Air Compressor Help Needed

[SVTCOBRA]

Wifie wants to get an air compressor for nailing....I started thinking it would be nice to have one for zipping off lugs and busting stubborn nuts.

Does anybody have experience with the portable electric ones???

We have been looking at the 17 gallon Kobalt one at Lowes. Was told by an employee there that has one that it does fine for auto work. Was wondering if you guys had advice.

[zozoka1212]

Rich, Here is my .02. You have to be sure what you are going to use with it. Since later on you can't do much if it won't be enough. You need pressure also not just the capacity of the air. You need to know what kind of tools you will use and what the pressure requirement for the tools. They call them SCFM rating.

Just an example the air impact wrench1/2 and 3/4 inch needs around 90-100 psi.

For nailing, hand tools you'll be ok with the 17 gallons.

Some of the air sanders/buffers require around 20 gallon tank since they eat the air like there is no tomorrow.

Try to narrow down what you need it for sure and check those tools out. That should help you out with your decision. I would go with at least 17 gal and 135psi. But if you can try to go for the 20 and 150-160 psi. You won't regret it. You'll use more and more tools with it.

zozo

[tollboothwilley]

for finish nailing I wouldn't get anything less than 150 PSI, which generally means that you need a 20 gal air tank

[SVTCOBRA]

Thanks guys!Not sure what we are going to do/get....right now it's a beer!!

[zozoka1212]

I second that....

zozo