The Top 10 Small Air Compressors You Need to Have in Your Workshop

Posted by cris magno on March 11th, 2023

A good air compressor is a valuable tool for any workshop. It powers pneumatic tools like nail guns, blower guns and impact wrenches that save time and effort on a variety of projects.

Choosing an air compressor for your needs depends on a few factors, including how much power you need, the size of the tank and portability.

2. Craftsman 6.0-gallon Portable Air Compressor

The Craftsman 6.0-gallon portable air compressor is lightweight, compact and durable. It offers a pressure of up to 150 PSI and comes with an oil-free pump that eliminates maintenance and extends its lifetime.

It's made from metal and heavy-duty plastic, and is backed by a 1-year limited warranty. It features dual couplers for simultaneous use, which makes it easy to connect different tools.

This compressor will work well for a variety of small air tools, including nailers and staplers. However, it won't run more demanding tools such as air sanders or die grinders.

3. Craftsman 5.0-gallon Portable Air Compressor

The Craftsman 5.0-gallon Portable Air Compressor is an excellent choice for powering nail guns or other small household tools. It's large enough to handle most DIY projects yet small enough to easily move around your home and garage--it weighs 36 pounds, and it has a convenient carrying handle on top.

The tank capacity is a key factor to consider when choosing an air compressor. Smaller tanks are good for air tools that are used intermittently, like nail guns, while bigger ones are more suitable for longer-term use.

You'll also want to pay attention to the airflow rating. This is a rating that measures how much air the tool can receive in one minute.

4. Craftsman 4.5-gallon Portable Air Compressor

If you don't need a large air compressor but want to inflate tires, run a brad nailer or spray paint your fence, the Craftsman 4.5-gallon portable is a great choice. It has an oil-free pump for low maintenance, a cast iron cylinder and a high-capacity tank that holds more than a gallon of air.

It's also quite quiet--a good thing for those who have to operate noisy tools in a shop or garage. But remember, you'll have to change the oil on schedule if you want it to last.

5. Craftsman 4.0-gallon Portable Air Compressor

When buying a small air compressor, you need to consider the type of tools you want to use it with. It’s important to choose a model that has enough PSI and CFM ratings to power your tools, without overloading the compressor.

The CMXECXA0200141A is a great compressor for home improvement and small projects. Its oil-free pump and a 3/4 horsepower motor provide plenty of power for all your home needs.

It also comes with an inflator accessory kit for inflating bike tires, car tires, sports balls and more. It’s perfect for DIYers who want to complete their own household inflation jobs quickly and easily.

This portable compressor is easy to transport and a good value for the price. It is also durable and lightweight, with steel construction. Its tank can hold a little more than 4.0 gallons of air, and it has a maximum of 135 PSI.

6. Craftsman 3.5-gallon Portable Air Compressor

If you’re in the market for a small air compressor that will provide enough power to handle your household garage tasks, this Craftsman 3.5-gallon model is a great choice. It has a super quiet oil-free pump and a large tank that can last for hours without needing refills.

It delivers up to 150 PSI and a 2.6 CFM capacity, making it ideal for most light power tools. It’s also super solidly built with a belt-driven pump and an oil-lubricated motor.

It’s a little heavier than some of the other models on this list, but it’s not that much more. It’s also very quiet, and it comes with an auto pump shut-off feature that prevents damage to the motor if the tank is full.

7. Craftsman 3.0-gallon Portable Air Compressor

For small jobs around the home, a portable air compressor is often all you need. This model from Craftsman is a good choice for powering nail guns or inflating tires.

It’s also durable and reliable, so you can trust it to get the job done. Its large tank will hold plenty of air, allowing you to power tools for longer than with smaller tanks.

This air compressor is relatively quiet, too; you won’t be able to hear it while using it. It has an oil-free pump that requires low maintenance.

8. Craftsman 3.0-gallon Portable Air Compressor

If you’re in the market for a small air compressor that can handle some simple home projects, look no further than the Craftsman 3.0-gallon Portable Air Compressor. It’s a great choice for powering nail guns or inflating tires, and it’s reasonably priced as well.

The size of an air compressor’s tank is a key factor in determining its capacity and durability. The larger the tank, the more time you can spend using powerful tools like air sanders and paint sprayers.

A higher-capacity tank is ideal for projects that require running a tool continuously. For example, if you’re using a paint sprayer, you’ll need more than just the minimum scfm rating to get the job done.

9. Craftsman 3.0-gallon Portable Air Compressor

If you need a small air compressor that can handle simple tasks around the home and garage, this one should be able to do the job. It's reasonably priced, durable and easy to use.

It's also relatively quiet for an air compressor, which can be a big plus if you're worried about disturbing other people in the area.

This is an all-around portable workhorse, delivering enough power to run up to 3 framing nailers or 4 roofing/siding nailers at once.

Its large tank delivers a lot of airflow at low noise levels, and its oil-free pump keeps it running for long periods without needing maintenance. It also comes with a set of inflation accessories, which will help you inflate balls, tires, camping gear, and more.

10. Craftsman 3.5-gallon Portable Air Compressor

If you're looking for a small air compressor that's incredibly versatile, look no further than this Craftsman model. It's lightweight, portable and built with steel to ensure durability.

It delivers up to 150 PSI and can pump 2.6 SCFM which is enough power for light power tools and other household garage tasks. It has a large 6-gallon tank which is larger than other air compressors in this price range.

It also has an oil-free pump that needs minimal maintenance and is easy to use. It's also ultra-quiet and has a sound level of only 60 decibels at maximum volume.