Selecting the Right Air Compressor for Your Air Tool

An air compressor is used to power air tools such as spray guns, air sanders, air wrenches, air hammers, and much more. While not as widely used, air tools are more powerful than traditional electric power tools. Air tools offer more torque and RPM than electric tools not to mention that they are significantly lighter (since they do not have their own individual electric motors) which makes them much easier to handle. Air tools are also less expensive, more versatile, and longer lasting. Overall, an air tool accomplishes a task more rapidly and effectively.

When selecting an air compressor, it is important to understand the needs of your air tool. These are some characteristics of air compressors that you should look at in order to select one that will work best for your air tool needs.

Amount of Power Needed

One of the most important factors that must be decided is the amount or power needed for your air tool. While this power can be measured in several different types of units, the most useful is the CFM (cubic feet per minute). The more common household air tools require 0-5 CFM while larger air tools such as sanders or polishers may need 10 CFM or more. The air compressor you choose depends on the type or air tool you will be using.

Gasoline vs. Electrical Air Compressor

One of the first things you have to do is decide whether you want a gasoline driven-engine or an electrical driven-engine air compressor to run your air tool. I would recommend the natural gas air compressor. Natural gas air compressors are very reliable (at the 99.9 percent reliability level), cost effective, and reduce electric energy consumption. These are all very important characteristics if you are planning on using your air compressor frequently. However, an electric air compressor can be a nice alternative if you are using it in an enclosed area where fumes are intolerable.

Size of the Tank

Think of your air compressor tank as an air tank that you would use to go SCUBA diving. The longer periods of time you are using it the larger the tank you will need. Air Tools that are for shorter use (air hammers, impact wrenches, etc.) will not need as big of a tank as air tools that need a continuous flow of air (grinders, sanders, etc.).

Type of Pump

There are two main types of pumps to choose from: a direct-drive pump and a belt-driven pump. The direct-drive pump is lightweight and is meant to last for five hundred hours. This type of air compressor is not for heavy use but more for around the house projects. The belt-driven pump lasts three times longer, has less vibration and is quieter than the direct drive model. The belt-driven pump requires an oil change every now and then, but do not let this discourage you from it since these occasional oil changes are really not that much of a hassle.

Vertical vs. Horizontal Air Compressors

A vertical air compressor usually is stationary and takes less storage. A horizontal air compressor is more portable and can be moved from project to project. The style you choose from is dependent on what your needs are with your air tools and different projects.

When selecting an air compressor you should keep these different attributes in mind. The two main things you should remember are what type of air tools you will be using and the frequency that you will be using them. If you keep those two things in mind, you should be able to distinguish what features you need in an air compressor and pick the right one for you.

Kaitlin Carruth is a client account specialist with 10x Marketing. For more information about an air compressors or air tools, please visit Tool America.

---

Hammocks Create a Stress Free Zone

Stress is all around us, from the office to the... Read More

Help Choosing Door and Window Hardware

Who would be the best person to help you find... Read More

Planning Kitchen Remodeling

Planning kitchen remodeling If you are planning to remodel your... Read More

Avoiding Leaks When Installing Vinyl Retrofit Windows

These days a lot of homeowners are replacing their old... Read More

Persian Carpets - Popular Styles

There are numerous styles of Persian carpets. In fact there... Read More

Tips for Designing with Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floor styles come in strips, planks and parquet, and... Read More

What You Should Know About Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring imitates the aspect of traditional wood. Their biggest... Read More

So Youve Decided to Finish Your Basement!

When a family decides to finish a basement space, there... Read More

The Bathroom - The Forgotten Area Of Your Home?

The bathroom in your home is the one room that... Read More

Brighten Up Your Shelves With Picture Frames

Would you like to add a personal touch to your... Read More

How to Build a Home Sauna - Three Important Questions to Answer Before Building

Considering that home saunas are believed to produce numerous health... Read More

Installing a Brick or Paver Walkway

The use of Bricks or Pavers to create a walkway... Read More

Whats Underfoot? A Quick Guide to Patio Surfaces

Patios and terraces have always been popular outdoor spaces. Whether... Read More

Why Not Add a Shower To Your Bathroom?

If you are thinking of remodeling your bathroom and redoing... Read More

Heres What a Jacuzzi Will Do For You

Jacuzzi's are a great recreational and health benefit for a... Read More

Feng Shui, Design Psychology and Bed Placement

I love Feng Shui! Whether you believe this ancient Asian... Read More

The Benefits of Steel Storage Buildings

Steel is gaining in popularity as a building material due... Read More

The Importance of Bedroom Design in a Home Decoration Project.

A home is a place where we live, spend most... Read More

Protecting Yourself from Miter Saw Hazards

A miter saw, also known as a "chop saw," is... Read More

Buyers Guide For Modern Mailboxes

Modern mailboxes are made predominately from cast aluminum or stainless... Read More

Whats So Special About My Front Door?

"The doors we open and close each day decide the... Read More

There Is Always Something To Improve Or Innovate For Comfort

In this fast moving world of the 21st century, we... Read More

Old House Remodeling: Removing Old Tile and Glue

When you live in old house like I do, remodeling... Read More

Swim Spas Make a Big Splash with Baby Boomers

If you are an aging baby boomer like I am,... Read More

Keeping Stone Floors in Tip Top Condition

I had a customer call me to make a complaint... Read More

Electrical Safety and Power Tools

Power tools are one of the greatest conveniences for getting... Read More

Concrete Cutting: The Unknown Niche

What is Concrete Cutting?Concrete cutting is a process of controlled... Read More

Trading in Corporate Office for Home Office

Six years ago, I had not yet turned on a... Read More

Swimming Pools ? Lets Get Wet

"Beverly Hills. Swimming pools. Movie stars."That line from the theme... Read More

Installing a Toilet

The installation of a toilet is a relatively easy job... Read More

The Joy Of A Patio Awning

Some people will dream of the perfect patio. They dream... Read More

Adjustable Bed - Start Each Day on the Right Note

Your daily beauty sleep will not be complete if any... Read More

Laminate Flooring is Built for the Twenty First Century

The tradition of hardwood floors dates back hundreds of years,... Read More