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I am looking for a Small/Medium sized air compressor to keep in my garage that is powerful enough to fill up/keep my car's tires at the right pressure. (I have a 2013 GS) I was wondering if there is a certain brand or model air compressor that someone can recommend? One that can handle the load. I want to keep the new Michelin PSS's at the right pressure. Thanks
I strongly second the viair 85p. I have one in the vette and one in the jeep. Get the adapters to hook it up to the battery with clamps to avoid blowing the fuse for the cigarette lighter. Excellent pump.
My Porter Cable has been working great for years. I run spray guns and impact wrenches with it (although not suitable for sustained use). The only negative is that it is really loud. If you are shopping for compressors make sure you compare db values. You would be surprised how loud that little thing is.
Originally Posted by dmoneychris
Thanks for the recommendation. I'm looking for one to keep in the garage.
I would keep an eye on Sears and get a Craftsman 5 HP with a 25 or 30 gallon tank. They go on sale frequently. Any compressor can fill tires, but if you want one that will be usefull beyond that, go big enough to do things like run air tools and spray paint.
I should add that if you absolutely never envision doing anything but filling tires, you can get something for less than $50. I'm talking more like $300 for a versatile machine that does much more.
Don't laugh, but go to a welding supply store and get a nitrogen bottle.
It works great for tires and since the molecules are larger and it is dry, you lose less through the sidewalls and they are less temperature sensitive.
I went to the HD and got the Makita hog dog compressor. Nice and quite not like a lot of the loud "buss bomb" compressors out there. Doesn't take up much room either. Great for the trailer as well.
I use a de walt 4.5 for the garage, its a 200 psi unit. the trick is finding 200 psi hose to use with it (even though line pressure is regulated for less), I found hose at Griot's garage which came with a nice hose reel.
If all you plan on using the compressor for is occasionally airing up your tires, just about anything will fill the bill. If you think you might use it for doing some maintenance chores and running air tools--impact driver or air wrench, for example--then I'd suggest paying more and get a unit with a higher flow and larger tank capacity. Another watch-out: I would avoid getting one of the oilless compressors if you plan on using it for more than tires. They will not be as long-lived as the oil-type.
EDIT/ADD: I bought this from Home Depot a few years ago to supplement my large garage tank compressor and have been very pleased with the unit. I use it to run air nailers for roofing/framing jobs and to run my impact wrench, although the flow is not adequate to run it continuously. Mine is actually a Husky-branded unit and I paid $140 for it, but it was at least 4-5 years ago, so prices are obviously higher. Here: http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-4-...5153/202514521
Last edited by icntdrv55; Nov 24, 2014 at 10:46 AM.
It is capable of running a random orbital polisher, the types I use are the Griot's versions and work very well.
For a portable and one I use at the track, is one made by cycle pump - actually made in the US, A tough little compressor capable of 60psi or more at www.cyclepump.com. The small pouch it comes with will also fit a compact tire repair kit and a leatherman tool. Great for repairing tires if on the road, the motorcycle tire repair kit has the correct mushroom shaped plugs for repairing high performance tires.
I use to have a Porter Cable, but the thing was so loud, you could'nt talk.
So I bought this one and been very pleased! I got the 6 gallon 1hp. cost about $250.00 http://www.californiaairtools.com/ul...r-compressors/
I bought one of these in 1987, it has since done square miles of deck, built several houses and has had very little maintenance. In the meantime Iv'e worn out countless others. But I see you have many other recommendations already. I forgot to add, those red Porter Cables are junk. I'm a contractor and every once and a while we need a cheap compressor because we're so spread out so I get one of them. They don't last a year. http://www.emglo.com/
Last edited by meanjoe; Nov 24, 2014 at 12:36 PM.
Reason: Red junk
You might be surprised to read this, but, I got one at Harbor Freight that is very similar to that DeWalt unit that was posted. It is very quiet running and portable enough to carry around. I use it for finish nailers as well. Most of the "oil-less" units that I have been around were very noisy. The HF unit is an oiled unit. In my shop I also have a 20 gallon Coleman unit that is very good and I have a Huskey 4 gallon unit and it is pretty quiet too. The larger the tank the quicker it will fill your tires.
You might be surprised to read this, but, I got one at Harbor Freight that is very similar to that DeWalt unit that was posted. It is very quiet running and portable enough to carry around. I use it for finish nailers as well. Most of the "oil-less" units that I have been around were very noisy. The HF unit is an oiled unit. In my shop I also have a 20 gallon Coleman unit that is very good and I have a Huskey 4 gallon unit and it is pretty quiet too. The larger the tank the quicker it will fill your tires.
Thanks for the reply, I still haven't pulled the trigger on a compressor. It will probably pan out that I need one & I will have been dragging my feet & wishing I had bought one.
I have a oil-less pancake air compressor that I use in the basement, but for the garage, you want a oil type compressor instead.
The reason behind this, an oil-less air compressor will not have the air flow needed to run air tools when the time comes (read your looking for a unit that outputs at least 5cfm @ 90psi or higher to run air tools).
I have a oil-less pancake air compressor that I use in the basement, but for the garage, you want a oil type compressor instead.
The reason behind this, an oil-less air compressor will not have the air flow needed to run air tools when the time comes (read your looking for a unit that outputs at least 5cfm @ 90psi or higher to run air tools).
Thanks Dano, I'll keep that in mind if/when I get one.
Looking for air compressor (Recommendations?)
