School me on my first air compressor

[Jaguar Fan]

Please educate me on which air compressor I should buy. I've never owned one or used one before, so I'm a complete novice on this. My primary intended use is tire inflation. Up until now, I've used an electric tire inflator on my cars, but my new SUV is heavy enough (5700 lbs curb weight) and the rear tire pressure is high enough (40 psi rear/32 psi front) that my little electric tire inflator is not adequate. It runs and runs and runs, but barely adds a pound or two of air. It works fine on my lighter sedan.

In addition to checking & filling tires every month or so, I'd probably use it to blow off the workbench.

What features would be a good match for my intended use? What would be a good product for me to buy?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[u2slow]

I have a chinese 2-3 gal oil-lubed compressor ($100) in my shed for topping off truck tires or running my little brad nailer.

In the shop I have a 10cfm 20gal portable for my impact gun... and fills tires faster of course.

 

[strutaeng]

You can get by with a little twin hot dog or pancake portable 120v compressor for your use. Most consumer units sold at the big box stores are about the same in quality.

If you get into more heavier repair work your vehicle, pneumatic tools are very nice to have. Impact, DA sander, die grinder, hammer, etc. If you have the space and 240V, sprint for an entry level 60 gallon and you'll likely never need to upgrade.

A 20-30 120V gallon is middle of the road, but will have limitations.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Compare CFM ratings. IMO 4-6 CFM is plenty for airing up tires (tank size isn't too important but I expect you'll find 10-30 gallon). Look at the CFM requirements for other tools you may want.
If you don't care about noise oilless compressors are usually cheaper (but inexpensive ones are very noisy).

 

[BillK]

First of all I would make sure there isnt something wrong with your present inflator. I have a little 20 year old Craftsman one and it does just fine on the tires on my Tahoe. Adds a few pounds in no time. I even have a cheap 12 volt one I bought when I developed a very slow leak while on a trip. It works almost as good as the plug in one.

If all you mainly need it for is tires then I would consider getting another one. Takes up very little space and works instantly instead of having to let a compressor fill up. I do have a larger compressor in my detached garage.

As far as blowing the work bench off or dusting out the garage in general I bought a small 20 volt Dewalt blower and it is the best thing since sliced bread https://www.dewalt.com/product/dce100b/20v-max-compact-jobsite-blower-tool-only

 

[Citation]

For such basic needs, this

Walmart $99 Porter Cable 6 Gallon Air Compressor - 2022-11-25

Walmart has the Porter-Cable C2002-ECOM 0.8 HP 6 Gallon Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor for $99 This is a name brand compressor for the same price as the Goodyear and the Rigid deals out there. Plea

slickdeals.net

or this

6-Gallon Goodyear Portable Pancake Air Compressor w/ 2" Brad Nail Combo Kit $94 + Free Shipping

Walmart [walmart.com] has Goodyear 6-Gallon Pancake Air Compressor w/ 2" Brad Nail Combo Kit for $94. Shipping is free, otherwise select free store pickup where stock permits. Includes:6-Gal

slickdeals.net

will do the job. Both are noisy. In the past people just kind of accepted that compressors were generally loud to very loud. However, thanks to models made popular by California Air Tools (but not unique to CAT and likely not designed by them either) a lot of "quiet" compressors have hit the market.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Quiet-Tech-4-3-Gallon-Single-Stage-Portable-Electric-Twin-Stack-Air-Compressor/1001013970

They typically use a pump with two oil free cylinders at either end. They are generally much easier to be around (think loudish window AC vs lawnmower). They are also typically lower in peak pressure and have lower flow rate. Both mean you will use up the air in the tank faster and wait longer for it to refill. However, since they are far quieter you just won't care as much. I say this as someone who has an older Emglo 4gallon roofing compressor and a newer CAT 5.5gallon. The Emglo has about 2x the flow but I would rather accept the slower fill rate and not listen to the noise.

Any of these compressors will be sufficient for airing tires, blowing dust off and doing intermittent work with a 1/2" impact driver.

I would suggest getting two different hoses. A 50' 3/8" rubber hose for higher flow and a cheap yellow coil hose (1/4", 50') as they are easy to put away and good for airing tires etc. They aren't good in the cold or for impact wrenches that want high flow.

Yes, bigger is often better with compressors and later you might find you want more. Over the years I convinced my brother he wasn't happy with a 1.5 gallon, then 7 gallon compressor. Now he has an 80 gallon and can't imagine life without. Not everyone falls down that rabbit hole.

 

[PugetDude]

Quiet, portable. It's become my go-to compressor for tires and my air nailers.

 

[BillK]

This would probably be perfect if you dont plan on using air tools:

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200902478_200902478

 

[oldmachinenut]

Sorry, someone had to do it.
This is Garage Journal.

 

[u2slow]

Compare CFM ratings. IMO 4-6 CFM is plenty for airing up tires

If you plan on future air impact or rotary tools, cfm@90psi is the number to watch.

 

[Citation]

If you plan on future air impact or rotary tools, cfm@90psi is the number to watch.

I half agree. For impacts you can often get away with quick bursts that really rely on tank pressure rather than pump flow rate. However, die grinders, zip wheels, air ratchets etc where you hold the trigger for a bit, yeah, they care about that CFM number.

 

[nadogail]

Several years ago, I asked a cabinet maker who was doing a job at my house this same question. He said “They are all ****” just buy the cheapest one and when it quits throw it away”

I bought the twin tank, Oil Lubricated compressor from Harbor Freight, it has served me well for about 20 years. The larger Oilless 20 gallon compressor works fine but it is very noisy.

If and when it fails I will buy a quieter oil lubricated compressor. I bought the Oilless compressor first because it was the cheapest thing that would do the job. I now regret not waiting until I could buy the quieter compressor.

 

[drmarkr]

Whatever you decide....make damn sure it has the new quiet technology. Damn sure. That's should be the first criteria on your list, and then go from there.

After stumbling on one of the quiet models, I sold two others without it on CL inside a week, and replaced them with quiet models.

 

[CraigStu]

I

I half agree. For impacts you can often get away with quick bursts that really rely on tank pressure rather than pump flow rate. However, die grinders, zip wheels, air ratchets etc where you hold the trigger for a bit, yeah, they care about that CFM number.

I agree. I have this.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-30-Gallon-175-Oil-Lubricated-Portable-Air-Compressor/5000042449

It works great but I have to wait sometimes when using a die grinder. I am retired and anything I do is just hobby so waiting a little is no big deal. My SIL lives 5 min away and was doing some upgrades on an old jeep. He has a pancake compressor of some sort. We talked a bit about doing part of a project at my house. But he called me a couple days later and said his pancake ran his 1/2drive impact wrench just fine to get loose the bolts/lug nuts he needed to. He couldn't always do all 5 lugnuts on one wheel in one quick hit but a minute or so wait after lugnut #3 was no big deal.

 

[PugetDude]

Sorry, someone had to do it.
This is Garage Journal.

This one will allow you to run multiple air tools and air up your tires simultaneously.

 

[nadogail]

About 1970, I borrowed a Schram tractor that had a compressor built into the engine. I don’t remember if it had a four or six cylinder engine, but it could maintain 125 PSIG with a 3/4” ball valve on the receiver open to the atmosphere.

A truly impressive machine.

 

[olytdi]

I suggest doing your hearing and sanity a favor by avoiding pancake and most other cheap/loud compressors -- especially if you intend to run it in an enclosed space. Look into quiet compressors like those offered by California Air Tools and others. The tech has come a long way.

I have one of their 10 gallon steel upright compressors on wheels and it easily powers my framing gun, airing-up truck tires, and pretty much everything I need to do with air. You would need larger compressor for dedicated air tool operations like running body shop tools but these days, I personally find no need for old-school large compressors and a fully piped shop. Electric tools works great for most things.

Anyway, ditching the Quincy and the pancakes were the best moves I made for increasing space and quiet.

 

[rharman]

IN my teens, I bought a 20 gallon 240v Craftsman. Sold it some time later to save space. I've lived just fine for the last probably 35 years with a Craftsman Pro 6 gallon oil-less pancake (that line is no longer available). I use it for tires, blowing dust off, and a couple of air tools.

re: Noise - It's stored in a corner of the garage with an air line running to a hose reel center mounted on the ceiling. I have a big paddle switch at the door and it's only powered up when I need it.

Keep an eye out for sales. I see a lot of Porter-Cable pancakes sold with an air nailer or two. Quite handy.

 

[kornjulio]

"gee, I wish I had less shop air" has been said by no man.....ever.

 

[matt_i]

For topping off tires I'll take an M12 Milwaukee inflator every day of the week. I can usually do all 4 in less time than it would take me to drag out the air hose and turn on the ball valve pushing air to the piped air distribution system. It can be slow if there's a large differential but it runs to a setpoint so you can do something else productive in the meantime.

That equation can vary some if you're looking to go 20psi to 70psi on a Load Range E tire but if I'm getting the 1 ton truck out Im probably going to top off 10 tires (6 truck + 4 trailer) to 70+ psi and then I'd use the air hose for faster response.

 

[PugetDude]

This would probably be perfect if you dont plan on using air tools:

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200902478_200902478

68db…. Not bad; comparable to most of the California Air quiet line compressors.

 

[ArcReactorKC]

For such basic needs, this

Walmart $99 Porter Cable 6 Gallon Air Compressor - 2022-11-25

Walmart has the Porter-Cable C2002-ECOM 0.8 HP 6 Gallon Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor for $99 This is a name brand compressor for the same price as the Goodyear and the Rigid deals out there. Plea

slickdeals.net

or this

6-Gallon Goodyear Portable Pancake Air Compressor w/ 2" Brad Nail Combo Kit $94 + Free Shipping

Walmart [walmart.com] has Goodyear 6-Gallon Pancake Air Compressor w/ 2" Brad Nail Combo Kit for $94. Shipping is free, otherwise select free store pickup where stock permits. Includes:6-Gal

slickdeals.net

will do the job. Both are noisy. In the past people just kind of accepted that compressors were generally loud to very loud. However, thanks to models made popular by California Air Tools (but not unique to CAT and likely not designed by them either) a lot of "quiet" compressors have hit the market.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Quiet-Tech-4-3-Gallon-Single-Stage-Portable-Electric-Twin-Stack-Air-Compressor/1001013970

They typically use a pump with two oil free cylinders at either end. They are generally much easier to be around (think loudish window AC vs lawnmower). They are also typically lower in peak pressure and have lower flow rate. Both mean you will use up the air in the tank faster and wait longer for it to refill. However, since they are far quieter you just won't care as much. I say this as someone who has an older Emglo 4gallon roofing compressor and a newer CAT 5.5gallon. The Emglo has about 2x the flow but I would rather accept the slower fill rate and not listen to the noise.

Any of these compressors will be sufficient for airing tires, blowing dust off and doing intermittent work with a 1/2" impact driver.

I would suggest getting two different hoses. A 50' 3/8" rubber hose for higher flow and a cheap yellow coil hose (1/4", 50') as they are easy to put away and good for airing tires etc. They aren't good in the cold or for impact wrenches that want high flow.

Yes, bigger is often better with compressors and later you might find you want more. Over the years I convinced my brother he wasn't happy with a 1.5 gallon, then 7 gallon compressor. Now he has an 80 gallon and can't imagine life without. Not everyone falls down that rabbit hole.

That porter cable I was also going to suggest.

I have two of them now, one is used almost every single day running nail guns building sheds. It also has no problem keeping up airing the 34" tires on the F350. For an all around use it's a fantastic value. I don't think it's going to be laying down paint on cars anytime soon but it'll do 90% of all basic homeowner tasks for a great price.
It is also a relatively quiet compressor. It's not as quiet as a larger oiled machine but in this section of the market I always felt like it was a stand out.

 

[ArcReactorKC]

Quiet, portable. It's become my go-to compressor for tires and my air nailers.

What air nailers are you using? Framing guns? Or brads?

I have been thinking really hard about a cordless compressor for our shed building setup. We can charge batteries in the truck no problem. We are all M18/M12 for cordless but I already run adapters for different platforms.

 

[HPRifleman]

I bought the twin tank, Oil Lubricated compressor from Harbor Freight, it has served me well for about 20 years. The larger Oilless 20 gallon compressor works fine but it is very noisy.

If and when it fails I will buy a quieter oil lubricated compressor. I bought the Oilless compressor first because it was the cheapest thing that would do the job. I now regret not waiting until I could buy the quieter compressor.

Do the oil-less compressors still have a reputation for noisy running? Some 20-30 gallon units with oil free pumps claim quiet (69dB) running but I don't know if they deliver on that.

 

[u2slow]

Do the oil-less compressors still have a reputation for noisy running? Some 20-30 gallon units with oil free pumps claim quiet (69dB) running but I don't know if they deliver on that.

I can't say... But I rule them out because the lifespan isn't there compared with lubricated.

Hearing protection is normal for me when using air tools, so compressor noise really doesn't matter.

 

[PugetDude]

What air nailers are you using? Framing guns? Or brads?

I have been thinking really hard about a cordless compressor for our shed building setup. We can charge batteries in the truck no problem. We are all M18/M12 for cordless but I already run adapters for different platforms.

Senco brad and pin nailers, occasional Hitachi framing nailer; 4 amp hour battery

 

[dfiler2]

I bought this one about a year ago for my portable, my old one was so loud you couldn't hear yourself think when it was running. This one is amazingly quiet, I smile every time I use it.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200950282_200950282?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Air%20Tools%20%2B%20Compressors%20%3E%20Air%20Compressors%20%3E%20Portable%20Electric%20Air%20Compressors&utm_campaign=California%20Air%20Tools&utm_content=113571&gclid=Cj0KCQiAj4ecBhD3ARIsAM4Q_jEL73A42UVLwZe_I8LqTEZguaLNUNz8ae_9Rk6y8Hgzn6SOFdEh41caAkNjEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[mikedodge]

Either buy cheap or go straight to a 20 or 30 gallon one.
The problem you're going to have is you might think all you're doing is filling tires or blowing stuff off but once you have a compressor you'll probably start wanting to do more with it and then you'll want bigger anyway.

 

[Citation]

My CAT compressor again reminded me that they are a made from the same cheap stuff as many other low cost compressors. I have a CAT-5510A. I found it cheap on ebay in "like new, defective" condition. Basically the regulator didn't work so it was sold as returned, defective. While CAT pumps seem quite decent and do deliver on the quiet claims, the rest of the hardware is the same as many of the no-name compressors that used to dominate the cheap compressor space.

The regulator on mine was bad because an "o-ring" seal with a "U" shaped cross section was installed backwards. Once I realized this and flipped it over the regulator worked fine... for a while. Later the knob on the regulator broke due to molded in stresses. I've since replaced it. In the process of fixing it the first time the pressure switch came a bit loose and started to leak. No problem I thought. Just take it off, add some sealant and screw it back on. Nope. The pot metal aluminum post out of the tank started to shed threads. I had to epoxy the pressure switch onto the thing since I had only limited thread engagement. Yesterday I went to open the condensation drain on the bottom of the tank. The ball valve failed. Not sure what broke but some plastic parts came out and the valve could no longer be closed. Fortunately I have a spare and when the regulator died I also had a spare so my direct purchases to fix a $55 compressor have been almost zero. However, it definately hasn't impressed with it's build quality. This isn't a compressor I use much so I have little faith it would handle contractor use.

 

[Aaron_W]

My CAT compressor again reminded me that they are a made from the same cheap stuff as many other low cost compressors. I have a CAT-5510A. I found it cheap on ebay in "like new, defective" condition. Basically the regulator didn't work so it was sold as returned, defective. While CAT pumps seem quite decent and do deliver on the quiet claims, the rest of the hardware is the same as many of the no-name compressors that used to dominate the cheap compressor space.

The regulator on mine was bad because an "o-ring" seal with a "U" shaped cross section was installed backwards. Once I realized this and flipped it over the regulator worked fine... for a while. Later the knob on the regulator broke due to molded in stresses. I've since replaced it. In the process of fixing it the first time the pressure switch came a bit loose and started to leak. No problem I thought. Just take it off, add some sealant and screw it back on. Nope. The pot metal aluminum post out of the tank started to shed threads. I had to epoxy the pressure switch onto the thing since I had only limited thread engagement. Yesterday I went to open the condensation drain on the bottom of the tank. The ball valve failed. Not sure what broke but some plastic parts came out and the valve could no longer be closed. Fortunately I have a spare and when the regulator died I also had a spare so my direct purchases to fix a $55 compressor have been almost zero. However, it definately hasn't impressed with it's build quality. This isn't a compressor I use much so I have little faith it would handle compactor use.

This does not surprise me, I suspect that with quiet compressors becoming more common they are losing their little corner of the market.

I've had a CAT 2 gallon compressor on my wishlist for some time. I've been wanting a small compressor to use in the house for an airbrush, but wanted something that could handle other light duty needs, so more than a little thankless AB compressor.
I ended up getting a comparable Harbor Freight Fortress. HF was 2/3 the price, and is actually a nicer compressor with better layout and controls. I couldn't find one feature the where the CAT compressor was better except 1 year warranty vs 90 days.

 

[cpttuna]

check your local big box stores for damaged or clearance air compressors.

 

[finn]

check your local big box stores for damaged or clearance air compressors.

The knobs and handles tend to go missing, and the regulators tend to get damaged on the display models, so occasionally the store manager just wants them gone and will cut you a hefty discount.

Just make sure the manufacturer brand is recognizable so there is parts support.

Many of the house brand oiled compressors are made by Sanborn or Campbell Hausfield.

 

[GirchyGirchy]

I like my little Makita MAC5200. It's oil filled and a bit quieter than my cheapie Porter-Cable pancake I use in the house. They make smaller versions that are more portable but still put out some decent numbers, and they also have a less powerful Quiet line that's 60dB or less.

 

[cannuck]

I have a wide range of compressors from a 1/4 horse, 5 gal tank from the '40s to a 30HP electric and a 170 CFM diesel screws. But, the nicest of them all is a 2HP, 10 gal tank 2 cyl recip I bought at auction for $50. Don't hesitate to look at old, or even VERY old compressors. That particular one lives on our farm as a key piece of equipment and can hold a tank for weeks with very little pressure drop.