I need a cheap tire inflator

I need a cheap compressor to have in the house garage for the occasional low tire and maybe to spin off a few lug nuts for rotation. Whats my best bang for my buck? I'd hoped to stay away from the noisy oiless models. but in the end it really doesn't matter. I looked at HD. I think all the cheap china models come from the same place anyways, just different colors. I don't need a heavy shop model as I have one of those in the shop.

I've got a little pancake compressor, got it from Home Depot, came free with a purchase of a 3 pack, nailer, brad gun and stapler.

Had it for about 5 years now, it only gets occasional use, but it sure comes in handy for low tires. Has enough tank capacity to air up a car tire, like an air tank. And it holds air well! It will stay aired up as long as I disconnect the air hose.

But... It won't run an impact wrench. You'll need a good size compressor and tank for that, something up around 5 HP. Not going to be cheap or very portable.

don't rush watch craig's list for a good deal

A compressor to run an impact wrench will not be cheap. The noise of both an impact wrench and an oil less compressor running together would be deafening. If you are on a budget, I'd start with just a $10 hand pump or a $25 12 volt road emergency compressor and then take your time looking for a decent used compressor at a good price. Maybe use an electric or battery powered impact wrench to fill the void.

There are always exceptions, from what I've seen used regular compressors hold their value nearly 75 percent of new price, while used oil less units in prefect shape have trouble bringing anywhere close to $100.

as for the impact part, id buy an electric impact gun. ive got one and I have broke wheel studs off with it. Its got some punch to it.

I bought a similar one, Stanley-Bostich, had to put a new valve plate in it within 2 years. Probably no better than a HF POS! Also very noisy!
My best compressors are made out of automotive air conditioner pumps on fork truck propane tanks!

I bought a H F special. I think it is a eight gallon tank 120 psi. I have done some light impact stuff with it. Great for tires. I caught it on sale around $100. It is an oil type.

If you need to air tires in your garage once in a while,get a portable air tank and just fill it with your heavy shop model in the shop.Get a battery impact to change your wheels.Or change the wheels in your shop with an air impact and heavy shop model compressor in the shop.

About four years ago my old Craftsman Compressor gave out, and needing a moderate amount of air, I bought a 2hp 8gal compressor from HF. Only paid about $80.00 at the time. It will pump up a tire if you are in no hurry, if you are changing a tire the bead has to have a good grip on the rim or it does not deliver enough air to "pop" the bead. It is a piston type that requires oil, but turns so many rpm that it sounds like a swarm of angry hornets. It will NOT deliver enough air for an impact tool. I have a little air powered cut off tool and it can't even keep up with that. Obviously, the Chinese measure HP output differently than we do.

A tenant left a little tankless AC unit. It would be perfectly adequate for your need and I bet is under $25.00.

If you are thinking cheap and only want to air up tires, go to HF and get a noise maker under $50.

If you are thinking smart, buy a cordless impact to spin off lug nuts. Or a corded impact is much cheaper and may give you more impact for the buck vs using a small air compressor and pneumatic impact.

Years ago, I dumped all my pneumatic tools for cordless ones or corded sanders and grinders.

I think it crazy to use a 5 hp air compressor to power up fractional hp sanders, grinders and impacts. Besides, I like having cordless tools in truck so I can work any place I want and not tied to an air hose.

I have a little Porter Cable Oil-less compressor that I bought at Lowes (I think). I used it for years to run trim and roofing nailers and all kinds of other things that used air. I still use it when I need air away from the big compressor or away from home.

I know for a fact that it will run a 1/2" impact to pull lug nuts, I've done it. It wasn't fun, but changing a flat seldom is. Now, I will admit, I keep the lug nuts well lubed so they will come off without breaking.

It does work for blowing up tires when they are away from the big compressor. It isn't the fastest or the quietest, but it does work. I haven't used it lately so I am trying to recall the specifics. It has a built in regulator to the tool or it can be turned up to full pressure. As I recall, it has a max operating pressure of 150 psi. I am trying to remember, but I think it only draws 10 amps when it starts so it doesn't overload typical household circuits.

I have one of the electric impacts also, haven't used it in years, wasn't too impressed with the torque of it and it is big and bulky and generally a pain in the butt to use.

I hope this helps...

Matthew