An air compressor is an vital tool for industry however more and more people are putting in air compressors within their homes to be used on their own jobs. Air compressors can be purchased in a selection of models with different power outputs with the larger designs tending to be more expensive. The frequency and time period of use will determine which size you go for although a 2 hp model will likely be more than enough to provide compressed air for the majority of domestic jobs.
If you are considering purchasing or upgrading your air compressor there are a number of things to bear in mind. It needs to have a safety relief valve that will allow air to escape should pressure in the tank ever go over the absolute maximum. A manual thermal overload switch is important in case of the motor getting too hot in order to protect against overloads. No compressor should be operated with no belt guard set up and a hose rack is helpful for the storage of the air line and air compressor tools when not being used.
The list of accessories and tools that can be powered by an air compressor is massive and they can make light work of any household jobs you could have around your home and garden. Air compressor tools when they are properly cared for can last for a very long time because they have few moving parts which need to be looked after and very little will go wrong with them. One of the more popular tools is the rapid inflation kit which can be put to many different uses from inflating spare tires to blowing up dinghies. Some other tools which are commonly used round the home and the garden include staple guns, nail guns and air sanders. Compressors can also be used to power air drills, air hammers and spray guns. Most air tools are widely available from hardware retailers and builders merchants and can be rented or bought as required.
An air compressor is a wonderful investment for the home and can be put to a wide variety of uses and will more than return the original expense with a lifetime of service if correctly cared for. It is recommended to service an air compressor every two or three years and only use top quality air compressor parts.