Air Compressors

Your Tool Experts for Air Compressors

As engines are the driving force in a motorised vehicle, Air Compressors are the power supply for air tools.

Using air tools significantly help auto mechanics by being quicker than hand tools, more compact than power tools and don’t overheat like electric tools.

Using air tools & compressors aren’t just for professional motor mechanics, they are equally at home in the hands of DIY auto enthusiasts. If you are dedicated to this labour of love, and after some basic training, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to discover the joys of air compressors and their associated air tools.

Instead of spending hours struggling with trying to remove rusted bolts with non-air tools, use an air ratchet tool, connected to an air compressor and you’ll get that bolt off in seconds.

Air Compressors make light-work of auto repairs, making tasks easier, quicker and less stressful.

Choosing the best air compressor is dependent on the task at hand but you need to take into consideration all of the jobs you’ll use the compressor for, once you buy one air tool, you’ll want another so make sure you get a compressor that will allow you to do all the things you want to do now, and in the future.

Tank Size

Start with tank size, measured in gallons or litres, depending on which side of the pond you’re from. If you’re using the compressor in small bursts, like an air nailer, then a small tank size is needed. However, if the compressor is to be used for longer periods, like a spray gun for painting, then you will need a large tank. Capacity range from small 2 litre tanks to 100 litres, with plenty of choice inbetween.

Power Supply

Air compressors come in a variety of power supply options, corded & cordless, low voltage, electric, petrol and diesel so choice is extensive. Electric compressors normally operate on standard household current, localised to your geo-location. Power supply choice may come down to where you’re using the compressor, for example, you don’t want fumes when using air tools indoors or in confined spaces so electric compressors are the better option here. If you are not near an electric power supply, outdoors away from buildings for example, standalone power supply is needed.

Air Compressors : Domestic Use

Typical uses of air compressor in a domestic environment is by DIY enthusiasts using air tools for nailing, drilling, hammering, chiselling, stapling, painting, inflating tyres and cleaning. One of the main considerations is affordability, physical size, tank capacity and power supply constraints.

Unless you are using the compressor for long periods, eg. air brush painting, then a small tank size is sufficient for home DIY use. Electric power supply is normally readily available, unless you are working further afield. Small air compressors often have wheels and handles to assist with movement around the home but as they require a high initial current supply to start working, long extension leads can sometimes cause problems.

Air Compressors : Commercial Use

Air compressors used by professional auto mechanics & technicians are more likely to need larger units for more frequent use and larger capacity tanks for sustained use. The different use criteria should be considered when buying a professional unit, alongside additional features like anti-vibration mountings to reduce noise levels.

Commercial use may also include mobile services, where engineers visit customers in their home, office or outdoor facility. Portable air compressors are smaller than static professional compressors but more robust and powerful than home-use domestic compressors. Consideration should also be given to power supply as electric power sockets may not always be available.