Request feedback picking an air compressor

[netbrad]

I need a basic compressor (inflate tires, blowing dust off stuff, etc.) and while looking at air compressors in Sears this one was the only one close to being made in the USA (assembled in USA from global and domestic components):

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00915216000P?keyword=15216&sLevel=0&redirectType=SKIP_LEVEL&prop17=15216

Does anyone have any experience with this compressor or similar? Any better brands? I did look through some of the other compressor threads here but most seem to be for heavy duty use.

 

[930dreamer]

Oil-less compressors are very loud.

 

[thedeatons]

I almost didn't want to look at this thread because I was afraid someone would show me a better compressor than what I have, and I would be forced to get it!

I have a Craftsman 33 Gallon vertical that came with free air tools ($299). I sold the air tools (useless, the impact wouldn't remove anything, same with the ratchet) for $40, so I got everything for $259.

I know it is more than the one you listed, but I was once in your shoes. I told my friend I wanted a small compressor to dry off my mountain bikes after washing them. He took me to his house and showed me all the thing he does with his 30+ gallon compressor.

After having this Craftsman compressor now for 6 years I can tell you only that I wish I had bought it ten years before that. It does everything for me! It pulls lugnuts off with zero effort, removes any bolt/nut I have come across, airs up tires, dries off bikes, runs grinders and cut off wheels, DAs (I now only wax my car with a DA, zero effort and a better shine!), and the list goes on and on.

Every air tool I have is from Harbor Freight and works fine, except for my Craftsman Professional impact gun which can pull of diesel truck lugnuts.

Every socket I use is a Craftsman chrome, non-impact. I have never busted a socket even using 120psi all the time (I was once worried I would have to upgrade everything, but these sockets proved me wrong).

So, in short, buy the biggest compressor you can afford man. You will use it. If you buy a little one you will only wish you had one big enough to run air tools.

***About the noise issue, I am midway through the build of an air-cooled (120V 4" fans) compressor cabinet. I have tested it and it works great for taking away nearly all the noise (just goes to a quiet hum), just need to finish it


James

 

[blue2golf]

Harbor Frieght Tools. Their version of that compressor is on sale for $60.

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...psi-oilless-pancake-air-compressor-95275.html

Airing tires, blowing out filters, light duty stuff...this will work fine. Any more than that, you'll want something bigger. Still, this beats plunking down 75 cents at the local gas station every time you need some air.

 

[SteveU]

I need a basic compressor (inflate tires, blowing dust off stuff, etc.) and while looking at air compressors in Sears this one was the only one close to being made in the USA (assembled in USA from global and domestic components):

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...sLevel=0&redirectType=SKIP_LEVEL&prop17=15216

Does anyone have any experience with this compressor or similar? Any better brands? I did look through some of the other compressor threads here but most seem to be for heavy duty use.

This compressor is going to be loud and isn't going to be able to run air tools very well. If you are sure you will never get air tools & can put up with the noise for occasional use it will do. You didn't mention a budget but there are 115V compressors such as the IR Garagemate which will be quieter, more versatile, and last longer under any set of operating conditions than the sears compressor.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200375221_200375221

 

[PT Doc]

Ear muffs will be needed if you are in the garage or your ears will ring. I would guess that it will be about 105dbA. That is ear piercing loud. But it is a cheap option. You could build a sound enclosure with sound deadening material but that has now raised the price of the whole package. If you can swing it, I say do it right the first time and forget about it.

On the other hand, if you were to use a 33g comp for 5 years you could get 3/4 of your money back selling it on cl.

 

[netbrad]

Thanks for the feedback. I liked the Craftsman because it was small and (sorta) made in the USA. However being quiet will come in handy. Would this style compressor be better noise wise:

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00916639000P?keyword=compressor&prdNo=8&blockNo=8&blockType=L8

I honestly won't have a need for a 30-gallon monster nor can I afford one.

 

[WR250F]

Much better

You might want to look around in your area for a Tractor Supply. I know last time I was in there they had several small compressors that looked to be decent quality for much less than the local Sears.

Pricing in your area may be different, but I thought I would just toss that out there

 

[mojo3120]

For inflating tires and blowing things off anything would do, I wouldn't pay more than ~$50 for that compressor though.

If you've got ~$200 budget, I'd suggest shopping CL for a used oiled compressor. That's about what I paid for an oiled 30 Gal IR compressor that was used twice. I can't imagine ever going back to an oilless compressor. That'd give you the option of using air tools in the future (which are cheap).

Otherwise I'd save your money and get a cheap HF model, probably the same thing rebranded anyways.

 

[pipsters]

Thanks for the feedback. I liked the Craftsman because it was small and (sorta) made in the USA. However being quiet will come in handy. Would this style compressor be better noise wise:

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00916639000P?keyword=compressor&prdNo=8&blockNo=8&blockType=L8

I honestly won't have a need for a 30-gallon monster nor can I afford one.

Check out this one or this one as well

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-hp-8-gallon-125-psi-portable-air-compressor-67501.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-1-2-half-hp-10-gallon-125-psi-air-compressor-67708.html

 

[Davefr]

I'd look for a used Hitachi 4 gallon twin stack with the cast iron/oil lubricated pump. It'll far outlast that CM "toy" and it still small and portable.

You should be able to find one at a good price.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Alot of us make the mistake of spending thousands (if not tens of thousands) on hand tools, but won't spend $600-$1000 on a good second hand compressor...The compressor really is a vital tool (if not the most important) to have in your garage....I've got about $650 ******* in my Ingersol Rand and I use it just about every tme I have a job to do in my garage...Just my two cents..