Hello all, I'm looking to buy my first air compressor for DIY type projects (rotating tires, air inflation, etc...). So my question is what size air compressor do I need?
Thanks
Thanks
Air Compressor
- Thread starter shield747
- Start date
- Status
I have two compressors, a pancake style and a 27 gallon one. For inflating and using brad nailers and small air tools the pancake style is adequate.
If you get into anything needing a larger amount of air such as air guns for lug nuts and crankshaft bolts, you are going to at least need something with 20 gallons minimum. If you are just needing to remove lug nuts you could opt for an electric impact wrench.
You should look on your local Craigslist or Kijiji for larger used compressors at a better price. I got my 27 gallon compressor for $80.
Regards, JC.
If you get into anything needing a larger amount of air such as air guns for lug nuts and crankshaft bolts, you are going to at least need something with 20 gallons minimum. If you are just needing to remove lug nuts you could opt for an electric impact wrench.
You should look on your local Craigslist or Kijiji for larger used compressors at a better price. I got my 27 gallon compressor for $80.
Regards, JC.
Originally Posted By: JC1
I have two compressors, a pancake style and a 27 gallon one. For inflating and using brad nailers and small air tools the pancake style is adequate.
If you get into anything needing a larger amount of air such as air guns for lug nuts and crankshaft bolts, you are going to at least need something with 20 gallons minimum. If you are just needing to remove lug nuts you could opt for an electric impact wrench.
You should look on your local Craigslist or Kijiji for larger used compressors at a better price. I got my 27 gallon compressor for $80.
Regards, JC.
I appreciate it! I have considered the electric impact wrench. Craigslist may be a good option.
I have two compressors, a pancake style and a 27 gallon one. For inflating and using brad nailers and small air tools the pancake style is adequate.
If you get into anything needing a larger amount of air such as air guns for lug nuts and crankshaft bolts, you are going to at least need something with 20 gallons minimum. If you are just needing to remove lug nuts you could opt for an electric impact wrench.
You should look on your local Craigslist or Kijiji for larger used compressors at a better price. I got my 27 gallon compressor for $80.
Regards, JC.
I appreciate it! I have considered the electric impact wrench. Craigslist may be a good option.
Last edited:
X2 on 20 gallon min
I have two 20 gal compressors and keep a 2-gal pancake at my house for all my auto work, it takes up less space. Believe it or not; it will bust the wheels off my Tahoe, just let the air build after 3-4 lugs.
Beware of the HF compressors because the red ones are low quality, their black ones are decent. Just sayin
Beware of the HF compressors because the red ones are low quality, their black ones are decent. Just sayin
The pancake ones have a bladder that wears out over time and is loud. The oiled ones require occasional oil changes (Like once a decade
) but are quieter.
I got a chinese oiled guy from big lots a decade ago for $99 and it's hanging tough. Take note that a 15 amp outlet can only supply so many electric horsepower. So ignore horsepower ratings over 1.5-2. There are bunches of compressors rated to use all the power from your outlet and they all perform about the same.
Also check the spec for the pop-off valve. Some go at 115 PSI, some higher. 125 is something to shoot for.
I got a chinese oiled guy from big lots a decade ago for $99 and it's hanging tough. Take note that a 15 amp outlet can only supply so many electric horsepower. So ignore horsepower ratings over 1.5-2. There are bunches of compressors rated to use all the power from your outlet and they all perform about the same.
Also check the spec for the pop-off valve. Some go at 115 PSI, some higher. 125 is something to shoot for.
Figure out your needs first. You can inflate tires with a $30 tire inflator. I have a 5 HP 60 gal. compressor and find myself using the $30 tire inflator often.
For finish nail guns a small pancake is fine. For pneumatic wrenches, a 20 gal should be fine. For air sanding (and similar tools that use a LOT of CFMs of air) a much larger one.
Cordless impact wrench is certainly an option.
For finish nail guns a small pancake is fine. For pneumatic wrenches, a 20 gal should be fine. For air sanding (and similar tools that use a LOT of CFMs of air) a much larger one.
Cordless impact wrench is certainly an option.
Originally Posted By: dave123
I almost never look at tank size output of the pump is all that matters to me.
Maybe, but in most cases the size of the pump and tank kind of go up a lock-step. But good to check the CFM of the compressor at 90 lbs.
A tank will buffer the air needs of a tool that you use for spurts like an impact wrench. It will not help much if you are using an air sander for minutes at a time.
I almost never look at tank size output of the pump is all that matters to me.
Maybe, but in most cases the size of the pump and tank kind of go up a lock-step. But good to check the CFM of the compressor at 90 lbs.
A tank will buffer the air needs of a tool that you use for spurts like an impact wrench. It will not help much if you are using an air sander for minutes at a time.
Originally Posted By: Donald
Originally Posted By: dave123
I almost never look at tank size output of the pump is all that matters to me.
Maybe, but in most cases the size of the pump and tank kind of go up a lock-step. But good to check the CFM of the compressor at 90 lbs.
A tank will buffer the air needs of a tool that you use for spurts like an impact wrench. It will not help much if you are using an air sander for minutes at a time.
Mabey No it is the air end that is the guts of the unit then the correct motor for it last would be the tank.
So many people under buy and expect more out of it and the first thing they say "well it has a big tank" and I say so who cares I want to know what pump and motor is on it 9 out of 10 times it's junk with a big tank.
Originally Posted By: dave123
I almost never look at tank size output of the pump is all that matters to me.
Maybe, but in most cases the size of the pump and tank kind of go up a lock-step. But good to check the CFM of the compressor at 90 lbs.
A tank will buffer the air needs of a tool that you use for spurts like an impact wrench. It will not help much if you are using an air sander for minutes at a time.
Mabey No it is the air end that is the guts of the unit then the correct motor for it last would be the tank.
So many people under buy and expect more out of it and the first thing they say "well it has a big tank" and I say so who cares I want to know what pump and motor is on it 9 out of 10 times it's junk with a big tank.
Originally Posted By: dave123
Originally Posted By: Donald
Originally Posted By: dave123
I almost never look at tank size output of the pump is all that matters to me.
Maybe, but in most cases the size of the pump and tank kind of go up a lock-step. But good to check the CFM of the compressor at 90 lbs.
A tank will buffer the air needs of a tool that you use for spurts like an impact wrench. It will not help much if you are using an air sander for minutes at a time.
Mabey No it is the air end that is the guts of the unit then the correct motor for it last would be the tank.
So many people under buy and expect more out of it and the first thing they say "well it has a big tank" and I say so who cares I want to know what pump and motor is on it 9 out of 10 times it's junk with a big tank.
What is a big tank? I consider 60 gal a big tank. Most of those have 5 hp compressors, some are 2 stage.
Originally Posted By: Donald
Originally Posted By: dave123
I almost never look at tank size output of the pump is all that matters to me.
Maybe, but in most cases the size of the pump and tank kind of go up a lock-step. But good to check the CFM of the compressor at 90 lbs.
A tank will buffer the air needs of a tool that you use for spurts like an impact wrench. It will not help much if you are using an air sander for minutes at a time.
Mabey No it is the air end that is the guts of the unit then the correct motor for it last would be the tank.
So many people under buy and expect more out of it and the first thing they say "well it has a big tank" and I say so who cares I want to know what pump and motor is on it 9 out of 10 times it's junk with a big tank.
What is a big tank? I consider 60 gal a big tank. Most of those have 5 hp compressors, some are 2 stage.
Originally Posted By: Donald
Originally Posted By: dave123
Originally Posted By: Donald
Originally Posted By: dave123
I almost never look at tank size output of the pump is all that matters to me.
Maybe, but in most cases the size of the pump and tank kind of go up a lock-step. But good to check the CFM of the compressor at 90 lbs.
A tank will buffer the air needs of a tool that you use for spurts like an impact wrench. It will not help much if you are using an air sander for minutes at a time.
Mabey No it is the air end that is the guts of the unit then the correct motor for it last would be the tank.
So many people under buy and expect more out of it and the first thing they say "well it has a big tank" and I say so who cares I want to know what pump and motor is on it 9 out of 10 times it's junk with a big tank.
What is a big tank? I consider 60 gal a big tank. Most of those have 5 hp compressors, some are 2 stage.
See alot of them junk aluminum pump with a junk 5hp motor with a big 60 gallon tank and thats what you bought junk but hey it's got a big tank.
Originally Posted By: dave123
Originally Posted By: Donald
Originally Posted By: dave123
I almost never look at tank size output of the pump is all that matters to me.
Maybe, but in most cases the size of the pump and tank kind of go up a lock-step. But good to check the CFM of the compressor at 90 lbs.
A tank will buffer the air needs of a tool that you use for spurts like an impact wrench. It will not help much if you are using an air sander for minutes at a time.
Mabey No it is the air end that is the guts of the unit then the correct motor for it last would be the tank.
So many people under buy and expect more out of it and the first thing they say "well it has a big tank" and I say so who cares I want to know what pump and motor is on it 9 out of 10 times it's junk with a big tank.
What is a big tank? I consider 60 gal a big tank. Most of those have 5 hp compressors, some are 2 stage.
See alot of them junk aluminum pump with a junk 5hp motor with a big 60 gallon tank and thats what you bought junk but hey it's got a big tank.
Mine is a cast iron pump, 2 stage, 5 HP 220V motor, been going fine since around 1986.
Originally Posted By: dave123
Originally Posted By: Donald
Mine is a cast iron pump, 2 stage, 5 HP 220V motor, been going fine since around 1986.
PSI 135,155,or175
175
Originally Posted By: Donald
Mine is a cast iron pump, 2 stage, 5 HP 220V motor, been going fine since around 1986.
PSI 135,155,or175
175
Originally Posted By: Donald
Originally Posted By: dave123
Originally Posted By: Donald
Mine is a cast iron pump, 2 stage, 5 HP 220V motor, been going fine since around 1986.
PSI 135,155,or175
175
Sounds like it is a good pump will do most any thing for the home DIY guy and i did't ask on ? on the tank.
Originally Posted By: dave123
Originally Posted By: Donald
Mine is a cast iron pump, 2 stage, 5 HP 220V motor, been going fine since around 1986.
PSI 135,155,or175
175
Sounds like it is a good pump will do most any thing for the home DIY guy and i did't ask on ? on the tank.
Originally Posted By: dave123
Originally Posted By: Donald
Originally Posted By: dave123
Originally Posted By: Donald
Mine is a cast iron pump, 2 stage, 5 HP 220V motor, been going fine since around 1986.
PSI 135,155,or175
175
Sounds like it is a good pump will do most any thing for the home DIY guy and i did't ask on ? on the tank.
60 gallons. Oddly my Dad bought it for me as a BDAY present. He ordered from Northern a two cylinder and they shipped a two stage.
One of my winter projects is to build a 2x4 or larger wood pallet for its stand. Include the two (clean air and lubricated air) recoil hose reels next to it. Right now its on what is left of the original shipping pallet it came on and its a bear to move.
Originally Posted By: Donald
Originally Posted By: dave123
Originally Posted By: Donald
Mine is a cast iron pump, 2 stage, 5 HP 220V motor, been going fine since around 1986.
PSI 135,155,or175
175
Sounds like it is a good pump will do most any thing for the home DIY guy and i did't ask on ? on the tank.
60 gallons. Oddly my Dad bought it for me as a BDAY present. He ordered from Northern a two cylinder and they shipped a two stage.
One of my winter projects is to build a 2x4 or larger wood pallet for its stand. Include the two (clean air and lubricated air) recoil hose reels next to it. Right now its on what is left of the original shipping pallet it came on and its a bear to move.
- Status
