Compressors & Air Tools

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Buying Guide

Performance Plus 8498 5-HP Upright Air Compressor

$299.99
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Performance Plus 8449N 1.5-HP Air Compressor

$129.99
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MegaPower (TM) 12V Volt Electric Metal Body Portable Air Pump Compressor Inflator with Gauge for Tire, Ball, 10 Amp. (55-150)

$34.99
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Performance Plus 8223PN 23-gauge x 1-3/8-inch Headless Pin Nailer Kit

$49.99
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Earlex HV1900 Spray Station

$199.00
See offer

Choosing Your Compressor and Air Tools

It is challenging to choose the best air compressor and air tools from the wide varieties in the market today. The key to choosing the perfect compressor is to match the unit to the job demands. Stationary compressors are good in providing high volume of air needed to power automotive and production tools. On the other hand, portable compressors are convenient for home and job sites.

Air tools are also called pneumatic tools. They include air grinders, air nail guns, air paint sprayers, and more. Air tools are time and energy saving devices.

This guide is designed to help you get the best air compressor that is worth your money from the market. Read it keenly.

There are three basic types of compressors in the market.

Reciprocating compressors

They increase the pressure of air by reducing their volume. They have a piston within a cylinder that helps in compressing the air.

Rotary screw compressors

Consists of two rotors in a casing where the rotors compress the air internally. They have no valves. These units are cooled using oil.

They are easy to maintain and easy to operate and have a high volume output over a long time.

Centrifugal compressor

This is a dynamic compressor. Its operation depends on the transfer of energy from a rotating impeller to the air.

What to consider when buying air compressor and air tools

In your choice of air compressor, consider the following factors.

Portability

Air compressors fall under two categories. There are portable air compressors and stationary ones.

The portable air compressors are light and can be carried around easily. They are of different shapes and sizes. The larger air compressors are fitted with wheels and this makes movement from job site to another easier.

For lighter jobs like inflating tires, consider getting a light weight and oil-free air compressors. For high demanding jobs like powering a frame gun, consider purchasing a more powerful air compressor. You may consider buying a wheelbarrow compressor for such a more demanding job. It has a big gallon tank that provides enough air flow and it is easy to move it around. If you would like to purchase a portable air compressor to help you work in your garage, consider buying a space saving compressor that has wheels. A 20-30 gallon tank air compressor can work well for you.

Stationary compressors are good for garages and workshops. They are bolted into fixed positions. They can be wired directly to electric circuits or connected to gasoline tanks. They have 60-80 gallon tanks and 5-10 HP motors.

For a garage, consider purchasing stationary air compressors as they make use of different types of air tools that are less expensive and provider higher performance than equivalent electric air tools.

Tank size

Tanks come in different sizes. The size of a tank is rated in gallons. The largest size is 80 gallons and the smallest is 1 gallon.

If you are using air tools that need high air volume, consider buying a large tank. Small to medium sized tanks can be ideal for tools that require low volume of air like finish nailers.

Pump type

When purchasing air compressor and air tools, remember different pump designs influence the performance of your compressor.

A two-stage compressor is good for high demand work. It has two cylinders or more. The second stage cylinder which increases the tank pressure to about 175psi gets air from tank. This ensures that air tools can run for a long time.

A single-stage compressor has a single or more cylinders. It gives out compressed air at the same output pressure even with more than one cylinder.

Moving parts of oil lubricated compressors do not wear excessively. This oil should be monitored and changed from time to time to avoid premature failure.

Source of power

When purchasing a compressor and air tools, keep in mind that you need adequate and continuous power supply. Compressors are powered by either gasoline or electricity.

The electric air compressors are good for indoor use as they don’t emit fumes. They can run on a standard household voltage of about 120v while compressors with 2 or more motors may require 240v.

If you are a builder or a remodeler, consider buying a gas-powered compressor. They have high output and can be moved easily in your job site. Ensure your work place is well ventilated as these compressors emit fumes.

Performance ratings

Before committing to pay for a compressor, consider the delivery capability of the compressor. It is measured in standard cubic feet per minute. Also, get to know the required air flow for optimal operation.

Examine the SCFM of all the tools you intend to buy this helps you to know the lowest compressor SCFM you need in your operations.

Additional features and safety

Ensure additional features like air-cooling system and roll cage are available in the compressor you intend to buy. Thermal overload switch is an important feature you should look for in a compressor. It shuts off the compressor automatically when it overheats

Electric or gasoline powered pneumatic tools and compressors are dangerous if mishandled. When buying such items, ensure clear guidelines on safety are given. A list of protective garments is given. Instructions on how to operate the tools should also be clearly stated.

2. Performance Plus 8498 5-HP Upright Air Compressor
  Performance Plus 8498 5-HP Upright Air CompressorMotor: 5 Peak HPAir Delivery @ 40 PSI: 7.4 CFMAir Delivery @ 90 PSI: 5.7 CFM20 gallon tankDurable... Performance Plus 8498 5-HP Upright Air Compressor
3. Store:
4. $299.99
2. Performance Plus 8449N 1.5-HP Air Compressor
  Performance Plus 8449N 1.5-HP Air CompressorDurable oil lubricated pumpConvenient reset feature on unitAir filter is enclosed in a metal caseASME... Performance Plus 8449N 1.5-HP Air Compressor
3. Store:
4. $129.99
2. MegaPower (TM) 12V Volt Electric Metal Body Portable Air Pump Compressor Inflator with Gauge for Tire, Ball, 10 Amp. (55-150)
  Max. Amperage: 10 Amp; Max. Pressure: 120 PSI; Accurate and highly visible gauge Extra long 12 volt cigarette lighter adapter plug Full metal... MegaPower (TM) 12V Volt Electric Metal Body Portable Air Pump Compressor Inflator with Gauge for Tire, Ball, 10 Amp. (55-150)
3. Store: Qualified orders over $25 ship FREE
4. $34.99
2. Performance Plus 8223PN 23-gauge x 1-3/8-inch Headless Pin Nailer Kit
  Performance Plus 8223PN 23-gauge x 1-3/8-inch Headless Pin Nailer KitPowerful pin nailer drives standard 23 ga. headless pins from 1/2" to 1-3/8"... Performance Plus 8223PN 23-gauge x 1-3/8-inch Headless Pin Nailer Kit
3. Store:
4. $49.99
2. Earlex HV1900 Spray Station
  The Earlex Spray Station 1900 is designed as an entry-level paint spraying system for small to medium size projects. This lightweight versatile... Earlex HV1900 Spray Station
3. Store:
4. $199.00
2. Ultra-Quiet Oil-Free Air Compressor - King Canada KC-1620A
  Ultra-quiet 2 HP (peak) motor only 60 decibelsDurable oil-free pump with minimal maintenanceExtra long pump life of over 3000 hoursRust-free... Ultra-Quiet Oil-Free Air Compressor - King Canada KC-1620A
3. Store:
4. $209.99
2. ROK 18-gauge 2-inch Brad Air Nailer
  ROK 18-gauge 2-inch??Brad Air NailerUses standard 5/8" to 2" 18 gauge brad nails (15 mm to 50 mm)Contact safetySide view windowLight weight... ROK 18-gauge 2-inch Brad Air Nailer
3. Store:
4. $39.99
2. 1/4" x 1-1/2" - 18 Gauge Electro Galvanized Finish Staples - Hitachi 11107-S
  Box of 5000. Size : 1/4" x 1-1/2" 1/4" x 1-1/2" - 18 Gauge Electro Galvanized Finish Staples - Hitachi 11107-S
3. Store:
4. $15.95
2. King Industrial KC-4620A 2-HP Ultra-Quiet Oil-Free Twin Tank Air Compressor
  King Industrial KC-4620A 2-HP Ultra-Quiet Oil-Free Twin Tank Air Compressor Ultra-quiet, 2 HP (peak) motor only 60 decibels Durable oil-free pump... King Industrial KC-4620A 2-HP Ultra-Quiet Oil-Free Twin Tank Air Compressor
3. Store:
4. $289.99
2. Performance Tool W32902 5-piece 1/2-inch Drive Thin Wall Impact Socket Set
  Performance Tool W32902 5-piece 1/2-inch Drive Thin Wall Impact Socket SetProtective sleeves and plastic inserts prevent scratching of wheels and... Performance Tool W32902 5-piece 1/2-inch Drive Thin Wall Impact Socket Set
3. Store:
4. $49.99
2. Performance Plus 8488N 2.5-HP Twin Tank Air Compressor
  Performance Plus 8488N 2.5-HP Twin Tank Air CompressorLow 1,720-RPM, 2.5-HP motor for quiet, smooth operationCast iron cylinderDurable oil... Performance Plus 8488N 2.5-HP Twin Tank Air Compressor
3. Store:
4. $169.99
2. ROK 2 HVLP Spray Guns with Regulator
  ROK - 2 HVLP Spray Guns with Regulator1 -??1.4 mm needle and nozzle set??for lighter materials1 -??1.7 mm needle and nozzle set for heavier... ROK 2 HVLP Spray Guns with Regulator
3. Store:
4. $79.99
2. Lightweight Finish Nailer 18gb - Hitachi NT50AE2
  Extremely lightweight and well balanced. Additional features include a tool-free adjustable depth of drive selective trigger for sequential or... Lightweight Finish Nailer 18gb - Hitachi NT50AE2
3. Store:
4. $109.99
2. King Industrial KC-6160V1 Stationary 6.5-HP 60-gallon Upright Air Compressor
  King Industrial KC-6160V1 Stationary 6.5-HP 60-gallon Upright Air Compressor2 cylinder cast iron single stage oil lubricated pump150 PSI max... King Industrial KC-6160V1 Stationary 6.5-HP 60-gallon Upright Air Compressor
3. Store:
4. $749.99
2. Tooluxe 31217L Mini Gravity Feed Spray Gun
  Tooluxe 31217L Mini Gravity Feed Spray Gun Average Air Consumption: 2.4CFM Cup Capacity: 200cc Nozzle Size: 0.5mm Fluid Delivery : 40mm Air... Tooluxe 31217L Mini Gravity Feed Spray Gun
3. Store:
4. $17.99
2. Performance Plus 8241FNS 4 in 1 18-gauge Brad Nailer/Stapler & Flooring Nailer/Stapler Kit
  Performance Plus 8241FNS 4 in 1 18-gauge Brad Nailer/Stapler & Flooring Nailer/Stapler KitPowerful nailer/stapler and flooring nailer/stapler... Performance Plus 8241FNS 4 in 1 18-gauge Brad Nailer/Stapler & Flooring Nailer/Stapler Kit
3. Store:
4. $99.99
2. Performance Plus 8438 3-gallon Oil-Free Compressor
  Performance Plus 8438 3-gallon Oil-Free CompressorDurable oil-free design with minimal maintenance3 US gallon tankASME Safety Valve1/4??? universal... Performance Plus 8438 3-gallon Oil-Free Compressor
3. Store:
4. $99.99
2. Spray station - Professional HVLP unit + Free Spray Gun Cleaning Kit - Earlex HV4500
  Professional HVLP unit designed for light contractor and serious DIY enthusiastWith 1.5 ml needle and tip gun. The Spray Station 4500 is a... Spray station - Professional HVLP unit + Free Spray Gun Cleaning Kit - Earlex HV4500
3. Store:
4. $379.00
2. Performance Plus 8245R 1-3/4-inch Coil Roofing Nailer Kit
  Performance Plus 8245R 1-3/4-inch??Coil Roofing Nailer KitPowerful coil roofing nailer drives standard .120" coil roofing nailsSpecial one piece... Performance Plus 8245R 1-3/4-inch Coil Roofing Nailer Kit
3. Store:
4. $139.99
2. King Industrial KC-1620A 2-HP Ultra-Quiet Oil-Free Air Compressor
  King Industrial KC-1620A 2-HP Ultra-Quiet Oil-Free Air Compressor Ultra-quiet, 2 HP (peak) motor only 60 decibels Durable oil-free pump with... King Industrial KC-1620A 2-HP Ultra-Quiet Oil-Free Air Compressor
3. Store:
4. $209.99
2. ROK 23-gauge x 1-inch Micro Pin Nailer
  ROK 23-gauge x 1-inch??Micro Pin NailerUses 1/2" to 1" 23 gauge headless pins (12 mm to 25 mm)Ideal for pinning moldings while glue setsPin length... ROK 23-gauge x 1-inch Micro Pin Nailer
3. Store:
4. $49.99
2. Braber Equipment 67.000.700 7-gallon Air Storage Tank
  Braber Equipment 67.000.700 7-gallon Air Storage Tank7 gallon125 PSI maximumConnects to standard compressed air sourceLightweight Carry handleEasy... Braber Equipment 67.000.700 7-gallon Air Storage Tank
3. Store:
4. $59.99
2. ROK HVLP Spray Gun with Regulator
  ROK - HVLP Spray Gun with RegulatorFast working speed and wide fan patternHigh transfer efficiency means reduced spray mistStainless steel needle... ROK HVLP Spray Gun with Regulator
3. Store:
4. $59.99
2. T-75Q Lemmer HVLP turbine system complete - Lemmer L080-051
  An excellent unit for continuous work this is the smallest 3 stage model available with an industrial high volume air intake filter. Its quiet 3... T-75Q Lemmer HVLP turbine system complete - Lemmer L080-051
3. Store:
4. $889.00
2. ITC 3500-pack 18-gauge 1-9/16-inch Brad Nails
  ITC 3500-pack 18-gauge 1-9/16-inch Brad NailsGalvanizedRecommended for: installing trim and mouldings,cabinet and furniture making, picture... ITC 3500-pack 18-gauge 1-9/16-inch Brad Nails
3. Store:
4. $7.99
2. Neiko 15-piece Tamper Proof Star Bits
  Neiko 15-piece Tamper Proof Star Bits3/8" & 1/4" Drive Impact bits Neiko 15-piece Tamper Proof Star Bits
3. Store:
4. $14.99
2. Neiko 5-piece 1/4-inch 'T' Type Brass Coupler Set
  Neiko 5-piece 1/4-inch 'T' Type Brass Coupler SetAutomotive (Truflate) type air couplerMade of brass1 pc 1/4"NPT female quick coupler1 pc 1/4"NPT... Neiko 5-piece 1/4-inch 'T' Type Brass Coupler Set
3. Store:
4. $8.99
2. Air Luxe 3-inch High Speed Cut-Off Tool
  Air Luxe 3-inch??High Speed Cut-Off ToolFree Speed: 18,000 RPMMax Air Pressure: 90 PSIAir Consumption: 4 CFMHose Size 3/8"Air inlet: 1/4"1 year... Air Luxe 3-inch High Speed Cut-Off Tool
3. Store:
4. $21.99
2. Air Luxe 1/2-inch Long Shank Impact Wrench
  Air Luxe 1/2-inch??Long Shank Impact WrenchMax Torque: 250ft/lb??Free Speed: 7,000rpm??Air Consumption: 4 CFM??Air inlet: 1/4" NPT??Hose Size:... Air Luxe 1/2-inch Long Shank Impact Wrench
3. Store:
4. $54.99
2. Performance Tool W1271 4-lug 1/2-ton 4WD Locknut Tool
  Performance Tool W1271 4-lug 1/2-ton 4WD Locknut ToolFor quick and easy removal and installation of 4 slot front axle lock nuts on many 1/2 ton... Performance Tool W1271 4-lug 1/2-ton 4WD Locknut Tool
3. Store:
4. $14.99
2. Performance Tool M523 22-piece Air Accessory Set
  Performance Tool M523 22-piece Air Accessory SetThe most popular accessories for your air compressor1/4-inch x 25-ft PE coil hose2 x 1/4-inch... Performance Tool M523 22-piece Air Accessory Set
3. Store:
4. $12.96
2. Milton Industrial Rubber Nozzle Air Blow Gun
  Milton Industrial Rubber Nozzle Air Blow GunZinc alloy body, stainless steel spring, synthetic washerRubber Nozzle Air Blow GunAir Inlet: 1/4"... Milton Industrial Rubber Nozzle Air Blow Gun
3. Store:
4. $16.99
2. Milton S-157 Siphon Spray Blow Gun Kit
  Milton S-157 Siphon Spray Blow Gun KitTubing length 8'Max. working pressure 150 PSISCFM @ 100 PSI 14.0Air inlet 1/4" NPT Milton S-157 Siphon Spray Blow Gun Kit
3. Store:
4. $24.99
2. Milton S-212 7-piece M-Style Coupler Kit
  Milton S-212 7-piece M-Style Coupler Kit1 - 1/4" FNPT Brass body, brass sleeve coupler3 - 1/4" MNPT Case hardened steel plated to resist rust... Milton S-212 7-piece M-Style Coupler Kit
3. Store:
4. $13.99
2. Milton S-219 5-piece M Style Safety Coupler Kit
  Milton S-219 5-piece M Style Safety Coupler Kit3 - 1/4" MNPT Case hardened steel plated to resist rust plugs1 - 1/4" FNPT Case hardened steel... Milton S-219 5-piece M Style Safety Coupler Kit
3. Store:
4. $20.99
2. Milton S-711 1/4-inch Female Body and M Style Plug
  Milton S-711 1/4-inch Female Body and M Style Plug1 - 1/4" FNPT Brass body, brass sleeve coupler1 - 1/4" MNPT Case hardened steel plated to resist... Milton S-711 1/4-inch Female Body and M Style Plug
3. Store:
4. $8.99
2. Milton S-716 1/4-inch Male Body M-Style
  Milton S-716 1/4-inch Male Body M-Style1/4" MNPT Brass body, brass sleeve couplerMax. temp 250??FAir flow 40 SCFMMax inlet pressure 300 PSIBuna-N... Milton S-716 1/4-inch Male Body M-Style
3. Store:
4. $6.99
2. Milton S-766 3/8-inch FNPT V-Style Brass Body
  Milton S-766 3/8-inch FNPT V-Style Brass Body3/8??? FNPT connectionBrassMax. temp 250??FAir flow 74 SCFMMax inlet pressure 300 PSIBuna-N... Milton S-766 3/8-inch FNPT V-Style Brass Body
3. Store:
4. $8.99
2. Milton S-767 3/8-inch MNPT V-Style Brass Body
  Milton S-767 3/8-inch MNPT V-Style Brass Body3/8??? MNPT connectionBrassMax. temp 250??FAir flow 74 SCFMMax inlet pressure 300 PSIBuna-N... Milton S-767 3/8-inch MNPT V-Style Brass Body
3. Store:
4. $8.99
2. Milton S-792 1/4-inch Female Plug L-Style
  Milton S-792 1/4-inch Female Plug L-Style1/4" FNPT connectionCase hardened steel plated to resist rust plugMax. temp 250??FAir flow 32 SCFMMax... Milton S-792 1/4-inch Female Plug L-Style
3. Store:
4. $4.99