I want to buy an air compressor but not sure which one to get.?

Question

I'm looking for an inexpensive air compressor from Lowes or Home Depot but not sure which one to get. I'd like to stay below $250. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

try harborfreight.com or biglots, if its something to blow up tires, and stuff a 2 gal would do,
get an oiless one,

Answer 2

Often times a leaking compressor will have dirt around the seal areas because as the refrigerant leaks some of the oil leaks too and then dirt sticks to the oil so that is a sign of a leaky compressor. If it passes that visual test then grab the clutch (not the belt part) and give it a turn. If it turns smooth then pull it off the car (assuming this is a pick n pull where they already have the system evacuated). Look at the outlet hole which would usually be the one with the smaller size line on it. What you are looking for is signs of black sludge. The sludge is usually a sign of the compressor going out. If its clean you have a 50/50 shot of it being a good compressor. When compressors sit unused or without a proper charge in them lots of things can happen so there are no guarantees. WIth what the rest of the AC service usually cost it may not be worth the risk. Most makes and models you can get a new or rebuilt compressor in the $250-300 range.

Answer 3

This is the best deal I found:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40400
It runs from a standard 115 volt outlet, and has enough power to operate any air tool you are likely to need, such as impact wrenches, etc. as well as airing up your tires. I have had one similar to this for about 10 years, and no problems yet.
You need a piston-type compressor like this for longevity. Look at that cylinder, it's cast iron for long life. The oilless jobs are light duty and wear out quickly. If you need to run a paint sprayer do what the pros do, put an oil separator inline.
Can't beat the price either, at $130.

At Lowes or Home Depot you would pay double for one that is still made in China.
BTW, "Crapsman" doesn't make anything anymore, nor will Sears stand behind their product like they used to. Go to Sears and look at one: Made in China just like the rest of the non-professional stuff (the professional stuff starts at over $1000). I used to buy Craftsman, but it got to where I was making regular trips back to Sears with stuff that failed, and waiting in line with lots of other dissatisfied customers.

Answer 4

For everyday use, such as brad or finish nailing baseboards and molding, filling tires, and blowing off a workbench, I'd go with the smaller 2 gallon pancake air compressor. Inexpensive, and they will do the job. Go with a name brand - like other people have said, Craftsman makes great direct drive oilless ones. If you want to do a little more, like texturing walls, spraying paint, or bigger jobs, you're going to want to go bigger. 15-20 gal minimum. at least 120PSI. Probably looking at $300 for a DECENT big guy, a good one for $400.

Answer 5

A lot depends on what you are going to use it for the bigger the tank the longer the air will last, and it's not only the 'CFM' that's important, but the 'FAD' free air delivery.
But for general use a 2 hp. 25 liter. compressor should do.

Answer 6

Campbell Hausfield PowerPal.

Answer 7

Target has a Electric 6 gal with all attachments and nail gun for 100 it works great despite being only 125 psi.

Answer 8

It depends on what you will be using it for.It's not the horse power but the CFM or cubic foot per minute that the compressor produces that is important.

Answer 9

I got myself the PORTER CABLE 1.5 gallon with hose and brad nailer for about that at the Home Depot. I use it all the time, everywhere in my house. I would really recommend it

Answer 10

My husband bought a craftman at sears and he has had it for 14 years. No problems. I don't know what the specs are but it's big and red.