There is a lot of confusion out there about selecting the right size air compressor to run your air tools. Basically, there are several factors to look at when choosing the proper air compressor for your shop or garage.

            The first criteria is horse power rating. Most people assume the higher the horsepower rating on the box, the better the air compressor. However, all horse power ratings are not created equal and can easily be misrepresented. What I mean is, you go to your local giant hardware retailer to pick out a new air compressor to run your impact wrench. They have a 5 hp unit that is priced really cheap. Why is that 5 hp industrial unit cost so much more? 5 hp is 5 hp, right? Not necessarily. Let me explain. Look at how much power the hardware store unit draws. It probably needs around 15 amps from a normal 110 volt circuit. At this rating, you are really getting only 2 hp. The 5hp rating on the box is inflated. To really produce true 5 hp you need at least 24 amps from 220 volt circuit to get it. If you are looking for 5 hp electric compressor, buy the industrial unit and stay away from the cheaper unit at your local hardware store. I am not saying that every air compressor at your local hardware is junk. A lot of times one of those units is all you need. Just be aware of the true horsepower rating.

            The next consideration when purchasing a new portable air compressor is, "How much PSI will I need?" For the newbies, PSI is short for "pounds per squa