| When most people consider the uses for air | | | | compressors for keeping hard surfaces like drives |
| compressors they think of having their tires filled | | | | and decks free of leaves. They are more than |
| at the oil change place. Well, they are still used in | | | | adequate for sporting equipment, paint sprayers, |
| tire and auto shops, to be sure, but their uses | | | | and lighter duty nailers like those used with |
| extend well beyond the automotive industry. | | | | finishing nails. These compressors usually have a |
| Compressors are employed wherever things need | | | | 1.5 to 3.5 horsepower motor and a small to |
| to be inflated, and with the right attachment, can | | | | medium sized tank. |
| also be used as a high pressure blower to clear | | | | Two-stage compressors offer more than 160 p.s.i. |
| dust from computers and debris from the | | | | and employ two pistons to fill the storage tank. |
| driveway. Air compressors are used to power nail | | | | They are the choice of general contractors and |
| guns, wrenches, and spray guns. And they sure | | | | roofers, auto mechanics, and those who use |
| come in handy when the kids need a ball or the | | | | them for other commercial and industrial purposes. |
| inflatable pool blown up! As you shop for air | | | | Most allow more than one piece of equipment or |
| compressors keep the following size guidelines in | | | | tool to be run off them at once. These units |
| mind so you'll end up with a unit that will help you | | | | feature motors in the 4.0 to 6.5 horsepower |
| take care of business at home or work. | | | | range to tackle the heavier work load. Their air |
| There are three basic sizes for compressors. | | | | storage tanks are also larger to accommodate |
| Many homeowners will find that a compact unit | | | | more equipment relying on them. |
| adequately meets their needs. They are light, | | | | When shopping for one-stage or two-stage |
| small, and very portable. There is no air storage | | | | compressors you will also need to select between |
| tank, so they run continuously while in demand. | | | | electric-powered and gas-powered units. The |
| Many of them are powerful enough for all types | | | | advantages of electric are obvious, but if you will |
| of inflation, from auto or mower tires to filling | | | | typically use the unit on building or other job sites, |
| that wading pool. Lighter duty caulk guns or spray | | | | a gas-powered unit offers much greater |
| guns will run well off compact air compressors. | | | | versatility. If your budget allows, it never hurts to |
| The next size up includes single stage air | | | | buy a unit a step bigger than you think you need, |
| compressors that use one piston to compress | | | | so that if your needed capacity increases your air |
| and pump air to a storage tank. They are usually | | | | compressor won't be underpowered. Careful |
| rated up to 160 psi. These are ideal of DIY | | | | thought about your needs will lead to a good |
| enthusiasts and those who want to use their air | | | | buying decision when it comes to air compressors. |