air compressor<\/a> isn’t as easy as you might think, and since some of them can cost hundreds of dollars, getting the wrong one can be a very expensive mistake.<\/p>\nBefore you go shopping, you should think about what the compressor will be used for. Do you need it to be strong enough to run a nail gun for an entire workday, or do you just need it to inflate an air mattress steadily? How you answer this question will tell you a lot about which unit is best for your needs.<\/p>\n
Also, keep in mind that the compressor will likely take up more space the more powerful it is. That could mean it’s too big to fit in your car or too heavy to easily carry around. When making your choice, you should think about how important portability and power are to you.<\/p>\n
When you have a 110V air compressor, you’ll be surprised at how many things you can do with it. It can work as a tire pump, power staple guns, run paint sprayers, help you quickly clean up your workspace, and do much more.<\/p>\n
Some smaller units also have 12V power ports, so you can keep them in your car in case of an emergency. Even though this is useful, we focused on the ones that plug into a regular wall outlet. These tend to be stronger, which lets you finish big jobs quickly.<\/p>\n
If you don’t have your own air compressor, a flat tire could throw off your whole day, or you could spend all day blowing up that mattress. You can save a lot of time and effort with these small machines, and you won’t have to go to the gas station as often to use their compressor.<\/p>\n
Benefits<\/strong><\/p>\nYou can plug a 110V air compressor into any standard outlet. This gives you a lot of options for where to put it.<\/p>\n
They can give you steady, reliable pressure so you can get your work done without stopping.<\/p>\n
Many are priced in a way that makes them affordable for the average do-it-yourselfer.<\/p>\n
<\/span>How 110V Air Compressors Work<\/span><\/h3>\nEven though all 110V air compressors do the same basic things, there are some important differences between them that you should know about before you buy. They are not all good for the same things, so do your research before you buy one. If you don’t, you might be stuck with a machine that isn’t good for the jobs you need to do.<\/p>\n
Air compressors that look like pancakes<\/strong><\/p>\nThe name “pancake” comes from the fact that these units are roughly the shape of a pancake. This gives them a lot of stability because the tank, which is usually the heaviest part of the compressor, is at the bottom of the machine, giving it a low center of gravity.<\/p>\n
Pancake compressors are close to being both fixed and mobile. Most of the time, they are pretty heavy, weighing around 30 pounds. But many of them have handles or small wheels that make it easy to move them to where you need them. They usually don’t take up much room, either, but you may lose some tank space because of them.<\/p>\n
Hot Dog Air Compressors<\/strong><\/p>\nWe know, we know. Whoever came up with these names must have been hungry. As you might expect, these models look like hot dogs. They have long, cylindrical tanks that can be mounted either vertically or horizontally.<\/p>\n
These compressors can be quite big, so you may find that they are more powerful than a typical pancake model. Even though hot dog compressors are stronger, they are often louder and less stable than their flat counterparts.<\/p>\n
Many hot dog compressors also have pumps that are lubricated with oil. This can make them last longer, but it also means that they need regular maintenance.<\/p>\n
Portable Air Compressors<\/strong><\/p>\nMost portable air compressors are small and light enough to carry in a car or put on a shelf. They aren’t nearly as powerful as stationary models, but that’s not the point. They’re made for smaller jobs or to help you out in an emergency until you can get back to the shop.<\/p>\n
In addition to the 110V plug, many portable compressors also have a 12V plug that fits into a car’s cigarette lighter or a built-in battery pack. This makes them very useful and easy to use.<\/p>\n
It’s a good idea to keep a portable air compressor in your trunk in case you get stuck on the side of the road. They’re also great for blowing up balls, rafts, and other things at family BBQs and picnics.<\/p>\n
<\/span>What You Should Think About Before Buying a 110V Air Compressor<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen deciding between different 110V air compressor models, it’s important to know that there aren’t many features that are “good” or “bad.” Instead, it’s often about how useful a feature is for the job at hand and whether you’re willing to give up one benefit for the sake of another (for example, less noise often means less power). Don’t look at these features through a universal lens. Instead, think about how you want to use them.<\/p>\n
Power<\/strong><\/p>\nYou’ll probably see a few different power specs on any model you’re thinking about, since the word “power” can mean different things at different times. The first thing to look at is the motor’s output, which is often given in terms of horsepower. When you have more horsepower, the air pressure is higher. This is usually measured in PSI. This lets you keep more air in the tank, so you can work longer without having to fill it up.<\/p>\n
Cubic feet per minute (CFM) and standard cubic feet per minute are two other common measurements (SCFM). These terms have to do with how much pressure the machine can put out, and as PSI goes down, they go up. High CFM ratings are great for heavy-duty jobs like nailing frames, but they may be too much for smaller jobs.<\/p>\n
Capacity<\/strong><\/p>\nDifferent compressors will have different-sized air tanks. The bigger the tank, the more pressure it can hold and the longer it can keep holding it. But don’t automatically think that a bigger tank is better for you. Smaller tanks can do most jobs just as well.<\/p>\n
If you plan to use the machine all the time or have a job that needs a lot of airflow for a long time (like painting a car), it’s probably best to buy a bigger tank. However, keep in mind that big tanks are, well, big. They’ll take up more space in your shop and be harder to move around, so make sure you need all that space before you pull out your credit card.<\/p>\n
Portability<\/strong><\/p>\nThis is related to the size of the tank because, in general, bigger tanks are harder to move around. Still, many of the bigger ones get around this problem by having big handles and wheels. This makes it easy to move them from point A to point B without hurting your back.<\/p>\n
But portability is even more important if you need to take your compressor to different job sites. Some are easy to put in the back of a truck or van, while others can be attached to a vehicle permanently.<\/p>\n
Just remember that all the power and capacity in the world won’t help you if you can’t get the compressor to where you need it to be.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Advice on how to buy and use a 110-volt air compressor<\/span><\/h3>\nThe most important thing when looking for a 110V air compressor is, to be honest about what you’ll use it for. Don’t just buy the biggest and most powerful model on the market. If you often need to work on small details, this could actually hurt you.<\/p>\n
Even though these machines don’t need much care, that doesn’t mean you should ignore yours. If it’s lubricated with oil, make sure to check the levels before each use and keep all the vents clean. Check screws, nuts, hoses, and other connections often to make sure they’re tight, and drain any water that might have gathered. If you’re not going to use the unit for a while, make sure to empty the tank and let all the air out. This can stop condensation from building up, which can cause rust and corrosion. Rusted tanks are more likely to catch on fire.<\/p>\n
Also, pay attention to how it feels and how stable it is. A lot of compressors shake a lot when they are working, which can make them fall off shelves or topple over. Before you start, try to make sure it’s stable, and be very careful when moving it.<\/p>\n
Pay close attention to how long the power cords and air hoses are, as this will affect how easy it is to use the unit.<\/p>\n
Try not to use extension cords because they can get too hot. Instead, if you need to, connect more than one air hose.<\/p>\n
Use the right amount of pressure for the job at hand. Some tasks work better with a steady, low volume, while others need short bursts of maximum pressure.<\/p>\n
<\/span>What is the best 110V air compressor?<\/span><\/h3>\nEven though air compressors aren’t very complicated machines, there’s still a lot of jargon and technical talk that comes with buying one, so if you’ve never done it before, it’s easy to get confused. We’ve answered some of the most common questions that buyers have below so that you can make the best buying decision possible.<\/p>\n
What’s the difference between a motor that stops and starts and one that runs all the time?<\/strong><\/p>\nA stop-start motor turns off when it’s not being used. This saves wear and tear on the machine but makes work a little slower. Units that are always on never turn off. Unless you run a professional shop, you should be fine with a stop-start motor.<\/p>\n