Air Compressor

Why would I need one? I have one and will probably get rid of it.
If you had one, what would you use it for?
Is it something you wish you had?

 

Mine gets most of its use blowing up rafting tubes for visiting guests, a nearby river is great for a relaxing float with your butt in the water on a hot summer day. Not really a survival use in that, unless it's saving me from having a heart attack trying to blow them up by mouth

There is this however



for boarding up the windows in a hurry.

 

Inflating tires and powering tools are what I use mine for the most, along with cleaning things by blowing off dirt and debris.

They can also be used to move liquids with the proper set up.

 

I actually have three or four of them. I air up tires and blow the dust out of my shop with the big one and then the small ones go to the job to power all sorts of tools like air nailers, staplers, small grinders, and air files. My wife uses one for her airbrush and pain guns. Then there are the little ones that you can plug into a cigarette lighter plug on your car and air up a low tire on the road. It sucks to have a flat and then find that your spare tire is low on air after being ignored for several years. The small ones go on vacation with me to air up air mattresses and water floats for the kids. I also keep the kid's balls and such inflated at home.

 

Thanks for responses. Someone did tell me "I" would need to blow out the carburetor on my little tractor, possibly. I would probably ask a friend to show me how to do that. I'm a disaster on tools.
Recently had a flat tire too. This air compressor is a beast and I won't be taking it anywhere or in the house.

 

I use mine to pump tires, blow out circuits on carbs and when I build things it is a god sent item to run a nail gun. My elbow cant take swinging a hammer like it used to when I was younger. The last time I built a deck with a hammer my elbow hurt for 6 months after. Not exaggerating at all.

 

I have one and air nailers, air grinders and a air cutoff tool. You can also use a compressor to skin many animals, including deer, coyotes, etc. They are also used for skinning alligators, so probably would work on snakes and fish. I also use mine for spray painting, even airbrushing.

 

When I was a mechanic everything ran off of compressed air. Today not so much. They all use those rechargeable battery operated tools now.

 

I would definitely keep it! So many good uses, as you are learning in this thread. Put it on a wheeled platform. You can make one easily by screwing swiveled wheels underneath a simple but solid homemade wooden deck.


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It has wheels. I had no idea it was used for so many things.

 

Potato gun

 

I have three shops and have a compressor for each. They are endlessly useful.

 

oh wow, nice. It sounds like the storm troopers and Han Solo are having some back and forth

 

There are lots of 12 volt compressors that will inflate a tire but they tend to be slow.
If you have a large compressor at home you can have "portable" air with one of these.
https://www.harborfreight.com/11-gallon-portable-air-tank-65595.html

 

I have a beautiful compressor . i use it to blow out the pipes when i winterize my place up north. it is very important to have 4.8CFM@40PS. this is volume if you do not have this you can not effectively blow out the lines. it is also great with pneumatic tools, like air nailer, air drills, air cutting tools, paint sprayers , or ever just using the air gun to clean up stuff .

• Mastercraft 5 Gallon Air Compressor features 135 max PSI, 1.5 running HP and is oil free for less maintenance
• Metal control panel with two metal case gauges, two quick couplers for each operation
• Reinforced handle to well protect the pump/motor from damage
• Metal air filter for durabilty
• 4.8CFM@40PSI, 3.5CFM@90PSI
• 5-gallon twin stack provide stable air flow
• 1.5 running HP induction motor
• Oil free for less maintenance
• Working pressure: 105-135psi
• Product Dimensions: 18 x 15.7 x 20.6" (45.5 x 40 x 52.5 cm)
• Net weight: 51.3 lbs (23.30 kg)

 

Radar: I will unabashedly weigh in on your side. I know there are many uses for a compressor, but I am not particularly mechanically inclined. I am not going to build anything. I might use one to pump up a tire, but 'knock on wood' I haven't had to do that since I can't remember when. I won't run any tools from it. I'm not going to clean anything up with it. I don't have to worry about a carburetor on anything.

Since you have it as long as it isn't in the way, keep it. Someday maybe, someone will find a need for it. I don't have one, and I have no intention of getting one. See how long it sits without being touched. Maybe then you can reassess your need.

 

Thank you, @Morgan101
I think I used it once and was cautioned sharply because I was doing something incorrect.

 

I use a air compressor often and have several
here is what I use them for but not limited too, most of this has been posted
running air tools and air sprayers
airing up tires
blowing out waterlines for winterizaton
pressure checking waterlines prior to drywall
pressure checking drain lines prior to drywall
pressurizing a sand blaster
pressure checking gas piping
pressure for a waste oil burner
blowing out crud from misc, maybe a electric motor bell or some such, intake screens etc.
there's probably other things but the above comes to mind

 

I use cordless tools for building. Add solar and extra batteries.