Need some help!

[HankRHill]

I found 2 air compressors for sale at harbor freight and I need some advice on which one to buy. I am a DIY person, and work on anything from small engines to woodworking. I just need something to take bolts and nuts off as well as run some staple and nail guns. The two compressors are listed below.






https://www.harborfreight.com/21-gal-2-12-HP-125-PSI-Cast-Iron-Vertical-Air-Compressor-62803.html


https://www.harborfreight.com/8-gal-2-hp-125-psi-oil-lube-air-compressor-68740.html


They both are on sale. The 21 gallon is $149.99, and the 8 gallon is $99.00.


Thanks!

 

[Wamsutta]

The 8 gallon would probably run your staple and nail guns.

 

[HankRHill]

The 8 gallon would probably run your staple and nail guns.

What about air wrenches and air ratchets

 

[Wamsutta]

What about air wrenches and air ratchets

Air wrenches and ratchets use a lot more air. You're going to be stopping and waiting for the 8 gallon to catch up.

 

[HankRHill]

Air wrenches and ratchets use a lot more air. You're going to be stopping and waiting for the 8 gallon to catch up.

So should I buy the 21 gallon?

 

[Wamsutta]

So should I buy the 21 gallon?

A 25 gallon would be better, but you might get away with the 21 gallon.

 

[HankRHill]

A 25 gallon would be better, but you might get away with the 21 gallon.

Ok thanks!

 

[zendriver]

Neither would be acceptable, for an impact gun, IMO. The larger might do an air ratchet, ok.

 

[JohnDeere1]

The 21 gal as the 8 is too small specially for an impact gun or die grinder.

 

[JohnDeere1]

I have a 20 gal and can use my Snap on MG725s and take off 4 wheels before I'm out of air.

 

[kythri]

Yeah, I was going to say, nonsense that it won't run an impact gun.

Impact guzzles a lot of air, but unless you're hammering for a minute or two, you're going to be just fine running that off of tank air.

 

[HankRHill]

My neighbor has a craftsman 20 gallon and it runs impact guns great! I don't see why a 21 gallon wouldn't.

 

[fourjeepin]

Neither would be acceptable, for an impact gun, IMO. The larger might do an air ratchet, ok.

Another -1 as this is bad info. I have an engine driven compressor on my Jeep and can run an impact with a one gallon tank. It empties fast but fills fast too.

That said, I would buy the bigger compressor. If you ever want to run a die grinder, you will want the larger capacity.