Need air tool advice

[gniknave]

I know this should probably be in General Chat, but I tend to see more mature answers and opinions on the Infiniti side.

I'm thinking of expanding my tool collection to air tools. I think they're pretty cool, and they seem to be a lot more useful than my bare hands. My problem is that I know nothing about them.

An air compressor is necessary to purchase, but how many gallons is sufficient for someone that works on their car maybe 1-2 times per week?

Are air compressors charged? If so, how?

I'm looking to get a compressor that does the job, yet doesn't take up too much space. Suggestions? Opinions?

[elwesso]

I think for your uses a 20 gallon should be good..... Maybe 3-4 HP...

Heres how it works... HP is used to make more pressure and also to fill the tank faster... Obviously gallons is used to how long it can be used before pressure drop..

Id try and find something that puts out AT LEAST 125 PSI, try and find something that puts out maybe more like 150...

Other than replacing compressor oil, thats all you gotta do..... Also make sure you have decent hoses too.....

[gniknave]

Thanks Wes.

What is a reasonable price to pay for a decent compressor?

What types of air tools are most useful (wrenches, drivers, etc.)?

[elwesso]

Go to sears lowes (or equivalent) and go nuts.. Anything you get there is gonna be decent.....

I woudnt suggest getting one of the little itty bitty ones.....

Youll want an impact wrench, impact sockets.. There are air wrenches but i dont know how effective those are (ll try one sometime, ive got a few).....

What do you plan on doing

[gniknave]

What do you plan on doing

I'm buying for the hell of it. Sounds crazy...or maybe not, but that's how I got the small but very efficient non-air tool collection I have right now. I'm still 50-50 on doing the chain guides myself, but probably won't - I'll find a cheap but knowledgeable mechanic. I'm going to do a plenum job, and also look into strut replacement myself. In addition to that I have my '02 Civic to maintain that my girlfriend drives the piss out of. So I have plans to use the tools, and plus you never know when they'll come in handy.

[elwesso]

Are you out in Cali doin this, or here in indiana?

I think a good impact wrench will take you a long way.. Get whatever you like, as vague as you may think thatsounds.. They make tons of air tools...

[JoshIsSciFi]

If ya reallllly wanna go all out, get ya some Snap-On Thats what we use at the shop.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog...talog

[gniknave]

In Cali...unfortunately. I'd have a whole barn garage for about 5 lifts, tons of tools, and a full size shop air compressor if I was in Indy right now. If my girlfriend dumped me I'd have no reason to stay in Cali anymore

[gniknave]

If ya reallllly wanna go all out, get ya some Snap-On Thats what we use at the shop.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog...talog

Yeah. One mechanic I worked with at my last job used Snap On religiously. He also has about 35k worth of tools. I talked to him about this subject and he recommended Craftsman for the at home mechanic. I do want to go all out, but not all out of money

[JoshIsSciFi]

Yeah, I've always used Craftsman at home. Oh, and please for the love of all eyesights everywhere, change your sig link...... thats just friggin scary!