A portable air compressor is a nice little way to save space in your bag. They can be used for minor repairs or starts on new projects.
They are also great for quickly throwing into the trunk of the car or carrying in a backpack. These compressors are very slim and can even be folded up and stored easily.
The one thing that holds these compressors back is the size. They must have a source of pressure to power the vents on their tank! Using a small battery pack or charger will help this hold out better against potential damage.
Now that we have gone over what them, where they are useful, and what they look like, let’s get into the article! There are many different models to choose from so we will just stick with one for this article.
Contents:
Max HP rating
When looking at air compressors, being able to determine the maximum amount of work a compression unit can do is important. This is why we have a column for them here!
Some can do more work than others. A medium will not be as effective as a high because it is not able to adjust the air pressure as easily. This can make a difference in the amount of time you can use it, and how well you get your job done.
Using too much air will lead to poor quality air and poor results. If you find that your compressor is taking longer to charge or that it isn’t working as well, then maybe it is time to purchase new compressed air!
We recommend starting with less powerful compressors to see if you need to upgrade your system before spending lots of money on more powerful units.
Maximum tank size
The maximum tank size for an air compressor is usually around 300 psi. This is determined by the amount of air in the tank. Most vendors offer a test air pressure to determine the size of tank you have.
That being said, not all tanks are created equal. Some are easier to change a valve than a large gauge compressor. Some have quick disconnect valves whereas others do not.
We would never suggest a compressed air tool that does not allow you to change the valve easily as we would want to keep changing it on and off as we used it!
However, this is true regardless of the maximum tank size dimension.
Maximum tank pressure
When it comes to max tank pressure, most handheld air compressions tools have around 25 psi maximum tank pressure. This is great! You can easily get a couple of inches of pressure on your thumb alone!
Some larger impact tools have higher maximum pressures, usually around 35 psi. This is still a good amount of pressure to have on yourself or someone you trust!
When using an air compressor on yourself, you must be careful and use the right amount of air. The National Institute of Health suggests that you do not use too much or too little air, but rather make small adjustments– bit by bit.
You can do this by using a sink or a countertop as an air gauge. Just count how many times you blow out the same page of paper with each degree of inflation or de-icision.
Weight and dimensions
When it comes to portability, the right air compressor can make all the difference in comfort. There are many ways to carry your new toy around!
Some models are designed to be hung from a belt or attached with a keystone style appendage. Others can be sat in the palm of your hand! Regardless, these bigger models cost more than the lighter ones.
In the end, you get what you pay for. If you are looking for something affordable, do not buy anything that is expensive because you will only use it for maybe 1 thing and then it will be worthless.
There are some tips for buying an air compressor that does not involve buying one that is so heavy that it cannot possibly stay inflated! Make sure to read this article so that you do not spend money you could have avoided on an air compressor that does not work for your needs.
CSA or UL certification
There are a few things that should be mentioned before you start looking for an air compressor. There are private companies that make them and they are called certified seal of compressor companies (CSC).
These CSCs have years of experience and have passed the proper certification process to do business as seal of compressors. They also offer some products as compared to private companies that do not have the CSA or UL certification.
However, the private company does not have their certification, so the components are not up to standards of what they should be. Theses components can fail and your tool may not last long enough for you to use it for your work.
It is important to keep your eyes and ears open when looking for an air compressor. Be aware of what areas they are certified and if they have passed this standard in regards to air compressors.
Compressor oil type required
Compressors do not function unless they are filled with oil. This is important to keep in mind when using your unit. Compressors require oil to operate, called hydraulic oil, or hydraulic fluid for the unit.
Hydraulic oil is a liquid that can be flowed around and through a borealocket rod, which is the compressor housing, into the compres- sor. When it enters the bearings, it must flow back out before it can be used.
Unfortunately, many people do not know this and have been using compressed air as their only fix for small projects. Compressed air does work well as a fix for projects that require very little maintenance or re- maining: dust control! However, if you are going to use this feature frequently, then you should consider getting an extra set of hands-in the form of an appropriate brand of oil.
What are the advantages of a portable compressor?
A portable compressor can be used while you are walking around, working at the office, or when you are out of town. This air compressor can be carried in a backpack, tote, or even in a suitcase.
Since it is portable, you can take it with you whenever you need to repair your pressure equipment. You also have more options in purchasing one, as they do not always run $300+!
Another advantage of a portable air compressor is that it can be stored inside the backpack or tote it is carried in. This prevents wasted space and storage requirements, which are cost prohibitive.
When buying an air compressor, make sure that it is a pressure-type automatic one. These automatically gauge the amount of air being forced into the cylinder and then set its pressure accordingly.
What are the disadvantages of a portable compressor?
There are some things that may make a difference in the usage of a compressor. Some of these may be for air tools, not!
Some air compresses do not have reservoirs to hold additional pressure from being applied to the work piece. This means that you must be careful when working with your metal tools, or anything with hard skin-type material.
Another thing that may apply to all air compressors, is the weight. Some people may find that a heavy compressor is difficult to carry around with you at all times. It might be better to buy a portable one that is not so heavy, only used when needed.