northern virginia for sale by owner "compressor" - craigslist (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to buy a second hand air compressor? ›

One of the biggest risks is that you are buying a unit that has had major repair work or has become a work in progress. Moreover, air compressors of any age are likely to have been contaminated with dirt, so it is difficult to determine whether it has had regular maintenance.

As a guideline, most air compressors for powering tools fall in the 10 to 110 CFM range. Air compressors with lower CFM ratings work well for passenger tire inflation and small tools, such as chippers, grinders, and sanders.

A good rule of thumb is $100 per horsepower for a machine in good condition or $125 per horsepower if the machine is in "great" condition (though both are subjective). If you're selling a well-known brand in great condition, you may even get between $150 and $200 per horsepower.

Get a compressor with a big enough tank to run your tools for hours. Ten to twenty gallons is usually adequate.

Most dryer plugs for an electric dryer are connected to a 30 amp 220 volt breaker. So typically they use under 30 amps, but more than 20 amps.

Once you determine the CFM you need, take that figure times 1.25 and use that total CFM to choose your compressor. For example: 3 mechanics (12-15 CFM total x 1.25 = 15 to 19 CFM) So you would look at a 5 - 7.5HP air compressor.

What size breaker do I need for a 5 hp air compressor? ›

If 20 or less, use 25 amp breaker. If 24 or less, use a 30 amp breaker. The code want to see a breaker at constant load of 80% maximum of breaker size. A true 5hp expect 20–23 amps.

Most air tools require between 70 and 90 PSI. Any light-to-medium-duty air compressor can easily handle 90 PSI, but you always want the compressor to supply more flow than needed. Pro Tip: Always respect a PSI rating. If you don't supply enough air volume, the tool won't operate correctly.

The 4.5cfm required by a typical industrial finish nailer is only the starting point for choosing your compressor. First, it's prudent to select a compressor with spare capacity. A good target is 50% extra, which suggests that a 4.5cfm nailer needs a compressor capable of delivering at least 6 and preferably 7cfm.

For truck tires, it is recommended to use a larger air compressor with a higher CFM rating. Generally, a compressor with a capacity of at least 20 to 30 gallons and a CFM rating of 5 to 7 CFM is suitable for most truck tires.

Look for pin holes or cracks. Pressurize the tank. Then, using a spray bottle containing a leak detection solution (or soapy water) wet the areas around welds, tank outlets and fitting access points. If you have a sonic leak detector or one of the sophisticated visual leak detectors, all the better.

Investing in a pre-owned AC compressor from an established supplier ensures that you acquire a component rigorously examined for precision and reliability. Not only do certain vendors offer guarantees or warranties on their used components, but they may also extend peace of mind via these assurances.

These include the frequency of use, proper maintenance, and the conditions in which it is used. An industrial air compressor should last between 15,000 and 20,000 hours before it needs significant repairs or replacement. Most compressors will have a life expectancy of 25 years.

With a second-hand compressor, you won't have any guarantees or warranties to cover you in case of a breakdown. On the other hand, a new compressor from a trusted supplier will come with a comprehensive warranty and service program, ensuring your operations are protected.