I am going to be buying an air compressor and tools, and need some advice in this area. How big of a compressor should I get, any particular brands to avoid? What I plan on using it for is an impact "gun" for lugnuts and stubborn bolts. What do compressors run on, gas? Everything for me up to this point has been hand tools, so I am new to pneumatic tools. Are air ratchets worth there price and again, any advice on brands?

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1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

Ingersol Rand make the best in air tools although expensive but you'll have them for life. For occasional use Sears Craftsmen electric compressor will do fine 5Hp.minium.

A 5 horse compressor is more than the average weekend mechanic needs, but I do agree that the biggest compressor you can afford will be the best in the long run. I have a 21 year old Campbell Hausfield that I completely neglect. I had to change the cutoff pressure switch recently, but other than that, no problems. It's only a 1 1/2 horse motor, but I have rebuilt many engines, removed many tires, and butchered many a paint job with it. An impact, air ratchet, and chisel are essential. Make sure you buy a set of impact sockets. NEVER use regular hand tool sockets. They can shatter and cause you serious injury. Always wear eye protection. Also keep your air tools well oiled with a quality air tool oil.

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For an average weekend machanic, 5 + HP electric motor with 30+ gallon tank will do. The critical part is the CFM of the unit, most air tool works 4 - 7 CFM. As for as tools are concern, it depends on the budget nice to have snap on, MAC tool or Ingersol Rand but they wil cost you an arm and a leg. In a medium budget Campbell Hausfeld, craftsman, and Huskey (home depot) are great. An 1/2 inpact gun, 3/8 ratchet, air chiesel and impact sockets are the most commonly used air tools.

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87 420 SEL
Looking for a nice mid 80's MB diesel.
87 BMW 528e (Sold)
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1989 Honda Accord (Sold)
1988 Honda Accord (Total)

My wife got me a big honkin' Husky 125 psi 6HP unit for our wedding anniversary a few years ago! What a gal!

The compressors have single (or double) piston pumps that are belt driven by an electric motor. The smaller units are 120V, but the big stand-up models require 220V! Fortunately I had the garage wired for it in anticipation of getting one someday!

The pumps require oil and the big tanks should be drained regularly, as moisture builds up inside and could rust. I've seen some shops with a drain system, and I plan on doing that one day.

So far I own a (cheap) air ratchet and a gravity feed spray gun, but at best, the compressor is really a glorified soccer ball and pool toy inflator! :p

I would recommend that if you plan to purchase air tools, get the best you can afford. My cheapie ratchet has no "grunt" whatsoever, so I'm torqueing and loosening with my own strength and then just letting the tool spin the nuts off (just so I can hear it making the noise and impressing my neighbors).

Also, if you get an impact wrench, you need to invest in a set of impact sockets (gunmetal black ones)...can't use the regular (chromed steel) ones or you'll crack them in no time!

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

Actually the good thing about the air ratchets is that you loosen and tighten by hand. You can then "feel" how tight you are getting a fastener. The air is to "run" the fastener.

If you want to just bust something loose and run it, you need a 3/8" butterfly or a 1/2" pistol grip.

A good combination to have would be a 1/2" pistol grip, a 3/8" butterfly, a 3/8" air ratchet and for tight spots you can get a VERY small air ratchet that is meant for 1/4" drive but has a 3/8" ratchet mechanism from Sears. I'm sure that others make one, but I have only seen it at Sears. This little darlin' is great for getting in really tight spots for running fasteners. The same one in 1/4" drive might be handy from time to time.

Get pigtail hoses with a swivel connection for each air tool and keep a can of marvel mystery oil handy. Put a couple of drops in each tool before you use it each day.

A 5HP, 30 gallon will be plenty for your purposes, but it will require 220V.

Enjoy,