Light-duty compressor - okay choice? Accessories?

[Trepex]

Hi guys, I'm looking for a light-duty portable compressor that I can use for filling tires and sports equipment, cleaning, then ideally also throw on an impact wrench for swapping off tires in my garage.

I read through a few threads here that seem to suggest for what I'm looking to do I could probably get away with a 2HP unit. Nice since I don't want to drop a lot of money on my first compressor.

As I look to finish our basement shortly, I'd plan to add air tools as I go. I'll never be a heavy user, but I think I'll make use of it regularly enough for light-duty jobs.

I have my eye on the Makita MAC700. Then I was going to throw on a basic Hyundai tire inflator to start:

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0001Q2VK0/?tag=atomicindus04-20

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B009409K0I/?tag=atomicindus04-20

I'd appreciate any advice, and also some help choosing an impact wrench and maybe a good starter hose, accessories. I'm thinking a shorter hose would work since the unit is portable - maybe 25' - but what about diameter?

Thank you!

 

[CJM8515]

Those little ones will maybe pull 1-2 lugnuts off a car if your lucky before they kick on and need to fill backup totally. By car i mean a little 4cyl sedan, you arent going to get them to pull a lugnut off a pick up truck all that easily.They are great for everything but automotive work. CFM is king, you need at least 5cfm at 40 psi to get an impact to work well.

Larger compressor, something along he 20 gallon or larger size with at least 3-5hp or buy a smaller compressor for everything else and buy a battery powered impact gun like a milwaukee or such.

 

[Trepex]

Thanks for the quick reply. So maybe I should just **** it up and stick with my breaker bar for the lugs. Really not all that inconvenient. I think I'd really appreciate the portability for everything else versus something I just leave in the corner of the garage for the most part?

Are those battery powered wrenches actually half decent? Could I get the bolts off our two cars, and would it really be worth it over just the breaker bar? No longer have my truck

 

[mech-tech]

I too would love a small well made compressor capable of running an impact for short bursts, but I can tell you from experience that my little 2 gallon campbell hausfeld will only put in around 8 psi of air into a tire before I have to stop and let it fill up again. On average it takes three times of doing this per tire, the last 5 psi take a fill up just by itself. From my experience, this is all these little compressors are good for, and trust me when I say I would love one this small for exactly what you are looking for. If you find one that can do the job please let me know!!!

 

[Trepex]

I too would love a small well made compressor capable of running an impact for short bursts, but I can tell you from experience that my little 2 gallon campbell hausfeld will only put in around 8 psi of air into a tire before I have to stop and let it fill up again. On average it takes three times of doing this per tire, the last 5 psi take a fill up just by itself. From my experience, this is all these little compressors are good for, and trust me when I say I would love one this small for exactly what you are looking for. If you find one that can do the job please let me know!!!

Damn. Not even for topping off tires eh

 

[CJM8515]

A battery impact these days is nearly as good as having a shop compressor and 1/2 air impact. I have several milwaukee cordless impact guns and even the 3/8 gun will take lugs off some vehicles. I also have the high output 1/2 gun and it will take honda crank bolts off (in some cases guys need a 3/4 air impact to get them off!). Problem is the cost, they arent exactly cheap at about 250 for the gun and batteries.

You could look into a cheaper like like ryobi if its just for home owner use, they are pretty good but not nearly as strong as the dewalt/makita/milwaukee stuff. BUT way cheaper.

 

[Trepex]

A battery impact these days is nearly as good as having a shop compressor and 1/2 air impact. I have several milwaukee cordless impact guns and even the 3/8 gun will take lugs off some vehicles. I also have the high output 1/2 gun and it will take honda crank bolts off (in some cases guys need a 3/4 air impact to get them off!). Problem is the cost, they arent exactly cheap at about 250 for the gun and batteries.

You could look into a cheaper like like ryobi if its just for home owner use, they are pretty good but not nearly as strong as the dewalt/makita/milwaukee stuff. BUT way cheaper.

Wow... thanks! I'll look around.

 

[theoldwizard1]

1 HP is more than enough for what you want. Heck, if you can find a GOOD 1/2 hp (like a California Air Tools CAT-1650A Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free 1/2 Hp 1.6-Gallon Aluminum Tank Air Compressor - Amazon $179 US) would work.

Stay away from most "oil free" compressor (except the California Air Tools ones). They are LOUD and don't have a long life. That said, it IS difficult to find an oil lubed small compressor. The Makita you looked at is a "beast" for its size ! (3.3 CFM @ 90 PSI). Its low RPM will also mean it is quieter.

Damn. Not even for topping off tires eh

Not true of all small air compressors !

Everyone looks at max PSI, which is important, but Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) is what gets the work done and refills the tank fast ! Also, the "advertised" HP on a lot of compressors is a flat out LIE !

If you do get around to looking at impact guns, the Astro "Nano" 3/8" has an amazing amount of power for its size and 3/8" drive sockets cost a lot less than 1/2" drive sockets !

 

[bushmechanic]

CO2.

Just call Powertank for a 10 or 15lb full setup. You can build your own kit, but it's still going to cost you, and they really do have nice gear at Powertank.

You'll be able to do everything you described; in silence.

It'll also drop in a quick release bracket and go wherever your vehicle goes. I don't even own a full size compressor anymore. Heck with that.

...And yes, this is correctly mounted to a bracket that is appropriately attached to the vehicle, and the space between the panel and trim is accounted for:

15lb unit, and I fill tires all the time with the thing. It will also run an impact, and you never run low on pressure. About to go blow off a boatload of old computer parts with it. Can't take a compressor to a storage area and do that, if you want them to let you stay.

Whenever you manage to run low, just get it filled for $15 somewhere. You won't run low very often, though. The amount of tires one tank will fill before needing a top-off... It's staggering.

...And yes, it'll re-seat a bead. No more risky maneuvers or manual seating tools.

Get one of these, and you'll turn your nose up at compressors for the rest of your life.

For a 12V backup, I worked with a good Chinese manufacturer to produce a new line that I'll shortly be branding. Great stuff, but it's still no Powertank.

 

[Trepex]

CO2.

Just call Powertank for a 10 or 15lb full setup. You can build your own kit, but it's still going to cost you, and they really do have nice gear at Powertank.

You'll be able to do everything you described; in silence.

It'll also drop in a quick release bracket and go wherever your vehicle goes. I don't even own a full size compressor anymore. Heck with that.

...And yes, this is correctly mounted to a bracket that is appropriately attached to the vehicle, and the space between the panel and trim is accounted for:

15lb unit, and I fill tires all the time with the thing. It will also run an impact, and you never run low on pressure. About to go blow off a boatload of old computer parts with it. Can't take a compressor to a storage area and do that, if you want them to let you stay.

Whenever you manage to run low, just get it filled for $15 somewhere. You won't run low very often, though. The amount of tires one tank will fill before needing a top-off... It's staggering.

...And yes, it'll re-seat a bead. No more risky maneuvers or manual seating tools.

Get one of these, and you'll turn your nose up at compressors for the rest of your life.

For a 12V backup, I worked with a good Chinese manufacturer to produce a new line that I'll shortly be branding. Great stuff, but it's still no Powertank.

Interesting... I'll have to see if I can source in Canada. Typically what kind of places fill you up?

 

[bushmechanic]

Interesting... I'll have to see if I can source in Canada. Typically what kind of places fill you up?

Fire departments, welding supply shops, gas distributors... Doesn't matter where you live. There's always someone willing to do it for cheap or even free sometimes.

It's a very easy thing to own.

I'm sure Powertank can handle Canada. They've probably got distributors up there. Just call them up and ask.

Most high-end off pavement driving vendors can get their products, or you can just order directly from them.

These things are all over the world. Even vehicles will proper engine driven compressor setups routinely feature one for convenience. Nobody with one of these ever wants to screw with a compressor.

Join the club, man. You can't see me right now, but I'm pretending to be a large group of cool people providing an appropriate amount of peer pressure.

Lucky 8 is in New York, and they'll pull one for you. I know how you Canadians like New York...

Your Canadian Acorns aren't doing so well right now, so the price might hurt, but it's worth it. This is something you can effectively buy used or at a discount if you're a member of a racing or off-pavement organization.

 

[CJM8515]

Any place that fills paintball tanks can fill your powertank I recall.

 

[bushmechanic]

I should point out another benefit.

This will increase 36 37X12.5X17 tires by 10psi in only 23 seconds, and it's not even the biggest unit.

If you're talking more reasonable off pavement tires or just car tires... You'll be looking at over a hundred fills in as little as six seconds each.

The speed is one of the biggest draws, actually, for first-time buyers. Then, after a few uses, they "get it". There are no drawbacks; no compromises to be made.

Even the most serious users don't worry about running out.

A prime example of where these things shine is at the beach. You can sit there for ten to twenty minutes with everyone else airing back up for the road, or you can just get out, hit each tire for a few seconds, and be on your way.

I increased 12 tires by between 8-20 PSI the other day in just a few minutes.

These will operate an impact as well with no hassle, mind you. You can't beat them unless you need a shop compressor running constantly, and even then you'd wish you had this juice on tap.

 

[bushmechanic]

Any place that fills paintball tanks can fill your powertank I recall.

Forgot about that.

 

[iron block]

If you end up staying with the compressor idea (though that Powertank does look interesting!), another candidate is the CAT 5510SE: 5.5 gallon tank, 3.1 SCFM @ 40psi, quiet motor/pump. $167 at Lowes, or $150 with an easy-to-find online discount coupon. http://www.lowes.com/pd_607808-18476-CAT-5510SE_0__?productId=1000018947&Ntt=

I recently popped for one to use around the garage. It is no monster, but I'm already pleased with the help it has given me in simple things like blowing out brake lines and freeing stuck hydraulic parts.

 

[anndel]

Like others said, he tank is too small for using an impact wrench. You remove 1 lugnut and the compressor kicks on to fill the puny tank. If you're trying to remove another while the compressor is on, the impact will slow down and eventually stop. tire filling, filling inflatables, etc., are ok for that small tank. I would get something with at least 10 gallons.

 

[6-Speed]

Damn. Not even for topping off tires eh

That Makita compressor should have no problem topping off car/bike tires. I recommend a good cordless 1/2" impact wrench for lug nuts. No cord, hose or compressor needed.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Lots of "speculation" about small compressors and impact wrench taking off lug nuts.

WATCH THIS VIDEO ! 1/2" impact and Makita MAC700 compressor. Watch the whole thing. It get interesting at about 1:30. The motor kicks on after 2 lug nuts, but there is still enough power to do all 6 without pausing !

 

[Jim Johnstone]

CO2.

Just call Powertank for a 10 or 15lb full setup. You can build your own kit, but it's still going to cost you, and they really do have nice gear at Powertank.

You'll be able to do everything you described; in silence.

It'll also drop in a quick release bracket and go wherever your vehicle goes. I don't even own a full size compressor anymore. Heck with that.

...And yes, this is correctly mounted to a bracket that is appropriately attached to the vehicle, and the space between the panel and trim is accounted for:

15lb unit, and I fill tires all the time with the thing. It will also run an impact, and you never run low on pressure. About to go blow off a boatload of old computer parts with it. Can't take a compressor to a storage area and do that, if you want them to let you stay. [emoji38]
Whenever you manage to run low, just get it filled for $15 somewhere. You won't run low very often, though. The amount of tires one tank will fill before needing a top-off... It's staggering.

...And yes, it'll re-seat a bead. No more risky maneuvers or manual seating tools.

Get one of these, and you'll turn your nose up at compressors for the rest of your life.

For a 12V backup, I worked with a good Chinese manufacturer to produce a new line that I'll shortly be branding. Great stuff, but it's still no Powertank.

What's the working pressure on that tank? Also add scuba stores to your list of places that could fill it, depending on that type of fitting. One of these days I'm going to get the 5000 psi compressor in my garage sorted out and running.

 

[bushmechanic]

What's the working pressure on that tank? Also add scuba stores to your list of places that could fill it, depending on that type of fitting. One of these days I'm going to get the 5000 psi compressor in my garage sorted out and running.

The MAWP on the tank is 3,000 PSI.

The regulator will safely flow 400PSI at 48CFM all day long without freezing up, and that's really what matters. Like the tank, it'll take more, but you don't want to be doing that.

You're running into dangerous territory there. It's already got the juice to easily break things and burst tires. Increase it to what the gear will actually take, and you're in troublesome waters indeed.

This is fully compatible with Nitrogen, if that's your thing.

The pressure you actually use is infinitely adjustable with a secondary valve. You open the tank valve, and read the pressure. Then you open the secondary to control pressure in the line.

Everything in the system is over-built. The regulator and accessories are custom designs.

With CO2, you're usually sitting around 500-600 PSI, though, and it ******-well stays there until the thing is empty. That's where mine is right now, I think.

Obviously, tanks have to be made a certain way to be legal, but these are all new, and they put a lot of effort into making them ****, and things are available in kits and separately to protect them in use and during refilling.

 

[md21722]

If you're looking for impacts, for cordless/battery the Milwaukee M18 Fuel brushless is highly rated in the Jeep forums I frequent. Otherwise a 2HP with 26 gallon or larger tank is a good. For continuous use of a air hungry air tools, you'd need to start thinking about a true 5HP / 17.5CFM compressor. Examples of air hungry air tools are die grinders & DA sanders. Air drills and angle grinders are even bigger users of air. Air hammers and air saws typically use around 10-12 CFM (actual).

Keep in mind that even impacts often use 37 CFM - but they use it in short bursts so you don't need a 37 CFM compressor. The duty cycle is very different with an impact than a die grinder. And, whatever the tool is rated at, if its rated less than 10 CFM is usually means average duty cycle for 15 seconds which means you need to to multiply by at least 4 to get the true rating.

 

[PSYKO_Inc]

Never saw the powertank before, but I'm doing something similar using a scuba tank on my bagged truck. Using a Victor inert gas regulator and a paintball fill station adapter between the tank and regulator. Fills are available at any dive shop for $3-5. Haven't put it all together yet, but should have enough power to make my truck hop off the ground I don't really have all that much invested either, tank was free, $30 to recertify, $15 for the regulator (used), $18 for the paintball fill adapter, and a couple bucks for the steel high pressure fitting. Just need to figure out some kind of brackets to mount the tank.

 

[Trepex]

So can I ignore all the stuff I'm seeing about CO2 leaking out of my tires faster, and the issues of corosion from moisture in the tires + CO2 = carbonic acid?

I assume filling with Nitrogen would just mean I'd get a fraction of the capacity.

 

[Jim Johnstone]

Never saw the powertank before, but I'm doing something similar using a scuba tank on my bagged truck. Using a Victor inert gas regulator and a paintball fill station adapter between the tank and regulator. Fills are available at any dive shop for $3-5. Haven't put it all together yet, but should have enough power to make my truck hop off the ground I don't really have all that much invested either, tank was free, $30 to recertify, $15 for the regulator (used), $18 for the paintball fill adapter, and a couple bucks for the steel high pressure fitting. Just need to figure out some kind of brackets to mount the tank.

Same here. I made a tire fill and air tool setup with an extra scuba regulator. Although at one time, I had over 20 scuba regulators and probably close to 20 tanks laying around.

 

[Jim Johnstone]

The MAWP on the tank is 3,000 PSI.

The regulator will safely flow 400PSI at 48CFM all day long without freezing up, and that's really what matters. Like the tank, it'll take more, but you don't want to be doing that.

You're running into dangerous territory there. It's already got the juice to easily break things and burst tires. Increase it to what the gear will actually take, and you're in troublesome waters indeed.

This is fully compatible with Nitrogen, if that's your thing.

The pressure you actually use is infinitely adjustable with a secondary valve. You open the tank valve, and read the pressure. Then you open the secondary to control pressure in the line.

Everything in the system is over-built. The regulator and accessories are custom designs.

With CO2, you're usually sitting around 500-600 PSI, though, and it ******-well stays there until the thing is empty. That's where mine is right now, I think.

Obviously, tanks have to be made a certain way to be legal, but these are all new, and they put a lot of effort into making them ****, and things are available in kits and separately to protect them in use and during refilling.

Do you own the tank when you buy that setup, or is it a swap deal like welding tanks?

 

[bushmechanic]

Do you own the tank when you buy that setup, or is it a swap deal like welding tanks?

It's brand new, and you own it. You can even get a variety of colors.

 

[Jim Johnstone]

It's brand new, and you own it. You can even get a variety of colors.

So the owner is responsible for having the tank recertification every 5 years then.

 

[bushmechanic]

So can I ignore all the stuff I'm seeing about CO2 leaking out of my tires faster, and the issues of corosion from moisture in the tires + CO2 = carbonic acid?

I assume filling with Nitrogen would just mean I'd get a fraction of the capacity.

You can ignore every last ounce of that nonsense.

 

[bushmechanic]

So the owner is responsible for having the tank recertification every 5 years then.

Well, nobody expects the owner to do it.

It's not a problem. When the time comes around, the place filling the tank will sort it out. If you've been topping off at a paint-ball range, just stop by a real gas supplier once every five years. They'll sort it out.

...Or just call Powertank. They'll help however they can if you run into problems.

 

[Jim Johnstone]

Well, nobody expects the owner to do it.

It's not a problem. When the time comes around, the place filling the tank will sort it out. If you've been topping off at a paint-ball range, just stop by a real gas supplier once every five years. They'll sort it out.

...Or just call Powertank. They'll help however they can if you run into problems.

I'm not saying it's difficult, I've been dealing with high pressure gas tanks in the scuba industry for decades. Just want potential buyers to understand there is certification and testing required on high pressure tanks, and if the tanks are beyond the date of re certification, they cannot legally be filled.

Looks like a good system, just keep in mind there is more to it than just buy it and walk away.

And try using a scuba store for refills, most scuba shops charged around the he same for an 80 cubic foot tank fill as the local paintball places were charging for an 80 cubic inch fill.

 

[JJThrasher]

Before I spent $300+ on an electric impact and $200 on a small compressor, I'd just spend the money on a 30 gallon compressor that could run some decent tools. You could always get a cheap 12v tire inflator or a portable air tank you fill off of you compressor for mobile use.

To be clear that small compressor will run an impact for lug nut usage, it'll just be slow.

Here's a dewalt that is larger. Has a bigger tank and more CFM output. It wouldn't be great for large tools, but at 100lbs it still portable in the since that one man could pick it up and carry it.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000HZI6F4/?tag=atomicindus04-20

 

[Trepex]

Before I spent $300+ on an electric impact and $200 on a small compressor, I'd just spend the money on a 30 gallon compressor that could run some decent tools. You could always get a cheap 12v tire inflator or a portable air tank you fill off of you compressor for mobile use.

To be clear that small compressor will run an impact for lug nut usage, it'll just be slow.

Here's a dewalt that is larger. Has a bigger tank and more CFM output. It wouldn't be great for large tools, but at 100lbs it still portable in the since that one man could pick it up and carry it.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000HZI6F4/?tag=atomicindus04-20

Interesting. It's still portable, so I really like that. Thanks for the tip!

 

[theoldwizard1]

Has a bigger tank and more CFM output. It wouldn't be great for large tools, but at 100lbs it still portable in the since that one man could pick it up and carry it.

Maybe a young whipper-snapper like you, but not an old fart like me !

Sure, I could pick it up and carry it a few feet. I doubt that i could put it in the trunk of a car or the back of a pick up !

It has wheels for a reason !!

 

[Trepex]

Lots of "speculation" about small compressors and impact wrench taking off lug nuts.

WATCH THIS VIDEO ! 1/2" impact and Makita MAC700 compressor. Watch the whole thing. It get interesting at about 1:30. The motor kicks on after 2 lug nuts, but there is still enough power to do all 6 without pausing !

Impressive!

 

[48548]

I bought this a while back, not bad and at least it uses oil and is 100% duty cycle rated.

 

[Citation]

I bought this a while back, not bad and at least it uses oil and is 100% duty cycle rated.

While I wasn't thinking specifically of the IR compressor, something like this came to mind when I read the OP's question. I have an Emglo model that is very similar to this IR. I've had no issues pulling lug nuts with my IR 231 wrench. With such a small tank it recycles in just 15 seconds so you hardly ever have to wait. These are hand carry compressors but they are probably 60+ lbs so don't think of them as light. The only time I really have noticed a performance difference vs my larger (20 gallon, 5 CFM belt drive compressor) is with the air gun and die grinder. However, if you can afford the space and weight then look at the 8-10 gallon HF compressors. They are on wheels so easy to move and they run just over $100.