Sure, the average do-it-yourselfer can get along without an air compressor. The real question, though, is why would he want to? Even if you’re just a casual handyman, or have your own auto repair business, you’ll get those occasional repair jobs done more quickly and less expensively with air tools than you would with electrically powered tools. And for heavy-duty users, there are Extreme Duty line products, with top-of-the-line engineering and performance suited for industrial and professional work sites.

Make sure when shopping that you look for the running horsepower and not the peak horsepower you get at startup. Some manufacturers have falsely advertised or implied the peak horsepower to be the normal run horsepower. At start-up, there is a surge of power needed to start the motor and can be 1.5-3 times the amount of running power needed. This means the horsepower need for the motor peaks as well, but then drops back down to normal. Many of these manufacturers are involved in a class-action lawsuit for misrepresentation. They have used man’s machismo of “the more horsepower, the better” to their advantage to make sales. These aren’t just cars we’re talking about!

Let’s take a quick look at three of the top-notch air compressor manufacturers out there.

Campbell Hausfeld – Campbell Hausfeld’s long legacy of quality products began in 1836 when it manufactured horsedrawn wagons and agricultural equipment. For more than 165 years, the longest history in the industry, Campbell Hausfeld has manufactured quality products for both the consumer and the professional. They offer some really heavy-duty equipment capable of handling the toughest jobs. Let’s take a look at one of their top selling products, the Campbell Hausfeld FP209599 air compressor:

Campbell Hausfield’s FP209599 2-gallon air compressor packs a lot of features and a great value for its size and price. It has a sleek but sensible design, which includes twinstack tanks (two 1-gallon air tanks) for twice the stored air power. That’s more than enough power for inflating, nailing, stapling and air brushing. And yes, you can do any of those projects without having to bring out the big guns to do it. Not only is the FP209599 incredibly compact, it also has a comfortably padded and super sturdy handle for easy portability and easy storage. But it also comes with a bonus 2-in-1 nailer/stapler kit and inflation accessories. There’s even an onboard clip to house your nailer/stapler when not in use. Everything you need and it only takes one hand to carry this air compressor to where you want it — that’s portability to the max!

This unit is very user-friendly. The gauges are conveniently placed within easy viewing above the air tanks in an integrated control panel. Keeping an eye on the air pressure is a simple task with this tool. Oil-free operation means less maintenance as this air compressor does not require lubrication to operate. Even the cobalt blue color is a standout on this air compressor. The only downside — and it’s a small one at best — is that the noise level is a bit on the high side for its small size. But then, that’s what hearing protectors are for.

Ingersol Rand Air Compressors – It’s been more than 135 years since Ingersoll Rand introduced its first pneumatic device. Many years and products later, they continue to take great pride in helping customers around the world be more productive and allowing them to better serve their customers, and supply all their needs.

Being a global leader not only means to them to produce world-class compressed air technologies around the globe, it also means working hard to understand the industry, the customer’s needs and the demands placed on their productivity in order to provide them with the most beneficial solutions for their work.

Ingersoll Rand has the global presence, the technologies and the commitment to support customers as proudly as they stand behind Ingersoll Rand’s broad range of product offerings.

Here’s a quick review by one of their customers on one of their most used products, the Ingersoll-Rand 2 HP Hand Carry twinstack compressor.

“Although it doesn’t get used often it does run very good. I got this for projects around the house and when I need to go somewhere to do something that requires me to have air. This one will run all day and keep up. I have run a nail gun and other things at the same thing and even though the compressor will run nonstop it will keep on going. This is a strong well built travel compressor. I added some wheels to mine and a handle extention because it makes it easier to wheel around. Also this one is better than most portables because it is an oiled pump so the life of it should be much longer than the oil free. If your debating on the oil free vs. oiled go with oiled. You do have to change it periodically depending on use but you get much more life for your money”.

You might already know this, but Ingersoll Rand is one of the most successful brands out there. You probably want to check a little more about them before getting your air compressor. The more you evaluate brands, compare prices and efficiency, obviously the better decision you’ll make. Never rush yourself when you consider purchasing an air compressor or any automotive equipment for you or your business. Always do your research beforehand.

FS Curtis Air compressors- Since 1854 CURTIS-TOLEDO