How to Buy a Residential Air Compressor

When it comes to running your air-powered tools, you need to have the right air compressor. If you don't, your powerful pneumatic tools are worthless. The type of projects you normally do in your garage indicates what kind of air compressor you'll need, so think long and hard about what you'll be using it for and make the right decision.

Things You'll Need

• Air compressor pamphlets
• Your most powerful air tool

Instructions

1. Determine what kind of projects you normally tackle. If your projects range between casual to moderate duty to serious duty, choose a residential air compressor. If they're of greater demand, choose something more commercial.

2. Grab the pamphlet that comes with air compressors and check out the facts. If you're doing more casual to moderate duty, like inflation, nailing or stapling, you'll want something under 5 gallons. For more serious duty projects, like using impact wrenches and drills, look for compressors over 5 gallons.

3. Locate your most powerful air tool that you plan on using and write down the CFM (cubic feet per minute) number. When you buy your compressor, a good rule of thumb is to buy one that exceeds your most powerful air-powered tool in cubic feet per minute.

References

• How to Choose the Right Air Compressor for Your Needs
• Picking the Perfect Residential Air Compressor