Recommend an Upright Air Compressor for garage

[gb99]

Hi everyone:

I need an air compressor for infrequent use: blowing out the lawn's sprinkler system, running framing nailers and in the future...maybe air tools for the car (use hand tools now). I have a small garage so upright tanks in the 10-20 gallon range are best for me.

I picked up the 21 gallon upright from Harbor Freight last night for $175, but then read mixed reviews about it (motor craps out and it's loud). I figured I might as well spend a few more dollars for something more reliable and higher quality.

The California Air Tools 10 gallon 2HP model for $350 at Home Depot.com seems nice. Any other recommendations?

Thank you!

 

[Davefr]

I'd recommend trying to step up to 30 gallons. Units like this are really nice for a homeowner:
- Cast iron, oil lubricated, belt driven
- Very quiet
- Capable yet still portable
- Dual voltage
- Small footprint

Everyone seems to make one and they probably come from the same factory. (Husky, Kobalt, CM, CH, etc)

 

[Spdfreak91]

the kobalt one at lowes is blue and it a 2 stage

 

[Citation]

Compressors like that Husky and the Kobalt are about as nice as they come for a 120V compressor. They are also big. The footprint is no smaller than a 60 gallon upright. They are typically quieter than some of the older oil free models as well as the direct drive oiled models. They aren't as quiet as the "California Air Tools" type compressors (CAT was neither the first nor the inventor of that type of compressor but they have become synonymous with them).

I would take a look at the Kobalt 26 gallon quiet compressor as well. I don't know about the long term reliability but it uses a CAT like pump and should be much quieter than the ones above. Since I haven't used it this is a suggestion to look at vs a recommendation.

 

[ChrisLS8]

The California aluminum compressor is light, puts out air that would work for you and is pretty damn quiet imo

 

[Citation]

Btw, I'm not certain how much air is needed to be out a sprinkler but you might be fine with something as basic as a HF 8 gallon compressor. Not an upright but small and affordable.

 

[Citation]

The California aluminum compressor is light, puts out air that would work for you and is pretty damn quiet imo

I have a CAT 1055A (aluminum tank). It's my current go to compressor because it's quiet. However it is anything but powerful. When I was trying to use my zip wheel I used my Emglo 4 gallon trim tank instead because its pump is nearly twice as powerful. This is why the Kobalt is appealing. It promises CAT like nose levels and a tank and pump that can keep up with more jobs.

 

[vavet]

I bought the Husky 302h for work about 6 months ago. I’ve been impressed with it.
It is quiet enough that we can have a conversation next to it while it is running.
It’s gone up in price since I bought it. I think I paid $399 for it, it’s currently $479. For that price, I might look elsewhere. It’s a single stage, 2 cylinder.

For infrequent use, you might be fine with the HF unit you have. Remember that online reviews are going to disproportionately represent the people who are not satisfied with their purchases.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I have a CAT 1055A (aluminum tank). It's my current go to compressor because it's quiet. However it is anything but powerful. When I was trying to use my zip wheel I used my Emglo 4 gallon trim tank instead because its pump is nearly twice as powerful. This is why the Kobalt is appealing. It promises CAT like nose levels and a tank and pump that can keep up with more jobs.

I have the 20 gallon so it probably uses a different pump

 

[Voi]

I need an air compressor for infrequent use: blowing out the lawn's sprinkler system, running framing nailers and in the future...maybe air tools for the car (use hand tools now).

Do you need to take the compressor to the sprinkler's manifold or can you run air hose?

If you do need to roll the compressor to it and have a hilly yard I know some of the CAT compressors have aluminum tanks and are remarkably light.

If you can leave the compressor in the garage and drag air hose to the sprinkler system then think really hard about what air tools you'll want for automotive work.

I have a very steep yard and my sprinkler manifold is at a hard to reach spot. The most powerful compressor on wheels I found were the 26 gallon units re-badged by Napa, Chicago Pneumatic, Quincy and others. Do note that these won't save you any space or money compared to a 60 gallon compressor.

But they're on wheels and are advertised at something like 7.5 CFM at 90 or 100 PSI.

We ended up unhooking the sprinkler system and I found a reasonable path for getting some black pipe close to the manifold anyways so I never bought one.

[EDIT]

Belaire has one as well:

https://www.compressorpros.com/air-...2HP-115-volt-single-stage-26-gallon-portable/

 

[BMWE38]

If you consider to use air tools like sanders, polishers, grinders etc count on air flow of at least 25 or 30 cfm. (on the pressure side)
Impact wrenches and ratchets aren't that demanding, you don't hammer continuously.
Sound pressure and availability of parts is also a very important issue. I got mine second hand one from a car shop, where they replace it with a screw compressor.

 

[ToolPolisher]

I went with a Hulk Power (I know) for my small attached two-car. It is as quiet as I could want within the garage but I haven't gone in the house to see how obtrusive it is.

Home Depot has the 20 gallon for just under $400 after waiting a year for EMax to get their shipment in from China. I don't know if it's made in the same factory as CAT but this pump/compressor combo had the best CFM for the dollar running of 120V.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HULK-PO...al-Silent-Air-Compressor-HP02P020SS/302691859

Yes, the sticker on the "front" came off easily in one piece.

 

[IndyGarage]

Not an upright, but the Makita Mac5200 is impressive and very portable. You could always add on a larger tank for more volume.

 

[FA7X]

Just bought the latest version of the Kobalt 30 gallon and I love it. It’s a 2 stage with 175psi max. It is quiet and runs well on 120v, 15 amp. It has no problems running my Aircat 1/2 impact plus a few other cheapo tools. Also, they put a ball valve on the drain. It’s still on the bottom, but it’s much easier to operate. I’ve never seen it on sale so I just bought it at full price ($450).



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[theoldwizard1]

Just bought the latest version of the Kobalt 30 gallon and I love it. It’s a 2 stage with 175psi max. It is quiet and runs well on 120v, 15 amp.

They "claim" it is 2 hp, which means that motor must be pretty efficient. 2 HP = about 1500 watts @ 120V is 12.5A if it was 100% efficient. 5.1 CFM at 175 PSI is awesome ! "Back in my day" 2 hp meant 240V.

It looks like some of the Kobalt compressor came out of the same factory as California Air Tools, at least the pump. Only 150 psi and lower volume, but quieter and under $300.