Since the mid-1600s, humans have been playing with the idea of compressing air and putting it to work. By the late 1800s, air compressors began appearing in the mining and ship building industries. But it wasn’t until the 1960s, with the invention of the pneumatic nail gun, that portable air compressors became common on jobsites around the world.
These days, with the push of a button, you can power pneumatic tools, inflate a car tire, winterize your sprinkler system or clean dust out of a hard-to-reach spot. With an abundance of uses for any work day, it’s easy to see why a portable air compressor is a fantastic addition to every tool collection.
When considering a portable air compressor, you’ll find a horde of numbers and acronyms heaved your way. It’s important to separate the vital characteristics from the mumbo-jumbo, and we’re here to help.
Here are the top things I look for when choosing a portable air compressor:
- Airflow rate: Portable air compressors are rated by the volume of air delivered at 90 pounds per square inch (psi). This number is expressed in standard cubic feet per minute (CFM). This is the single most important characteristic when looking for an air compressor.
- Tank size: The amount, in gallons, of compressed air the tank can hold. Tank size is only important if you’re using an air tool like a paint sprayer or orbital sander that goes through a large amount of compressed air quickly. Larger tank sizes also usually mean the compressor is bulkier and more difficult to transport.
- Noise rating: Air compressors, especially the beasts of the past, are extremely loud and obnoxious machines. These days, tool companies are conscious of this. Most produce machines that perform near 70 decibels (db), similar to a washing machine.
- Weight: Transporting a heavy air compressor can be a daunting task. Though weight is not the only thing to consider when determining mobility, it’s definitely the leading factor.
After looking over all the portable air compressors, here are my best-of-class for 2022:
Article source here: The Best Portable Air Compressors
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