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Gallon Air

3 Manufacturers of Portable Air Compressors You'll Want to Consider

Air compressors are just plain cool. They save tons of time and allow the user to work efficiently and easily. The many uses of them go on and on, and their obvious benefit and value in so many different situations makes them a must have item for most shops. I worked for a couple hours today on installing some cedar siding on a wood shed. Without the compressor that job would have taken me much much longer. It was a huge time saver. The thought of fumbling around with a hammer and some finish nails just drives me crazy. If you have used a nail gun before then you know how indispensable they really are. Without the compressor, the nail gun just wouldn't work.

In this article I want to move beyond making a list of the many uses for them. I also want to move beyond a discussion of how they work. Rather, I thought a brief but focused discussion about some of the portable air compressors manufactured today might be helpful.

First up is a company called Campbell Hausfeld. This is a company that prides itself in their product line. And they should. They produce a nice range of air compressors over a wide range of prices and options. Their basic 1 gallon pancake type unit is perfect for inflating air mattresses, air brushing, or using a brad nailer or other small tool. This unit also packs quite a value into a small space. For just over a hundred bucks you get the compressor, a 25 foot recoil hose, a needle and adaptor, 2 inflation nozzles and the air chuck. It also has a handle for easy portability. Just plug it in, let it pressure up to where you set the gauge, and use. When you are done just turn the pit cock and release any extra pressurized air from the tank. This is important because it lets moisture out of the tank so it doesn't rust the inside away. This is a great unit for use around the home.

Another company you have probably already heard of that produces some really great air compressors is Powermate. They use both a Briggs and Stratton Intek gas engine as well as a Honda OHV engine. These are a jump in price, but as in everything else in life, you tend to get what you pay for. For between $800-$1200 you can get a 4 to 8 gallon unit that will provide the capacity and pressure you need for bigger jobs than the smaller pancake compressors allow you to have. These are really contractor grade machines meant for heavier and more continuous use. Liquid filled pressure gauges and brass cross fittings suit a unit with Swedish stainless reed valves and automotive style ball bearings. If you do roofing, siding, or other construction, then you can't go wrong with one of Powermate's air compressors.

Finally, Jenny Products puts out some really nice mid range air compressors that are second to none. A 1.5 gallon to 4 gallon unit will run you around $600. Some have single tanks and others come with two. If you run a roofing gun for long you'll be happy to have that second tank. Otherwise the thing keeps turning on and can get really annoying.

There are lots of portable air compressors on the market over quite a price range. Be bold when it comes to purchasing one and you'll never regret it. It's money well spent.

About the Author

MJ is a freelance writer for Clickshops, Inc. where you can find a great selection of air compressors for your home or business at www.durableaircompressors.com.

Hunter 34357 Care-Free 3.5 Gallon Cool Mist Air Humidifier $139.99 Hunter 34357 Care-Free 3.5 Gallon Cool Mist Air Humidifier

5 Gallon Air Tank by Performance Tool $40.99 3 feet air hose with ball chuck;160 psi pressure gauge;Brass air manifold;Safety release valve;Manual shut off 5 Gallon Air Tank by Performance Tool

11 Gallon Air Tank by Performance Tool $62.99 3 feet air hose with ball chuck;160 psi pressure gauge;Brass air manifold;Safety release valve;Manual shut off 11 Gallon Air Tank by Performance Tool

2-1/2 Gallon Air Tank by VIAIR for Jeep $68.99 Tank is rated at 150 psi;With six 1/4 in. NPT female ports;24 in. long x 6 in. diameter 2-1/2 Gallon Air Tank by VIAIR for Jeep

VIAR 91014 1.0 Gallon 4Port Air Reservoir Tank with 1/4NPT $54.6 (4) 1/4 NPT Ports. 1.0 Gallon.

Smittybilt XRC 2.5 Gallon Air Tank 99210-2 $49.99 Smittybilt's XRC 2.5 gallon auxiliary air tank is perfect for air locker setups, inflating tires, pneumatic tool operation and reseating tire beads. If you require an instant high volume burst of air, this tank will get the job done.

Omega W1005 Portable 5 Gallon Air Tank $49.58 125 Psi max pressure Air hose length 471/4. Gauge range: 0160 psi Built in safety valve to prevent over pressure. Size: 5 gallon. Satisfaction ensured.

Omega W1010A Portable 10 Gallon Air Tank $65.55 125 Psi max pressure Air hose length 471/4. Gauge range: 0160 psi Built in safety valve to prevent over pressure. Size: 10 gallon. Satisfaction ensured.

Campbell Hausfeld TQ3104 5 HP 80 Gallon Oil-Lube Shop Air Stationary Vertical Air Compressor $1189.99 5 HP 80 Gallon Oil-Lube Shop Air Stationary Vertical Air Compressor - TQ3104

Penn Plex AirPod Air Pump 20 Gallon $11.99 The Penn Plax(R) AirPod(R) pumps deliver high performance with a smooth, quiet operation in a sleek, stylish design. Features: Sleek and stylish design High performance with quiet operation Adjustable air control Non-skid rubber feet Repair kits available Item Specifications: Size: 10G: Up to 10 gallon tanks Dimensions: (3.25" x 4.5" x 3.5") 20G: Up to 20 gallon tanks Dimensions: (3.35" x 4.7" x 4")

Penn Plex AirPod Air Pump 10 Gallon $9.99 The Penn Plax(R) AirPod(R) pumps deliver high performance with a smooth, quiet operation in a sleek, stylish design. Features: Sleek and stylish design High performance with quiet operation Adjustable air control Non-skid rubber feet Repair kits available Item Specifications: Size: 10G: Up to 10 gallon tanks Dimensions: (3.25" x 4.5" x 3.5") 20G: Up to 20 gallon tanks Dimensions: (3.35" x 4.7" x 4")

Shop Vac 001-9621200 12 Gallon Wet/Dry Ultra Pro Series, 12 Gallon, 190CFM, 59SP, 340 Air Watts, 18' Cord $179.99 Shop Vac 001-9621200 12 Gallon Wet/Dry Ultra Pro Series, 12 Gallon, 190CFM, 59"SP, 340 Air Watts, 18' Cord

Oxygen Shield Air Diffuser 5 (5 Gallon Bucket): J $14.44 Oxygen Shields are made out a recycled rubber polymer and are designed for years of operation with minimal maintenance. Each Oxygen Shield diffuses air at around 3000 microns or 3 millimeters in diameter. Oxygen Shields come in 5 different sizes and fit up to 70 gallon tanks. The beauty of these manifolds is the low diffusion rate needed to fill the Shield. • OS1 is for 10-30 gallon tanks. • OS2 is for 20-40 gallon tanks. • OS3 is for 40-70 gallon tanks. • OS5 is for 5 gallon bucket.

ViAir 5.0 Gallon Air Tank 91050 $90.99 Max Pressure: 150 psi;Two 1/4 in. NPT Ports;Two 3/8 in. NPT Ports;Dimensions: 20.5 in. L x 9 in. W x 10 in. H;Rust Resistant Coating;Mounting Hardware Included ViAir 5.0 Gallon Air Tank 91050

Steele Products STLSPCE528M 28 Gallon Air Compressor $453.23 28 Gallon Air Compressor. 120V/60Hz 2.5HP rated. 5 HP peak oil lubricated thermal overload protection one quickconnect couplers. 2 easytoread pressure gauges PSI 40: 6.6 PSI 90: 5.2 Max PSI:115. Wheel Kit. Width: 21. Length: 19. Height: 51.

Factory Reconditioned Ridgid ZROF50150TS 5 Gallon Oil-Free Portable Tri-Stack Air Compressor $229.99 5 Gallon Oil-Free Tri-Stack Air Compressor - ZROF50150TS

Campbell Hausfeld HL5516 1.3 HP 15 Gallon Oil-Lube Wheeled Horizontal Air Compressor $299.99 1.3 HP 15 Gallon Horizontal Air Compressor - HL5516

Campbell Hausfeld HU500000AV 1.3 HP 8 Gallon Oil-Free Wheeled Horizontal Air Compressor $249.99 1.3 HP 8 Gallon Oil-Free Horizontal Air Compressor - HU500000AV

Campbell Hausfeld HU502000AV 1.3 HP 20 Gallon Oil-Free Wheeled Vertical Air Compressor $319.99 1.3 HP 20 Gallon Oil-Free Vertical Air Compressor - HU502000AV

Campbell Hausfeld CE2000 5.5 HP Two-Stage 8 Gallon Oil-Lube Wheelbarrow Horizontal Air Compressor $969.99 5.5 HP 8 Gallon Wheelbarrow Air Compressor - CE2000

Factory Reconditioned Worker 52000R 1.5 HP 2 Gallon Oil-Free Air Compressor $79.99 1.5 HP 2 Gallon Oil-Free Air Compressor - 52000R

Factory Reconditioned Rockworth RW2G110DPNG 2 Gallon Oil-Free Hot Dog Air Compressor $59.99 2 Gallon Oil-Free Hot Dog Air Compressor - RW2G110DPNG

Mountain MTNAT1025 5 Gallon Air Tank $60.74 The Mountain (MTNAT10211) 11 gallon portable air tank is ideal for many uses such as: filling tires air mattresses toys footballs and many other uses. Includes: air gauge coil hose and chuck. Portable for convenience. Ideal for many uses from auto; home; hobby; and much more. A must have product for any technician or shop.

VIAIR 91025 2.5 Gallon Air Tank $88.4 VIAIR offers the most complete line of air compressors air accessories for both the onand offroad markets available anywhere. VIAIR compressors and components are used in the OEM segment 4x4 Sport Air Suspension and have become the industry standard for both 12 and 24volt automotive applications worldwide. VIAIR compressors are currently being used in every corner of the Globe even in the worlds harshest environments from arctic climates to the worlds harshest deserts from North America to Europe Africa Asia and even Australia. VIAIR is recognized by its customers and peers alike as the leading manufacturer of high performance air compressors for mobile pneumatic applications. Our goal is to consistently deliver performance reliability and value to our customers; providing the ultimate Vital Air Source the heart of any mobile pneumatic system to our valued partners worldwide. 2.5 Gallon Air Tank (Six 1/4 NPT Ports 150 psi Rated).

VIAIR 2.5 Gallon Air Tank $72.99 All Viair tanks are SAE J10 certified and rated to either 150 or 200 PSI maximum working pressure and equipped with either 1/4 ft. or 3/8 in. NPT ports in various configurations. All air tanks are coated to resist rusting and oxidation.