Recommended air compressors

[supertrooper2002]

I need an air compressor for filling tires and the nose gear piston on a 172RG - any suggestions?

 

[schmookeeg]

I got one of these ultra-quiet jobbies out of curiousity. It's surprising how quiet they are. I assume it will die early for lack of any oiling (I guess they have some piston coating that will wear off over time?), but... my earballs are willing to make the trade.

https://www.harborfreight.com/6-gallon-150-psi-ultra-quiet-oil-free-pancake-jobsite-air-compressor-59840.html

They go on sale cheap every so often.

 

[asicer]

I got one of these ultra-quiet jobbies out of curiousity. It's surprising how quiet they are. I assume it will die early for lack of any oiling (I guess they have some piston coating that will wear off over time?), but... my earballs are willing to make the trade.

https://www.harborfreight.com/6-gallon-150-psi-ultra-quiet-oil-free-pancake-jobsite-air-compressor-59840.html

They go on sale cheap every so often.

If it's just the occasional small tire, wouldn't something like this be more appropriate?

 

[kyleb]

I'd buy an "inflator" with a brand name and battery set that matches whatever battery powered tools you have at home. I've equipped my workshop with Ryobi 18V stuff, so I have one of these at the house and one at the airport. And have batteries and chargers to match.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE-18V-Cordless-High-Pressure-Inflator-Kit-with-2-0-Ah-Battery-and-Charger-PCL001K1/326781687

 

[Gary Ward]

I bought this one for 99 bucks new 6-7 years ago. It will do tires fine. Yea it is loud but is still working and is portable. Provides enough air to run my rivet driver.

I used it to put this air box back together.

I set all these rivets with that little compressor.

For tires and struts I use a tank of nitrogen.

Since I took this picture I have acquired another regulator and a gauge block to air the struts on my buddies Arrow.

 

[schmookeeg]

If it's just the occasional small tire, wouldn't something like this be more appropriate?

Probably. But a landing gear oleo??

 

[Gary Ward]

I recently setup this compressor, 5hp and very quiet. I use it to change truck tires and DA sanding/painting . My electrician friend set up the wiring and motor starter and outlets for welders, plasma cutters and pressure washer's.
I ran 30’ of copper air line up the wall without drilling into the walls since it is a rented shop to cool the air so the air dryer works. Used compressor and new 208-230v motor.
1

 

[asicer]

Probably. But a landing gear oleo??

Cessna nose gear only takes 130psi, I think. Some tire inflators can go 150psi+.

 

[Gary Ward]

Cessna nose gear only takes 130psi, I think. Some tire inflators can go 150psi+.

about 40# on a cessna with the weight off.
need 400+psi to air a main strut on a arrow with the weight on it.
A inflator will pump moisture into your strut oleo since it's going to get hot running. imo
And I swear that nitrogen will leak out slower.

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

I assume it will die early for lack of any oiling (I guess they have some piston coating that will wear off over time?)

I have an oil-less compressor I bought in the 1980's. Noisy as ****, but keeps on going. That's at the hangar because I couldn't stand listening to it anymore in my shop.
I also have a California Air Tools oil-less compressor - like that one a lot. You can carry on a conversation while standing next to it.