break for it to cool down, it's better than not having air at all IMHO. Can't imagine a shop without air.

 

[dsg03gt]

I have this compressor and have used it to work on my cars for the last year. I like it a lot. Its small and not nearly as loud as my old compressor. It fills up fast which I like too over my old compressor. I use it for rotating tires and brake jobs and other stuff. If you don't do a ton of work everyday I think this compressor will be fine for you.

 

[livinloud11]

I had the 8 gallon Husky one that used oil and it was super quiet, I was just tired of it having to refill after taking one wheel off with my impact. I got the husky 20 gallon for $50 more and its good for now but its oiless and a whole lot louder

 

[wizbang_fl]

You haven't mentioned if you already own another compressor or not.

In which case any compressor is better than no compressor. And certainly better than a "tire pump" any day when you do need to air up a tire or basketball

I have one of the these and it's decent for what I use it for clearing out dust / debris from radiator or car engine before I start working on it. I work on PC's also and it is great at getting dust out of electronics that seem to be running too hot (DVR's, Blue Ray's, Laser printers, Window AC, etc) Also good at sweeping out sawdust from the corners of the garage.

I think I have so many uses because I kept thinking about what I needed it for.