Air compressors

[elizilla]

My air compressor is a 5 gallon cheapie I got at the auto parts store some years back. It has burst a seal and no longer holds air. The spot where it's leaking doesn't appear that it's meant to come apart, and it's not valuable enough for me to fight it. I think I paid $75 or so for it.

Before I bought this one, I researched and got myself deep into analysis paralysis - it took me two or three years to get fed up with not having an air compressor because I couldn't get myself off the fence, and to just go buy the first one I saw and be done with it. I don't regret that decision. It lasted a long time and did everything I needed for all that time. So I could just go buy another - I don't think I can go too far wrong. I just use it to fill tires, to very occasionally run an impact wrench, and to blow air through carb jets. I'm not spraying paint or driving thousands of nails or anything that needs large volume.

If anyone can recommend a smallish, inexpensive air compressor that might be more maintainable in future, I am listening. If not, I'll just go up to Sears and buy whatever is a reasonable size and in stock.

 

[JHKolb]

I have an old Craftsman 220v compressor that my bother rebuilt for me a few years back and it has been great. Had a craftsman 110v 'oil-less' and that thing was WAY noisy and cycled way more that I preferred.

For the minimal use you do have you thought about getting a CO tank? I had a friend put one together for me and I use it way more that I use the compressor. The tank I had is a 20lb. and cost around $20 to refill. Using it for tires, impact gun (tire rotation, etc.) and using an air chuck to blow the dirt off my garage floor it usually last me a good 6 months between refills. I can also take it anywhere I go and be able to use air tools, or fill tires.

Something like this . . .
http://powertank.com/products/sfID1/11/productID/10

 

[roy]

I bought a 20 gallon (I think that's it may be more) this past march at sears for $270. This is the only pic I have of it on me but you can see it is a vertical model. Goes to 150 psi and lifts my Handy lift easily and will run a 1/2" drive impact. It is noisey but does not run much unless using the impact. Airs tires up with ease. I mount my own tires (I own a no-mar tire machine).

 

[toompine]

"analysis paralysis " Guilty also and for most things. I have a very large (but mobile) compressor that I find is a PIA to use because it is big. I have a small simple one, maybe 5 gallons that is easy to use, easy to move, refills quickly and is used only occassionally . As long as you are not running air tools almost any will work. Pretty sure the one I have now came from Harbor Freight. Since they are not big money, use it till it breaks (had mine for 7-8 years now) and then replace it.

Of course you also need to consider the color ???

 

[elizilla]

Oh yeah - I forgot. I use mine for the lift as well. Thanks for the reminder! I haven't lifted a bike all summer so I forgot about that. And I suspect I'll want to lift the new bike soon.

"analysis paralysis " Guilty also and for most things.

I am terrible with it. I usually just work myself into a stew and end up doing nothing until one day I just can't stand it any more, and I do something immediately, whether it's the best option or not. Often it's better to do the wrong thing, than to just sit and spin.

 

[roy]

Oh yeah - I forgot. I use mine for the lift as well. Thanks for the reminder! I haven't lifted a bike all summer so I forgot about that. And I suspect I'll want to lift the new bike soon.

Not sure about your lift but the 150 psi unit compressor I have will lift the Handy lift using only 50-60 lbs of regulated pressure. That B-King ain't light and neither is the S10. I had the S10 on the lift the day I got it home before I ever rode it even.

 

[jajpko]

I like this type of compressor. I have a Sears is very much like this that I purchased in the 70's. Still going strong.
I also have a 60 gal. for the shop and it is 16 yrs old and still going strong.

http://tinyurl.com/3rv43kt

This type is much better than the oil less type. You may pay more up front, but in my opinion it is worth it.

Also if you look around, you may find one on sale from a different store.
Good Luck

 

[elizilla]

Jim,

That C-H compressor looks super, but it's overkill for my purposes. The compressor I have is only 5 gallons, and it's never been too small. It has a permanent home next to my garage door. I want a new compressor that can live in the same spot.

I'm thinking that this one will suit my needs. 7 gal is a slight upgrade in size, more reputable brand than HF, oil filled.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916639000P?prdNo=17

The website says they have two in stock at the local Sears. I'll reserve a zipcar and go get it tomorrow, I think.

Thanks all!

 

[rem]

Nothing wrong with Craftsperson. They make good stuff. R

 

[keeponriding]

I use this one:

http://www.tireinflatorstore.com/recommended-tire-inflators/bon-aire-i8000-goodyear-120v-direct-drive-tire-inflator/

$54 at Amazon. Inflates tires (cars and bike) in no time flat...has enough length to plug into the wall and inflate all tires on my car. My desire was for a 120v wall type inflator...burned out too many fuses using the 12v.

 

[jajpko]

Jim,

That C-H compressor looks super, but it's overkill for my purposes. The compressor I have is only 5 gallons, and it's never been too small. It has a permanent home next to my garage door. I want a new compressor that can live in the same spot.

I'm thinking that this one will suit my needs. 7 gal is a slight upgrade in size, more reputable brand than HF, oil filled.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916639000P?prdNo=17

The website says they have two in stock at the local Sears. I'll reserve a zipcar and go get it tomorrow, I think.

Thanks all!

That's a good looking compressor, and it should do a good job for you.. It has an oiled cast iron pump and won't break the bank. Should last a long time..