An air compressor is a useful tool and one that all DIY enthusiasts and handymen need to keep on hand. This versatile machine can be used for a lot of applications from inflating a tire to running the air tools that you want to use in the shop. If you are not certain what you should look for in an air compressor, it is even harder to find the right one.
There are different models and brands that you are able to choose from, but which one will provide you with the results that you want. Some of the tips that you can follow to ensure that you pick on of the best performing air compressors include:
Know the Type of Air Compressor
The first thing to do is learn about the different types of air compressors. This will help you to see which one is going to match up with the work that you would like to get done. Some of the different types you can consider include:
- Pancake air compressor: This is a small compressor that is best to use in the home. It will not work well if you run it for a long time or if you want to do some heavy-duty work. They work for running small air tools, blowguns, and inflating a tire.
- Portable air compressor: This is the best kind for handymen and contractors because it is versatile and can go on the road with them. These models are often compact enough to move around while being strong enough for heavy-duty work. This is a good option for a powerful model to do at home.
- Twin stack air compressor: This is a type of compressor that is portable and has two air tanks. The twin tanks allow you to store more air so the device will run longer and can do more work. This is popular with contractors.
- Hot dog air compressor: This compressor has a horizontal air tank and is one of the most recognizable types of compressors. There are different sizes that you can pick for your project.
- Upright air compressors: This type comes with a single vertical air tank and is often used in the car industry.
This can help you know which of the air compressors will work well for the projects that you would like to get done in your home.
Read more: 10 Best Air Compressors For Your Home Garage
Choosing the Right Model
Now that you know a bit more about the different types of air compressors that you are able to choose, it is time to take a look at the model. You need to take some time to look at the use of the air compressor first.
A good step here is to make a list of the air tools you would like to run with the air compressor. Each of them will have a PSI and CFM rating. These will tell you how much airflow and pressure a tool will need to be efficient and get the work done.
Get a good idea of what the PSI and CFM requirements are for each one. This will help you check the model of any air compressor you would like to use to ensure that you are choosing one that will work with your tools.
Which Brand is the Best?
Some people choose a brand that they know and trust in the past. Others have certain brands that they refuse to even touch because they feel that the brand is unreliable and not good. Others may have no idea what brand is good and what they should stay away with.
There are going to be a few brands that you can choose to use when you purchase a new air compressor. Do a bit of investigating ahead of time to make sure that you pick the right one. Some of the things that you should consider before the purchase includes:
- Is the brand known and reputable?
- What do other consumers have to say about the customer service of the brand?
- Does the brand have good reviews online?
- Is there some kind of service center nearby if you have problems?
- What is the warranty like on the product?
All of these are going to be important to research before you pick out one of the products, no matter the brand. This will help you to pick out a good brand with a company that will back it up and will work with some of the projects that you plan to get done.
The Cost and Features
One factor that a lot of people have to consider when they are getting an air compressor is the price. You will quickly find that there are a lot of different price points when it comes to picking out this tool, so shop around to find a good deal.
A good deal does not mean that you go for the least expensive model that is available. This is often going to end in heartache and will cause more grief than It is worth. The best deal is going to be one that has an affordable price compared to others on the market based on the different features that you need.
Take the time to figure out which features are the most important to getting your projects done. Depending on what you want to do with the project or in your workshop, you may need specific features that some air compressors have and others do not. You can then shop around for the right tool for your needs, without having to waste time on something that won’t work.
Picking the Right Air Compressor
There are many different types of air compressors that you are able to choose, but not all of them will provide the features and the cost that you need to get the work done. This is a big expense so take some time to do a bit of research and find the right one for your needs with ease.
