Practically Classics Forum

Hi I've just bought a air compressor from work (b&q) it's not the greatest spec
24L 1.5HP. I got it at a bargin price of £2 so I can't complain too much. I'm just wondering if it's at a good enough spec to run a impact wrench? As a wrench is not of continuous use like a spray gun. Any advise would be much appreciated.
Thanks

I doubt it. I had a similar one with a 50L tank and that was running continuously with an impact gun in use, end even then it couldn't keep up without plenty of rest time, so I gave up with it and eventually got a proper one. For £2 it will be great for pumping up tyres and blowing off parts though, so don't feel too hard done by.

Ok thanks. I just don't want to waste my money buying an impact wrench if it's not going to run it properly. I just thought it was too good of a bargin to pass up as I was looking at buying a compressor anyway so at that price thought I'd snatch it up and thought it might be ideal for my small car projects I take on now and again. Thanks for your reply.

I maybe wrong but you are looking for one with 3hp + for air tools.

Put it this way,I had a 2.5hp 24 litre compressor,and the air impact rachet would only last a second or two,the compressor had to build up air again

For occasional use, especially if it saves buying a bigger compressor, rechargeable battery impact ratchets are pretty good these days. Mine is a Bosch one but I've no reason to doubt that other brands are just as usable.

i have a 6 litre compressor that runs my nailers, brad gun etc, i also use it to blow up tyres on my cars vans & jcb, run my impact wrench... it smells a bit, especially when i use the nailer ive been waiting for it to blow up but it keeps on going. i do own a large 250 litre compressor too (its never used!) but i prefer the little one as its so much more portable.

Our local garage had a Landy in for a new back spring a while ago. Their compressor couldn't keep up with the windy gun's demands and it isn't exactly a small compressor!

I hate to repeat myself, but remember, it isn't necessarily the power of the motor or tank capacity that matters most: it's the Free Air Displacement that is important. Unfortunately, the likes of Clarke don't quote this, using displacement instead. However, their air tools' specs use FAD - so the punter thinks the 13CFM compressor will happily run something that needs 10CFM and are disappointed when the tool doesn't work because the compressor actually only delivers about 8CFM FAD!

However, as others say, the small compressor is handy for tyres, airbrushes etc. It takes ages for my big one to come up to pressure and blow a tyre or two up before I leave it for a month or two!