My Noisy Sears Craftsman Air Compressor

[bull_duck]

I've owned my Sears Craftsman Air compressor for at least a dozen years. I bought it when doing renovation of my former residence which is now a rental property.

Model: Sears Craftsman, 150 PSI, 30 gal., oil less, electric. See attachment image.

db at 5 feet is 94. Measured with UE SPL iPad 3 app

I can't use it where I now live with the garage door open. Way too loud. Thinking I might be the only one with this problem, I did a search of this forum. Results, my complaint is common. The solutions I have found are
(1) place the compressor into a noise deadening box
(2) install a muffler on the air intake - not sure how to do that
(3) buy an air compressor with a more neighbor friendly db rating. The Rol-Air JC10 is a claimed 60 db but only 2.5 gal

 

[bull_duck]

Another image attachment of this noise maker. I don't know how to do multiple attachments per post.

 

[pipsters]

FWIW my 25 gal Craftsman Pro is around 78 db at 5'

You need a belt driven compressor

Putting a muffler on that thing won't do a thing for the noise level

 

[bull_duck]

FWIW my 25 gal Craftsman Pro is around 78 db at 5'

You need a belt driven compressor

Putting a muffler on that thing won't do a thing for the noise level

At 78 db, your 25 belt Craftsman Pro according to http://www.industrialnoisecontrol.com/comparative-noise-examples.htm is as loud as a freeway at 50 feet.

78 bd. Still too loud.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Another low-noise portable California Air CAT16A (watch this video)

Also available in a 2.0 HP and twin tanks.

 

[mayday0017]

I would recommend putting it under a work bench if you can and putting walls around it with insulation on the inside of the walls. It should be much more quiet if you do this.... I wouldn't worry about heat being an issue unless you are trying to use your 30gal for blasting or da work.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I haz the same in my basement.

I can watch tv on the 1st floor no problem and take a nap on the 2nd floor using it as white noise no problem. Very quiet white noise.


I don't understand.

If using it, yes, it runs alot. But it's a single stage compressor.

Sell it. Buy a 2 stage and put the f*&*^ outside or elsewhere.

Buying a compressor for dba's is like hiring hookers based upon their IQ. Far from ideal with usually less than favorable results.

 

[87Pomona]

Another vote for replacing that oil less compressor with a belt drive one.

 

[SMKS]

Direct drive compressors are notorious for being noisy. Belt drive and/or compressor rooms are your options. That's why compressor rooms were invented.

When I had a Craftsman like the OP I was considering building an insulated box.

You really have no option other than an insulated box or a new compressor, and it sounds like the other compressors available don't meet your sound requirements. You're going to have to enclose it.

 

[fourjeepin]

I had one of these years ago. Absolutely deafening. Sold it to a coworker and bought an oiled unit. MUCH better. I also have been able to store them in the HVAC room of my last house and current one. Now I can barely hear the compressor run!

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Get rid of it and get a better one that uses oil. It's really that simple.

 

[bull_duck]

...
I don't understand.....

Buying a compressor for dba's is like hiring hookers based upon their IQ. Far from ideal with usually less than favorable results.

Interesting analogy. How about considering gas mileage when you buy a new vehicle?

db are real consumer constraints when living in non industrial, non commercial parts of a city. So for compressor manufacturers and retailers to sell to the "pro-sumer" market, they must develop and adopt low db technology.

 

[gte718p]

I have the craftsman pro horizontal under my work bench. I run it all the time. You barely notice it. The air handler in the garage is louder. I will never go back to a direct drive oil less compressor. I was going to build a muffler for it, but its not loud enough to bother.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916475000P?vName=Tools&cName=AirCompressors&AirTools&sName=Air%20Compressorsmv=rr

 

[jjjrmx5]

Interesting analogy. How about considering gas mileage when you buy a new vehicle?

db are real consumer constraints when living in non industrial, non commercial parts of a city. So for compressor manufacturers and retailers to sell to the "pro-sumer" market, they must develop and adopt low db technology.

How about folks that buy tires by weight?
Yup. I've seen that type too.

Epic fail.

But true. Sadly.

You need to buy the right tool for the job but "pro-sumer" to me is a just a "&^%ed up" term that "I want pro industrial tools but hate the noise and can't afford the 'real deal' big buck tools."

I work with TWO rotary screw compressors daily as a pro. (Always gotta have a back up)

Noise? Nope. Power , yep.

But you pay for that and that is why you have a 3000 sf bldg and a sequestered pump room.

Even with a 2 stage it's gonna make noise if in your garage.
It's not a ninja compressor.

C'mon man.

 

[CNGsaves]

For incremental cost of about $50 to $100 you can have a belt-driven oilsplash compressor and rid your life on that noisy beast.

Watch CL like a hawk and find either a 120v or 240v belt-driven compressor that will fit the space you have in garage (ie vertical or horizontal). Likely $200 to $300 will get you a nice compressor.

Then sell that noisy Cman oil-free on CL for $125 to $150 to an un-educated buyer who thinks oil-less is a great thing!

 

[bull_duck]

?.. "pro-sumer" to me is a just a "&^%ed up" term that "I want pro industrial tools but hate the noise and can't afford the 'real deal' big buck tools."
....

C'mon man.

Life ain't "like a box of chocolates." Life conforms to sigmoid logistic "S" function. Vertical axis in the attachment is quality or performance, horizontal axis is price.

If your job requirements require the quality or performance, then you can average the cost over many hours a week over many years. A "pro-sumer" doesn't need nor can justify the additional bucks to get way up that asymptote.

I have put my noisy Craftsman up for sale on CL. For someone with a separate pump room, and not in a subdivision, it can be a good deal. I used it for driving my nail gun on some house reframing. I gave away the nail gun and don't anticipate that level of use again.

 

[TwoInch]

I have put my noisy Craftsman up for sale on CL. For someone with a separate pump room, and not in a subdivision, it can be a good deal. I used it for driving my nail gun on some house reframing. I gave away the nail gun and don't anticipate that level of use again.

FWIW, nail guns are one of the least air/cfm consuming pneumatic tools out there. $100 pancakes can run multiples with no issued generally. any automotive tools will surely consume much more air than nearly all but the biggest baddest nail guns.

 

[bull_duck]

FWIW, nail guns are one of the least air/cfm consuming pneumatic tools out there. $100 pancakes can run multiples with no issued generally. any automotive tools will surely consume much more air than nearly all but the biggest baddest nail guns.

The Craftsman did a fine job with my Porter Cable coil350. Long air hose allowed me great movement without moving the big air tank. Very good for framing and decks. No claims it was optimal setup, but did the job I needed at the time to do. Fixed cost, in the past.

Now I want to power a few automotive tools, quietly and adequately.

 

[bullitt67]

Why did I click on this topic, I have the same exact compressor(Noisy but works) and now I need to purchase a QUIET compressor. Since finding this site my credit card looks like it has railroad tracks going across it. LOL.

 

[bull_duck]

Why did I click on this topic, I have the same exact compressor(Noisy but works) and now I need to purchase a QUIET compressor. Since finding this site my credit card looks like it has railroad tracks going across it. LOL.

No, you don't "need" to. But, like me you may now want to.

I would like to put my 94 db Craftsman air compressor outside on my driveway while using it. Can't do that at my current residence and don't want my neighbors to do so as well.

Earlier in my adult life, I was on my own. No senior advice available to me on topics like "Air compressors", impact wrenches, battery chargers, or you name it. Nothing. A wonderful thing of the Internet, and THIS FORUM, is that that INFORMATION and ADVICE is available to those that reach out.

 

[bull_duck]

I have the craftsman pro horizontal under my work bench. I run it all the time. You barely notice it. The air handler in the garage is louder. I will never go back to a direct drive oil less compressor. I was going to build a muffler for it, but its not loud enough to bother.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916475000P?vName=Tools&cName=AirCompressors&AirTools&sName=Air%20Compressorsmv=rr

Thank you for the recomendation. I checked it out. I won't be buying a new compressor withou published db ratings. The other specs remain necessary. One more thing for the vendors and manufacturers to be concerned about. YMMV.

 

[bull_duck]

Excellent information warehouse, this forum. I did a search and came across a thread wits posts that expressed questions that I have, and opinions by those more knowledgeable (or more opinionated) than myself. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-926.html

 

[Danglerb]

I have the same Craftsman, louder than I could have guessed. There is a recall on some part that should be checked, switch overheats or something.

I would not give up without trying some things to reduce the noise. First thing would be to figure out what is making the most noise, and it sure seems to me its intake air where a muffler of some kind should help.

 

[devoncoolman]

those oil less direct drive's are just ignorantly loud. I own one myself I know. It sits in the race trailor works good for that. Noise isn't too much of an issue at the race track. I have a gas powerd one also I think the noise is about the same sadly lol. my 80 gal IR is quite as can be. for the most part your smaller belt drive compressors are gonna be up to your standerd for noise level. all my belt drives you can stand over top of them and hold a conversation. where as the craftsman oil less I have you cant carry conversation with out yelling even 10 ft away from it.

 

[the1nonlyjl]

All compressors are loud. Solution is either you bare with it, or put ear plugs in your ears. If that doesn't work, build a small enclosed space. I don't complain of noises on tire inflator to fill up the tyres.

 

[bull_duck]

24 hrs later already sold my Sears Craftsman.
Good compressor, but I could not work in a small space with its >94 DB

Now, with resulting space available, and cash, considering two replacements. Each are claimed to have 70db and >=5 CFM as required by my new Ingersoll Rand impact wrench. 'Course I would prefer 60 db.



California Air Tools 10020 Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free 2.0 Hp 10.0 Steel Tank Air Compressor


Or

California Air Tools CAT-4620A Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free 2.0 Hp 4.6-Gallon Aluminum Twin Tank Air Compressor

Other suggestions?
Is one preferred over the other, and why?

 

[87Pomona]

4.6 gallon air compressor? That thing will be running 24/7 to keep up with the air gun.

Get yourself the biggest oil driven Air compressor you can afford.

 

[bull_duck]

4.6 gallon air compressor? That thing will be running 24/7 to keep up with the air gun.

Get yourself the biggest oil driven Air compressor you can afford.

Great comment. Thank you.

Constrained, must go for low db. Not an option where I live.
Calif Air has the lowest db I've seen. So the 10 gal woul be better than the two tank? That was my reasoning as well.

if any info on other air. Compressor <= 70 db, please advise.

 

[DirtRoad]

I had the same one but 33 gallon.

Then I got this
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=191751

Worth every penny!

 

[pipsters]

You realize while your impact might be a quiet version, while using it it's going to run quite a bit over 70 db...

 

[TwoInch]

Now, with resulting space available, and cash, considering two replacements. Each are claimed to have 70db and >=5 CFM as required by my new Ingersoll Rand impact wrench. 'Course I would prefer 60 db.

you do realize that

1. compressors are rated SCFM at the intake, how much air the compressor is pulling in(uncompressed air). not what its putting out of the disharge at 90psi. the 5.5 scfm at 40 psi and 5.0 scfm at 90psi is because as the pressure increases in the cylinder as the tank pressure increases, the little bit of air left in the cylinder as the piston starts back down on the intake stroke expands and takes up more volume than it did when it was at 40psi, allowing the intake to take in less air on the next stroke.. nothing to do with regulator/tank output.

2. air tools are rated at the tool inlet using air at 90psi.air tools are also rated at an "average cfm usage". which means that for example, an impact wrench is used for 1 minute, they figure that out of that one minute, you are actually only pulling the trigger for 15 seconds out of that 1 minute, and that the impact is not at full output for a certain amount of that 15 seconds. in short, your impact that is rated at 5cfm is in actuality using more like 30cfm(example). you would need a 10hp compressor to run one continuously. thats why 60 and 80 gallon tanks are needed, even with 5hp "big scfm" pumps on them.

so all in all, comparing air tool ratings to compressor ratings is a no go. no 1/2" impact uses anywhere near as little as 5cfm, or even 20cfm for that matter. at load, they are generally pulling 25 or more. picking a compressor by its SCFM rating at 90 psi is not really what you need to totally focused on. tank size is important, because unless you are getting a huge pump pulling big big scfm, you will need a lot of tank if you plan on using the tools a whole bunch.

ps air tool companies use the average air consumption rating so that their tools seem "compatible" with smaller, average homeowner type compressors(under 5hp)

 

[TwoInch]

in other words. a 20 gallon tank with a 4scfm pump on it is going to do much better with your impact than a 4 gallon pancake with a 8scfm pump. FWIW

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

I had that machine
Gave it away and got a oiled two stage machine from the early 1990s, a Dayton
Puts out 21 CFM at 175 PSI 80 gallon tank
Put it into the shed, closed the door and plumbed the air out and 30 A at 220 V in

Never looked back
Adam

 

[bull_duck]

...
Put it into the shed, closed the door and plumbed the air out and ...
Adam

Not an option for me. The compressor

• must be within the existing enclosed footprint of my house (namely, the garage),
• when turned on, must NOT be audible to neighbors.

 

[CNGsaves]

For your needs with goal of having quiet compressor, the 10 gal California Air at Home Depot that is 70 db would be good match. It still is oil-less but much better quality than your old Sears. California Air are sometimes used as dental office compressors since they are quiet.

The 10 gal California Air likely run occasional impact gun fine, but don't expect to run continuous air grinder or sandblast booth. These are more rare as I've only seen one on CL in couple years, and it sold quickly.

Long-term you might outgrow it and end up going for 60 gal / 5 HP in future, but you'll find that out with experience. Good luck.

 

[gte718p]

24 hrs later already sold my Sears Craftsman.
Good compressor, but I could not work in a small space with its >94 DB

Now, with resulting space available, and cash, considering two replacements. Each are claimed to have 70db and >=5 CFM as required by my new Ingersoll Rand impact wrench. 'Course I would prefer 60 db.



California Air Tools 10020 Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free 2.0 Hp 10.0 Steel Tank Air Compressor


Or

California Air Tools CAT-4620A Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free 2.0 Hp 4.6-Gallon Aluminum Twin Tank Air Compressor

Other suggestions?
Is one preferred over the other, and why?

I'm going to go out on a limb and say their db rating is an advertisement gimmick. They don't list a standard or a distance. I'm not aware of any standard for air compressors. All of my lawn equipment is rated at 6ft. Your super loud oiless compressor will be 5 db if you get far enough away.

Get a good quality oil filed compressor, build a box around it in your garage (lots of good examples on here), build a muffler. The extras will cost less then $100 extra and will improve your quality of life.

I don't agree with the masses that everyone needs an 80 gallon compressor. I get along just fine with the 25 gallon I listed above. However, if you have aspirations of running anything larger then a brad nailer you do need at least 20 gallons. Get as big a compressor as you can dedicate the space to. I don't think anyone ever says, "I wish I had less compressor", but all of us have cursed running out of air at an inopportune time.

 

[TwoInch]

if i had neighbors that must be so pampered that an air compressor or tool cant be audible.... well i dont even know. sounds like you wont be using this stuff much anyway, seems like a little noise here and there at normal times of the day is not un-neighborly. not allowing your neighbor to make a little bit of noise once in a while sure is though. running a compressor or impact every day for a few hours i can understand. you cant hit a control arm with a hammer then id assume, as that surely would be audible to the neighbors. rant off

that quiet impact is going to be louder than you expect too im sure.

 

[DirtRoad]

if i had neighbors that must be so pampered that an air compressor or tool cant be audible.... well i dont even know. sounds like you wont be using this stuff much anyway, seems like a little noise here and there at normal times of the day is not un-neighborly. not allowing your neighbor to make a little bit of noise once in a while sure is though. running a compressor or impact every day for a few hours i can understand. you cant hit a control arm with a hammer then id assume, as that surely would be audible to the neighbors. rant off

that quiet impact is going to be louder than you expect too im sure.

I was going to say something about that also.

This whole neighbor and noise thing dont make any sense, what happens when you mow the lawn? Or start your bike? Or hit something with a hammer? Or slam a door? Or something falls off a shelf?

Neighbors must hate you now anyways because you must do those things currently. What home owner dosent?

 

[pipsters]

I was going to say something about that also.

This whole neighbor and noise thing dont make any sense, what happens when you mow the lawn? Or start your bike? Or hit something with a hammer? Or slam a door? Or something falls off a shelf?

Neighbors must hate you now anyways because you must do those things currently. What home owner dosent?

I had a neighbor complain to the HOA about my auto work one weekend (removing the engine). I used an impact. That neighbor used a pressure washer for about 4 hours the next weekend, wildly louder than any oil lubed belt driven compressor running 5 minutes every hour would be.

I'm always amazed at what people will complain about then do themselves.

 

[DirtRoad]

Hoa ewwww

Even then, i cant imagine they have a zero noise policy 24/7