invest in an air compresser??Good idea?

[4x4Runner09]

Im thinking of getting an air compressure.

Itd be nice to always have accurate correct air pressure in my runners tires and my parents Benz and Lexus.

Do think it would come in handy for cleaning an parts of the car...high air pressure?


For those of you who have an air compresser...how often do use it for checking tire pressure.

What else do you use it for?

Thanks

 

[jharris2]

First, you need to think about what kind of air compressor you will need, and that's based on what you will use it for. Personally, I believe that they are far more useful than just airing tires. remember, you need a tire gauge to check tire pressure, and an air compressor is used when the tire is low.

In fact, a friend once said that the air compressor was the best tool he every bought, because he uses it constantly. I'd have to agree.

I have one in the garage -- 110 volt so as to not require any special wiring. It's incredibly useful for all sorts of tools -- nail guns, impact wrenches, etc. I also use the air for cleaning all sorts of parts. Next on the list will be things like drills, etc. For this type, expect to pay at least $250 for a decent unit.

I also have a small, 12-volt unit in each vehicle. Not practical for everyday use, but darned handy when you have a flat tire. Expect to pay less than $50 for this type.

Finally, Good Times has a high-grade compressor on his 4Runner. It's not as good for heavy jobs as one in the garage, but far superior to the 12-volt portable model. You can add an air tank, etc., so it can run many smaller air tools, plus it can air up a 4Runner tire in about 2 minutes or so. These can run over $400.

So, like anything else, you need to do a bit of research to find out what you would use one for, then get one that is a bit better than you think you need.

Remember that for tools, always buy the very best you can afford -- you will replace cheap tools often enough that it is less expensive to wiat and buy good quality.

 

[dapslappy]

yes

get an oil lubricated one, not the 'no maintenance oil free' type. I would start with a small one like the Makita mac700, $200, or mac2400, $300. V high user reviews. the 700 has a 2.6 gal tank, the 2400 has a 4.2 gal. Get the 2400 as it is nominally larger in size yet significantly larger in capacity. Well worth an extra $100. A larger tank means less cycling on and off. Get a self coiling hose.
I got one a few months ago and use it for airing up tires and blowing the dirt, dust, and water off of and out of stuff.

 

[jwyshrek]

First, it is a good idea...even if just airing tires...doing it manually or with those 12V compressor...sucks. Especially, with the 4runner's big tires.

Personally, I have a oil-less unit...because...

"Not all air is of equal quality," Petersen writes. "Moisture, oil from the air compressor, and other pollutants can affect tire integrity."

You can google search and make the decision yourself, but if you get the oiled compressor, it might be a good idea to invest in a good filter as well.

I've even heard (but not confirmed), that moisture and oil from an air compressor can affect TPMS, if you have them.

Just something to think about...

 

[zopperman]

Look in my build for a link to my thread "on board air on the cheap"

 

[CXS]

For on board air a CO2 tanks is much faster,more portable and can power some air tools.

For the garage get the most powerful one you can justify, once you clean your truck with high-pressure air you'll never use a vacuum again.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Air compressor...

I think it's always a good tool for the garage. I have one of those inexpensive "pancake" type compressors from Harbor Freight and it works just fine after 5+ years. I probably use it at least once-twice a month. It's not really big enough to power air tools but for keeping the tires inflated, pumping up soccer or basketballs, cleaning sawdust off my sander or table saw, etc, it works great.

One of the annoying things about TPMS is that when the temperature goes down, often your tire pressure does, too, and that can set off the TPMS sensors. Having a compressor is a nice way to pump them back up quickly.

Now, as for 12v compressors, the only reason I can think of to carry one is if you go off road. In that case, they are invaluable as you can air down your tires for better traction and a better ride on rough or washboard roads, and then air them back up again. The ones that plug into a 12v lighter socket are generally worthless for a vehicle with tires as big as the 4runner so you would want to get one that attaches to the battery directly with alligator clips. I've been using the Masterflow MV-50 for years and it's worked great, you can find them for about $60 at Pep Boys or you can buy them from Amazon for around the same price.

 

[Atlanta_man]

Mine gets a lot of use. No air tools here but there is always something to blow dirt out of. Get the biggest one you have room for that does not flip your electric breaker.