OT: recommend a portable air compressor (that's not a piece of junk)

[Kingfisher]

Does anyone make a good portable air compressor that doesn't break after a few wks and have the power to inflate car tires and such without too much trouble....this is not for the bike tires, my pedros pump works fine. I've just gone through too many small air compressors and they always fail after short while.

[xjoex]

I have a Husky Air Scout, it works nicely on car tires and I use the air nozzle attachment to blow water out of the bits on my bike after a ride. I even occasionally use it on my bike with a prestaflator.

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/e0/e0c58316-ce02-4f63-9026-71cefb148135_300.jpg

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/tools-hardware/air-compressors-tools-accessories/husky/1-5-gallon-air-scout-compressor-91581.html

-Joe

[AngryScientist]

i've got a few compressors, including a huge 60 gallon in my garage, i've painted cars with it. the porter cable below is my "go-to" machine. i've used a pneumatic air nailer to do the hardwood floors in my home with it, inflate car tires, i've even put a roof on with it using pneumatic nailers.

it's drawback is how loud it is, if that's not an issue, this is the one. it's rated at a significantly higher cfm than most others its size and is widely available locally, i got mine at home depot.

http://www.plumbersurplus.com/images/prod/6/Porter-Cable-C2002-rw-76971-21376.jpg

[SEABREEZE]

i've got a few compressors, including a huge 60 gallon in my garage, i've painted cars with it. the porter cable below is my "go-to" machine. i've used a pneumatic air nailer to do the hardwood floors in my home with it, inflate car tires, i've even put a roof on with it using pneumatic nailers.

it's drawback is how loud it is, if that's not an issue, this is the one. it's rated at a significantly higher cfm than most others its size and is widely available locally, i got mine at home depot.

http://www.plumbersurplus.com/images/prod/6/Porter-Cable-C2002-rw-76971-21376.jpg


I received mine when I bought some pneumatic tools, came as a package deal, had it for a few years trouble free. So I second porter cables reliability


Should mention, there is a releif valve under tank that should be released after each use, so the condensation doesn't cause the tank to rust.

[salem]

If this is for planned uses (not just filling tires when it occurs to you), and you already have a less portable compressor, one thing to consider is a portable air tank. They are light, simple, and no noise on site.

Also, depending on how big your car tires are, have you ever tried a good bicycle floor pump on them? I traveled around the country last year in an old Volvo wagon with 185/70-14 tires, and I could raise the pressure about 10psi in a minute with a floor pump I had with me.

[Ken Robb]

I have a small A/C powered compressor that I bought from Sears 5-7 years ago. It has adjustable pressure and gauge and can achieve 120 psi. It is a piston style pump and comes with a hose and a few accessories/nozzles. I think the "regular price may be $120 but it is often "on sale" for $100. No problems for me so far.

[Ti Designs]

If this is for planned uses (not just filling tires when it occurs to you), and you already have a less portable compressor, one thing to consider is a portable air tank. They are light, simple, and no noise on site.


+1

I have a compressor in the garage with copper air lines around my basement shop. There is a moisture trap between the garage and the shop so the air running in the basement is clean and dry. If I ran high consumption air tools in the shop I would be hitting the CFM limit of the moisture trap, the size of the tank in the garage wouldn't matter so much. My solution was to add portable air tanks in the corners of the shop. I have stop valves to the rubber lines going to them, so I can take any of them out of the system any time I need compressed air outside of the shop. No need to run power lines, no noise, just 11 gallons of compressed air starting at 125psi. The combination of my shop tools running without lag or loss of power and ease of taking them outside makes it a win/win

[rePhil]

I have had one of those Porter Cables in my school / job for the last 5 years. Works great. The only downside is that oilless compressors are noisy. if you plan on running high consumption air tools, I would suggest one with a larger tank. If you plan on using it a lot, get a quieter one.

[Ralph]

I have a Husky Air Scout, it works nicely on car tires and I use the air nozzle attachment to blow water out of the bits on my bike after a ride. I even occasionally use it on my bike with a prestaflator.

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/e0/e0c58316-ce02-4f63-9026-71cefb148135_300.jpg

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/tools-hardware/air-compressors-tools-accessories/husky/1-5-gallon-air-scout-compressor-91581.html

-Joe


I have one of those also in my garage. It does everythingh I need it to do in my garage. I don't think it will support much beyond a simple paint gun or nail gun for simple occasional jobs. Others will work fine also, but I chose this one because of the built in storage compartment, where I can keep the hose and attachments, and this one has wheels with a collaspable handle. It works in my garge. Would not choose it for a more serious shop.

[Ken Robb]

The Husky looks neat but I can't see that it comes with a hose,nozzles, etc. Does it?

[troymac]

Ive had a dewalt portable for about 5years it's been great.

[EricEstlund]

Fits in the truck- does that count?
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5218747126_73534a242b.jpg

[54ny77]

Ahh, that there's A WORKHORSE!

Have same one, put it thru its paces for sure this past year.

A bit loud, but it's a tool and it works.

Yes be sure to drain the bottom release valve so the thing doesn't rust.


i've got a few compressors, including a huge 60 gallon in my garage, i've painted cars with it. the porter cable below is my "go-to" machine. i've used a pneumatic air nailer to do the hardwood floors in my home with it, inflate car tires, i've even put a roof on with it using pneumatic nailers.

it's drawback is how loud it is, if that's not an issue, this is the one. it's rated at a significantly higher cfm than most others its size and is widely available locally, i got mine at home depot.

http://www.plumbersurplus.com/images/prod/6/Porter-Cable-C2002-rw-76971-21376.jpg

[Ralph]

The Husky looks neat but I can't see that it comes with a hose,nozzles, etc. Does it?

Yes

[echelon_john]

for a small garage compressor for tires, the occasional nailgun, etc. this is the shizzle:

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-MAC700-Big-Bore-Compressor/dp/B0001Q2VK0

i have the porter cable pancake compressor above and this makita (which a contractor who was working here has) is SUBSTANTIALLY quieter and smoother. for the money i think it's a steal.

[Sheldon4209]

My Sears small compressor only lasted a year with only filling car tires. The replacement came from Harbor Freight and so far so good. I bought the $20 two year warrantee in case of problems. The Harbor Freight/warrantee was suggested here or across the hall.

[xjoex]

The Husky looks neat but I can't see that it comes with a hose,nozzles, etc. Does it?

Yes, and they fit inside of it. Although I bought a retractable hose reel from Northern Tool , as a result I use it much more often.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200400974_200400974

http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/190931_lg.jpg

-Joe

[fiddlels]

I appreciate this info because I too am tired of buying new compressors for car tires every year that break! Thanks.