Tips for purchasing a used air compressor on Craigslist?

Kinja'd!!! "NaturallyAspirated" (NaturallyAspirated)
11/21/2013 at 12:20 • Filed to: None

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I'm thinking about getting myself a good air compressor (since my current one doesn't have the CFM to run an impact or an air ratchet), and a used one seems like a good opportunity to save some money and get a nicer compressor that I could otherwise afford. Is there anything I should keep an eye out for? Any tell-tale signs that the compressor I'm looking at was probably stolen?

My requirements are fairly straightforward. I would like something that's at least somewhat portable, as in, I could store it in the corner of the garage and wheel it out when needed, rather than something anchored to the floor, and it needs to fit in the back of my station wagon without issues. It needs to have the CFM to run a 1/2" impact, a 3/8" air ratchet, and an air drill (not at the same time).


DISCUSSION (3)


Kinja'd!!! Nibbles > NaturallyAspirated
11/21/2013 at 12:21

Kinja'd!!!2

If you think it was stolen, be sure to get the seller to grind the serial numbers off for you


Kinja'd!!! E30Joe drives a Subaru > NaturallyAspirated
11/21/2013 at 12:26

Kinja'd!!!0

I have two 5hp 60gal tanks in my garage, and a 2hp 8gal one that is portable, it doesn't complain I can take off 20 wheel lugs and it doesn't lose pressure. I'm not as fast as a pit crew keep that in mind, but it does charge between me moving the wheels around.

The 60gallon ones will run out if I'm cutting or using air tools for like 20 minutes straight.

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-…


Kinja'd!!! johnr240z > NaturallyAspirated
11/21/2013 at 13:16

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I've been looking at air compressors as well recently and trying to decide whether to buy new or used... Warranty may be nice on a new one, not sure if I trust one on craigslist. Sears has a 33 gallon one on sale for $200 http://www.sears.com/craftsman-33-g… Not sure if that's a great deal or not.