'upgrade' my air compressor? clueless in Colorado!

[sellersm]

I have come into possession of a new, 17 gal 1.8HP 150PSI oil-less, air compressor (it's this one from HF: https://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors/17-gal-18-hp-150-psi-oilless-air-compressor-68066.html)

My son-in-law and I plan on using it for the car repair work that we do, as it also came with various 1/4 and 3/8 ratchets, and a 50' 3/8" air hose (I believe it's pvc/hybrid).

He is suggesting that I upgrade all the fittings, hose, etc. to be 3/8 instead of 1/4 to get maximum airflow.

I have no idea where to start, as the title says, I'm clueless when it comes to air compressors & fittings/connectors/couplers! I only know how to put a few drops of oil in, and go... And I do know there are basically 3 types of plugs/connectors: NPT, Auto and Universal! And something called high-flow (H)...

Can anyone give me some specific products, links to products, that I need to acquire in order to change all the 1/4 fittings to 3/8? I believe this uses the standard 1/4 NPT fitting stuff.

I was told to get a filter also to go in the air hose 'line', so I assume that needs to be 3/8 as well?

Thanks!

[ray1970]

What’s the cfm rating on the compressor? That’s usually more important for running air tools than the hp or tank size. My compressor is a 7hp, two stage, with a fifty gallon tank and it’s marginal at best for running impacts or blowing out sprinklers.

[sellersm]

The spec sheets say: Air delivery: 4 CFM @ 90 PSI, 6 CFM @ 40 PSI

[jerrymrc]

The spec sheets say: Air delivery: 4 CFM @ 90 PSI, 6 CFM @ 40 PSI

Not even close. I have an older single stage rated @ 11 CFM @ 90. It will run a DA sander and do everything I ask but it just does keep up with the DA or grinder. I do have a blast cabinet and can't run it flat out. Anything that uses air continuously will run for less than a min and you will wait on it. If all you are going to do is fill up a tire or run a nailer or impact then fine but many of the tools one uses for auto work to include painting it will be very lacking.

[ray1970]

That’s likely not going to provide adequate performance to run things like impacts or air drills. I think a typical 1/2” impact will pull 5 or 6 CFM so you’ll likely be pushing maybe 45 or 50 psi through it effectively cutting its performance in half. I could be wrong as my brain isn’t functioning well today.

Also, as to your original question, I would avoid going with large diameter hoses or fittings for fear of really outpacing your rated cfm.

Also, not to be a total negative Nancy, but everyone that I know who’s had one of those oil-less compressors hasn’t gotten much use out of it before it cratered. Hopefully you’ll have better luck.

[DenverGP]

My compressor is a 7hp, two stage, with a fifty gallon tank and it’s marginal at best for running impacts or blowing out sprinklers.

For most uses of an impact, the CFM isn't as critical since you aren't running the tool continuously. My single stage 30 gal, 3hp compressor handles my 1/2" impact just fine. The thing that improved the performance of my impact the most was a compressor with a higher output regulator letting me run the impact at 150psi. It'll knock off most things in one or two "ugga duggas", where it needed to bang on the bolts a lot longer at only 100psi.

For something like a die grinder, where you run it more continuously the CFM becomes more important, and I've got to stop and wait much more frequently for the tank to re-fill.

[DenverGP]

I think a typical 1/2” impact will pull 5 or 6 CFM so you’ll likely be pushing maybe 45 or 50 psi through it effectively cutting its performance in half.

The CFM of the pump doesn't effect the PSI going to the tool, as long as the tank has at least as much pressure as your output regulator is set to.

The CFM of the pump will definitely effect how long you wait for the tank to refill in long continuous uses.

[buffalobo]

HF 3/8 ratchet calls for 6 cfm @ 90 psi working pressure. Your compressor cannot keep up. It will operate it but will be lag and make your compressor run constantly and shorten its life.

[DenverGP]

I've used compressors comparable to the OPs with impact guns and air ratchets, even air hammers and die grinders while rebuilding several motors without any issue. Yes, they ran more than a high-end compressor, but they always did the job, and never any lack of power.

Yes, if you are running a business on it, a larger / higher powered compressor would be needed. For home wrenching, many people have successfully used smaller compressors just fine.

[ray1970]

The CFM of the pump doesn't effect the PSI going to the tool, as long as the tank has at least as much pressure as your output regulator is set to.


In a round about way it does. If your output is 4 cfm and you’re pulling 8 cfm it won’t be able to keep the pressure up. In other words, you might start out at 100 psi but once you start pulling more air than it can make that pressure is going to tank. And with the 17 gallon tank the OP mentioned it isn’t going to take long.

[Bailey Guns]

Wait til you start pricing air compressors that are adequate for what you're looking for!

[panic]

They aren't cheap. You'll most likely be looking to spend the better part of $1k for an adequate compressor. And you could easily double that for a good one.

[sellersm]

Thanks all!

One more question, from my son-in-law: any value to getting a good air tank? Use the compressor to fill the tank, and run off that?

And FWIW, we're talking occasional wrenching, no grinding, painting, etc. Just running the ratchet when we want a bolt or two turned... SIL has a compressor that works fine for nail guns, etc.

[ray1970]

I get spoiled at work. Our air compression makes about 35,000 CFM at 525 psi. We have seven, four stage air compressors and each one of them wouldn’t even fit in standard two car garage.

[ray1970]

And FWIW, we're talking occasional wrenching, no grinding, painting, etc. Just running the ratchet when we want a bolt or two turned... SIL has a compressor that works fine for nail guns, etc.

You’ll probably be just fine then. Somehow I was under the impression that you were planning on heavier or more frequent use.

I say use what you have and see if it meets your needs and expectations. If it does, you’re good to go.

[davsel]

What you already have should work for what you need it to do.
Try it out before purchasing any upgrades.

[TFOGGER]

Realistically, there's no need for bigger fittings on most tools. The exception would be grinders, sanders, and big drills, which tend to be air hogs. Most ratchets and impact wrenches will be fine on 1/4 inch fittings.

[Bailey Guns]

Oh...when you said auto work I was picturing sanding and such. Disregard my previous post.

[DenverGP]

And FWIW, we're talking occasional wrenching, no grinding, painting, etc. Just running the ratchet when we want a bolt or two turned... SIL has a compressor that works fine for nail guns, etc.

A couple tools that I've picked up that have been great in the home garage:

Harbor earthquake stubby 1/2"
impact (https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-ultra-compact-xtreme-torque-stubby-air-impact-wrench-63534.html) This thing is great. A lot lighter than most 1/2" impacts, and very good torque for it's size (handles lug nuts, etc no problem).

M12 Fuel hex driver (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-FUEL-12-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-1-4-in-Hex-Impact-Driver-Kit-W-2-2-0Ah-Batteries-Charger-Hard-Case-2553-22/303675046) With the adapters to hook up 1/4" and 3/8" sockets, it's much more convenient than air tools, and lots of power for it's little size. I've even banged off some 100 ft lb lug nuts with it. I was able to piece together all the pieces in the kit shown here for about $100, including two off-brand batteries buying the pieces separately on amazon.

For higher powered needs at home, the harbor freight full sized Earthquake 1/2" impact is pretty amazing. With 150psi driving it, it took off the crank bolt nice and easy. Cheaper / weaker impacts banged on the same bolt without moving it.

[ray1970]

Well, if we’re tossing out tool recommendations then I highly recommend a 3/8 drive impact. Small, light, handy and my IR will do just about anything. It even breaks lug nuts loose. (Although I usually still use my 1/2” for that.) Probably my most used air tool. Way faster than an air ratchet.

[Great-Kazoo]

Thanks all!

One more question, from my son-in-law: any value to getting a good air tank? Use the compressor to fill the tank, and run off that?

And FWIW, we're talking occasional wrenching, no grinding, painting, etc. Just running the ratchet when we want a bolt or two turned... SIL has a compressor that works fine for nail guns, etc.

Waste of time & money. Once the portable tank drops below the required psi to run what ever tool you're using, it has to be refilled. For the occasional work you'll be doing that compressor will do it. Once you get tired of having it go one every 4-5 min while in use, you'll upgrade.

At that point you could buy a larger (60 gal + ) unit and slave the smaller one you have now to it.


The filter he's talking about is for moisture. Unless you're running 25 + feet of line with a drop in it , those collectors/ filters don't do anything. Do some on line research regarding air compressors, how to set them up etc. Those filters don't do anything, if at all hooked up directly to the compressor.

[BPTactical]

Well, if we’re tossing out tool recommendations then I highly recommend a 3/8 drive impact. Small, light, handy and my IR will do just about anything. It even breaks lug nuts loose. (Although I usually still use my 1/2” for that.) Probably my most used air tool. Way faster than an air ratchet.

+1 on a 3/8" impact. I have a SnapOn I scored at a pawn shop for $75.00 that has handled all but the heaviest jobs. Much lighter and compact than my IR 244 1/2" gun.
But that IR will snap a 5/8" bolt.

I always look at a compressor like a safe, buy more than you need and you will never run short.
I had a 60 gallon 5hp 4 piston single stage compressor that I just got rid of. It worked ok for small stuff but when I would run my blast cabinet it would cycle excessively and get pretty hot.
I thought about a bigger tank but the cost of just a tank equals damn near a new compressor.
Keep an eye on Craigslist. You can find some pretty good deals if your patient and can sort through the junk.
I snagged a perfect 80 gallon IR for cheep from CL. Sold the old compressor on CL and ended up only into the new one for $100.00.

Example:
https://denver.craigslist.org/for/d/air-compressor-used-60-gallon/6537951311.html

[ChadAmberg]

You know, I still have my big ol' compressor for sale down here in the Springs. Needs a new motor but letting it go for a good price.

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