I have a chance to get a good deal ($60) for a Craftsman 5HP 25 Gallon 7.1 9.1 SCFM 120v Compressor, non oiled.

I've never used one before. My question is will it make automotive work much easier (save me sore muscles and bloody knuckles) or do most of you guys not even use one?

I can't really imagine a scenario where I would actually need one, but it seems like every diy mechanic has one.

Thanks for any info

 

Not really needed. It's nice to have one every so often, but if you don't have the space, tools, etc, then don't bother. However, I have a couple corded and cordless tools that do the same job as pneumatics.

 

you will see how much you actually use it once you have one. instead of buying electric tools, you will buy air tools. just makes life a lot easier.

 

I HAS AN AIR COMPRESSOR


they are nice, i still use my cordless drills for most screws because you don't have to worry about the air hose, but for tougher things like the bolts that hold the seats down and wheel lugs and the such an impact wrench is a must have.
They are not good for testing wastegate actuators though

 

LOL

 

Good lord, why would any car guy not have one? They make taking lug nuts off a 30 second job instead of a 2 minute one. Air wratchets save a lot of work, and help avoid most of the busted knuckles. Besides, air tools sound cool.

The secret to using air tools is not to just crank them up to max (stripped threads, rounded heads), and to have a good set of sockets to use with them. Chinese made junk air tools are okay if you like frustration (they won't last, have no power), but avoid the chinese made socket sets at all cost.

 

at that price I'd buy it

 

I have the same unit you are looking at. The seller is probably going to graduate to an oiler and get some peace and quiet. At the price you are paying it's a no brainer. Just do it. Worst case scenario you'll want a 220v to paint your car later so you can sell this one for a $50 profit.

 

that unit is great for race car paint jobs... that and a quart of ACE enamel :gay:

 

Why would it not be good for testing a watse gate actuator? I've used one for that exact purpose several times.

If you're FI you should have one for boost leak tests, which should be done on a regular basis.

 

I hate air tools, only because my 15 gallon tank doesn't hold air long enough.

 

i did that, thin with acetone and it sprays just fine

 

I had that same compressor for years and never thought I needed it, it worked but did not have enough power for the things that make air tools great...like die grinders and sanders and body saws.....the list goes on and on.

Do it once and do it right. I sold that compressor for a $100 and got a 60gal 8hp Ingersoll Rand model. Well worth the $750. Its quieter and can power anything!

I can't do anything with out it!

 

I've got a small pancake compressor. For suspension stuff air tools work wonders...I dont use it very often other than for that. I did use it to paint a fender. Just used a 40 dollar gun. It was my first time with metallics and it didnt turn out too bad. Didn't have any runs and the base looked good I just couldn't get the clear right and it looked orange peely...

 

how often do you guys drain your condensation out of them? I haven't done it for the few years i've owned mine and saw in the manual the other day that it should be drained "after every use"

 

I drain it every once and a while more important is to keep your tools lubed cuase the bearings don't like moisture.

 

i never have, but im lazy. Then again my compressor(s) all 3 together cost me 100 bucks so i used and dispose as necessary. Althoug my last one 240v 5hp craftsman is brand new so i will treat her well

 

i drain mine a few times a year. i just keep it aired up all the time too

 

I converted th drain to a ball valve and extended it so I can easily reach it. I crack this for about 15-30sec each time I go to use it. This is a 220V 60gal Porter Cable compressor. I also run an inline filter right at the outlet of the compressor.

 

I had that same compressor... wanted to kill myself the first time I used it because its ******* LOOOOOOOUDDD!!!!! You'll use it a lot more than you think, and thats a good deal.

Graduated to an 80 gallon twin-stage 220 5hp BELT DRIVE compressor. Fills the 80 gallon tank in about 3 minutes, and can more than keep up with any air tool I've thrown at it.