What type of air tools to purchase?

[Blue197320]

i think that when it comes to air tools, you should spend the money on some good ones. ive got all IR brand except my 1/4" air ratchet. its a mac tool brand. might be IR but im not sure. i just keep them oiled and they work perfect. as far as compressor goes i got my craftsman for free. its a pretty big one. i think 20 something gallon. some one threw it away becuase the o-ring in the compressor piston was shot. about $3 later i had a perfect working compressor. i cant complain about it.

[Old'sCool]

If you want a serious compressor that you will not be dissapointed in, get a two stage. IMHO, air tools like die grinders and such are expendable. For paint get the best you can afford and multiple moisture removing filters. The small single stage compressors tend to make/collect a lot of moisture. The last thing you want is fish-eyes and such in your paint after all that work.

[thedog]

I use a lot of air tools here at the shop, IMO the best you can buy are cleco
they last a very long time and believe me my guys don't use them lightly
die grinders, right angle grinders, scalers or impact wrenches, cleco is the way to go.

stay away from oil less compressors. they do not last, a professional grade that allows you to change oil and maintain are best.

for painting we have used Binks here for years, I have some guns that are 25 yrs old and still work like new, maintenance is key here, after each use clean to new condition, oil , spray some oil thru gun after reassembly

[MasterBaiter]

Quality tools are a great investment if they are cared for. No matter the price tag tools will break if they are not. A buddy of mine doesn't take care of his tools and considers them disposable. That being said, I personally feel the quality depends on the ammount of use the tool will get. An impact that will see 10 lug nuts a year for bearing maintenance does not have to be top of the line. Same for the compressor. Spraying takes a lot of air and a brad nailer does not, so you have to compromise depending on your use.

Unless of course your wallet is too heavy........

[red20]

Thanks for all the input. I even got a visit from Sam . I am looking for the right tools for the certain job(s) in a fair price range. I don't (and will not) buy a complete set to start, not in that much of a rush. I think I want to start with the compressor first and add the tools as needed or as they become avail. I'm not afraid of used stuff but at the same time not a fan of used tools. Used tools usually are very used.

I took a look on my local craigs list and saw a ton of stuff but none of it jumped out at me.

I'll keep reading the input provided by CSC and research some of the name brands mentioned. Right now these brand names are like telling me brand names of golf equipment (haven't a clue.)

As stated in an above reply - some tools will get little use per year and don't need to be top of the line but others like spray guns should be.

Thanks again.

[Ryank]

I was told by some pros to never use a HVLP (high volume low pressure) spray gun. I purchased a $30. gravity feed regular gun at Walmart (Yeah I know I know) and it works great.I think most of the cheap guns spray good it is all in how you use it.I do have an old Devilbiss that is great for heavy stuff and primer, but not Urethanes, and acrylics. I purchased a Craftsman 20 gal compressor about 18 years ago and it works great to this day, and has seen extensive use over the years. For painting I did put a water seperator and a drier on it (again very cheap at northern or HF) with a regulator valve in addition to the reg on the spray gun.