Small Home air compressor

[bobg03]

So my 25 YO 3 gallon, 1HP craftsman compressor appears ready to depart from it's very long life. I think I paid $69 bucks on sale and believe I got my $$$ worth.

What is the general consensus for an equivalent replacement? It is only used for inflating tires and ocasionally to blow sawdust or other debris, no air tool operation. I am sure technology has improved over the years, what would be the recommendation here for another 25 year compressor that was maintenance free?

An equivalent replacement should last me the rest of my life without breaking the bank, if it's as dependable as the Craftsman was.

 

[White Shadow]

Why bother? Just go battery instead.

 

[bobg03]

Why bother? Just go battery instead.

I have a choice of two battery platforms, ridgid 18V and M12. Both inflators appear to need to be screwed onto the valve stem on a car, I would prefer the use of just a regular air chuck.
Severe arthritis is not your friend....

 

[Citation]

You sadly just missed a great deal on an 8gallon Goodyear branded quiet compressor ($90). I don't agree that battery is the way to go for this sort of need. If your car/mower/bike is in/near the garage a compressor is a great way to air up tires.

Anyway, I would suggest looking at some of the "quiet" compressors. California Air Tools is the best known but many others are using similar designs. The difference between my CAT 5510 and my older Emglo direct drive, oiled 4 gallon roofing compressor is stark. The CAT is like a louder window AC unit. Many of the quiet models have lower flow/pressure numbers but I've found I don't care as much since they aren't so annoying while running.

Here is the Walmart deal. A few people said this deal has popped back up or they found them in stores.

Robot or human?

Here is a smaller CAT model

Robot or human?

If you don't care about noise then the typical PC/Cman pancakes are small, light and cheap enough to not care too much about.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-6-Gallon-Single-Stage-Portable-Electric-Pancake-Air-Compressor/1000595167

If it were me, I would go with the CAT since the Goodyear deal is over (unless you get lucky).

 

[Lucid Moments]

Honestly I suspect that air compressor technology matured quite a few years ago. I doubt you will see much improvement over the last 25 years or so except as Citation mentions with the quiet air compressors. So pick one that is priced right and sized for your needs and run it until it dies.

 

[finn]

I agree on the newer “quiet “ type of compressor typified by the CAT discussed in Citation’s post, but almost everyone is selling that type now. Harbor Freight and Lowe’s for sure.

The quiet technology seems to be in intake air noise control.

 

[tez929rr]

I bought one of the HF Fortress quiet compressors (2 gallon) for use in my smaller garage. Mostly for inflating tires. I can’t hear it if either car engine is running. Looks like the price has gone up since I bought mine.

Fortress 2 Gallon

 

[RAS61]

I have a small Makita MAC700 compressor at one house and a Rolair "Bull" at another. Can highly recommend both, although the Rolair is not the quietest. Not the cheapest either, but you get what you pay for with these, should meet your 25 year/lifetime requirement, not sure if anything from HF will do that.

Makita has a 2 gal 1 HP Quiet Series (MAC 210Q) that's $199 at HD, may be able to find cheaper elsewhere or on sale. Looks very similar to the HF Fortress above and only $10 more. That's what I'd buy if I didn't want to do it over in 5-10 years - only hurts once!

 

[bscman]

If you're just blowing off dust and inflating a tire or two, is just buy a cheap pancake compressor and call it good. Portable, compact, and plenty adequate. It's nice to pressurize it then walk across the yard to the shed to air up the mower, or down to the neighbors to help with a low tire.

I got my Bosch (no, bostitch?) with a stapler and a nailer for $129.

No, it won't last 25 years but my previous was from Harbor Freight that lasted 10 years, and was abused in my fathers chainsaw carving shop, and carried to carving shows a couple dozen times per year.

 

[haveissues]

If you're just blowing off dust and inflating a tire or two, is just buy a cheap pancake compressor and call it good. Portable, compact, and plenty adequate. It's nice to pressurize it then walk across the yard to the shed to air up the mower, or down to the neighbors to help with a low tire.

I got my Bosch (no, bostitch?) with a stapler and a nailer for $129.

No, it won't last 25 years but my previous was from Harbor Freight that lasted 10 years, and was abused in my fathers chainsaw carving shop, and carried to carving shows a couple dozen times per year

My beef with pancake compressors is the racket they make.

 

[jayemm]

I have the Harbor Freight Fortress 1 gallon quiet compressor. So far it's been enough for my modest needs and I can always fill up the 5 gallon portable air tank if more volume is needed. Quiet and nicely built. Seems like the new Husky at Home Depot is identical but has a tool bag attached and the Makita has a lot of similarities. I think they all come out of the same factory. The quality looks better on these than the California Air Technology equivalent. At any rate, it beats the hell out of my prior small noisy oiless compressors.

 

[Mr. Tool]

So my 25 YO 3 gallon, 1HP craftsman compressor appears ready to depart from it's very long life. I think I paid $69 bucks on sale and believe I got my $$$ worth.

What is the general consensus for an equivalent replacement? It is only used for inflating tires and ocasionally to blow sawdust or other debris, no air tool operation. I am sure technology has improved over the years, what would be the recommendation here for another 25 year compressor that was maintenance free?

An equivalent replacement should last me the rest of my life without breaking the bank, if it's as dependable as the Craftsman was.

You could use one battery to power either?

RIDGID 18V Cordless High Pressure Portable Inflator with 18V Lithium-Ion 1.5 Ah Battery R87044-AC870015N - The Home Depot

Bring a great and perfect accessory to update your air compressor with the help of this highly durable RIDGID Digital Inflator.

www.homedepot.com

RIDGID 18V Cordless 105 MPH Jobsite Handheld Blower (Tool Only) R8604301B - The Home Depot

RIDGID - lg001pc2 Cordless Jobsite Handheld Blower - extend the life of your chainsaw with the use of this item.

www.homedepot.com

 

[White Shadow]

I have a choice of two battery platforms, ridgid 18V and M12. Both inflators appear to need to be screwed onto the valve stem on a car, I would prefer the use of just a regular air chuck.
Severe arthritis is not your friend....

Ah, okay. Well, you can always install one of those air chucks that presses on and then has a little plastic lever to lock it on.

 

[bobg03]

You could use one battery to power either?

RIDGID 18V Cordless High Pressure Portable Inflator with 18V Lithium-Ion 1.5 Ah Battery R87044-AC870015N - The Home Depot

Bring a great and perfect accessory to update your air compressor with the help of this highly durable RIDGID Digital Inflator.

www.homedepot.com

RIDGID 18V Cordless 105 MPH Jobsite Handheld Blower (Tool Only) R8604301B - The Home Depot

RIDGID - lg001pc2 Cordless Jobsite Handheld Blower - extend the life of your chainsaw with the use of this item.

www.homedepot.com

I could, but I wish to use an air chuck, screwing it onto the valve stem is a PIA with severe arthritis, M12 Milwaukee, same deal.

 

[bobg03]

Ah, okay. Well, you can always install one of those air chucks that presses on and then has a little plastic lever to lock it on.

It's more moving parts for my weak hands to fumble with. I can handle an air chuck..lol

 

[cad70]

I seriously recommend the HF 2 gallon Fortress. Very quiet and about 130 psi. It will fill a 32x14 racing slick faster than my 27 year old coleman 20 gallon will.

 

[M635_Guy]

As big a fan I am of battery-powered tools in general, my general-duty compressor is a California Air Tools. I got the dual-tank 4.6 gallon 2HP model and really happy with it. I'll never own a screaming pancake ever again #thingsIsayonGarageJournal

 

[RAS61]

A few problems with battery tools are, 1) batts are often drained when you want to use them, 2) the batts eventually die, 3) batts cost an arm and a leg to replace, often more than the original tool package, and 4) the manufacturer changes platform in a few years and you can't even get a new batt. If the OP isn't going to go with a compressor I'd recommend something hard wired

Also, I'd give that digital Ridgid inflator made in China about 2-3 years before the electronics fail and it has to be tossed, and for the price of those two tools, plus the $40 charger not included, you could have a top shelf compressor

 

[White Shadow]

A few problems with battery tools are, 1) batts are often drained when you want to use them, 2) the batts eventually die, 3) batts cost an arm and a leg to replace, often more than the original tool package, and 4) the manufacturer changes platform in a few years and you can't even get a new batt. If the OP isn't going to go with a compressor I'd recommend something hard wired

Also, I'd give that digital Ridgid inflator made in China about 2-3 years before the electronics fail and it has to be tossed, and for the price of those two tools, plus the $40 charger not included, you could have a top shelf compressor

Fair enough, but I haven't had any of those problems at all with my battery tools and I've had them for many years now.

 

[alinc100]

I recently bought the 2 gallon Fortress Compressor at HF . It is quiet,runs on 15 amp circuit and 2.7cfm at 90psi. And weighs 45lbs

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have a choice of two battery platforms, ridgid 18V and M12. Both inflators appear to need to be screwed onto the valve stem on a car, I would prefer the use of just a regular air chuck.
Severe arthritis is not your friend....

Get an adapter from male tire valve threads to 1/4" NPT.

 

[duneslider]

I have had several of those cheap portercable compressors and they have held up fantastic for me. I had one that I used for work (tile and hardwood installation) and it lasted 10 years zero issues, sold it because I had more than one and was trying to reduce the number of extra things I had. I ended up giving one to my dad who still uses it and I would guess it is 15+ years old. I ended up going with a bigger compressor and regretted it and recently bought one of the craftsman pancakes that looks the same as the portercable. I won''t be using it very often but it is nice to have a smaller compressor to drag around as needed.

 

[stonesfan68]

I have a choice of two battery platforms, ridgid 18V and M12. Both inflators appear to need to be screwed onto the valve stem on a car, I would prefer the use of just a regular air chuck.
Severe arthritis is not your friend....

You can buy one of these to screw on to the end of the hose of the inflators and then clamp on to the tire valve:

Slime 20332 Inflator Hose Adapter

I was in Lowe's the other day and saw a Craftsman "pancake type" oilless air compressor for $99. That will most likely serve your needs.

Craftsman Model #CMEC6150

 

[tarbellb]

Go silent, its truly a whole new experience.

HF sells the Fortress
Kobalt sells Quiet series
California Air is $$ but the original
and my favorite tiny one is maybe the Senco.

For a more heavy duty traditional but quiet model- Makita MAC series

 

[Oil leak]

Another vote for the HF Fortress. I have the 2 gallon and it's been good. Only use it at home for filling tires, blowing out filters and such. Nice and quiet.

 

[RAS61]

Another vote for the HF Fortress. I have the 2 gallon and it's been good. Only use it at home for filling tires, blowing out filters and such. Nice and quiet.

Has the same design and specs as the Makita MAC210Q, so probably clones made in the same factory. But the Makita is $30 cheaper at a couple online dealers, has a One Year warranty vs 90 days for HF, and has the better name if you ever want to sell it.

 

[Oil leak]

Has the same design and specs as the Makita MAC210Q, so probably clones made in the same factory. But the Makita is $30 cheaper at a couple online dealers, has a One Year warranty vs 90 days for HF, and has the better name if you ever want to sell it.

I bought mine when they were on sale a while back so cheaper than the $30 difference. 90 day warranty doesn't bother me, and I never sell tools. This was strictly a home use item, I own and operate my own repair shop where we run IR compressors.

 

[Citation]

In looking for my examples I found at least one compressor that was clearly identical to an older CAT model. I don't think the CAT compressors are anything special other than being quiet. I got mine for a song because it had a defective regulator from the factory. Turned out to be an easy fix once I figured out the problem. I do like that mine is the 5.5 gallon aluminum tank. It's something like 35lb or the same weight as a PC pancake. No worries about rust either.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Another vote for the HF Fortress. I have the 2 gallon and it's been good. Only use it at home for filling tires, blowing out filters and such. Nice and quiet.

This is a knock off of a California Air Tools compressor. I have seen other "brands". They may all come out of the same factory.

 

[rpcraft]

Not to add a third battery brand to your woes but I have some dewalt, milwauke, and ridgid and recently got a ridgid 18volt battery inflator and it's awesome. Does 33x12.50 in about 10 minutes from dead flat to 32 PSI. It did 3 others with about 9 PSI in each. You just have to give it a little recovery time in between so as to not burn it up. It has a digital set on it so you can just dial in the pressure you want, connect it, and turn it on, and the connector is just a quick connect type slip on fitting. That being said I am pretty sure dewalt and ryobi may have a similar version but I found that unit from Rigid for sale around 40 bucks back around Christmas and already have their impact and some wood tools with batteries so was not a big deal. It comes with the little needles and tips so if you are inflating sports balls and whatever else you can do that as well. I carry it around now when going to look at cars, motorcycles, or when picking up the trailer to just top off the tires and just use it everywhere now. https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-18V-Digital-Inflator-Tool-Only-R87044/313257505

 

[theoldwizard1]

I don't think the CAT compressors are anything special ...

The internals of the pump are very different from other oil less compressor. Typically the have a piston and bore that are coated with a high temp, slippery material similar to Teton. If it wears out (and they all do) it is scrap. These style compressors use something like a WOB-L pump. The connecting rod is attached to the bottom of a piece of rubber-like material clamped between the cylinder head and the block. This diaphragm is moved up and down a small distance.

 

[rpcraft]

Another vote for the HF Fortress. I have the 2 gallon and it's been good. Only use it at home for filling tires, blowing out filters and such. Nice and quiet.

Quiet as good. I had wondered about their newer brands of compressors. Some time back I had one of the 21 Gallon ones with the all in one motor/pump assembly and that thing was deafening and not rated properly for CFM or the db volumes, lol. I still was able to resell it for 125 bucks to someone in need though. I'm sure they need hearing aids by now if they have been still using it though. I literally would wheel it out of the shop and close the garage door when I needed to use it and it still hurt my ears. Man that thing was horrible.

 

[Ton ton]

Makita has a nice portable air compressor. I think it's made by Emglo.

 

[jayemm]

Has the same design and specs as the Makita MAC210Q, so probably clones made in the same factory. But the Makita is $30 cheaper at a couple online dealers, has a One Year warranty vs 90 days for HF, and has the better name if you ever want to sell it.

Yes, with HF's price increases some of their stuff isn't a good deal anymore. I lucked out buying the 1 gal Fortress compressor when it was on sale and was unexpectedly given another 10% off by the cashier. Took it down from $130 to $117. Considering what the Makita was selling for (on Amazon) at the time, I took the 1 year HF extended warranty for an additional ~ $21 and still beat the Amazon delivered price and got to take my little compressor home right away. Honestly, that's about as much as I'd want to spend for one of these. " **** ain't cheap no more".

 

[Citation]

The internals of the pump are very different from other oil less compressor. Typically the have a piston and bore that are coated with a high temp, slippery material similar to Teton. If it wears out (and they all do) it is scrap. These style compressors use something like a WOB-L pump. The connecting rod is attached to the bottom of a piece of rubber-like material clamped between the cylinder head and the block. This diaphragm is moved up and down a small distance.

I partly agree. Almost all oil free compressors use a WOBL style piston-connecting rod assembly as well as the Teflon style piston ring. The CAT compressors don't have a diaphragm setup.

But they are different in other ways. The induction motors are 1680 RPM vs the more typical 3450 rpm of more typical induction motors or what ever of the universal motors.

They are typically large (relatively) twin piston vs smaller single piston. So they have that low RPM, large displacement thing people associate with lower noise.

CAT also isolates the pump from the tank with rubber mounts and a flexible hose. They also try to use intake filter housings that muffle sound.

So definitely a different design thinking. For consumer level stuff the switch to low noise is really nice

 

[finn]

Which is why you absolutely don’t want a pancake compressor.

 

[KnurledNut]

I have a small Makita MAC700 compressor at one house and a Rolair "Bull" at another. Can highly recommend both, although the Rolair is not the quietest. Not the cheapest either, but you get what you pay for with these, should meet your 25 year/lifetime requirement, not sure if anything from HF will do that.

The continuous duty cycle of the Bull is incredible. Excellent recovery time. Great compressor and motor that will take anything you throw at it. There is such a huge difference between consumer grade and professional grade.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I bought one of the HF Fortress quiet compressors (2 gallon) for use in my smaller garage. Mostly for inflating tires. I can’t hear it if either car engine is running. Looks like the price has gone up since I bought mine.

Fortress 2 Gallon

Second this one. Amazingly quiet machine.

 

[bobg03]

I went and researched in person the battery supplied air sources, the ridgid and M12 seem pretty chintsy and the screw on inflator *****. That said I am just going to wait for a good sale on a small pancake compressor like a Ridgid, Makita, Dewalt or maybe a craftsman. Noise isn't an issue it won't run long enough to be annoying.
thanks for all your input.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have a small Makita MAC700 compressor at one house and a Rolair "Bull" at another.

Both of these units claim 2 HP motors @ 120VAC. If correct, these things must pull close to 20A fully loaded ! They would likely trip a 15A breaker.