should i get an air compressor and tools?

[moron88]

as the title says, should i? my situation: i have hand tools pretty well covered, i'm looking at adding the niceties such as ratcheting wrenches and need to get some more/better pliers but otherwise i'm pretty much set there. i already have a few cordless tools (impact wrenches and driver plus drill) and a some corded tools (drill, angle grinder and dremel). i dont have a real air compressor, just a little tire inflator. so my question is should i spring for a compressor and basic air tool setup or not? i'm perfectly happy with what i have, just dont know what i'm missing out on. i mostly do basic auto repairs. might be getting a couple old lawn/garden tractors to tinker with soon (if i can find the right deal).

 

[PelicanPines]

as the title says, should i? my situation: i have hand tools pretty well covered, i'm looking at adding the niceties such as ratcheting wrenches and need to get some more/better pliers but otherwise i'm pretty much set there. i already have a few cordless tools (impact wrenches and driver plus drill) and a some corded tools (drill, angle grinder and dremel). i dont have a real air compressor, just a little tire inflator. so my question is should i spring for a compressor and basic air tool setup or not? i'm perfectly happy with what i have, just dont know what i'm missing out on. i mostly do basic auto repairs. might be getting a couple old lawn/garden tractors to tinker with soon (if i can find the right deal).

sooo no... don't do it

 

[2oolhound]

Air tools are only a small part of the big picture when it comes to compressors. Things like sand blasting, painting, die grinding etc are where the system really shines. Being able to blow out engine components for re-assembly or just blowing out accumulated grinding and filing particles out of your tool box drawers is the type of added benefit a shop can't be without. To me, a decent compressor is a must have.

 

[Ree75]

At times an air compressor is nice. Getting a blow gun helps in cleaning up/out parts, air ratchets are a nice thing, not as bulky as some cordless ratchets.but then you have added noise and lose some space with a compressor. At my shop we have an undersized air compressor which I do run some air tools off of. Constantly I have to wait for it to build up pressure. It's a 60g puma. It ***** major marbles. Normally I would go for my dewalt cordless impact over using air tools unless I needed more power. Then I would go air.

 

[kd3pc]

A lot depends on just what you are doing and plan to do. I went decades with no air (no garage a lot of that time, too) and did just fine. I have it now, and it is nice for the few times a year I need it.

If you are happy with what you have, bank that money or take the SO on a day trip or night out.

If you have a need for the air now, or later on - then go for it. It can eat up a ton of money, beyond the compressor, just be forewarned.

 

[jakemac]

If all you're doing is "basic car repairs", then a compressor is just a "want" and not a "need".
If all you need it for is adding air to tires then you're just buying a larger tire inflator.
If you are doing a rebuild, then it becomes a different story.

For now, I'd recommend staying with battery power.
(this advice comes from a chronic tool enabler)

 

[theoldwizard1]

A compressor and pneumatic tools are really becoming less popular to the DIYer. If you are going to jump in, get a good sized compressor (5 hp) so that you can run spray guns, die grinders, sanders and sand blasters. That cost might slow you down.

 

[d.mcfarland]

You'll need air if you have a car only because you have tires. The rest are just accessories that can help you with other tasks. I vote yes.

 

[Mr_B]

It useful, if have space and funds a decent 3hp can do a lot. Tools are pretty cheap, nano 1/2" impact and stubby 3/8 ratchet and impact hammer super useful, underseal gun and hvlp spraygun good too, grinders and air drills etc usefull and cheap way get something for a job such as right angle compact drill . Maybe investigate costs and products so up to speed on it then het stuck in some work and if find situations where air big help go get one ...

 

[crewchief888]

one of the few times i fire up the compressor in the garage is to blow up a tire, zip off a tire/wheel,
in my service truck mainly to use an air hammer, or a 3/4" dr impact

i'm not "loaded up" with cordless tools, but i have a cordless 3/8" dr impact, compact 1/2" drill, and 4 1/2" grinder in my service truck.

most everything i use in the garage is electric....

 

[CompressorPros.com]

It might be self serving, but I say...Yes, you need an air compressor!

Actually, if you aren't doing a lot of sanding or painting, you are probably fine with what you have.

 

[grumpychevy]

If basic car repairs involve underbody/suspension work then a good 5+ horsepower-60 gallon air compressor and a high torque 1/2" drive impact wrench (don't forget impact sockets) will make you wonder how you ever lived without one. If you want to run sanders then you may consider a compressor with an 80 gallon tank. If all you want is to blow things off, air up tires, or run air nailers, all you really need is 20 gallons or less. At the very least, you can air up a flat tire using an inflator taking minutes to do or use a compressor taking seconds to perform the same task. Could become a sizable investment by the time your finished.

 

[atikovi]

I haven't used my pneumatic 1/4" and 3/8" ratchets since I got the cordless equivalents years ago. Dragging an air hose throughout an engine compartment or under the dashboard is a pain. I don't have a garage at home so everything I do is in my driveway. I have a 60 gal compressor in the basement and an air receptacle on the outside wall facing the driveway to plug in an air hose. Also have a tire machine on the back porch but have to drag a hose through the house to connect. Use air for an impact gun, air hammer, die grinder, brake breeder, bead blasting cabinet, inflating tires, blowing off dirt, etc.

 

[ssdave]

I've lived for 30 years with a 3/4 hp pancake compressor. Used for framing and finish nailers, very limited sandblasting, and running my IR 1/2" gun in short bursts. Of course, inflating tires, blowing out my irrigation system in short bursts, blowing dust off of stuff, etc. I'm on the fairly intense DIY end of the spectrum, and it's been fine.

Many times I've Wanted a bigger one, but didn't really Need one. I bought one for cheap last summer, so will have a bigger one in my shop to use in the future.

Unless you really have extra money and extra space, I'd keep on going with your small compressor until you really start running up against it's limitations enough to make the expense and room of a larger compressor worth it.

 

[Git]

With some of the higher quality cordless tools coming onto the market, I just don't see air tools getting used as much as they used to by DIYers

For example, someone mentioned it was nice to have one for blowing out drawers and other things, etc. Well both Makita and Milwaukee make a decent cordless blower that does a pretty good job and can really come in handy.

Don't get me wrong - a compressor still comes in handy; airing up your tires, nailguns, staplers, maybe some spray painting, but I would rethink getting the monster 60/80 gal tank of yesteryear and look for a high quality compressor with a smaller footprint

 

[moron88]

reading all the responses, the general consensus seems to be "no. but if you do, get a big'n". i can respect that. i remember growing up, always hearing how miraculous air tools were. guess cordless is gaining ground, and fast. a full set of makita 18v tools is currently my end goal, but for now i'm content with my kobalts (all 4 of my tools together cost about the same as the high torque makita 1/2" impact kit, which is only about 100 foot-pounds stronger). the only thing that's keeping air on my mind is the 21 gallon 2.5hp vertical unit at harbor freight. with that price ($150 with item-specific coupon) as well as the prices of their air tools, $300 could get a pretty well rounded set to see if air is viable for me. decisions, decisions...

 

[WittHay]

Air is handy when you are working on small engines for blowing off dirt. Also it just a lot faster pumping up tires with a compressor. The drawback is that most small compressors are fairly noisy.

 

[PJNJ]

Either get:
A. the most powerful 1/2 cordless impact (whatever brand that currently is), a Milwaukee M12 3/8 ratchet kit, and a good 12v tire inflator; or
B. get a decent 60 gallon compressor and a powerful 1/2 impact such as an Aircat or IR, an impacting 3/8 ratchet (HF or Husky), and a compact 1/2 impact such as an Astro Nano, etc. plus a good air hose like Flexzilla. Add a blow gun and tire inflator and you're in pretty good shape.

I bought a 60 gallon compressor about 15 years ago and at the time it was a good choice. A good 1/2 impact was an eye opener about 5 years ago and the stubby impact has already paid for itself. The impacting ratchet is good because I don't have to worry about banged knuckles anymore. But the hose can be a pain no matter what.

Recently I picked up a Ryobi 1/2 18V 3 speed impact to allow me to change a flat on the daughter's car (already had the lithium batteries). And it is really nice not to have to drag around a hose. I would probably get cordless if starting over now. The only things that bother me about cordless are the batteries having to be replaced and the extra weight.

 

[Bcom]

Honestly in my opinion i think a mid sized compressor is great to have. Youll never know what your missing if youve never had one. Ive only got a 30 gallon here and its adequate for 95% of my projects. One of my most invaluable tools is my impact wrench. A mid sized impact is invaluable in a garage. It makes almost everything able to be torn apart no matter how frozen or tight it is. Search Craigslist for a mid sized compressor like 25 or 30 gallons. Get a few tools for it and in the future if you feel you really dont need a compressor,just sell it. I think you should at least try one if you got a little extra cash.

 

[BobsurUncle]

Most guy's here are in the mindset of "go big or go home". Yes big compressors are nice. But they take up a lot of room and must have a 240v circuit to run it. You can do most anything you want with a good horizontal 30 gallon compressor. They fit under a work bench and can be had in 120v. There are down sides to them but unless you are run a blast cabinet or a sand blaster continuously, you are not going to see them.

I have an 70's Craftsman 3hp 30 gallon. It does everything I ask of it, including run a blast cabinet and hopper style sand blaster. It's been used to paint cars and run any many air tools. It is 240v though.

 

[Roberts210]

as the title says, should i? ....................i'm perfectly happy with what i have.................

But think how much happier you would be being able to blow the dust and crud out of things and air up your tires and run an air hammer and a small needle scaler. My advice is to keep your eyes open for a good used one.

I wasn't looking for a new compressor, but saw this one while getting some repair parts for another compressor. The place wanted $140 for it. I couldn't resist, and sold my other one.

 

[visionguru]

as the title says, should i? my situation: i have hand tools pretty well covered, i'm looking at adding the niceties such as ratcheting wrenches and need to get some more/better pliers but otherwise i'm pretty much set there. i already have a few cordless tools (impact wrenches and driver plus drill) and a some corded tools (drill, angle grinder and dremel). i dont have a real air compressor, just a little tire inflator. so my question is should i spring for a compressor and basic air tool setup or not? i'm perfectly happy with what i have, just dont know what i'm missing out on. i mostly do basic auto repairs. might be getting a couple old lawn/garden tractors to tinker with soon (if i can find the right deal).

Of course, you need a real air compressor, but not for the purpose of turning bolts. Good cordless 3/8", 1/2" impact wrenches can already match the air version.

I would wait until the need arises, instead of buying a piece of large equipment and trying to find a use for it.

 

[bixxjs]

A decent sized compressor will allow you
to do so much more.Air tools are real labour /time
saving additions to your arsenal.
I'd be lost without my air hammer!

 

[moron88]

just hit craigslist... https://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/tls/5970378512.html too bad i dont have 220. dont really want hardwired anyway. there's a couple coleman powermate 5hp 25 gallon portable units for around $100, one of them shows the spec sticker and it says "made in USA" which is always a plus. that particular one is about 45 miles away though. the other one is a fair bit closer but still a good drive. but for $100, might have to see if i can get my mom's friend to tag along to see it. https://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/grd/5963871470.html

 

[bczygan]

just hit craigslist... https://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/tls/5970378512.html too bad i dont have 220. dont really want hardwired anyway. there's a couple coleman powermate 5hp 25 gallon portable units for around $100, one of them shows the spec sticker and it says "made in USA" which is always a plus. that particular one is about 45 miles away though. the other one is a fair bit closer but still a good drive. but for $100, might have to see if i can get my mom's friend to tag along to see it. https://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/grd/5963871470.html

240V is so easy to install.......you'd be a moron88 not to.

 

[moron88]

240V is so easy to install.......you'd be a moron88 not to.

hehe. in all seriousness, i would need a whole new breaker box (read as: i would need a breaker box to replace the fuse box) and probably a new line run to my shop. just not feasible.

 

[atikovi]

hehe. in all seriousness, i would need a whole new breaker box (read as: i would need a breaker box to replace the fuse box) and probably a new line run to my shop. just not feasible.

Do you have A/C or an electric dryer? I just tapped into the A/C line and ran a 240V outlet to near my compressor. Use a heavy duty 10/2 cord on the compressor and plug it into the outlet.

 

[DakotaMan]

I must live in a different area but I've never seen a dryer in an attached garage. I read about it on this board...just never seen it. Maybe it is more popular in the north?

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

I've got a medium sized compressor, a pancake, and an inflator. Over the last few years, unless I'm using an air nailer, the compressors just gather dust. I have a DeWalt 899(?) that does everything I've ever needed in a 1/2" impact. I also started picking up those little M12 tools and have been using them a lot more. Cordless tools do everything I used to use pneumatic for and are a lot more convenient and can be used outside the garage. A compressor is good to have, but if you really need one, you'll know it.

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

I must live in a different area but I've never seen a dryer in an attached garage. I read about it on this board...just never seen it. Maybe it is more popular in the north?

My dryer hook up is about 12" away from my garage.

 

[bcradio]

Of course, you need a real air compressor, but not for the purpose of turning bolts. Good cordless 3/8", 1/2" impact wrenches can already match the air version.

I would wait until the need arises, instead of buying a piece of large equipment and trying to find a use for it.

No they can't.


OP I would say a midsize ~30 gallon compressor would be ideal for you. You can do just about all you'll need with one.

 

[bcradio]

I must live in a different area but I've never seen a dryer in an attached garage. I read about it on this board...just never seen it. Maybe it is more popular in the north?

They don't have breaker boxes in garages near where you live?

 

[DakotaMan]

They don't have breaker boxes in garages near where you live?

Yes, but some of the comments were about a dryer.

 

[lakeroadster]

So my question is should I spring for a compressor and basic air tool setup or not?

I say yes. I use my compressor nearly every time I'm in the shop.

An air die grinder is a wonderful tool.

I must live in a different area but I've never seen a dryer in an attached garage. I read about it on this board...just never seen it.

What area do you live? 1st I thought in the Dakota's? then you said

Maybe it is more popular in the north?

Maybe add your location to your profile?

 

[DakotaMan]

Sorry...I live in TN. Username is in reference to the truck.

I'll add it.

 

[isuhunter]

OP I'm in similar bot but as others have said some of the new Milwaukee tools are great to use.

Anyone have thoughts on the harbor freight 20 and 30 gallon compressors?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ptgarcia]

I must live in a different area but I've never seen a dryer in an attached garage. I read about it on this board...just never seen it. Maybe it is more popular in the north?

It's very common in CA, particularly in homes built in the '70s and earlier, before "laundry rooms" became popular. My house, built in 1976, has the HVAC, water heater, washing machine and dryer all in the attached garage. No basements (a few but they are very rare) in Southern California to hide that stuff in.

 

[Ign]

as the title says, should i? my situation: i have hand tools pretty well covered, i'm looking at adding the niceties such as ratcheting wrenches and need to get some more/better pliers but otherwise i'm pretty much set there. i already have a few cordless tools (impact wrenches and driver plus drill) and a some corded tools (drill, angle grinder and dremel). i dont have a real air compressor, just a little tire inflator. so my question is should i spring for a compressor and basic air tool setup or not? i'm perfectly happy with what i have, just dont know what i'm missing out on. i mostly do basic auto repairs. might be getting a couple old lawn/garden tractors to tinker with soon (if i can find the right deal).

Unless you're wanting a plasma, no. Stay with what you have that you're happy with and expand your cordless tools as needed.

The new (to the U.S.) M18 die grinder will fill that void if you feel there is a void. I'm a metal guy and I RARELY use a die grinder. If you truly want to run a pneumatic die grinder you're looking at a considerable investment- minimum 60 gallon quality compressor. Then you want a cooling wall, hose reels, etc and you get to chase little leaks every month. And drain lines, esp if it freezes where you are.

 

[CafeTools]

Prepping, painting, and yes tire inflation are where it shines. Electric grinders etc work better than air imho. A compressor is usefull if you are going to use it, a air 1/2 impact is cheaper than electric, but electric is cordless. Each has benefits.

 

[moron88]

Do you have A/C or an electric dryer? I just tapped into the A/C line and ran a 240V outlet to near my compressor. Use a heavy duty 10/2 cord on the compressor and plug it into the outlet.

no A/C and the dryer is in the basement. the way this house was built, the builder built a shack first to live in then built the house off of it. the shack became the workshop. this was back in the early 50's and everything was built to the bare minimum required by code. little has been updated since then. my great-grandpa put in a 110v 20a circuit with 1 outlet to run his lathe (wish i had gotten that...) but that's pretty much it.



i think i'm going to hold off on air for a little while longer and see what my mother wants to do with her old van. if she still wants it fixed up, then i'll add a compressor to the budget and snag some tools that i cant get in cordless at a reasonable price (an air hammer for tearing apart the front suspension and also thinking air ratchets). my 24v kobalt 1/2" impact is rated for 650 foot-pounds, so should need a stronger one (in theory).