Author Topic: garage tire compressor? (Read 9090 times)

lucydad · « **on:** January 31, 2016, 09:04:26 PM »

All,

I have a couple of so-so quality air compressors that run on the 12V plug in a car. At one time I had three, two have failed, and one is still working. They fail in the brass screw on valve coupling, and fuses, and also the main pump.

So, may I ask for a recommendation please? Something that will stay in the garage, but last more than a couple years to air-up both my bike and car tires. Thanks!

Nic in Western NYS · « **Reply #1 on:** January 31, 2016, 09:10:48 PM »

My Craftsman 20 gallon 1.5hp has been great. It has a handle and two wheels so it's easy to bring in and out of the garage. I've had it for at least 12 years with no trouble.

krglorioso · « **Reply #2 on:** January 31, 2016, 10:44:14 PM »

I have several compressors and I prefer the oil-type (not the oil-less) models for greater durability. My favorite is an upright 2.5hp from Harbor Freight Tools, costing today around $150-160. If you don't use a compressor frequently, I would amend my recommendation to a small one with maybe a 2-5 gallon tank from Harbor Freight Tools as there is no sense bringing a 20 gallon tank up to pressure when only occasionally filling a vehicle tire. I sometimes use a gift Sears (China) tankless 120v direct compressor for topping off a bike's tires.

Ralph

Scud · « **Reply #3 on:** January 31, 2016, 11:15:35 PM »

I have a large free-standing compressor - leftover from a time when I used to use a few air tools more regularly. The tank holds pressure for a long time - so it's usually got plenty of air on-tap without needing to run it.

If your purposes are only for airing up tires, any portable compressor with a tank would be a great upgrade for you. Most will do other cool things like run a finish-nail-gun, a small die-grinder, air ratchet, or... I also like using compressed air to blow water out of tight spots on the bike after a wash (frame bolts, footpeg pivots, etc.). Once you have one with a small tank, you'll find lots of uses for it.

Think about which air-tools you might like to have, check their CFM (cubic feet per minute) requirements, and buy a compressor accordingly.

stevet · « **Reply #4 on:** February 01, 2016, 12:03:44 AM »

For topping off my motorcycle tires, about a dozen strokes of my old, built-like-a-tank Schwinn bicycle tire pump does the trick every time. No power source to plug into, no noise, and overall just as fast, if not faster, than the work entailed with any compressor. (My weekly exercise routine?)

For the car, I've got auto service stations all around me. But one late night, in a pinch when I found it flat in the garage, that old Schwinn took a dead flat tire on our old Nissan sedan up to 30psi in 300 strokes. BOY-OH-BOY! That was a workout, but it got me over to the local tire shop without risking a disk injury to my back putting on the spare tire.

My electric leaf blower works great for drying off the bike's hidden nooks after a washing.

Steve.

Tom · « **Reply #5 on:** February 01, 2016, 02:31:14 AM »

Pancake compressor from HF or Lowes.

Sheepdog · « **Reply #6 on:** February 01, 2016, 04:28:05 AM »

Like Tom says. I ve had one of these from Home Depot for the last ten years. I run my nailers with it, keep the surface of my bench cleaned off, run my soda blaster, and air my tires with it. Its portable and small enough to be pretty convenient, and with a peak pressure of 135# and a built-in regulator is very versatile. $100...

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Cable-3-5-Gal-135-PSI-Pancake-Compressor-PCFP02003/203254365

Perazzimx14 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 01, 2016, 04:47:13 AM »

I have 2 oil less compressors and hate the both equally. They are obnoxiously loud. Some day I'll buy a traditional oil type.

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #8 on:** February 01, 2016, 05:41:53 AM »

Quote

My favorite is an upright 2.5hp from Harbor Freight Tools, costing today around $150-160.

This. It has a tank big enough to do something with. (very) occasional air tool work, etc. Small enough to roll around to air up the tires in the car, etc. Relatively quiet for an air compressor.

Doesn't leak. Getcha a coupon, get it on sale, of course..

Darell · « **Reply #9 on:** February 01, 2016, 08:02:11 AM »

If you are looking for something small to top-off tires, I use this Schumacher Electric battery jump-box" & air compressor. I have a larger air compressor, but this is small, compact, light weight, portable. I keep it plugged in and charged, then unplug and take wherever needed. Air up tires, jump-start a battery. Schumacher has several similar models. Have had it 5-6 years, no problems.
http://www.batterychargers.com/ip-1875c/

jackson · « **Reply #10 on:** February 01, 2016, 08:24:46 AM »

It depends on how much and what you'll wind up using it for. I used an oil-less cheapo for many years but finally bit the bullet last year and bought a Makita (oil type). Turned out to be a really good choice for all the things I use it to do. Now, I can use my air-driven tools without having to stop and wait for the air to build back up.
Here's the one that I have: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001Q2VPU?keywords=makita%20compressor&qid=1454336439&ref_=sr_1_4&sr=8-4

Guzzistajohn · « **Reply #11 on:** February 01, 2016, 08:37:24 AM »

I bought a small compressor with a hot dog shaped tank at a pawn shop for $20.00 about 10 years ago.

canuguzzi · « **Reply #12 on:** February 01, 2016, 12:44:48 PM »

If its just for topping of tires, a compounding hand pump works great and is small enough to pack on the bike too. I use one from "Re-Air". It weighs next to nothing and is small. Put one in each glove box or trunk, keep one with the bike(s) and avoid the hassle of compressors and needing electric.

Bike shops will have super duty compound hand pumps. In the time it takes to get out the compressor, plug it in you can top off the tires with a hand pump. Not only that but instead of over filling and then letting air out, you can get it right to pressure the first time. Many have really good pressure gauges on them for no guessing top offs.

Caffeineo · « **Reply #13 on:** February 02, 2016, 10:29:34 AM »

I got one of these from Harbor Freight. Works for adding air......but if you change your own tires it is very challenging to seat the bead with it. I usually end up going to a tire store or dealer.

canuguzzi · « **Reply #14 on:** February 02, 2016, 10:38:07 AM »

Don't forget the moisture filter, some compressors, usually the cheaper ones don't have them and can put quite a bit of moisture in your wheel/tire space and not just a small amount either. Draining the water out of the compressor is a half measure.

not-fishing · « **Reply #15 on:** February 02, 2016, 02:31:32 PM »

I use a Lezyne Alloy Floor pump, nice big gauge that's easy to read, very accurate and works my belly. Also works great on the Griso

A couple of days ago I used it to pump up the tires on an '81 Peugeot 504 Wagon Diesel that I'm resurrecting.

gsf12man · « **Reply #16 on:** February 02, 2016, 02:47:46 PM »

I have a Craftsman tire inflator and a two-tank, 125 psi, 4-gal. Craftsman compressor on a wheeled stand. They don't seem to market the "oiled" version of that one any more, though (which I have), only an "oilless" one. Mine is also sold by Campbell Hausfeld in blue. I usually go for the compressor these days. Quite happy with it.

My first Craftsman inflator lasted 20 years and thousands of uses, until the plastic chuck fell apart, and could not be replaced. Only 20 years later! Humph.

jbell · « **Reply #17 on:** February 02, 2016, 04:28:28 PM »

Quote from: Caffeineo on February 02, 2016, 10:29:34 AM

I got one of these from Harbor Freight. Works for adding air......but if you change your own tires it is very challenging to seat the bead with it. I usually end up going to a tire store or dealer.

:1: I have one of these and it works great for your stated needs. It also has the benefit of a small tank which means it isn't limited by the length of it's hose.

Tom · « **Reply #18 on:** February 03, 2016, 04:44:14 PM »

I also have a 12v compact Slime air compressor kit. Great for road trips.

lucydad · « **Reply #19 on:** February 03, 2016, 04:51:26 PM »

Rodger, and thanks for the suggestions....will visit Harbor Freight soon...

PJPR01 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 03, 2016, 05:22:23 PM »

Greg...another thought.

Viair Portable Compressors...we use them extensively for Offroad Expeditions...small, portable and can fill massive tires without overheating. Very portable and therefore you are not limited to a Garage Only item...can be taken with you on road trips. Connects to your battery (car started or not, will work just fine). These can be obtained at 4x4 parts or on line...Amazon 1 click and you have it in a day or 2. I've had one for 10 years, extensive offroad expeditions and it has worked perfectly. Replaced the dessicant filter once in that time...many many airings up/down over the years.

There are also very small compact Motorcycle compressors you can buy (Wild West Honda has some). About the size of 4 decks of cards in a square pattern. Can practically fit under the motorcycle seat.

Sheepdog · « **Reply #21 on:** February 06, 2016, 06:11:40 AM »

The Viair is the best of the 12 volt pumps that I've found. My 70P model is affordable, durable, and compact/well packaged enough to carry on my Vintage or the Piaggio. It's too big for a bike without hard luggage, though...

Ighani · « **Reply #22 on:** February 06, 2016, 07:26:36 AM »

I've been looking for the same thing, but I'd also like to be able to use it for more than just topping off tires. I came across this, which I really like for the low noise.
http://www.amazon.com/California-Air-Tools-CAT-6310-6-3-Gallon/dp/B00889ZYPQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454764656&sr=8-1&keywords=quiet+air+compressor

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Author Topic: garage tire compressor? (Read 9090 times)

lucydad

canuguzzi

canuguzzi

lucydad