Air compressor vs Battery Tools

I've been looking forward to buying a 60 gallon air compressor for my garage since my old one broke a couple years back but moving into a new house and getting everything set up pushed the compressor purchase back. Now with all these neat new battery powered ratchets and impact guns available from reputable companies, are Air Compressors still "needed" in a DIY garage? I'll need a compressor to evac my oil drain and fill tires etc, but i'm debating if I cant get by with a little 6 gallon Rigid and just buy a bunch of Milwaukee Ratchets, etc. I've got a pair of Snap-On Battery Impacts that i've been using for a while that are holding up fine. Figure by the time I buy the compressor, filters, regulators, lines, set up etc. Maybe I'd be better off with battery power? Thoughts from the DIY'ers?

I still have a big compressor in the garage. I also have battery powered cordless tools (Makita). 95% of the time I use the cordless tools. The compressor is stll used for: painting, the air lock on my four post lift, when I need maximum torque to remove a stubborn fastener, the coolant fill tool (airlift style), die grinder/air hammer/cutoff wheel/needle scaler/nibbler/drill, to top off tires and using the blower attachment. The only use that requires the big tank volume is painting (edit: plus media blasting as pointed out below by mpfaff). I bought it years ago when I used lots more air tools, before affordable battery powered tools. If I were to buy today, I�d probably go in the direction of a smaller unit. Also, I haven�t done significant body work or painting in years, but if I did, this would sway me toward a big compressor again.

If you sandblast or beadblast you need volume.

I have a 60 gallon tank outside in the covered shed. It is an oiled unit so not as loud as the oil-less ones. I have a bunch of (like 5) the battery impact drivers including one that goes up to 1400 ft-lbs. I will tell you that there will be one or two cases where the Ingersol Rand (600lbs rated) with air hose will outperform that battery monster. I think it's how the air impact wrench is designed to put out more steady torque, faster than a battery one. The steady supply of air at 125 psi makes that tool still good to have. While I use it less now, it is still valuable to have for die grinder, cut off tools, air hammer, filling tires, blowing off stuff, and occasional painting (but I am not a real good painter). The die grinder and cut off tools need a lot of air ….

Quotes source post: 15756595

Must have an air compressor too.... they do alot more like blow off dust, I used mine washing my car to blow water out of the crevices and blow off stuff like windshield wiper so no water spots. Changing or rotating wheels on come cars, need the impact gun.... But 6 Gallons runs out quick if you are using them to blow down stuff. So might want to look for a larger unit like the small tank with wheels. but it a must. I don't even wrench much anymore but still use it alot.

Changing tires can easily be accomplished with a cordless electric impact gun. I have a cordless Makita and since getting it, it isn�t very often that I need to fire up the compressor.

I'm probably not your typical DIYer, since I work on a LOT of cars that are not my own, although I'm not a professional since I don't charge for my labor. My Snap-on pneumatic MG725​ impact wrench is indespensible with 1200 ft/lbs. I've needed it for removing stubborn suspension components. In the last few months I've done a few vehicles that needed new control arms, and one that needed a new wheel/axle assembly. I've also done 4 or 5 sets of struts recently. I also use it for removing wheel bolts/lug nuts, especially those that were tightened by someone else with an impact wrench. I've probably done a couple of dozen brake jobs in the last year. I get by with a decent quality(5.1SCFM @90psi) 30 gallon compressor. I use a 1/4" 18V battery impact wrench for removing smaller 8mm and 10mm bolts. But I don't have anything bigger. I've been thinking about picking up a larger one for the car ministry since many times the cars I work on are stuck somewhere and need to either be towed to my place, or worked on where they sit. Although I do prefer working from my place. Kudos to mobile mechanics! I can't stand working on the side of the road, or in someone's dimly lit garage!! I did have a 1/2 electric(corded) Craftsman impact wrench years ago but once I got a compressor I gave it away to someone. It was great, but it wasn't 1200 ft/lbs great.

I bought a Milwaukee impact and ratchet three years ago and haven't touched an air tool since. I won't be getting rid of the compressor any time soon though.

Quotes source post: 15757389

If I were to buy a larger battery powered impact wrench, that would be it. I just can't justify the $500 price tag right now.

Quotes source post: 15757403

Ouch! I paid $380.00 in June of 2016 from Amazon. It came with a case, charger and extra battery. I used some of my tax refund. I couldn't justify $500 either considering how little it gets used.

Personal preference. I have all air or 110AC power tools. If I had to go on the road, I would look into the batt stuff. But I don't, so I won't. I'm sure it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, but I like my AC or air powered tools. I just did the water pump on my big truck. The air ratchet got a good work out. Doubt any of the batt tools would last without at least one re-charge or batt change. I have a 90gal upright two stage compressor. Kind of overkill, but I used to do a fair amount of bead/sand blasting. I could get by with a 40 gal/9CFM unit. Whatever you decide - never, ever get one of the 'oilless' compressors. Complete junk.BTW, I have a pancake compressor and even that has an oil crankcase with splash lube. I've had it for 30 years.

Can't go past the power of air tools + compressor. Both definety have their place. Battery powered tools would be so much easier to use though... Yet to invest in any serious battery stuff but I will eventually

Quotes source post: 15757444

I've actually been very impressed with the Milwaukee battery life. I did a V6 Honda water pump, timing belt and all the related tensioners and idler pulleys with the Milwaukee ratchet. I started at 9:00am and didn't have to swap batteries until around 4:00pm. I have no experience with any of the other brands though. Now get off of my lawn!!

Quotes source post: 15757541

That's nice. We'll put my 16CFM air up against your batt powered tool next week in a timed derby. See how it goes. Thanks for confirming the first two words of my post, conveniently left off.

Quotes source post: 15757606

I was merely trying to say that I have had a positive experience with a specific brand of battery powered ratchets. My intention was not to offend you or air tools in general. If I did, I sincerely apologize.

I find the battery tools very convenient to use because of the lack of the air hose. That is the first tool I reach for. I upgraded from Craftsman to Milwaukee tools and I am very happy with them. I have extra batteries so that battery life is not really a thing at all. You simply swap out the battery and leave the discharged ones on the charger. There have been a couple of incidents where the airtool broke free a big nut where the large Milwaukee tool did not, so that is a reason to keep it around. Like I said, when you need air, you need air and nothing else will do.

Quotes source post: 15757756

So far all the jobs i've done were either with my two Snap On battery impact guns or by hand. Ended up snapping a bunch of bolts so, as of now, I havent needed more power it seems. Bit the bullet yesterday and bought me a 6 gal Rigid pancake air compressor (150psi). For $150 I figured it deserved a place in my tool collection either way lol Next stop, MIlwaukee sales isle... if those goodies ever go on sale that is...

While you can certainly get away with just the cordless stuff for a while, you'll eventually need air for something. You need both...

I have purchase Milwaukee Fuel and M18 stuff over the past 1.5 years, mostly for carpentry and home improvement, but I do use them on my car. OMG, they are the most incredible tools. I even bought the Milwaukee 10" miter saw that is battery powered recently, I am basically spoiled and no longer want to work with corded tools. I have yet to find one that doesn't work as well as a corded tool and battery life is not an issue at all. Love even the lights they have. The cheapest place that I have found them in Home Depot.com. If you look for sets (which are most likely going to include more of carpentry tools), and if you don't mind getting the older M18 tools, they can be found cheap in the sets, sometimes they offer the same set, but with an extra battery for the same price. Here's my latest toy, I just rebuilt the floor in my Florida hose that I am working on, it cuts 2 x 12's as well as my corded Bosch miter saw at home:

I have a nice 30gal cast iron portable horizontal compressor which is the perfect size for my garage, no filters or regulators.. as you still need one for the odd job and it saves me a few bucks blowing out the sprinkler system in the fall ... Just don't need a big honking stationary one like in the past due to the new gen of hand tools being cordless.

Haha, that sprinkler comment reminds me, I also use my compressor for blowing out the underground water lines in the pool in the the fall - high volume, low pressure! A small tank wouldn�t work for that.

Quotes source post: 15757389

I haven't invested in the ratchet YET, but absolutely LOVE my impact. No cords or dragging hose. Air compressor is now relegated to blowing off surfaces and inflating tires for the most part.

I sold both my Snap-On lithium ion impact wrenches for Milwaukee Fuel M18's. I love Snap-On tools, but there is simply no comparison in this category.

Try as I might, I've never been able to fill my tires with my Makita power wrench.

I'll second (or fifth!) the Milwaukee products. Air tools haven't come out of the box since buying them. Other than the obvious filling tires, etc.

Quotes source post: 15760014

Maybe ditch the Makita and try the milwaukee : Don�t despair, Makita has one too:

https://www.cpooutlets.com They sell all brands, but most of what I have is Milwaukee M18 in cordless. Though I like Hitachi, Makita, Porter Cable in 110 V Most of if depends on the tool. some companies make better certain tools than others. I'd like to replace my 35 YO Craftsman 10 " table saw with a Jet or Delta, but probably won't. Hand tools say Snap On, as does the box. Reduced my 60 Gal compressor to a same size motor 5HP 220V Electric with a 30 Gallon Tank. Still can spray w/Sharpe Gun, And Run a Board File till I get tired. I mounted it up in my ceiling above the garage, out of way and less noise. Ran air pipe down walls and along the rails of wall to front near door for driveway outlet. Small hole w Cover for access to water drain hole from below. Used a Chain hoist to get it up there. Wasn't any load on the joists (joined 2 to lift up through access hole 48" square, that I use for summer furniture and end of season. Good Luck.

I thought I would update my previous post in this thread. I decided to retire my trusty Panasonic (yes, Panasonic) cordless drill that I purchased in 1998. The drill is still going strong but after 21 years, the two original batteries finally stopped holding a meaningful charge. Panasonic doesn't sell replacements anymore and the cheap Chinese version only lasted 8 months. For the sake of battery interchangeability with my M18 impact and M10 ratchet, I replaced it with a Milwaukee M10 3/8" drill and a M18 hammer drill (the two on the right in the pic). I haven't used them much so far but the quality seems to carry over from the impact and ratchet. I'm considering the Milwaukee M18 tote bag and M10 pen & pencil set to round out the collection.

I have so many Milwaukee M18 tools now. They are better than corded tools. Even have a battery powered table saw and 10 inch chop saw. They are over the top excellent

I couldn't live without that Milwaukee m12 air compressor. Has changed my life and attentiveness to tire pressures. Usually have 6 cars at the house and can check them all In a hurry. With winter hitting early I just raised everything 3psi or more. For 60 bucks it was the best garage tool I've bought.

Don't through away your air compressor if it stops pumping air!! If it is large enough for your needs and a good quality compressor ( cast iron cylinder and oil lubed) it is worth fixing.. Mine just stopped pumping air last week, I took the head off and found a reed valve broken. Cost $10 bucks including head gaskets. The cylinder still looked perfect, and in 30 min( literally removing the cover and removing 4 head bolts) was pumping air great again. Compressor parts are not expensive and easy to fix, so buy your battery powered stuff if you want , but keep the compressor running, you'll need it if you do anything serious.

Quotes source post: 16231463

You could probably open up that Panasonic battery and replace the chargeable cells - You'll see what they are when you open it up, but it looks like they might be "C" cells...

Nothing sucks worse than an electric impact gun and a stack of dead batteries. I have a 5-gal double-sausage compressor that makes enough pressure and CFM to run air tools, plasma cutter, etc. The Ryobi lithium batteries aren't bad, and the older stuff doesn't have as much overmoulded garbage on it to make it eye-catching for people who carry miniature game consoles around with them (you know who you are). You can also buy refurbishied Ryobi gear on Amazon for a whole lot less than you can buy it at Homeless Despot. They're not pro-grade - but they're also priced reasonably compared to other used-to-be-pro-grade brands. Milwaukee is now owned by the same conglomerate that stamps out all the other crappy plastic power tools. The've started using brighter orange plastic - you can tell the new toolwork vs. the old by the color. The newer orange stuff is garbage. I looked at a new "will-f**k-ye" combo set at Costco yesterday, but the things are garish toys.

I am happy with the Red Milwaukee tools. I have not seen the newer cheapy orange stuff yet, but the red Milwaukee tools are high quality stuff. BUT, When you need air, you need air.

Am i the only one that owns Harbor Freight Tools?...............

Quotes source post: 16234797

Nope, I own some Great for the one off jobs. I did the oil pressure sensor yesterday and it requires a 19mm crows foot. Bought a set at Harbor Freight which made the job a breeze.

Quotes source post: 16238530

Thank god...I feel better now....100% of my tools are Harbor Freight.....and proud of it....lol

with my dewalt impact and milwaukee electric ratchet, I have no interest in a compressor to run air tools.

HF ICON line of tools is giving Snap On a run for their money and winning.