Need help picking an air compressor

I'm looking to get an air comprosser, it will mainly be used to fill tires and run 1/2" impact and 3/8" air ratchet when working on cars. May use a grinder once in a blue moon.

I'd like to find something on Craigslist just cause cheaper is better for me right now, but I also don't like to buy junk.

I've done some Google searches and gotten a slew of different tank size and cfm recommendations, can someone help narrow it down?

 

120 or 240? Most house brand air compressors from the big box stores are rebranded Campbell Hausfelds. You really can't go wrong with one of those or even the HF belt driven models if you don't have the coin for an Ingersol or Quincy.

 

I have a 30gal craftman that I've been using for 9 years now.

 

Hard to give a recommendation without knowing your set up. I'll assume you want to only run 110V which will set max CFM that you can get at pressure. More CFM means more HP which would draw more power. Impacts and ratchets are light in long time consumption so almost any compressor would run them. Die grinder with a cutting wheel are also somewhat low consumption. That said, I'd suggest a belt drive with a 30 to 60 gallon vertical tank. Why vertical? Out of the way in a corner and, I think, they are easier to completely empty all of the condensation. Keep in mind oil less are really loud, so I'd stay away from them. Try to compare CFM output at the same pressure reading, like 90 psi or even a little higher. Going used is a good idea if you can find one in decent shape. I run a craftsman unit from the early 70s with a 3 HP 220 motor sitting on a 80 or 100 gallon replacement tank (don't remember). It's located in the basement and I've plumbed the basement wood shop and garage with 3/4 copper. This set up allows me to easily run every air tool I have including spraying paint. I'd consider a compressor to be a core foundation tool for a home garage so get the best you can afford so you only buy it once.

 

What do you guys think of this Craftsman 26gal Air Compressor? It comes with impact gun and ratchet. Is this a value or junk? I am in the market for an air compressor and tools for tire rotations and maybe other light suspension work. Wont be using it that often, but dont want to waste my money. Thoughts?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-26-g...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

 

It an oil less pump. Keep in mind they are loud and take time to fill the tank because the CFM is low, no check that, - really low. For tire rotations, etc... it'll do the job, but don't expect to use any medium or high air consumption tools. I stopped using air ratchets - too loud and the damn hose always seems to get in the way. There used to be all sorts of room under the hood back in the good ol' 60's and 70's vehicles. Air ratchets fit nicely then. Now if I needed a power ratchet to work on my vehicles, I'd look at the cordless versions. I don't have any - I'm too cheap for the use I'd get vs the time savings. I actually gave my air ratchet away to the neighbor last year for him to use at his small engine repair business.

 

I have a 33g version of this. About 10 years later, no problems.