Quiet air compressors

[dstig1]

Like the title says...I'm specifically looking for a portable air compressor to drive finish nailers, air up tires, maybe an occasional framing nailer for minor stuff. Right now i have the very common Porter Cable pancake compressor that I have been using for probably 20 yrs now. I hate it. It is heavy, loud and bulky and that makes it a PITA to haul in through doors and did I mention it's LOUD??!!! WHAT??!?! CAN'T HEAR YOU OVER THE COMPRESSOR!!!!! I won't spend $800 on one but I'm thinking $300 maybe 400 I would be fine with. I'm starting my own search online also but always prefer to hear actual experiences from the TBN brain trust.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[WM75Guy]

I have the Campbell Hausfeld 6 gallon Quiet Air Compressor. I use it in the garage for tires and the grease gun. It is half the noise of my Campbell Hausfeld 26 gallon oiless which I moved to the shop. I paid about $200 for it.

https://www.campbellhausfeld.com/quietcompressors.html

 

[Fallon]

I've heard good things about the newer scroll type compressors. Eastwood QST-3/6 Quiet Scroll Air Compressor in particular. Not cheap or that high output, but a decent smaller machine. I think there are a few cheaper ones with different paint around as well.

 

[ultrarunner]

Rolair also has some very quiet compressors depending on how much CFM is needed.

Portable Air Compressors - Hand Carry Air Compressors | Rolair Systems

For small projects and my brad nailers I use this and noise has never been an issue.

AB5 1/2 HP, 1 Gal, Portable Air Compressor - Quite Air Compressor | Rolair Systems

Around the shop I use this one and it should be under $400 with free shipping...

Rolair 2 HP Compressor VT2TB | Acme Tools

VT2�TB 2 HP, 3.2 Gal, Quite Electric Air Compressor | Rolair Systems

I found the best price on Zoro with the coupons they send out.

 

[Tompet]

California Air Tools compressors available on Amazon.

They are VERY quiet well built and some models with aluminum tanks. I also have a small Thomas American made compressor (brand no longer made) that was billed as the quiet compressor of its time. The California Air Tools Compressor is quieter.

 

[fried1765]

Like the title says...I'm specifically looking for a portable air compressor to drive finish nailers, air up tires, maybe an occasional framing nailer for minor stuff. Right now i have the very common Porter Cable pancake compressor that I have been using for probably 20 yrs now. I hate it. It is heavy, loud and bulky and that makes it a PITA to haul in through doors and did I mention it's LOUD??!!! WHAT??!?! CAN'T HEAR YOU OVER THE COMPRESSOR!!!!! I won't spend $800 on one but I'm thinking $300 maybe 400 I would be fine with. I'm starting my own search online also but always prefer to hear actual experiences from the TBN brain trust.

Thanks,
Dave

I would say that the "California" brand compressor is EXACTLY what you are looking for.
There are many California models for sale on Amazon.
All models are under $307, one model is $143.

I am going to dump my HORRIBLY LOUD Porter Cable, and buy a California compressor.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Check out the Kobalt quiet air compressor from Lowes.

It is the quietest I have ever seen. I have one and it is great, not a lot of CFM (2.4 @90 psi)but great for nailers, light air wrench work etc. For more volume and about $150 you can get a 4.3?CFM with 26 gallon tank. Since I already had a Puma hotdog tank compressor of similar output, I just rigged a hose to connect the two together when I need more capacity. The Puma is a lot louder than the Kobalt but still quieter than my old Craftsman oiless compressor that you need to have ear plugs to be close to it.
Also easy to move around with rear wheels and a telescoping handle that will retract out of the way for storage but extend high so you dont have to bend over to roll it. It is a twin piston design and comes with a quick opening half turn water drain valve. IIRC it was around $200, but I bought it a couple years ago so the price may be different now.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I have a California Air Tools compressor, bought specifically for finish nailing. It is very quiet and light and keeps up easily with my finish nailer and stapler.

 

[rgr33]

I bought a California air compressor a year ago. I gotta admit, they are very quiet, my only regret is that it isn’t bigger.
,

 

[Jaylegger]

California Air Tools I believe are the most quiet air compressors. They're available in 1hp and 2hp models with various tank sizes.