Air Compressor

I did a search, probably did it wrong since everything else in the world is on these forums but I didn't see a thread about this one. I am looking for an air compressor for the following: general removal and installation of various bolts, truck tire removal, etc. air drying my various K&N air filters running a nail gun for installation of asphalt roofing running a nail gun for wood projects running a nail gun for siding running a nail gun for shooting the wild rabbit I have been feeding all winter and would now like to eat running a nail gun at the feet of the newspaper kid for kicks I am probably fine with electric, don't need to go to remote sites. I see too many options for tank size, PSI, etc. and I am stupid so please feel free to berate me. Lord knows my ex-wife does. Thanks in advance, ~Para

bump, I know you shop rats have an opinion or a link .....

Best bet is to look at the tools you want to run with it (sounds like an impact wrench and a nail gun) and see what the tools require. Then get a compressor that exceeds those specs. Shop at the usual places, Home Depot, Sears, etc... For the impact wrench, be sure to find one that will handle the torque you need for the truck tires. The specs you want to look for are PSI and CFM. PSI (pounds per square inch) is the amount of pressure the compressor will deliver, CFM (cubic feet per minute) is the amount of air. If the compressor doesn't deliver enough PSI, your tool wont perform to spec (ie, the wrench won't deliver enough torque). If you don't have enough CFM, it'll run out of air during your job and you'll have to wait for the compressor to recharge. Compressor specs tend to be somewhat optimistic (especially regarding CFM) so if your tool needs say 90psi at 5cfm, I'd get a compressor capable of at least 120 psi at 10cfm for best results. Though if the tool is only used intermittently, the CFM isn't as important. If you want to run another tool later that needs a steady air supply, the CFM rating gets very important. The tank size is also important for continuous air flow, a larger tank keeps the compressor from having to run all the time. Make sure to get an in-line oil delivery system for the air tools as well. Again, check the tool specs to see what they need.

Thanks plinss.

Also check out PepBoys...I bought a compressor for 99 bucks and it works my grinder, sander, impact wrench and gun. It works great it's small and it's cheap. I believe it's 4 gallons and 2 hp, with 120psi and 90 constant....if I'm not mistaken... Let me know what happens. X-Rated

i got mine from sears... 13o or so... got a 5 gallon.... i needed it for only a few minutes.... primer my truck

The bigger the better. Once you have a air compressor youll be amazed at how much you will use it. Id get a least 5 hp and a five gallon tank. A bigger tank is nice holds more volume. All compressors will build about the same pressure. What you need to look at is CFM . The more the better. Some where around 8 CFM would be ok again the bigger the better.

Home depot has some nice compressors...I used to work as there service rep..They would always have a clearanced compressor there. I saw one originally marked at $399 being sold for $123. Because it was an old model.

Craftsman 3 gal. Air Compressor, 1 hp, Horizontal Tank For hi torque loads I use a breaker bar and torques wrench. This handles cutter and my other tools easily. Great price had it for 2 years and satisfied. It is a lot maore capable then the past larger ones I have had:fact