Air compressors, air tools, and accessory tanks.

[CZroe]

I have a measly 1-gallon 100PSI air compressor that I've used to blow dust around and set the bead on a motorcycle tire once. I didn't even have to use ratcheting straps to help keep the sidewall down, like I thought I'd have to do with a 1-gal compressor.

Anyway, I know next to nothing about these things and the accessories, tools, attachments, etc. I do know that 1-gal isn't enough for air tools. If I wanted to run some air tools like the occasional impact wrench away from a reliable power source, would 7-gallons in a portable tank be enough?

I pretty much only work on motorcycles and would rarely need it for more than one nut/bolt. I do intend to start changing tires for people and I imagine that it'll come in handy when setting the bead on more problematic tires and in case we need to remove a brake rotor or sprockets.

I have a 12v emergency impact wrench that I've only used once to remove my front sprocket, though I can see it being useful for the brake rotor bolts and stubborn bar ends as well (permanent Loctite on most Kawasaki's). The problem is that there won't always be a 12v DC power source (typically an automotive battery) available when changing someone else's tires and I'm too cheap to buy a decent capacity gas-powered air compressor.

The 7-gal tank is only $28 at Wal-Mart. If I can just connect my compressor to it and get 7-gal 100 PSI, that'd be a big step-up, but is it enough? I've seen mobile track-side tire changing stations that had storage for air compressor tanks, so I assume that it's something I can pressurize in advance and have around for a little while. It didn't look like they expected you to have a gas-powered portable air compressor.

Getting two is also a possibility.

 

[JCH13]

If you're a one-man-on-the-road show I would use a small compressor for things like tires and have cordless tools for everything else (impact, ratchet, etc). If you've got such an intermittent and low-demand task I don't think air tools are the right way to go.

 

[CZroe]

If you're a one-man-on-the-road show I would use a small compressor for things like tires and have cordless tools for everything else (impact, ratchet, etc). If you've got such an intermittent and low-demand task I don't think air tools are the right way to go.

Thanks. When it comes to comparing cheap electric to cheap air tools like Harbor Freight, the electric stuff actually seems more expensive and I was thinking that a $28 tank or two might be worth the difference to have real air tools.

It was hard to even find an electric impact wrench a few years ago! I got mine because the 12v one (not cordless) was $25 on clearance, but the air stuff was $30-40 all along. Instead of cordless, it might make more sense to find more 12v tools and carry around a jump start battery.

 

[mvbighead]

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-c3-19...1&blockType=G1

FYI, do a search of air/impact tools in the garage. We had a rather large discussion about what would be required for air tools.

I ended up buying the above, but still am looking at adding air tools in the future. Problem is, you need a good compressor that is capable of keeping the tank full. Generally speaking, that'll cost a bit. You could probably do fine with a 150-200 unit that is oil based (oil free tend to be junk). But you cannot beat the ease of use of the cordless impact.

 

[JCH13]

^ What he said. I've got a compressor and set of air tools in my garage, I found that I really do have the need for them. I still use an electric impact when I don't need to use the big stuff or I need to work on something not in my garage. It is supremely convenient.

 

[T2urtle]

I have a 26 gal but rarely use it. I mainly use it for CV axles and crank bolts. Then I just used it for all my suspension needs, I don't need the power but overall its just faster.

That 7 gallon can help u buzz off that swing arm bolt faster but might only shave off like 20-30 seconds. I would invest in a small pancake compressor, u will find small uses around the house for it. If you have the room, maybe get that 10-15 gallon HF one for low 100$.

I have a friend that got the HF one. Uses it only to fill tires and rotate his wheels. He loves it. Then I have him a angel grinder to clean off rust on the hubs. He loves its! I know car tires normally have nasty build-up causing rim leaks. Not sure if it apply to motorcycles.

 

[CZroe]

Even ignoring air tools, 7-gallons would be a big help with other tasks if it works the way I think it works. If I got the 7-gal tank then would my 1-gal compressor be as useful as a 7-gal one but with a slower refill (lower CFM compressor)? Basically, the 1-gal one runs out of pressure frustratingly fast. Let's say that I wanted to use it for cleaning a car: If I could empty 8 gallons dusting out one floor mat and then let it refill while I wiped down the dash so I could then empty 8 more into the other floor mat, I'd be a happy camper.

 

[T2urtle]

Even ignoring air tools, 7-gallons would be a big help with other tasks if it works the way I think it works. If I got the 7-gal tank then would my 1-gal compressor be as useful as a 7-gal one but with a slower refill (lower CFM compressor)? Basically, the 1-gal one runs out of pressure frustratingly fast. Let's say that I wanted to use it for cleaning a car: If I could empty 8 gallons dusting out one floor mat and then let it refill while I wiped down the dash so I could then empty 8 more into the other floor mat, I'd be a happy camper.

In theory yes. But u can and will be annoyed at times when waiting to refill or build up pressure. You sound like a very light duty user so I would get the 7 assuming its decent.

I'm looking at battery powered impacts nows and ditching the larger compressor.

 

[the DRIZZLE]

Thanks. When it comes to comparing cheap electric to cheap air tools like Harbor Freight, the electric stuff actually seems more expensive and I was thinking that a $28 tank or two might be worth the difference to have real air tools.

It was hard to even find an electric impact wrench a few years ago! I got mine because the 12v one (not cordless) was $25 on clearance, but the air stuff was $30-40 all along. Instead of cordless, it might make more sense to find more 12v tools and carry around a jump start battery.

With a decent compressor it will probably come out around the same, but I would still go with cordless electric for your usage requirements. Do you want to deal with unloading the compressor, finding an outlet, waiting for it to charge up, then putting it away just to use it on one or two bolts?

 

[WackyDan]

Even ignoring air tools, 7-gallons would be a big help with other tasks if it works the way I think it works. If I got the 7-gal tank then would my 1-gal compressor be as useful as a 7-gal one but with a slower refill (lower CFM compressor)? Basically, the 1-gal one runs out of pressure frustratingly fast. Let's say that I wanted to use it for cleaning a car: If I could empty 8 gallons dusting out one floor mat and then let it refill while I wiped down the dash so I could then empty 8 more into the other floor mat, I'd be a happy camper.

Problem with your plan is that you are going to put a lot of strain on that 1 gallon compressor. If you are using that much air, you need to step up to something larger. I have a 15 gallon that I can empty a little too quickly just using a high volume air paint gun.

 

[mvbighead]

One thing I would add is checking the quality of the motor. Tank size is an important aspect, but if the motor sucks, big or small tanks are going to take for ever to fill.

My dad bought me a little 3 gallon oil-free HF Air Compressor. That things literally takes 5 minutes to fill with the hose shut off. That small of a tank, and it takes that long to fill it. Adding air to tractor tires? About 3 iterations of shutting off the hose while it fills, waiting for it to fill, turning on the hose, filling, rinse and repeat. If the motor was of better quality, it'd probably be fine. Annoying as it kicks on all the time, but fine none the less.

Fortunately, my FIL hit an auction not that long ago and grabbed a compressor for $40. I have no idea what the quality is, but he seemed to think it was alright. Get to see him on the 28th to get it.

Any hoo, long story short, grab something with a decent motor. Also, try to get a good feel for the return policy wherever you grab one. Take it home, use it right away, and bring it back if it isn't up to par.

Last time I was considering buying one, this one was somewhat high on the list, though I was hoping for a larger tank:

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...sky+air+compressor&storeId=10051#.UNSKWW-9bw8

 

[LTC8K6]

We have an IR 60 gallon vertical compressor and it's really barely enough for regular air tool use, imo.

A 7 gallon tank is not going to be enough for anything except airing up tires, imo. Maybe an airbrush.

Things like nailers don't use much air.

Things like impact wrenches and grinders use a lot of air.

 

[mvbighead]

We have an IR 60 gallon vertical compressor and it's really barely enough for regular air tool use, imo.

A 7 gallon tank is not going to be enough for anything except airing up tires, imo. Maybe an airbrush.

Things like nailers don't use much air.

Things like impact wrenches and grinders use a lot of air.

Yes, that would certainly be ideal.

I think the point some of us are getting at is that a 60 gallon setup isn't feasible for everyone. I'd LOVE to have one, but I simply don't have that kind of need. For busting off a stuck nut, however, I'd like to think that a few good runs from any reasonable compressor should help more so than a rechargeable. So for me, 95% will still be done with a cordless, but the tough job may require pulling out the compressor and giving it a few hits.

 

[JCH13]

For stuck nuts and bolts I'd vote penetrating oil and heat. I haven't found a nut or bolt that can hold up to that combination. If one is considering buying air tools and a compressor for that reason only, just get a propane torch and some Kroil.

 

[Mandres]

A 7 gallon isn't going to do much for you that the 1 gallon won't. Both are good only for airing up tires, running a nail gun or blowing stuff off.

Either one will run an impact gun, but only for a few seconds at a time. That may be enough if you're only fighting 1 bolt here or there.

Save your money towards a bigger/more capable 220v unit if you intend to use any real air tools.