Air Compressor Tools

Take the elbow grease out of your next project and leave the heavy lifting to the air compressor. These devices, also called pneumatic tools, use a concentration of air to power the tool. Air compressors are generally faster, lighter and more powerful than traditional power tools. The key to choosing the right air compressor is to match the unit to your job demands. Portable compressors are ideal for homes and job sites while stationary compressors provide the high volume of air needed for powering automotive and production air tools.

All air compressors fall into two broad categories: portable and stationary. Deciding the best air compressors for your needs takes understanding the differences between portable and stationary air compressors. Portable air compressors offer easy mobility and are ideal for both home and the job site. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Smaller air compressors are light enough to carry, while larger models include wheels for mobility. Portable air compressors are available with different sized tanks, ranging from two gallons to 30 gallons.

Stationary air compressors are more powerful than traditional power tools and provide a high volume of air. Designed to be bolted into a fixed area, stationary air compressors attach directly to a building's electrical circuit. They typically feature 60 to 80-gallon tanks and offer between 4 and 10-horsepower motors. Stationary air compressors are a great investment for a garage or workshop. We carry a large collection of stationary air compressors, portable air compressors, 12v air compressors and air compressor tools. If you’re looking for an air brush compressor or a Milwaukee tire inflator, or quiet air compressors or oil air compressors, we carry those as well. We also have chipping hammers.

Also, when it’s time to work, be sure you have enough hose to safely reach your work area. When positioning your air hose, leave a little slack when possible. Air hose reels can be helpful tools if you're working with a long hose, or you prefer to leave your compressor in one part of your work area as you move around.

In addition, a tire air pump is an essential tool you’ll want to keep in your emergency roadside kit. They’re also called inflators, although there are small technical differences. They provide compressed or pressurized air to fill up tires to the proper pressure per square inch, or PSI. Tire air pumps may save you the cost of a tow truck and can help you maintain safely inflated tires on any vehicle.

Completing any construction project with professional results requires using the best nail guns for the project at hand. Nailers drive fasteners below the surface of wood without denting or bashing to ensure a smooth, high-quality finish. Our nail guns and pneumatic staplers will help you complete any project. Air nail guns are long lasting and great for heavy duty jobs, while cordless nail guns and staplers are convenient because you won’t need a compressor. They’re also compatible with a variety of battery packs.

When choosing your air guns, it’s important to consider the power types. There are two types of firing modes:

-- Bounce-fire triggers allow you to squeeze and hold them so you can fire a nail every time you touch, or bounce, the nose of the nailer to your work surface. This trigger may need to be installed separately. -- Sequential firing requires you to pull the trigger each time you fire a nail. This allows you time to set up the proper angle for the shot.

Tip: Look for models with anti-jamming features and that direct air blasts away from your face for safe, comfortable use.

And be sure not to forget your collated fasteners. We’ve got collated finishing nails, collated flooring nails, collated framing nails, collated roofing nails, collated screws and pneumatic staples.

When choosing an air compressor, consider the power source. Electric air compressors are popular because of their long run time. Electric air compressors typically run on standard household voltage, between 110V to 120V. If you need to take the show on the road, gas air compressors offer convenience. They are easy to move around because there’s no need to plug into a power source. A cordless air compressor is convenient for the same reason. Gas air compressors are generally used by builders and remodelers because of their high output and usefulness at the job site. These compressors emit exhaust and should only be operated outdoors or in well-ventilated work areas.

Not sure what air compressors or air compressor tools are right for you? Take a look at our air compressors buying guide for some help. We can also help you choose the right nail gun for your project.