Kragen and Sears both have small air compressors for sale. They are both 2 gallon units. The Kragen unit is direct-drive and oil free. They want $50 and I would have to buy some fittings to hook up other accessories. The Sears unit is an oil-lube air compressor for $98. Its a Craftsman and comes with more hookups. The main reason I want a small compressor is to fill the tires on my cars. I live in an apartment so it needs to be portable so I can plug it in at my place and then walk 500ft to fill up both my cars. Which is better? Direct drive or oil-lube? I heard that direct drive is noisy. I also wonder how long it will last if it doesn't use oil. Are oil-free units lighter?
Tom, In that price range you are looking at throw away units . Yes the oilless is noisy but then you don't have to worry about oil-- turns over, low oil, wrong oil etc. If you decide to go for the oil style make sure you only use compressor oil--- Automotive oils produce too much ash and you will valve problems etc. Just my 2 cents worth, John
just go get a battery boster with the small compressor on it. $19.95 and you get to jump start the car if needed. and pump the tires up. i have had mine for a few years and have pumped up tires for trailers stranded on the road. pumped up my own tires to get it to the shop to get a plug put in them and also lawn mower and bike tires for the kids. comes in handy. nice usit as well.
I have an oil-free version, and it's very loud. I needed something to start using air tools, and wound up with this underpowered thing. But I can save $0.50 by pumping up my own tires. ):
