Air compressor and rattle gun advice

[AC78]

Team

Just looking for some general advice on choosing an air compressor and rattle gun (air impact wrench) suitable for suspension work on my SC.

I've always got away with only using hand tools in the past but have discovered some stuck nuts that I can't get to with a breaker bar.

Is there a minimum HP and litres of air per minute I should be looking for?  Will the cheapo compressors and guns at Super Cheap do the job and last a decent amount of time?  I would only be using air tools occasionally and not for prolonged periods of time.

Also, are old compressors safe and worth considering?  I'm looking at one tomorrow which is pretty ancient but seller assures me is reliable and powerful (belt driven).

Cheers, Alex

 

 

[LeeM]

 Have a look here http://m.supercheapauto.com.au/How-To/Tools-Workshop/Choosing-an-Air-Compressor/85

 

[AC78]

 Have a look here http://m.supercheapauto.com.au/How-To/Tools-Workshop/Choosing-an-Air-Compressor/85

 

Thanks Lee, I saw that video earlier.  It was useful info but lacks objectivity.  Some of the customer reviews are pretty dire.

[LeeM]

Cool bud. I hadn't really watched it much, yet a mate has a 90psi (I think) compressor and rattle gun from Supercheap that I used for wheels and front suspension bits, and it worked fine. My compressor wouldn't pull the skin off a bowl of custard! Bigger the better I spose

 

[michel]

Yep go as big as you can with the compressor. And little tanks make for a constantly thumping compressor, which will quickly annoy your close neighbours and lovely upstairs 

or come and borrow mine Alex, though my rattle gun got loaned and never returned

[donlan]

Hello, Min. 50l. tank and 2.5 hp motor.Michael. 

[MFX]

Alex, as Michel said go as big as you can. I generally found the small supercheap type ones don't have enough guts to work airtools very well and even mine (sorry had for so many years I can't remember what the specs are) which was the biggest I could get that worked on a standard 10amp plug, struggles with air tools. If you are looks at rattle guns though, it is definitely worth looking at battery ones these days. Now with lithium ion batteries and the quality of cordless tools in general getting better, that is what I would suggest. You don't have to drag a hose around everywhere, and you can even take it out on the road with you, it is just so much more convenient. 

[Coastr]

A neighbour of mine works on powerlines and has a battery rattle gun.  Nearly breaks your wrist if you don't have a good hold.  Quieter and just as gutsy, just don't lend them out or you will

nwver see it again.

[DHE11]

Alex,

Agree with MFX, the 18v impact wrenches do a good job and you can do away with the hose and compressor issues/cost.

I found the Ryobi One wrench is best value with 3 torque setttings so it's great for wheel lug nuts too. Best of all its got a full replacement warranty and can buy from Bunnings for half the price of the similar 3 toque setting Milwaukee unit.

if you want to buy a compressor anyway for other uses, the best one from supercheap is the larger belt drive Stanley which regularly goes on sale for half price (if your patient) this runs home workshop tools and high volume items like grit blaster cabinets etc ok.

[SteamWolf]

I gave up on all of my air tools.

I bought a Ramset battery powered rattle gun and I'll never go back.  Damn, it's good!

[AC78]

Thanks for the advice all. A mate has kindly agreed to lend me his cordless, but I will still end up buying a compressor anyway for tyres and other odd jobs. Cheers 

[MFX]

Thanks for the advice all. A mate has kindly agreed to lend me his cordless, but I will still end up buying a compressor anyway for tyres and other odd jobs. Cheers 

A compressor alway comes in handy, and again get the largest one you can (belt drive). Because if you ever want to spray anything or basically do anything besides putting air in your tyres, you will find the small ones struggle.

[Wobbly]

And nothing wrong with an old compressor if its been serviced.  I've got a very old 3 cylinder, belt driven Clisby compressor with a 60L tank and have been using it for about the last 17 years.  And it was old when it came to me 

Compressor tools are pretty cheap as well.  I still use my el cheapo rattle gun, air impact wrench, etc etc which I bought all upwards of 15 years ago adn they were all cheapies.  My brad gun has started acting up again, but it was only $25 and has driven probably around 10,000 brads over the years...

[michel]

go belt driven if you do and 15 amp or get 3 phase (told ACTEWAGL I was installing an aircon system).The most prompt service I had in years, when they turned up in a couple weeks, on time and put on 3 phase to the board at no cost. Then you can buy a second hand screw compressor...you'll then be able to run a media blaster spray spray gun etc with ease and quietly . Things you cant do with a lithium battery 

 IMO compressors still have a place in the toolkit

if a piston compressor bought build a simple box, makes it quieter

[Diggin]

I have a 18V Makita rattle gun that use on the car and tractor. Works really well.

[AC78]

I have a 18V Makita rattle gun that use on the car and tractor. Works really well.

I went to two specialist tool shops today and both steered me away from air tools in favour of the cordless guns.

[Mike-S]

I'm getting my old man to bring me a Clarke 18V cordless rattle gun out from the UK in a few weeks, I have Machine Mart tools that are over 15 years old and still in great working order. The flexibility of cordless is a great attraction.

[Mike D'Silva]

I have both...

and cannot add any more value to this thread as others have been quite thorough. But I felt left out and wanted to chime in !!

I have the Stanley compressor, belt drive, from Super cheap for $400. The first one had a faulty drain petcock valve.. it wouldn't shut off 100%

My cordless impact wrench is a Dewalt.. it is not as powerful as a compressor run rattle gun.. maybe I got ripped off as others say their cordless is brillliant..

Also, when I went to undo the hub nuts on my rear axles, I found that neither the dewalt, or my 1/2inch drive rattle gun were any use. In the end, I bought a 3/4 inch rattle gun and associated impact sockets, just for these bloody big nuts. Of course, you might be luckier than me.