What are you looking for in an air compressor for automotive air tools?
Since 2016, we've been scouring the market for the greatest possibilities, purchasing and evaluating more than 30 models, to offer you our 6 top picks of best air compressors for automotive air tools. With our help, you'll find the best solution for your needs and your wallet.
Here are the best air compressors for automotive air tools you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Air Ratchets: BOSTITCH BTFP02012
- Best For Air Grinders: California Air Tools 8010
- Best For Impact Wrenches: NorthStar Single-Stage Portable Electric
- Best For CNC Plasma Cutters: Industrial Air ILA1883054
- Best For Dual-Action Sanders: Quincy QT-54
- Best For Automotive Paint Guns: Campbell Hausfeld XC802100
| 6 Best Air Compressors For Automotive Air Tools | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Air Ratchets | BOSTITCH BTFP02012 | |
Best For Air Grinders | California Air Tools 8010 | |
Best For Impact Wrenches | NorthStar Single-Stage Portable Electric | |
Best For CNC Plasma Cutters | Industrial Air ILA1883054 | |
Best For Dual-Action Sanders | Quincy QT-54 | |
Best For Automotive Paint Guns | Campbell Hausfeld XC802100 | |
Best For Air Ratchets: BOSTITCH BTFP02012
- Ideal for small air ratchets - a 0.9HP motor & a 6-gallon tank
- Easy to maneuver – 29 pounds of weight
- Quick recovery as electric air compressors
- Pretty noisy
If your goal is DIY home-garage stuff, then check out the BOSTITCH BTFP02012.
It features a 6-gallon tank and is engineered with a 0.9HP motor that can deliver 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI and 150 max PSI with quick recovery. It also has high-flow universal couplers that accept both automatic and industrial connectors.
Therefore, tools like a 3/8 air ratchet can be used greatly on this.
The BOSTITCH BTFP02012 is pretty lightweight and compact, making it a breeze to maneuver and store.
| BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 6 Gallons |
Horsepower | 0.9 HP |
Noise Rating | 78.5 dBA |
Air Flow Capacity | 2.6 SCFM |
CFM @ 90 PSI | 2.6 SCFM |
Highlight Features | a 0.9HP motor & a 6-gallon tank 29 pounds of weight Quick recovery as electric air compressors |
For air ratchets, our favorite is the BOSTITCH BTFP02012.
Best For Air Grinders: California Air Tools 8010
- Ideal for air grinders – an 8-gallon tank & 30-second quick recovery time
- Almost silent – 60 decibels of noise level
- Lack of a water trap
The California Air Tools 8010 might be a rare 8-gallon air compressor that can keep up with multiple air tools for smaller home jobs, thanks to its 30-second recovery and 2HP motor. And, if you add up a moisture-purge valve in this system, it will work more powerfully.
Like our top pick, this model is compact, mobile, and easy to assemble.
But what surprised us the most is its almost silent noise level that while working on other things, our testers can still hear the music playing in the garage.
Plus, the airflow is quite steady for long processes.
| California Air Tools 8010 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 8 gallons |
Horsepower | 2 Horsepower |
Noise Rating | 60 dB |
CFM @ 90 PSI | 2.2O CFM |
Highlight Features | an 8-gallon tank & 30-second quick recovery time 60 decibels of noise level |
The California Air Tools 8010 is the best performer that we tested when it comes to air compressors for air grinders.
Best For Impact Wrenches: NorthStar Single-Stage Portable Electric
- Perfect for impact wrenches – a 20-gallon ASME-certified tank
- Tough and durable – a cast-iron V-twin belt-drive pump with cast-iron heads & nice wrinkle powder coat finish
- Non-flat tires
- The top is heavy
- Wish the drain valve was positioned more reasonably
At this price point, the NorthStar Single-Stage Portable Electric is the toughest and most durable for commercial shops.
Its V-twin belt-drive pump and heads are all made of cast iron to hence prevent heat from being transferred between cylinders. The outer finish is very durable. It doesn’t peel off that easily and looks more appealing than a typical painted finish.
The ASME-certified tank's 20 gallons of capacity allows for working well on impact wrenches and other tools that need a lot of air with no problems.
| NorthStar Single-Stage Portable Electric Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 20-Gallon |
Horsepower | 2 HP |
Noise Rating | 80 dB |
Air Flow Capacity | 5.0 to 6.0 CFM |
CFM @ 90 PSI | 5.0 CFM |
Highlight Features | a 20-gallon ASME-certified tank a cast-iron V-twin belt-drive pump with cast-iron heads & a nice wrinkle powder coat finish Non-flat tires |
The NorthStar Single-Stage Portable Electric has been our longtime favorite for impact wrenches at a highly competitive price.
Best For CNC Plasma Cutters: Industrial Air ILA1883054
- Suited for CNC plasma cutters – 155 max PSI pressure
- Low-maintenance – an oil-lubricated pump
- Versatile – a dual voltage motor & a 30-gallon tank
- Wish the power cord was longer
- The drain valve is hard to access
Small yet mighty, the Industrial Air ILA1883054 is versatile in the business with a 30-gallon tank and a 1.9HP motor with a dual voltage design that can be wired for both 120V and 240V applications.
The cast-iron oil-lubricated dual-cylinder pump is an additional benefit that not only allows the machine to run more quietly but also requires little maintenance.
Its maximum PSI is 155, which means it is compatible with most CNC plasma cutters.
| Industrial Air ILA1883054 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 30 Gallons |
Horsepower | 1.9 HP |
Air Flow Capacity | 7 CFM |
CFM @ 90 PSI | 5.7 CFM |
Highlight Features | 155 max PSI pressure an oil-lubricated pump a dual voltage motor & a 30-gallon tank |
If you are looking for the best air compressor for CNC plasma cutters, the Industrial Air ILA1883054 is an ideal choice.
Best For Dual-Action Sanders: Quincy QT-54
- Quiet and low vibration for the size
- Able to run a dual-action sander for hours – a 60-gallon vertical tank & quick recovery
- The pressure switch needs more improvement
The Quincy QT-54 runs quietly for the size with very low vibration, which pleasantly surprised us.
But the real star feature is its 60-gallon vertical tank which takes up little space but is enough to keep up a 14CFM dual-action sander for hours with little heat created. Plus, its recovery time is like lightning, so you are worried-free about it running out of air.
Amongst mid-tier air compressors, this model is the most efficient that we tested.
| Quincy QT-54 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 60-Gallon |
Horsepower | 5 HP |
Noise Rating | 75 dB |
Air Flow Capacity | 15.4 CFM |
CFM @ 90 PSI | 15.4 CFM |
Highlight Features | Quiet and low vibration for the size a 60-gallon vertical tank & quick recovery |
If you are in need of a powerful yet compact air compressor for dual-action sanders, the Quincy QT-54 should be high on your list.
Best For Automotive Paint Guns: Campbell Hausfeld XC802100
- Powerful enough for automotive paint guns - an 80-gallon tank and a 5HP heavy-duty induction motor
- Long-lasting – a two-stage pump
- Weak on/off switch
The Campbell Hausfeld XC802100 is known as the Mercedes of the air compressor world because it is engineered with an 80-gallon tank and a 5HP heavy-duty induction motor for the strongest pressure and airflow.
The maximum pressure it can reach is 175 PSI and the maximum airflow at 90PSI is up to 11.9 CFM.
Thanks to that amazing power, it can tackle larger jobs or multiple air tools that need much pressure, such as automotive paint guns.
| Campbell Hausfeld XC802100 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 80 Gallons |
Horsepower | 5 HP |
Noise Rating | 84 dB |
Air Flow Capacity | 11.9 SCFM |
CFM @ 90 PSI | 11.9 SCFM |
Highlight Features | an 80-gallon tank a 5HP heavy-duty induction motor |
The Campbell Hausfeld XC802100 has become one of our favorite air compressors and is a go-to option for automotive paint guns.
How To Choose The Best Air Compressor For Automotive Air Tools?
Airflow Capacity
Start with airflow capacity, what you need to determine is how much compressed air is required to keep your automotive air tools functioning smoothly.
This doesn’t have to be an exact science because activities in a shop change often. A decent estimate, with some demand variations up and down, is what we're after.
SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute) is a standardized measuring unit of airflow. Every air tool has an SCFM requirement & every air compressor has a maximum SCFM output.
To determine your real air needs, identify all the automotive air tools and equipment that you have, and sum up their SCFM requirements.
In general, most air compressors for small automotive air tools fall in the 2.0 to 20.0 SCFM range or up to 110 CFM if for larger tools.
Tank Size
Tanks of air compressors are used for accommodating compressed air and measured in gallons (gal.).
The larger the tank, the more air that it can hold, which is perfect for those air tools with constant pressure requirements.
Once again, you need to determine the automotive air tools to use and how much compressed air each of them requires. For tools that require constant pressure (like dual-action sanders or automotive paint guns), the tank size of the air compressor should range from 20-80 gallons.
For smaller tools (such as air ratchets and air grinders), it’s okay to go for a smaller tank size under 10 gallons.
Power Output
The best air compressor for automotive air tools is the one that can produce enough air on its own at the same rate that you’re consuming it.
So, the thing that you should look for is the motor’s power output, measured in HP (horsepower). Unfortunately, many manufacturers now overstate horsepower ratings to increase the total sales, but that dissatisfied customers.
To avoid purchasing an overstated HP air compressor, examine how much electricity is needed to start.
For example, a 4-5 HP air compressor can't operate on a standard 110V electrical socket since it takes 22-24 amps to start. If the description says 13 or 14 amp, it indicates the compressor's horsepower is at most 2 HP.
Which Brands Make The Best Air Compressor For Automotive Air Tools?
BOSTITCH
Founded in 1896, Bostitch is a well-known American manufacturer of power tools, such as glue guns, nailers, air compressors, and staplers, and has some of the most accurate, dependable, and powerful in the industry.
They are known for their attention to quality, durability, and performance.
California Air Tools
As the name implied, the brand is dedicated to designing, engineering, and manufacturing high-quality and innovative air tools, especially air compressors.
They have successfully introduced many products to worldwide customers like "Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free Air Compressors".
Quincy Compressor
Engineering solutions with unwavering dependability have been Quincy's trademark since 1920.
Reciprocal and rotary screw compressors, vacuum pumps, and a comprehensive array of air treatment components are all produced by Quincy Compressor, a world leader in compressor design and manufacturing.
FAQs
What's better for automotive air tools: a pancake or hot dog compressor?
We would say each type of air compressor is best for specific needs and working conditions.
Hot dog compressors work best in a small area with flat surfaces, such as in a garage, that requires frequent mobility. Meanwhile, pancake compressors are ideal for those who want extra compressors for the price and can work well on uneven terrain.
How does tank size affect air compressors?
Since a compressor tank is used for storing air, if it is small (around 4-6 gallons), the unit only provides enough power for simple projects that do not require constant use.
How much air do I need to run an impact wrench?
To run a ½” impact wrench, the amount of air that you need is 4-5 CFM @90 PSI. An impact wrench with a 3/8” drive needs 3 CFM @90 PSI; a ½” drive needs 4 CFM @90 PSI, and a 1” drive needs 10 CFM @90 PSI.
How do I keep my air compressor tank from rusting?
To keep your air compressor tank from rusting, you can:
- Use an air dryer
- Use a filter regulator and water trap
- Keep the drain opening between uses
- Use an automatic tank drain/purge valve and after-cooler
- Drain it
Should I drain the air compressor after every use?
Yes, you should. Draining the air compressor after every use helps prevent rust and corrosion to hence extend its lifespan.
Conclusion
Too many options, deceptive marketing claims, and preposterous prices combine to make air compressor shopping a confusing task. Our extensive testing process and ultimate assessments aim to simplify the decision-making process of our readers.
We hope this review guided you to the best air compressor for automotive air tools that meet your needs and wallet.
