Air tools and equipment questions...

[07Burb]

I'm looking to start acquiring some air tools and accessories and want some advice on what way to go. I'm wanting this for mostly working on the cars and possibly painting but don't need anything huge. what brands do you recommend and what size compressor would you suggest?

 

[NathanJax]

I moved your post to the Garage section. It's to "Discuss tools and everything else that happens in the garage."

Hopefully someone will be able to help you (in the correct section) shortly

 

[NathanJax]

Most of my stuff is Craftsman from Sears. I'd strongly recommend getting them from Sears (Craftsman), Lowes (Cobalt) or something with a lifetime warranty.

I do have a few things from Harbor Freight, but those aren't tools I trust my life with like jack stands and stuff. Just cheap misc tools

 

[07Burb]

I moved your post to the Garage section. It's to "Discuss tools and everything else that happens in the garage."

Hopefully someone will be able to help you (in the correct section) shortly

my bad, I'll find my way around this forum someday

 

[Goodinblack]

A mod moving another mods post........

Lol

Don't forget Ridgid at Home Depot. I have a lot off stuff from all three

HD
Lowe's
Sears

 

[mfdrookie516]

Hard to beat Ingresol Rand air tools IMO. Make sure that you have an air compressor that will put out enough air, and check the power of the impact before you buy it (ie ft/lbs torque).

 

[07Burb]

Most of my stuff is Craftsman from Sears. I'd strongly recommend getting them from Sears (Craftsman), Lowes (Cobalt) or something with a lifetime warranty.

I do have a few things from Harbor Freight, but those aren't tools I trust my life with like jack stands and stuff. Just cheap misc tools

I'm thinking about going craftsman, too. that's what all my sockets are because of the lifetime warranty. Someone else I know did recommend Harbor Freight air tools, though

 

[07Burb]

Hard to beat Ingresol Rand air tools IMO. Make sure that you have an air compressor that will put out enough air, and check the power of the impact before you buy it (ie ft/lbs torque).

...and that's one of my questions. how do I know if the compressor I'm getting is good enough? is a 150 psi max compressor good enough for the usual wrenching on the rides and possibly painting a vehicle in the future?

 

[NathanJax]

I'm thinking about going craftsman, too. that's what all my sockets are because of the lifetime warranty. Someone else I know did recommend Harbor Freight air tools, though

95% of my stuff is Craftsman. It just last forever. I've been getting tools for gifts other misc times from my father (mechanic) since I was about 14. I've got pretty much any tool I need that could be used in a normal persons garage.

 

[mfdrookie516]

PSI is only part of the equation. You also have to be able to push enough air (measured in CFM). The compressor should have that listed. Just make sure you have a decent compressor. I have an IR Thundergun (great impact) and my cheapo Kobalt (http://www.lowes.com/pd_221495-1498...uctId=3115861&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1) does a pretty good job running it.

For wrenching around, small jobs, nail guns, etc... something like that kobalt will do fine. If you ever decide to start spraying cars or using things like sanders and die grinders for extended periods of time, that's when you start looking at the high dollar compressors.

 

[07Burb]

I do too other than the air tool area. What are the specs on your compressor Nathan? Size of the compressor will most likely determine what I get as space in my garage is limited. So I basically need something that is fairly "portable" but will get the job done.

 

[NathanJax]

I'll have to check. I've had it for 7+ years and it works flawlessly. Craftsman of course. I've never had an issue with it not performing when I've needed it to either.

I'll look when I get home in the morning

 

[07Burb]

PSI is only part of the equation. You also have to be able to push enough air (measured in CFM). The compressor should have that listed. Just make sure you have a decent compressor. I have an IR Thundergun (great impact) and my cheapo Kobalt (http://www.lowes.com/pd_221495-1498...uctId=3115861&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1) does a pretty good job running it.

For wrenching around, small jobs, nail guns, etc... something like that kobalt will do fine. If you ever decide to start spraying cars or using things like sanders and die grinders for extended periods of time, that's when you start looking at the high dollar compressors.

good info here. Thank you sir That Kobalt looks nice and the advice of looking at CFM is good. I hadn't thought about that.

It may be a while before I get serious about spraying cars and stuff like that but that is on the horizon for me at some point. So maybe I'll hold off on focusing on that til a later time since I'm on limited space anyway at the moment with just a 2 car garage.

 

[07Burb]

I'll have to check. I've had it for 7+ years and it works flawlessly. Craftsman of course. I've never had an issue with it not performing when I've needed it to either.

I'll look when I get home in the morning

Sounds good.

 

[mfdrookie516]

One thing to note, that's of importance to me at least. On a lot of the newer compressors today, there's no oil involved. That's one thing that led me to the Kobalt, over a lot of the other compressors in the same size and price range. With the Kobalt, I change the oil just like I would in a lawnmower, etc (Mobil 1 synthetic ). I've been around some of those oil-less compressors before, and they just don't last. I also picked this one because of the same issue as you... a 2 car garage (that barely fits a bicycle because of the junk) and the vertical tank just seemed like the better fit, and it's 110v, so I was able to use my existing 20a circuit instead of wiring in a 220v plug.

 

[07Burb]

Where do you keep your tank in the garage? Over in a corner tucked away or ??

 

[NathanJax]

Mines in the front corner of the garage close to the garage door. Right next to my took box and makes it able for my air hose to reach out in to the driveway.

 

[07Burb]

Seems like a logical spot. My first tool for it will be an impact wrench but what other tools do you guys suggest that I add to my list?

 

[NathanJax]

air saw (works great on door guts like your beater) and a must for a lot of stereo work

air cut off wheel

get yourself a good tire pressure gauge

Air gun for blowing up kids balls/footballs/soccer/etc and for blowing off work bench and even blowing out garage

 

[mfdrookie516]

Impact, air ratchet, hammer, die grinder... of course a good air chuck, a nozzle (get a 12" if possible... so much better than the little rubber nub). If you are a DIY'er, a finish nailer and framing nailer are really nice to have... and a palm nailer makes hammering in nails a piece of cake.