Which Small Air Compressor To Buy?
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TECH Apprentice
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Kansas City, MO
Which Small Air Compressor To Buy? I am looking to buy a small air compressor around 20gallons. I don't need it for hvy duty work...just small stuff like taking off the lug nuts when I rotate tires, fill tires with air, etc. I also want a quieter one. I've heard that the belt driven oil ones are quieter than oil free units. Is that true? If so, what are drawbacks of the oil units? Anything else I should look for? Thanks.
Gary
Gary
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Iowa :-/~
Re: Which Small Air Compressor To Buy? I have a small one like your talking about from Sears. I paid about $200 for it. It does not have the power to break lug nuts loos. I have to break them by hand then use the gun. Same thing putting them on, I use the gun to get them started but finnisg up by hand. I'm thinking if you want to have one that will work like you want you will have to get one that stands up. You know one that is about 5 foot tall.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: CLARKSVILLE,TN
Re: Which Small Air Compressor To Buy? Go ahead and get a 20 gallon/ 5 horsepower one at the least. That should be good for little jobs around the house and you'll have a lot more options than just airing up tires etc. I have a 6hp 60 gallon myself, but just because I got a good deal on the display model where I was working at the time. I'd also have to lean toward the ones with oil in them. Just my $.02
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Friendswood,TX
Re: Which Small Air Compressor To Buy? I have a Porter Cable 4.5hp 15 gallon one and it does everything I need it to. You need to check the scfm@90psi rating 5.5scfm@90psi will be enough for an impact gun.
