Sirsalliyan Small Air Compressor

Compressor Brad Nailer

Things to Consider when Purchasing a Portable Air Compressor

Air tools can make your work much easier and efficient, and a portable air compressor is a necessity if you want to use them. Air compressors are available in many sizes and capacities. Some of the larger ones have wheels and handles to help move them around. They have different horsepower and pound per square inch (psi) ratings. They are typically powered by gas, electric, or diesel. The nice thing about the electric ones is that they can be used in spaces where you don't want to deal with the fumes. Of course, gas gives a high degree of reliability for frequent use, and is perfect when you need maximum portability. There's just not always a current bush around when you need one.

When you are in the market for a portable air compressor you need to take a look at your requirements. For example, if you are planning on using it for airbrushing, then a five liter tank capacity and approximately 30psi would be sufficient. If you need a larger volume of air then you obviously need something with a larger capacity. Otherwise, you'll be standing around waiting for your tank to fill up and that will not only decrease how efficient your work is, but it will also drive you crazy. I use a small pancake unit that works great for my brad nailer, but is constantly kicking on and refilling when I use the air blower attachment.

A portable air compressor is, well, portable. That means that you can move it around. So ask yourself how you'll be using it. If you need to fix the shingles up on the roof then portable is great. If you really just want something to fill the tires in the garage then maybe a portable unit will work, but you may want something with a higher capacity. Either way, just make sure you consider the various uses you may have before you buy.

Another thing to consider is your power source. Most air compressors in the US run on 110 volt, but some of the larger ones do run on 240 volt. Make sure to check in advance of your purchase. You should also consider the pump type you need. A belt driven pump is great for heavy use, and a direct-drive is designed for light use. The belt driven pump is quieter but needs the oil changed from time to time.

It may go without saying, but knowing the requirements of your air tools before you buy a portable air compressor is essential. Then, add a margin of safety of 50 percent. Each tool you have will have its CFM requirement on the box. The great thing about air tools is that they deliver more power with less weight and generally have a lower cost than regular electric tools. Always use proper eye protection and consider using ear plugs, especially with the gas-powered units.

How much does a portable air compressor cost? Well, like most things it can vary quite a bit. A basic setup can cost a couple hundred bucks, whereas a more powerful compressor with all the bells and whistles can run you into the thousands.

About the Author

MJ is a free lance writer for Click Shops, Inc., where you can find the perfect portable air compressor for your specific needs at www.aircompressors.us.com.

DEWALT D55140BN Brad Nailer & Compressor Combo Kit $219.99 0.3 HP Hand Carry Electric Trim Compressor - D55140. 2-in 18-Gauge Brad Nailer - D51238

DEWALT D55141FNBN Finish Nailer, Brad Nailer & Compressor Combo Kit $299.99 0.6 HP Hand Carry Electric Trim Compressor - D55141. 1-1/4-in 18-Gauge Brad Nailer - D51236. 2-1/2-in 16-Gauge Finish Nailer - D51256

Porter-Cable CFBN125B 1-1/4-in Brad Nailer and Compressor Combo Kit $239.99 6 Gallon, 150 PSI Pancake Compressor. 1-1/4-in 18-Gauge Brad Nailer - BN125A. 25' Air Hose w/ Coupler & Plug. (1,000) Brad Nails. Nailer Oil. Carrying Case. Operating Manuals

Porter-Cable CF6111 1-3/8-in Brad Nailer and Compressor Combo Kit $189.99 6 Gallon, 150 PSI Pancake Compressor. 1-3/8-in 18-Gauge Brad Nailer - BN138. 25' Air Hose w/ Coupler & Plug. (500) Brad Nails. Nailer Oil. Carrying Case. Operating Manuals

Porter-Cable CF6221 Finish and Brad Nailer and Compressor Combo Kit $299.99 6 Gallon, 150 PSI Compressor. 2-1/2-in 16-Gauge Finish Nailer - FN250C. 1-3/8-in 18-Gauge Brad Nailer - BN138. 25 Foot 1/4-in Air Hose with Coupler and Plug. (500 pk) 2-in Finish Nails. (500 pk) 1-1/4-in Brad Nails. Carrying Case

Porter-Cable CFNBNS Finish Nailer / Brad Nailer / Stapler / Compressor Combo Kit $389.99 6 Gallon, 150 PSI Pancake Compressor. 1-1/4-in 18-Gauge Brad Nailer - BN125A. 2-1/2-in 16-Gauge Finish Nailer - FN250B. 1-in Narrow Crown Stapler - NS100A. 40' Air Hose w/ Coupler & Plug. (3,000) Fasteners. Nailer Oil. Canvas Carry Bag. Operating Manuals

Factory Reconditioned SENCO PC0947R PC0947, FinishPro Brad Nailer and Compressor Combo Kit $149.99 FinishPro 18-Gauge Brad Nailer. PC1010, 1 Gallon Electric Oil-Less Hand-Carry Compressor - PC1010R

Porter-Cable CFBN200A 2-in Brad Nailer and Compressor Combo Kit $269.99 6 Gallon, 150 PSI Pancake Compressor. 2-in 18 Ga. Brad Nailer - BN200A. 25' Air Hose (300 PSI) w/ Ferrules. 1/4-in Male Quick Coupler. 1/4-in Female Quick Coupler. Pipe Joint Tape. (1,000) Brad Nails. Carrying Case. Operating Manuals

Hitachi KNT65APR 6 Gallon 1.1 HP Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor Kit with NT50AE2 Brad Nailer and NT65MA4 Finish Nailer $269.99 6 Gallon 1.1 HP Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor - EC510. 18-Gauge 2-in Brad Nailer - NT50AE2. 15-Gauge 2-1/2-in Angled Finish Nailer - NT65MA4. 25-ft PVC Hose. Fittings. 1-1/4-in Brad Nails. 2-in Finish Nails. Carrying Bag

Factory Reconditioned Bostitch U/CPACK1850BN 2-in-1 Brad Nailer & Compressor Combo Kit $119.99 2.0 HP (Peak) Oil-Free Compressor - CAP2000P-OF-R. 2-in 18-Gauge Brad - SB-1850BN-R. Carrying Case

Porter-Cable PC3PAK Tradesman 2-1/2-in Finish Nailer, 1-3/8-in Brad Nailer, 1-in Stapler and Compressor Combo Kit $319.99 Tradesman 6 Gallon, 150 PSI Pancake Compressor. 1-3/8-in 18-Gauge Brad Nailer - BN138. 2-1/2-in 16-Gauge Finish Nailer - FN250C. 1-in Narrow Crown Stapler - NS100B. 25' Air Hose w/ Coupler & Plug. (500) 2-in Finish Nails. (500) 1-1/4-in Brad Nails. (500) 1-in Staples. Canvas Carry Bag. Operating Manuals

Factory Reconditioned Porter-Cable PC3PAKR 2-1/2-in Finish Nailer, 1-3/8-in Brad Nailer, 1-in Stapler and Compressor Combo Kit $239.99 6 Gallon, 150 PSI Pancake Compressor. 1-3/8-in 18-Gauge Brad Nailer - BN138R. 2-1/2-in 16-Gauge Finish Nailer - FN250CR. 1-in Narrow Crown Stapler - NS100BR. 25' Air Hose w/ Coupler & Plug. (500) 2-in Finish Nails. (500) 1-1/4-in Brad Nails. (500) 1-in Staples. Canvas Carry Bag. Operating Manuals

Cf6111 - Brad Nailer/Compressor Kit $239.29 [0651943] UPC: 885911132831 18.13L x 18W x 18.13H 40.13 LB 3.42 Cubes

SENCO PC0947 PC0947, FinishPro 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Compressor Combo Kit $189.99 FinishPro 18 Brad Nailer - 1U0001N. 1 Gallon Electric Hand-Carry Compressor - PC1010. PC0947, FinishPro 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Compressor Combo Kit - PC0947. 1/4-in x 25-ft Coil Hose. Tool Oil. All Necessary Air Fittings. Safety Glasses. Manuals. Variety Pack of 18-Gauge Brad Nails

Campbell Hausfeld FP209599AV 1.0 HP 2 Gallon Oil-Free Twinstack Air Compressor and 2-in-1 Brad Nailer/Stapler Kit $129.99 2-Gallon Twinstack Air Compressor and 2-in-1 Brad Nailer/Stapler Kit - FP209599AV. 2-in-1 Brad Nailer / Stapler. (500) Brad Nails. (500) Staples. (2) Allen Wrenches. Male Plug. 25-ft Recoil Hose. Female Coupler. Air Chuck. Inflation Needle. Inflation Needle Adapter. (2) Inflation Nozzles

Bostitch CPACK1850BN 2-in Brad Nailer & Compressor Combo Kit $219.99 2.0 HP (Peak) Oil-Free Compressor - CAP2000P-OF. 2-in 18-Gauge Brad - SB-1850BN. 1/4-in x 25-ft PVC Air Hose With Fittings. 2-in Brads - (1,000 pk). Tool Lubricant. Carrying Case

Jac Pac Jac Pac Brad Nailer stapler Kit J-6901-90 $156.75 Brad nailer/stapler kit The JacPac CO2 power system allows you to use your regular pneumatic tools (from pinners to framers and roofing guns) without a compressor The system hooks onto a belt for easy portibility The CO2 cylinder delivers high-powered pneumatics wherever you go The refillable CO2 tanks fire up to 500 nails on a single charge and the tanks have a 5 year life span Kit contains a regulator, CO2 tank, 18-gauge brad nailer/stapler, hose, brads and staples, and safety glasses Brand #: Jac Pac J-6901-90 UPC: 060761901909 Keywords: brad nailer gun stapler kit co2 regulator nail jacpac

Stanley TRE550 Electric Stapler/Brad Nailer $34.99 Electric Stapler/Brad Nailer - TRE550

Factory Reconditioned Bostitch U/CPACK2A-R 2-Tool Finish & Brad Compressor Combo Kit $159.99 2 HP (Peak) 6 Gallon Oil-Free Compressor - U/CAP2000P-OF. 2-in 18-Gauge Brad Nailer - U/SB-1850BN. 2-1/2-in 16-Gauge Finish Nailer - U/SB-1664FN. 1/4-in x 25 ft PVC Hose with Fittings. Tool Lubricant. Contractor's Tool Bag

Campbell Hausfeld MW250096AV 0.8 HP 6 Gallon Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor with Nailer and Stapler Kit $399.99 0.8 HP 6 Gallon Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor - MW250000AV. 2-1/2-in 16 Gauge Finish Nailer. 2-in Brad Nailer. 1/4-in Crown Stapler. Pin Nailer. 1-1/2 16 Gauge Finish Nails. 3/4-in x 1/4-in Crown Staples. 1-1/4-in Brad Nails. Pins. Nailer Oil. Hex Wrenches. 50-ft PVC Air Hose. Storage Bag

Factory Reconditioned Ridgid ZRR213BN18 18V Cordless 18-Gauge Brad Nailer $219.99 18V Cordless 18-Gauge Brad Nailer - ZRR213BN18

Factory Reconditioned Campbell Hausfeld CHN10200RB 18 Gauge 2-in Brad Nailer $34.45 18 Gauge 2-in Brad Nailer - CHN10200RB