Best air compressor for auto repair shop

Best air compressor for automotive air tools 2021

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Choosing the best air compressor for auto repair shop, depends on what kinds of air tools you should powerup by an air compressor.

In the auto repair shop, different types of the job done by auto mechanics. They use various air tools, and those required separate airflow rating (CFM) and pressure.

Some of the standard air-powered auto repair tools, tools like Air Scraper, Needle Scaler, Air Impact Wrench, Air ratchet wrench, Air Hammer, pneumatic cut off tool, Pneumatic die grinder, air sander, and Pneumatic buffer polisher, these used for completing different tasks.

Choosing the perfect air compressor for powering these tools, you should know the average air-consuming rating of those tools before deciding to get a new air compressor for your auto repair shop.


What size air compressor for automotive air tools? 

Before beginning, let’s defined the CFM and air pressure requirement of air-powered auto repair tools. 

After long research and testing of varieties of air-powered auto repair tools, we make a list. This list might help you choose the suitable air compressor for your auto repair shop without draining your pocket. 

Impact Wrench – 2-4 CFM (90 PSI)

  • 1/4-inch: 2-4 CFM (90PSI)
  • 3/8-inch: 3-6 CFM (90PSI)
  • 1/2-inch: 6-8 CFM (90PSI)
  • 3/4-inch: 8-12 CFM (90PSI)
  • 1-Inch:  14-38 CFM (100-125PSI)

Air ratchet wrench

  • 1/4 inch: 2-5 CFM (90PSI)
  • 3/8-inch: 4-6 CFM (90PSI)
  • 1/2-inch:  5-8 CFM (90PSI)
  • Needle Scaler: 4-4.5 CFM (90PSI)
  • Air Hammer – 3.5-7 CFM
  • pneumatic cut off tool – 4-8 CFM
  • Pneumatic die grinder – 6-14 CFM
  • air sander -4-15
  • Pneumatic buffer polisher – 3-16 CFM 
  • Paint spray gun – 4-12 at 20-70 PSI

A 15CFM at 125-150 PSI pressure rating 30-gallon air compressor is the best choice for a car repair shop. These can powerup 1/4 to 3/4 inch impact wrench, cut off tool, die grinder, air sander, buffer polisher, and size 1/4 to 1/2-inch air ratchet wrench with maximum without sacrificing lack of airpower. 

And if you have to drive 1 Inch size impact wrench for changing tractor tires and changing tires on a semi or working on the construction equipment, you must have a 14-38 CFM rating air compressor. 

5 Best Air Compressor For Auto Repair Shop


1. Best for running 3-6 CFM Required air tools – DEWALT DXCM271

DEWALT DXCM271

This DEWALT DXCM271 is a 27-gallon air compressor from DEWALT. Nowadays, they are familiar with making the most reliable power tools. 

This unit is perfect for powering 3-6 CFM required auto repair air tools. You may run 1/4 – 3/8 size impact or ratchet wrench, capable of putting power low CFM rating air hammer, air sander, and other air tools.

If you have an electric powered impact wrench, die grinder, buffer polisher for doing heavy-duty jobs. You may choose this air compressor for the HVLP spray gun for painting cars on your auto workshop. 

It’s a 27-gallon air compressor that can reserve air at 200 PSI. A 120V electric outlet needs to run this unit. You will get 6.8 CFM at 40 PSI and 5.1 CFM at 90 PSI, which means it is standard for handle regular automotive repair jobs and perfect for the car painting job. 


2. Best air compressor for automotive air tools – Quincy QT 54

Yeah, what we said, this Quincy QT 54 is the best air compressor for keep up with every auto repair tool. It is not portable at all, designed to be installed on your auto workshop. 

The gigantic 240V air compressor comes with a 60-gallon air compressor. It’s a belt-driven air compressor powered by a 5 HP motor. 

Could be produced 15.2 SCFM at 175 PSI, the massive airflow rate for putting power to any auto repair tools like Impact Wrench, ratchet wrench, die grinder, buffer polisher, paint spray gun and keep you up without sacrificing lack of power. 

This model is perfect for upgrading your garage or choosing an auto repair shop as well as. 


3. Best gas powered portable air compressor – NorthStar Portable Gas Powered

The NorthStar Portable Gas Powered Air Compressor is the best high CFM rating compressor for powering heavy-duty auto repairing tools. Also known as truck bed air compressor.

When it comes to repairing construction equipment, changing tires on semi, changing tractor tires in a remote area, the NorthStar Portable Gas-Powered Air Compressor can encounter all toughed jobs. It allows you to bring your workshop where you need to work.

It is possible to run this unit in your truck repairing workshop for powering a 1-inch impact wrench by its massive airflow rating with high air pressure produced capability.  

A Honda GX390 is equipped to power up the compressor and 30-gallon tank to run air tools for a long time. It can produce 24CFM at 90 PSI, which is plenty enough to run any auto repair tools.

This unit is recommended for truck mechanics.  


4. SS5 5HP 60 Gallon Single Stage Air Compressor – Ingersoll-Rand

5HP 60 Gallon Single Stage Air Compressor

Deliver plenty of pressurized air to your auto repair tools with the Ingersoll Rand 5HP 60 Gallon Single Stage Air Compressor. This air compressor delivers 18.1-CFM airflow at 90 psi, and it is capable of driving the most usable air tools at your auto workshop. 

The 60-gallon tank and its 5HP motor will keep on continuous airflow in any challenging situation. 

The manufacture claimed over 5,000 hours of trouble-free operation. It is possible only with its durable cast iron construction. 

This gigantic unit’s weight is 310 pounds, and no wheel equipped for maneuver at your workshop. It is not a portable unit. 

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Hi, Eddie T. Jones and I am the author of homegearsolution.com. I have been working with household appliances, tools, outdoor gear, and gardening tools for several years. I publish unbiased comparisons based on user reviews, expert reviews, and test results. I hope you like the website.

Best regards, Eddie T. Jones

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