Used everywhere from tiny bike shops to huge manufacturing warehouses, air compressors play an important role in many industries. On top of that, many smaller models can also be used at home and there is a huge variety of models available online.
Still, one thing that people fail to realize is that not all compressors are built the same or used for the same purpose. With this being said it is important to take a closer look at them as there are big differences between the different models.
Table of Contents
Air Compressor Power: Air compressor power is measured in horsepower or (HP) just like any other engine. While smaller units tend to have about 1 or 2 HP, some of the bigger more expensive units can run upwards of 12-13 HP.
Even more than that the ones used at manufacturing companies can triple those numbers, but those are ones that most people will never have the need for unless they are opening a large type of manufacturing company. The HP of the compressor is basically the power of which it operates and the speed of which it can compress something. Most units that we will cover will range from 3-8 HP with a couple being higher and lower.
Size: The size of air compressors is measured in gallons. This is pretty self-explanatory but on average the size ranges from 2 gallons to just over 20 gallons. Most of the compressors that we look at run in the 3-5 gallon size range with a couple that are more. The gallons are basically how much air that the unit can hold at a time and will give you an idea of how long before you have to replace the item.
Pressure: Air compression maximum pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and can range anywhere from 100- 200+ PSI. The PSI is the same as what is used when you are inflating tires as the average tire on today’s market needs between 30-36 PSI depending on the make and model. Just like the power and size of the unit, the PSI gets higher as the price of the unit grows.
Uses: Just like any other tool, it is not a wise decision to purchase something that is not useful for what you need it for. If you are hanging a few doors in your home or just using an air compressor to blow up your tires, it is probably not a good idea to spend several hundred dollars. But if you are opening your own small business and would use the compression unit on a regular basis, you might want to look at that price range.
I’ve been a heavy user of air tools for almost ten years now. I’ll admit, my first purchase was based solely on price. Over time however, I’ve come to believe that they are superior to electrical tools in almost every way.
Here are the top five perks of air over electricity.
Cheaper
First off, we have the price. After you get past the initial compressor cost, you’ll find that, like for like, air tools are approximately 50 percent cheaper to buy. This means that you can fill your garage with everything from nail guns to impact wrenches for half the cost.
Let’s not forget about the cost of electricity either. If you’re a heavy user like me, air tools mean a lower energy bill each month.
More Powerful
Speaking of heavy use, like for like, air tools are up to three times more powerful. They convert electrical energy into kinetic energy which results in higher levels of torque and more revolutions per second. This means more efficiency and less time spent on the job.
Smaller
No electricity also means no motor. This makes air tools both lighter and smaller than their electrical counterparts. If you’ve got a small garage, this is a big advantage. You can fit about ten into a space that would only hold three electrical tools. And even if you’ve got a massive garage, who likes carrying heavy equipment around all day?
More Durable
The lack of a motor also means that air tools have significantly less moving parts. This makes them less likely to break down and less likely to break altogether if you drop them. If you’re anything like me i.e. lazy and accident prone, this can be a major perk.
Safer
Finally, air tools are safer. They won’t give you a shock if they get wet. And they won’t burn your house down if you plug them in wrong. Regardless of how you feel about health and safety issues, there’s also another benefit; you can use them in the rain.
And One Reason Not To
In the interest of being unbiased, I have to admit that there is one major drawback of air tools; the compressors are anything but quiet. Unless you live alone, don’t expect to be able to use one indoors. And if you have neighbors in close proximity, don’t expect to be able to turn it on past 9PM. The good news is that, for the person operating the compressor at least, the sound can be blocked out completely with the right ear protection.
The good thing about DeWalt products is that they perform better than you would expect from their price range. This applies to their drills and table saws as well as their compressors such as the D55151. It will run several guns on a framing crew or even a roofing crew without pause for breath. In other words, it is really a large compressor hiding inside the body of a small compressor; very impressive indeed.
It really is easy to use, in fact, the phrase ‘user-friendly’ must have been invented for this compressor. Just fill it with the oil (supplied) and break it in for about 30 minutes and then you are ready to go. It is pretty quiet. Don’t expect it to be silent of course, but it is certainly quieter than many others on the market and the frequency or pitch of the noise is quite comfortable.
Whereas some compressors are liable after prolonged use to freeze up, the DEWALT D55151 Oiled Twin Hot Dog Compressor will never do that because of its oil reservoir which keeps the piston well lubricated.
The life expectancy of this compressor is vastly superior to the oil-free compressors. Take the example of some trim subcontractors who use the D55151 each and every day, they have found it to be a very dependable piece of equipment. You will get years of daily service from what is a heavy-duty unit.
The D55151 will give you years of service. After using a compressor such as this I really would not recommend any oil-free models. They tend to be much noisier and breakdown too often, which is a big problem if your job depends on it. You might save a few bucks with oil-free models but you will lose out in the long run.
Don’t worry about having to change the oil though, it only needs to be changed once a year, or perhaps earlier if it changes color to brown. Never wait until it turns black because damage might already have been done. You only need a routine check of the oil and air intake filter and you are ready for work.
Once a year you should pull the oil pan off in order to clean the crankcase out. You can take the opportunity to wipe out the aluminum dust that you will find. Then you refill with synthetic oil.
As you look at this pump you will see that it can be purchased in either red or black.
This pump has the highest output out of any of the pumps that Coleman makes. This ensures that it will do the job that you want it to do. What is interesting about this pump is that it can also be used to deflate things as well.
You will see that it has been designed to work with a number of different valve systems. In fact, it can be used with Double Lock Valve, Boston Valve, or even Pinch Valve systems.
Those that purchase this valve will always have a one year manufacturer’s warranty and this pump is very fast and effective when it comes to blowing up mattresses and even small toys. Keep in mind that this pump is a little bit louder than others that are on the market.
It is important to know that you will need to have an electrical outlet available when you want to use this. If you are going to be somewhere where there is no outlet then you can use this with an inverter. Having an inverter will allow you to use this anywhere you are. This is great if you are camping with your family.
This pump is not going to take up much space at all when it comes to storage. This is great so that it will be out of the way when it is not being used. It is also very easy to take along with you when you are traveling because it is not going to take much space when it comes to packing. It is also very sturdy so it will not be easily damaged when you are moving it from one place to the next.
In the end, this Coleman air compressor is very handy when you need to blow something up at home, or when you are traveling. It is not going to be difficult to pack or store when it is not in use. If you are looking for a pump that will work fast and be effective at all times then this is the way to go.
Anyone that is looking for an air compressor will want to spend some time looking at the Hitachi EC119SA model. It has a 15 amp induction motor and a roll cage so it will always be protected when you are moving it around.
The pump and the motor will both be protected and this is wonderful when you consider the damage that could occur when you are moving it around. If that is not enough protection for you then you should consider the fact that you are also going to have a one-year limited warranty with this compressor.
There are two couplers with this compressor that are factory-installed. Also, the pump is cast iron and oil lubricated and the oversized bearings make it very quiet to use.
This particular air compressor comes with a 4-gallon tank that is good for smaller and medium-size jobs as it allows for plenty of room for air.
The air compressor has drain ball valves that are very easy to use and the cord wrap helps you to keep the cord secure when not being used. On top of that, it comes with very fast recovery time.
Powermate has one of the most diverse lines of compressors out there, as they have some machines that range from very economical to heavy-duty ones like this model.
The Powermate PLA1683066 features a v-twin cylinder cast iron pump that is built to last. Some of the accessories that you can add on to this air compressor include a socket set, air ratchet, impact wrench, hardwood flooring nailer and stapler, finish nailer, and air tool.
It has a dual voltage motor that is built for a standard 120-volt outlet and has the ability to be converted to a 240-volt application.
One of the best things about this Powermate is that it’s super easy to set -up and assemble. You’ll have the machine up and running within minutes.
The machine comes with a 30-gallon tank, which is a good size for larger projects. Even though the large tank has a high capacity, the machine doesn’t take up a lot of space.
Compared to other oil-less air compressors, this option makes a lot less noise. This is beneficial for anyone who is concerned about the amount of noise that they generate while they run their machine.
The vertical portable style of the tank is better than tanks with a horizontal shape. They take up less space; allowing you to easily store this compressor in your garage.
Still, do keep in mind that the weight of 154 pounds makes the machine hard to move and maneuver.
Like most Dewalt tools this is a solid choice for those looking for a good all-around compressor. Despite its low cost, it has the ability to power impact wrenches and air ratchets.
One of the most attractive features of this air compressor is its durability. I have been able to use this product for over two years without having any problems and compared to other air compressors, the Dewalt D55168 is extremely quiet. You won’t have to worry about bothering your neighbors when in use. And if you plan on using the unit inside of your garage, your family will barely be able to hear it if they are inside.
What is more, the small size of this air compressor makes it ideal for storage on your garage or porch. Even though it is made out of heavy-duty and durable supplies, it isn’t hard to move around.
Do keep in mind that this compressor is not necessarily meant for commercial use. This might be a problem for business owners who are looking for a more powerful product. If you try to use this air compressor for large products, it will not have the ability to perform.
According to the manual, users should only run the air compressor for 35-40 minutes an hour in order to maximize the compressor’s life. This might be a problem for users who want to be able to run the air compressor for hours at a time.
Jenny compressors are some of the most trusted, durable and dependable machines out there and this unit is no different.
This air compressor comes with a cord because it is electrical and it has to be plugged in. The unit comes already filled with Jenny Ultimate Blue compressor pump oil and one year warranty. During this time if the air compressor needs to be repaired for any reason this will be done without charge. Features include a pressure release valve and thermal overload motor protection.
This model has a 900 pump RPM. There is a bottom-mounted tank drain for easy maintenance. It will need to be plugged in as it is electric. Just like the one above, you will have a one year warranty with this compressor. Any repairs will be done for free.
The large flywheel will help to ensure that it starts up quickly and with great ease. Most people really like that the belt guard is also completely enclosed. It has special unloading values that many air compressors do not have. These are nice when it comes to helping the compressor start as well.
The third compressor is a single-phase compressor. It is a 115-volt model. There are a lot of people that really love the fact that this compressor is very compact and easy to move from point A to point B. Anyone that purchases this will see it has an aluminum head and this creates better heat dissipation.
The forced ventilation cooling system is going to keep the compressor nice and cool while it is being used. Replaceable filter elements also help to ensure that this compressor is very easy to maintain. Manual tank drains do the same thing.
Moderately priced, Emglo Air Compressors are usually seen around construction sites and other heavy-duty settings. Anyone that purchases this air compressor will be happy to know that it is going to have 1500 hours of running life because of the oil-lubricated cast-iron cylinders.
Additionally, it also has a very quick recovery. This is nice because it will allow professionals to fire more nails when they are using it.
Starting this compressor in cold weather will not be a problem either because of the dual soft start valves. It comes with a one year warranty and it will easily support two different users at one time.
Like other Emglo models, this compressor will have a very long pump life because of the cast-iron cylinder. It comes with a high flow regulator that will help to increase its overall performance. The compressor will start in the cold weather without any problems because of the dual soft start valves.
It is lightweight so it can be taken just about anywhere with great ease. This also means that it will not be difficult to store anywhere. Those that have used it have reported that it is very durable and it is great when it needs to be moved from one place to the next. That is wonderful for those that will be working on a number of different job sites.
Emglo EM810 is made for travel as it comes with 10-inch pneumatic wheels and collapsible handle. This means that it can be taken anywhere and it will also be very easy to store when you are not using it. There is even a top-load panel that will give you the opportunity to transport up to 100 pounds of cargo. Two users will be able to access this compressor when you are on the job. The quick recovery of this compressor will also give workers the ability to fire more nails when they are using it. This means faster work and more jobs completed.
Makita MAC2400 Big Bore comes with a cooler running pump that will help to decrease the amount of wear and the cast-iron cylinder can be removed easily for easy maintenance. This compressor comes with a one year manufacturer’s warranty.
Many people really like this Makita user-friendly model because the handle folds down creating easy storage when it is not being used while the built-in storage provides a great place for all of your tools and accessories so that items are not lost. It is very portable because of the rugged wheels and the built-in thermal overload means that the motor is always going to be protected.
This air compressor is going to be a little bit cheaper than the two that were discussed above but still comes with a 1-year warranty. It has a greater displacement with less RPM. Many people really appreciate the fact that this air compressor will be a lot quieter than the other comparable models. This equipment has a convenient oil drain for easy maintenance which will help to ensure that your compressor is always in good working order.
This air compressor has a dual head pump and a much faster recovery time because of this. The large regulator knobs make it easy to make any adjustments while you are using it. This machine has a low amp draw which means you are not going to be blowing breakers when you use it. The kick plate and the roll cage make it a great option for someone that is planning on using their air compressor on a number of different jobs.
In the automotive field, Puma is one of the brands that equates with quality and great customer service. Their products hardly ever break down and last for years. This Puma air compressor is lighter than other options; making it the ideal product for someone who wants a mobile air compressor. The pump is extremely durable and is made out of 100% cast iron. The cast iron holds up better and requires less maintenance than aluminum pumps.
I really liked the oil sight gas, which allowed me to easily check the oil level of the pump. The belt-drive oil-lubricated pump prevents the machine from making too much noise. Overall, the Puma 20-gallon is a great option for someone who wants a mobile air compressor for smaller projects. However, it does not have the capacity for larger projects.
One of the things that I really liked about the Puma oil-lube belt drive single-stage air compressor was the fact that it comes with three different motor phases; these include single, portable, or stationary.
This is the ideal option for someone who wants an air compressor to use with an air ratchet, impact wrench, nibbler or air brush. The cast iron pump is strong and durable and the model is a good choice for someone who is looking for a powerful, yet portable air compressor. The only drawback is its inability to perform on larger projects.
Despite the fact that the 5.5 Honda Engine is super powerful, it runs quietly and smoothly. The twin pump cylinders work cohesively to provide you with a professional product that does not break down easily. The only potential drawback is the price. However, if you are willing to pay the high price tag- you won’t have to worry about any maintenance or repairs. There is no doubt that this air compressor was made to last.
This Puma air compressor features a 120-gallon tank and a 230 volt AC motor. In addition to the powerful motor (10 horsepower) and a large tank, it comes with the cast iron, double-stage pump. Some of the additional accessories that you can purchase with this air compressor include the Ingersoll Rand 3’8” Inline Lubricator and the Ingersoll Rand Retractable composite air hose reel.
The air hose reel allows you to easily store your hose. One of the drawbacks of this product is the high price tag. It might not be necessary for people who need smaller tanks and less powerful engines. Another possible drawback is its heavy weight.
Maybe you need an easy to use compressor for smaller jobs like tires, pool toys, etc. but you do not want to pay the hefty price tag of top of the line models? If that is the case then you need to consider 3 of our favorite small air compressors.
You might be surprised to know that this Black and Decker model has an EZ air dial so that it will shut off completely when it has reached the right air pressure. This is great when you do not want to overfill something. It comes with a two-year warranty so you have protection if there is a problem. It only weighs 6 pounds so you do not have to worry about moving it from one location to the next. This compressor will come with a tire nozzle, needle inflator, and also an extension nozzle.
You will have an air compressor with a high flow regulator when you purchase this product. The 2.6 amp draw means that it is not going to trip your breakers when you are using it and it also means that you will not have any trouble starting it. This compressor is only 9 inches tall so it will not take up much space at all when you are not using it and you need to store it. It does come with a one year warranty if you have any problems.
This small air compressor can be used with the 12 volt socket in your car. It will be able to produce up to 30 liters of air each minute. When you purchase this item you will receive a pressure gauge, coil hose that has an inflating nozzle, and even a storage bag.
It is also interesting to know that this can be modified for permanent installation. This is a wonderful tool to keep in your car because you never know when your tires may need a little bit of air. You are going to see that this air compressor is not going to move around when it is turned on and running. It is also very quiet.
One of the most common questions asked by those new to the concept is just what accessories do they need. After all, compressed air isn’t worth much if you don’t have a way of getting it from the tank into your tool of choice.
The good news is that the answer to this question may well be no accessories at all. Most compressors come complete with plugs for all the most common tools. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule so be sure to check the manufacturers’ website before you buy.
Here are the most common accessories that you can buy, and what they’re for.
Second Hose: 99% of compressors come with a hose but over time, they’re typically the first thing to need replacing. You might also find that you need a particular strength hose to power particular tools. The best compressor hoses have 3 layers including some kind of weave or mesh. The best materials are rubber, nylon and PVC.
Hose Reel: A hose reel is simply a device that coils the hose into a circular shape. Most have a handle and wheels for ease of use. Other features include locks at specific intervals and buttons that can reel in the hose with a single press. If your compressor of choice doesn’t have a hose reel, purchasing one will greatly increase its portability.
Roll Cage: A roll cage is a device that wraps around the tank of a compressor protecting it from puncture. Ideally, you’ll want one with a skid plate to protect the rest of your compressor too. If you plan on working on a building site, this is a very wise purchase. If you never plan on leaving your garage, this is a complete waste of money.
Adapters: If your compressor choice is incompatible with one of your tools/hoses, you will need to purchase an adapter. Adapters come in male and female form. They are not interchangeable. Anodized fittings generally last the longest. Quick connectors are ideal if you plan on using them daily. They are easier to attach, remove and clean.
Filters: After six months of use, you’ll probably have to replace the filter. A clogged filter adds strain to the motor. At best, this reduces its power, and at worst, eventually destroys it. Different compressor filters guard against different chemicals, the most important to protect against being oil and gas.
If your air compressor is not building pressure there are a few things that you can do to try to fix this. You must start by unplugging the hose and the tools. Turn the compressor on and let it start charging. Next, spray some soapy water on the fittings around the compressor and see if any bubbles appear. This is an indicator that there is a leak. Use plumbers tape in order to fix any leaks. You may want to have some Mr. Gasket 2842G Teflon Tape available for this job.
There could be times when your air compressor may have some dark smoke coming out of it. Yes, this can be very frightening but it does not mean you have to get rid of your compressor. Turn off your compressor immediately and let it cool. Check to see if the oil is dirty. It may need to be changed. Next, determine if any of the gaskets are leaking. If they are then you need to replace them.
Some people will find that their air compressor will not start. This can be stressful, depending on what you paid for the compressor. However, the problem could be something as simple as the pressure switch. Start by looking at your owner’s manual to find out where the switch is at and determine if it is in the on position. If it is, and the compressor is still not starting, you may need to replace it.
What you need to remember is that there are often a number of reasons why your air compressor will not work the way that it should. Always start with the easiest solutions first. This means that you will want to make sure you did not blow a fuse, or that the extension cord you are using is the proper type.
These are all easy fixes. Next, check the oil level to ensure that it is correct. Many compressors will not work if there is not enough oil in them. Take the time to learn about air compressor repair to ensure that you keep yours running correctly. It is better to perform regular maintenance than to purchase a new one.
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