Advice on a SMALL air compressor

DmansPadge · Apr 9, 2005

I would like to get a small air compressor just for airing up tires and maybe blowing off screens, etc. In the future when I build my garage I plan to get a large one that I can run air tools off of. But right now I don't have much room and just need something to hold me over. Any suggestions on brands? Anyone have something similar?

Thanks.

GerardC · Apr 9, 2005

I have a 2 gallon Coleman that I bought at BJ's a few years ago for the reasons you stated and it has served it's purpose well. Paid under $100.00 for it. Hope this helps.

Bird · Apr 9, 2005

I currently use one of these little Sears compressors. I've had it about two and a half years, and it gets a great deal of use, with no problems so far. My son-in-law bought one of the same models and it broke (he doesn't know what was wrong with it) while still in warranty and he got a refund and bought a bigger compressor. Of course it's a heavy little toy at 38 pounds. I generally recommend against the oilless compressors because they have a very short lifespan as compared to most oiled ones; however, when I was traveling in an RV, I carried a 2 gallon oilless, and my brother carries one now in his fifth-wheel. They're light weight, do a good job for occasional use, and easy to rebuild.

bczoom · Apr 9, 2005

Personally, I use one of the B&D Air stations that's about the size of a shoe box. Great for doing tires and small stuff. I would probably guess it would be "just OK" for blowing off screens (although I haven't tried). The poor rating in this area would be due to volume.

KAB · Apr 9, 2005

I just picked up a Clarke Pancake compressor. Says to be rated @ 5cfm @ 90psi. Tractor supply has it for around 100.00. Looks like this Clarke Pancake Compressor

Kurt

Bird · Apr 9, 2005

Kurt, the link didn't work; had an extra "http//" in it, so that's why I edited your post.

pajoube · Apr 9, 2005

I second what Bird shows in the attachment. I purchased 2 of these small Craftsman 2 gallon compressors. I placed one in the garage and the other in the tractor shed. I use them all the time. I also use one for my nail guns as they will do 90PSI without a problem.
They are on sale often at $99.99. Easy to carry around and easy to use. They come with a 25 foot coil hose, one touch quick connect, inflator kit and 17 piece connector kit.
By the way, this is not a oil free compressor which is better.
PJ

EddieWalker · Apr 9, 2005

I have two air compressors. An expensive Emglo and a cheapy no name pancake one. It's an oil model with guages and easy to carry with one hand. I can run my framing nail gun on it all day long. Price was $100 at my local discount tool store.

jeffinsgf · Apr 9, 2005

Senco 1010 is one of the neatest small compressors I have ever run across. I got one in a package deal I got on a stapler. This is the greatest small compressor I have ever run across.

DmansPadge · Apr 9, 2005

Thanks guys. That link that Bird posted looks like a good deal. That is about what I'm looking for. Sunday I think I will go do a little shopping around... Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.

Is an oil-less compressor a no go? I did look at one on the Craftsman site that was a pancake style for $100. Keep in mind it will get very little use. It is nice and small and that is what caught my eye.

Heck... Bird might have done sold me one the one he linked. The more I look at it the more I like it.