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Need more oomph out of my air compressor

AJMBLAZER

AJMBLAZER

Better to be lucky than good.
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Never knew how spoiled I was.

Used to have a big 60 gallon 2 stage oiled compressor. Did anything I wanted it to.
Hauled it around several moves including down to KY and installing 220 in two different rental houses. Moved in with my now wife and didn’t have space for it or the time for my automotive hobby like I did before. Sold it for more than I paid 10 years before.

Got a CH 16gallon that was rated at 200psi. Worked great. Did everything I need then and now.
Then the motor died last year.
Cheaper to buy new than fix so I looked around. Couldn’t find a similarly high rated model.

Got this:
https://m.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-QUIET...e-Electric-Vertical-Air-Compressor/1000405189
Bigger tank I liked but only rated at 150psi.
Problem is I am really missing the extra oomph my last two compressors had. My Silverado and the wife’s Yukon’s lug nuts are torqued to 140ftlbs. This can’t break them loose most of the time.

Am I missing the higher psi or the higher capacity more?

What can I do to resolve this considering 8 months ago I spent $270 on what is an otherwise very nice air compressor?

Reading about receiver tanks and/or creating higher psi in them. Want to hear what you guys think and would do before I take random internet advice.
 
Its the CFM. Tank size only masks cfm for a few seconds.

For example, a larger tank will let you get 90psi out of your gun for just a little bit longer than that small tank. But only a tiny bit longer before the motor kicks on. That is a small motor and pump so it won't keep up with much. Also you have to look at the fittings on that compressor.

PSI is only one variable in the equation. Air tools need a specific psi at a specific flowrate (CFM). With a small tank and a small flow rate it just can't provide enough air, at a specific pressure, to do the work.

So an expansion tank may help you get through a job without having to stop and let the compressor keep up. But its still gonna be a pain in the ass.
 
I have a 60 gal two stage unit and never use it for the impact. Spend the money on an m18 fuel impact. 1400 lbs in reverse. I do use air cut off and die grinder a bunch.
 
Hmmmm. So buying a new, higher psi compressor isn’t likely to happen too soon.

Thinking I may just rig up a receiver tank and get a better air impact. I am still working with the same $20 el cheapo I’ve had for 15 years.
 
What size hose are you using?

I haven't used an air impact in over a year after buying my 18V Rigid cordless impact. It does everything and more that my Ingersol Rand air powered impact could do except I don't have to drag air lines anywhere.
 
3/8”.

I’m not against an electric impact but hard to spend $200+ on something I already spent $270 on.
 
Ugh. I hate you all. I’ve been awake for an hour and change and so far have priced higher psi compressors and electric impacts.

Need to convince the wife it’s for Father’s Day.
 
Go electric. The impacts are heavy as shit in the hand. But there are no hoses.
Plus you can get other tools to match. So far I’m up to a drill/hammer drill, impact hex driver, and impact gun. Between the three I think I have 4 or 5 batteries now so I can have a fresh one in each tool and one on the quick charge. Much improvement for general work.
 
Smokinthehippies said:
Go electric. The impacts are heavy as shit in the hand. But there are no hoses.
Plus you can get other tools to match. So far I’m up to a drill/hammer drill, impact hex driver, and impact gun. Between the three I think I have 4 or 5 batteries now so I can have a fresh one in each tool and one on the quick charge. Much improvement for general work.
Click to expand...


Yup been eyeing the m12 ratchets, and the m18 angle grinder. I have an 1/2 drill, 1/2” brushless hammer drill, 1/4” brushless impact and plenty of batteries. You can look on Facebook and grab one for 50 or so off. That or buy the bare tool on amazon, then buy a battery and charger used.
 
My guess is you could step up to 1/2" hose for the cheapest fix. It would be worth trying before spending money on anything else.
 
jekquistk5 said:
I have a 60 gal two stage unit and never use it for the impact. Spend the money on an m18 fuel impact. 1400 lbs in reverse. I do use air cut off and die grinder a bunch.
Click to expand...
I just got one of these and it is the jam.
 
AJMBLAZER said:
Hmmmm. So buying a new, higher psi compressor isn’t likely to happen too soon.

Thinking I may just rig up a receiver tank and get a better air impact. I am still working with the same $20 el cheapo I’ve had for 15 years.
Click to expand...

Yes you need a better impact gun. 90 psi is industry standard for rating numbers. 140 ft pounds should be nothing to a 1/2" impact.
 
AJMBLAZER said:
Ugh. I hate you all. I’ve been awake for an hour and change and so far have priced higher psi compressors and electric impacts.

Need to convince the wife it’s for Father’s Day.
Click to expand...
Buy the earthquake from harbor freight 795lbs of tq
$79
1/2" hose and fittings make it even better but I never had a problem when I had 3/8" lines
 
Think I might try the Earthquake and if that won’t do it I’ll go up to a bigger Electric.

Did see some nice 200 psi air compressors though...
 
Be sure to keep us up to date. I may get an Earthquake for my brother. A compressor but no air tools at his house. Had to bust motorhome lugs by hand last weekend ugh.
 
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No one to borrow from. Moved away from my car buddies twice now and her dad’s tools aren’t any better than my old stuff.
 
jekquistk5 said:
I wouldn't waste any money on another air impact. Borrow someones first.
Click to expand...
If his is that old it doesn't matter what upgrades he puts on the air compressor.
Let him try a good strong impact that is still cheap, if he still needs a better compressor then he needs it anyway.
I have had an earthquake for 10 years still going strong.
I just bought another to put in my big rig
 
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