This is a feed off of my One "click", no start, battery good thread.

I am at the point where I think I would like to make an investment in air tools. I do as many repairs and maintenance tasks as I am technically able to do on my own. But I am a 50-year old desk jockey. What I wouldn't give to be able to spend less than 20 minutes total taking off tires and putting them back on to change the brakes. The aforementioned thread discusses my difficulty getting the mounting bolts off of the starter, and master tech advised that pros use an air ratchet for the type of tight spots like I am seeing for the mounting bolts.

I'm guessing that I'll save about $200 if I am able to complete the starter replacement myself vs. what the repair shop will charge. A few repairs or maintenance tasks, and I imagine I could recoup the cost of a modest investment in air tools.

Let's say I want to make the initial investment today and get the compressor, hose, air ratchet and sockets, adapters(?), and whatever else I'm not aware of necessary to complete the job. Can anyone advise:

1) whether to make this investment at all?
2) where I would look for good, affordable equipment locally

When answering either question, please keep in mind that I am just a weekend DIY guy, using these tools less than 10 times per year.

 

See if you can find a compressor used, sometimes you can save a bundle. Probably need at least a 5 hp to run air tools. As far as the tools themselves, for home use, find something with some power and go for it. I bought a whole set from Northern Hydralics that seem to work ok for home use.

 

Thanks Tizzy,

Re your suggestion of Northern Hydraulics, do you have a website URL? There are several websites, but the most appropriate seems to be northerntool.com.

MOre questions:

I'm wondering if I should go with 3/8" or 1/2", at least initially.

5 CFM @ 90 PSI sufficient for this type of work, or should I pad that a bit?

Does PSI affect only the recovery time between recharges?

Given prices for compressors, I'm thinking about looking for used on Craigslist. Any advice on that? Better places to look for used? What should I look for when I go to see one?

 

Northern tools and equipment.....they did change their name. This is the air tool set I have at home
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...6524_200266524

I have a 5 hp single stage with a 60 gallon tank, seems to work good, it's a campbell hausfeld and I've had it for 20 years, still kickin ***.

Start with a 1/2", but a 3/8 gun is nice, I use my 3/8 gun and my 1/4 ratchet more than anything else.

 

I bought a Campbell Hausfield compressor and tools about 4 years ago. I'm likely about the same 'volume' user as you. They've worked great for working on the truck, spray painting, and almost everything I've needed. The compressor seems to keep up, the tank is't that big so it's easy to transport. Definately worth a look if you aren't planning on spending too much. I bought mine at Canadian Tire.