Compressor for Air Tools

**dmw16** · 12-13-2011, 09:31 AM

I have gotten a bunch of Sears gift cards over the past year and finally decided to buy a compressor, impact wrench, and the associated bits and pieces with them.

First off, I am just a weekend DIY`er. Far from a pro, but I want something that I can see lasting me a while. The other constraint is that I have a fairly small garage so I have the space, but it`s still at a premium. I`d like to be able to run a 1/2" impact wrench (in the 600-700ft/lb, 90PSI @ 5.1scfm range), a 3/8" air ratchet (~70ft/lb), and maybe a cutoff wheel at some point.

I think I`ve narrowed my choices to two compressors and I`m wondering if anyone has comments (or can tell me if I`m going way overboard). Here are the two I`m thinking of:

Craftsman

Craftsman

Thanks.

UPDATE

First off, thanks to everyone for their helpful feedback. I ended up going for the 33 gallon compressor. I looked at some other places, but figured since I had the gift cards I`d go that way and I think for the weekend warrior it should be just fine.

So now since I have a non-lubricated compressor, do I need an oil fog lubricator? They are only about $15 from HF, or can I just put a few drips of oil into the air connector on the tools?

**Ron Ketcham** · 12-13-2011, 11:34 AM

The 33 gal will do all that you are saying you are going to use it for, with a couple of exceptions, like the cut-off wheel or if you ever want to run other air tools like a DA, a rotary buffer, air nibbler, etc.

They require much higher CFM. Same if you ever purchase a small media blast cabinet, they take a lot of CFM.

Sears does not make any of these compressors shown, they buy them under private label like many other brands do.

Just a thought for you, many buy Craftsman for the "warranty", however these days, that warranty is not the same as years ago.

Harbor Frieght will exchange any of their tools or such in the first year, basically no questions asked.

Same with air tools, coupler kits, etc.

I never bought anything but Craftsman for years, and then about 10 years ago as I started increasing my shop tool supply, etc, got looking hard at what I was paying for.

Not knocking Sears, just providing some insight from an old man that uses his tools everyday.

My impact, wratchets, etc are all from HF, same with my couplers (all the big box stores end up with the same things, just a different name on the package.

Another tip is the buying a 3/8th butterfly wratchet/impact, you will find you would use it more than the wratchet.

Good luck, save money!

Grumpy

**dmw16** · 12-13-2011, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by Ron Ketcham

The 33 gal will do all that you are saying you are going to use it for, with a couple of exceptions, like the cut-off wheel or if you ever want to run other air tools like a DA, a rotary buffer, air nibbler, etc.

They require much higher CFM. Same if you ever purchase a small media blast cabinet, they take a lot of CFM.

Sears does not make any of these compressors shown, they buy them under private label like many other brands do.

Just a thought for you, many buy Craftsman for the "warranty", however these days, that warranty is not the same as years ago.

Harbor Frieght will exchange any of their tools or such in the first year, basically no questions asked.

Same with air tools, coupler kits, etc.

I never bought anything but Craftsman for years, and then about 10 years ago as I started increasing my shop tool supply, etc, got looking hard at what I was paying for.

Not knocking Sears, just providing some insight from an old man that uses his tools everyday.

My impact, wratchets, etc are all from HF, same with my couplers (all the big box stores end up with the same things, just a different name on the package.

Another tip is the buying a 3/8th butterfly wratchet/impact, you will find you would use it more than the wratchet.

Good luck, save money!

Grumpy

Thanks for the info. I`ll save the money and go with the 33gal one.

Very fair points on Craftsman/Sear. Their warranties aren`t what they used to be which is too bad. I`m mainly going with Sears because I have the giftcards and there isn`t really anything else at Sears that I would buy. Once I consume the giftcards I`ll check out Harbor Freight.

The info (and $ savings) is much appreciated.

Doug

**imported_DetailDan** · 12-13-2011, 03:01 PM

I just bought the Craftsman 33 gallon a couple weeks ago. Its my first compressor, so far so good. However, one of the fittings was leaking from day one. Just trying to get a hold of customer service was a pain, much less trying to schedule the repair. Added some liquid teflon and problem solved. It seems like its a pretty common problem. I`d be interested to hear if you have the same issue as well. It is pretty loud as well.

**dmw16** · 12-13-2011, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by D&D Auto Detail

I just bought the Craftsman 33 gallon a couple weeks ago. Its my first compressor, so far so good. However, one of the fittings was leaking from day one. Just trying to get a hold of customer service was a pain, much less trying to schedule the repair. Added some liquid teflon and problem solved. It seems like its a pretty common problem. I`d be interested to hear if you have the same issue as well. It is pretty loud as well.

Thanks for the heads up. If I go that way I`ll certainly report back.

As for the noise I figured that was going to be the case, but for occasional use during normal hours I can`t see my neighbors getting annoyed.

A few others are trying to convince me to get an electric impact like the Snap-On, but I feel like for $500-$600 I can have a compressor and some tools and something that can do a ton of things as opposed to a one trick pony.

**shirtman** · 12-13-2011, 03:49 PM

I would look to Craftsman for hand tools, as I still think they are very good values with lifetime warranties. IMHO, they are every bit as useful and solid as Snap-on or Matco for the average joe, and are actually easier to exchange of one breaks. Not top level, but just good solid tools with a very good warranty. Their electrical, air, or other tools are not simalarly warranteed, and I tend to steer clear. Use your gift cards and such on hand tools, and go to HF for solid, less than every-day use specilaty tools, and you`ll be stretching every dollar.

Jeff

**dmw16** · 12-13-2011, 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by Black99miata

I would look to Craftsman for hand tools, as I still think they are very good values with lifetime warranties. IMHO, they are every bit as useful and solid as Snap-on or Matco for the average joe, and are actually easier to exchange of one breaks. Not top level, but just good solid tools with a very good warranty. Their electrical, air, or other tools are not simalarly warranteed, and I tend to steer clear. Use your gift cards and such on hand tools, and go to HF for solid, less than every-day use specilaty tools, and you`ll be stretching every dollar.

Jeff

I have a lot of tools already. Not sure I can spend $500 at Sears on other stuff but I may try. Sears sells Ingersol Rand and such so I`m not stuck w/ Craftsman.

**PorscheGuy997** · 12-13-2011, 04:10 PM

The latest Craftsman Professional compressors are much better than the ones from a few years ago. They went back to Ingersoll this time.

If you can fit it, the 60 gal Professional compressor is one of the better deals on the market. Plus, it puts out quite a bit more cfm @90 as compared to the other Professional models. The only downfall is that it requires 220v.

As far as locally available impacts, there are a few Ingersoll impacts available. I had the 2131QT and liked it, but the grip fell off while sitting in storage. Swapped it for the 2135TiMax and definitely don`t regret it. Your local Sears should also carry the Thunder Gun, which is a good option, but very loud.