What should you need to know before buying a used air compressor?

Are you thinking of buying a used air compressor? But don’t know where to start? No worries! In this article, I will clear up all your confusion.

The air compressor is a very effective and cost-friendly electronic device. It converts power into potential energy. It pumps high-pressure air to fill gas. They are used for household applications and also for industrial applications. The air compressor can come in different sizes, shapes and, types. Two common types are:

1. Portable air compressor.
2. Stationary air compressor.

The air compressor again can be classified according to pressure. They are:

1. Low-pressure air compressor.
2. Medium air compressor.
3. High-pressure air compressor.

The compressor is also classified according to the design and principle of operation. They are:

1. Single-stage reciprocating compressor.
2. Two stages reciprocating compressor.
3. Compound compressor.
4. Rotary screw compressor.
5. Rotary vane pump.
6. Scroll compressor.
7. Turbo compressor.
8. Centrifugal compressor.

How to pick a used air compressor?

Some air compressors function for many years. If you have a money issue, then you can purchase a used air compressor before buying a new one. But before buying a used air compressor you need to keep in mind, some things. 

There are different types of air compressor comes in different size and shapes. You should pick the air compressor according to the work you want to do.

If you are to work with pneumatic or multiple power tools, then a professional air compressor is best. Oil-lubricated air compressor is best for industrial or larger-scale applications. The oil-lubricated air compressor has a strong engine and high cfm ratings. They also have large tanks.

Let us take a peek on some common air compressor. Your desired used air compressor may fall into these below categories.

Electric air compressor:

A basic electric air compressor uses voltage ratings of 110 to 120 volts of the household. Again electric air compressor with 2HP engine needs 220 to 240 volts. This air compressor is best for indoors. Because this compressor does not have gas, so no exhaust is released.

Before buying a used electric air compressor, check how and where it was used. Because the engine may create problems if it was powered through an improper setup.

Gas-powered air compressor:

A gas-powered air compressor is best for outdoor works. This compressor has a more powerful engine than an electric air compressor. This air compressor also has a standard power source. Gas-powered air compressor uses oil as their cooling mechanism. This compressor needs good ventilation.

This type of air compressor comes in various sizes, shapes, and, tank capacities. Select the compressor as you need from a wide range of sizes and tank storage capacities. 

Before buying a used gas powered air compressor, check it’s filters and tanks for unusual sizes. Some used gas powered air compressor can come with bad pressure regulators. So, before buying a used gas-powered compressor do a test run.

Stationary air compressor:

These compressors are static and used in workshops or garages. These compressors are used for heavy works and commercial uses. For working with multiple tools consistently, these air compressors are best.

Before buying a used air compressor, check where it was installed previously. Check if there is enough space in the compressor for exhausting properly. Do not buy an air compressor with too-tight space and black, greasy residue. Because this is the sign of internal components under stress.  Check whether the exhaust and filters are clean or not. Because uncleaned exhaust and filters mean the compressor may have circulation problems.

Single-stage or two-stage air compressor:

The stage tells us how many pistons the air compressor has. These piston compress and transfers air to the tank. These compressors are used for applications that require psi less than 120. These compressors are cheaper and less effective for high-pressure works.

Two-stage air compressors are best for industrial applications. These compressors can reach psi up to 150 or higher.

Before buying these air compressors, ask the hours of operation of the compressor.

Questions to keep in mind before buying a used air compressor:

Decide which compressor you need according to the work you would do. Try to get the answer to all the possible question comes in your mind. Here are some questions given below.

Which type of air compressor do you need?

Check which type of air compressor you need. The portable air compressors are easily moveable. They can be moved from one place to another. While buying a portable compressor, check the wheels and handles.

But stationary air compressors are not portable. They are hard to carry. Because they are not designed to move. For buying a used stationary air compressor, check if the foundation is broken or not.

How much-compressed air do you need?

The air compressors with larger tank compressed air at a higher pressure. These air compressors are expensive. But they are efficient for teamwork. Smaller tanks cannot deliver a compression level as high as larger tanks. Ask your seller about how these compressors were used. Because if they are used for the wrong purpose, then you may face problems.

Is noise a problem?

Some air compressor makes loud noises. In this case, oil lubricating air compressors are quieter. These compressors contain lubrication, which keeps elements running smoothly and reduce noises. But oil-free compressors don’t have lubrication. So, they lack lubrication and cause noises.

Oil lubrication lasts longer and works properly if they are maintained properly. Check before buying, if the oil lubricating air compressor is properly taken care of or not.

Oil-free air compressors are also unique and they do not need constant maintenance. But check the age and use pattern before buying a used air compressor.

How much strength do you need in your air compressor?

Check the cubic feet per minute or cfm and psi of the used air compressor you are buying. You will need more cfm then needed for your air tool.  Ask your seller about the cfm and HP of the compressor. Check if cfm and HP matched with the manufacturer guidelines or not.

At last, should you buy a used air compressor?

Buying a used air compressor can save you some money. Buy the used air compressor after proper checking