1 Gallon Air Compressor Shoot Out

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

_I just bought the Makita compressor this morning before watching your vlog about it. I was a little hesitant because of the price, looked at other brands, but kept coming back to the Makita for the quality known and the full roll cage around the components. That whats really sold me on it._

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

@Christov I love it and it’s so quiet. Very happy that I bought it, a bit pricey, but still very happy with the performance for what I’m using it for!

[@matthewkleinmann]

A few years ago I really wanted one of the paslode framing nail guns, but I was put off by two things. The initial price and the price of the consumables, and to some extent, being married to one vendor for all of it. I came up with my own solution that I don't recommend unless you know what you are doing, but it works well for me and I love it. I got a 20 pound dip tube CO2 tank from my local welding shop, and I got a paintball tank filler from eBay. I got a CGA 320 adapter for the paintball tank, and a regulator for it. I put a regular quick connect air fitting on the output of the regulator. I can charge up the paintball tank at home. I can drive about 8 racks of framing nails with my old blue HF 21 degree nail gun. I can shoot brads and staples all day. The set up makes no noise and takes no time to recharge. Last time I had the big tank refilled it was under $35. And the portable tank/regulator only weighs a couple of pounds. And as an added bonus, I can use other tools with it. I had one instance where I needed to blow something out and I could not make noise. It was a big waste of gas but it was easy to do and I did not have to run 100 feet of hose to a compressor outside. I am not a pro so I did not put any emphasis on armoring it but it would not take much to make a wooden box for it or it might even fit in an old toolbox with some foam..

[@AFoulOdor]

There is an SP model of the California Air that has a cage and panel more similar to the other 2. It is still less expensive than the others and addresses at least 2 of the issues mentioned. I cannot speak to the center of gravity for that model. It is basically the exact same compressor but designed for the use case you have in mind for these tests.

[@kimstockdale632]

I would like to get the California Air tool. But 29 lb is too heavy. And 34 lb for the roll cage model, way too heavy.

[@pokeba3299]

Thank very much. I don't know there are such small and quiet air compressors. I ordered a Makita after watching your video yesterday and just received it. The compressor is really SOOOOO quiet and SSSSmall. Perfect for my nail guns. Thanks very much.

[@Comm0ut]

The Makita is my "house" compressor for dusting and minor chores. I've many years industrial and military equipment background and own much larger compressors, but the Makita is ideal for a convenient home gamer utility compressor.

[@MikeMPharmaCyclist]

Yes I agree I love these baby compressors for around the house and in my garage. For a general simple blowing tasks and tire inflation there great. I got the Limodot 2 gallon that has a 45 second tank refill and only 60 dB for $130. It doesn't have protection like the Makita though which is a cool feature

[@californiaairtools]

DIYMARK, Great Video and demonstration. At California Air Tools we offer 2 Models of the .6 Hp Ultra Quiet Air Compressor. The CAT-1P1060S (the model you reviewed) and the CAT-1P1060SP. The 1P1060SP has a panel and roll cage that compares to the Makita air compressor you reviewed, The 1P1060SP retails for $125-$145.

[@DIYMark]

Hey thanks for the comment! Would love to feature the 1060SP in another video. Reach out to me if you can make that possible [e-mail]

[@billtmarchi4320]

​@@DIYMarkwhat he's trying to say is, you send me a free one, and I'll put in a good word for ya.

[@hugoglenn9741]

California Air tools, if truthfull would be made in California. bTW, what is the country of origin?

[@californiaairtools]

The Truth! We have 4 manufacturing facilities: San Diego, CA (25 employees) / Acolman, Mexico (200 employees) / Tecate, Mexico (25 employees) / China (only with a few of our smallest models). Over 90% are Made in America.

[@fedguy9182]

May want to check out the Fortress ultra quiet 1 gal. I think it is on par with Mikita but quite. I have the 2 gal version for air brush and small nailers. I can get about 10 shots from my framing nailer in a pinch doing diy projects. I’m very happy with it

[@turkey1337]

It looks like the Fortress one might be coming from the same factory as the Makita one. Anyway, HF is selling the Fortress for $150. I think I'll spend the extra $20.

[@Tardisius]

I bought 2 CATs @ $87.00 each. One for indoor air brushing and the other is in the garage with an 8 gal. Kobalt extra tank attached. =)

[@vanquishstorm3806]

Tardisius How do you like the CAT compressor for airbrushing? I'm looking for a new compressor to airbrush indoors with and don't want something that is obnoxiously loud.

[@horacesawyer2487]

Seems like a fair comparison of the units. Good job.

[@MurrayCallaghan]

My small portable crapped out yesterday. Appreciate the review

[@mbj1163]

Great video! It would be interesting to see how the DEWALT D55140 1 Gal. Portable Electric Trim Air Compressor compares since given Dewalt's marketing reach it is one of the most popular in this class. For more air at about the same footprint, price, weight, and dB the PORTER CABLE CMB15 and Chicago Pneumatic HCP-1116 are compact 1.6 gallon models that are worth a look. They advertise 2.0 CFM @ 90 psi (briefly) vs 0.75 CFM for the 1-gallon models. I've had the Porter Cable for 6 years but use it mainly for car tires and light blowing. That said, more isn't always better and the Makita you reviewed looks more "contractor grade". BTW - I noticed the little water and oil separator on your working compressor and bought one. Thanks again.

[@lemmegetone]

Good test thanks for the research. I went with a metabo 1 gallon and am Pretty happy with it

[@rpproductions31013]

Sounds like Tim Cook introducing a new iPhone

[@montanaplease]

Don’t insult this guy. Tim Cook is a gay communist

[@MikeMPharmaCyclist]

He has a great voice for narration.

[@wplusr]

wow. thank you for the review. i was doing my own research and narrowed it down to these 3 air compressors. i wanted something quieter than my portal-cable. i might go with the mikita because that's the only brand i'm familiar with.

[@timlovejoy7616]

My bet is the Makita will outlast the others as well. I am still using 32 year old makita cordless drills.

[@heyb6268]

Yep dad and I have a Makita LS1011 Miter Saw he’s been using since early-mid 90s. Just replaced the brush after 30 years and it’s about time for a new brake. Other than that it’s runs great!

[@lonnywalsh]

Thanks for the review. Would have liked to hear the Makita unit running instead of just telling us the dB reading.

[@rencleavus5213]

I've had my DeWalt 1-gallon now for over 15 years and only one glitch - the switch melted. Got an off-the-shelf switch at my local hardware store and fixed it myself. It runs just as quietly as those 3 units and is actually a more compact design.

[@kimstockdale632]

Yes, I would like to have seen Dewalt here. But the spec for DeWalt says 70db noise vs 60db for California Air and Makita. Interesting you say just as quiet.

[@ModularIsl]

would it be smart to box one and soundproof the box if youre working inside an apartment where any noise is noticeable? I really like bare minimum footprints

[@north4961]

Hi - for transparency- did you purchase all three with your own money ? Look forward to hearing from you. 👍

[@DIYMark]

Absolutely. No sponsors or freebies.

[@north4961]

@ 👍👍

[@huseyinalskan5539]

The product I'm looking at is dusting off my dusty shelf products. sometimes after washing my car, holding some air and drying it. How many gallons of compressor would you recommend?

[@JeffinTD]

Nice video. Been kind of eyeballing the 1 or 2 gallon Fortress (harbor freight).

[@OregonDARRYL]

The 1 gal gets lots of great reviews and is super quiet. I bought one. It's awesome.

[@ironeagle2526]

Only problem with the fortress is a 90 day warranty I would get the 2 gal makita for a little more and get the 1 yr coverage

[@JeffinTD]

@@ironeagle2526 Yeah I got the 2 gallon. Not that much heavier or bulkier, but has more oomph. So far it’s been great.

[@rubenmv91]

Are they good to put air on a flat tire?

[@lonnie195]

Great video. Much appreciated. But I still haven't made up my mind. They all look like winners.

[@drydreams8513]

4 framing gun nails is good enough for me! I have a small car already filled with tools and a ladder space is a premium I don’t have left. I have some 3/8 fittings and I can get a 3/8 hose to try to help that little compressor out a bit more when running a nail gun. I’m never shooting nail super fast expect maybe when doing plywood flooring/ roofing I think I can get away with using these small sexy compressors. How many framing nails did you get just 4 ?? 6 or 8 would be good I could live with that for sure

[@samuelayala88]

Do you know if the 1 gallon Makita will handle an Air impact wrench to loosen & tighten car & truck tires ??

[@DIYMark]

Sam, I think you might be disappointed in the long run with these small guys. Impact wrench can use a lot of air. I think it would work for the first few lug nuts but as you move around the wheel the compressor is going to start running and might not be able to keep up. If it's just an occasional deal, it will get through it. But if that is the primary task get something with a bigger tank.

[@olenaerhardt7725]

What hose would you recommend to seat the bead on the newly installed tire (1/4" or 3/8")? And if you could tell the setting on the compressor for that procedure and corresponding set to buy. I changed my 1st tire, but couldn't seat it on the bead yet, since tried to use a small tire inflator. I was planning to get a small pancake (for 6 GA) compressor, but after this film think that maybe Superquiet 1-2 GA Fortress compressor will work for that task. Does it matter for that project 6Ga or 1Ga? Thank you for the informative film.

[@dave-yj9mc]

These wont seat a tire bead.... Try some started fluid and an aim-n-flame. (long lighter) dont put to much you might pop out the valve stem.

[@markalley4810]

The CAT compressor looks exactly like the compressor that Hooka uses for its dive compressor. Is this the same compressor or am i crazy?

[@riley8469]

It’s 2024 and the makita is now priced at $239.

[@jimmyf.x.9526]

Thanks for helping me make a decision.

[@drrobotsir]

The CAT one has 1.2 CFM vs Makita 0.7 CFM at 90 psi. Did you feel a big difference during your testing? I wonder if it's just a marketing thing, since all the other ultra quiet 1 gallon compressors have CFMs around 0.7

[@DIYMark]

I could not tell any real difference between them. The framing nailer test was the most taxing on all of them and they all had trouble on the 4 or 5th 16D nail. None of them are good for blowing. They are just too small for that. That said, the CAT recharges the fastest. All of them are excellent compressors for small jobs and EZ to handle. Current pricing would drive my decision between them.

[@danielauen7790]

What the hell is the thread on the CAT tank input? i just got one without a compressor..

[@OGKook]

Price has gone up on the cat quite a bit dang!

[@stevestumbaugh8982]

THANKS FOR THIS COMPARISON .

[@dannyrod1980]

What compressor do you recommend for strictly blowing dust off tools after the job?

[@mattchew5965]

Did you ever find a solution? I'm looking for a quiet, portable, enough capacity or cycle time, to blow off tools.

[@dannyrod1980]

@@mattchew5965 Does not last long for simply clearing dust from tools from my research. Reviews had compressor cycle in couple minutes for my purpose. I never made the purchase

[@nodoubt46able]

rolair

[@mikeys2986]

Which one would work best with an airbrush? Simple model building painting, nothing fancy. The small Badger compressor i bought 30 years ago hasn't worked right since day one. (And been in the box because of that.) I'm looking for something quiet with a tank, would these do?

[@DIYMark]

I think any of them would work great for airbrushing....although I haven't tried it first hand.

[@philliportega4902]

Even though I see the Makita impact driver and the Makita dual bevel miter saw I'm still hoping that this wasn't a biased comparison

[@KennyGarland]

Kinda can't help it. "Friendliest" is quite subjective, could mean a lot of different things.

[@roadglide]

Suffice to say these would easily work for car tires and fence staining spray gun for the house?

[@DIYMark]

Hmmm. Car tires absolutely. Spray gun I'm not so sure. The guns I have used require a decent amount of CFM. These little guys are right around 1.0 CFM. Check the spray gun specs and see if it will fly with that amount of flow.

[@theyuha]

Can you install oak tongue and groove flooring with these compressors?

[@DIYMark]

Like most things in life....Depends. I have used mine to drive 1.5 inch staples in TG bamboo flooring. But I suspect it might not be able to handle a large Bostitch like flooring nailer.

[@Bryan-df7kc]

I appreciate this very much! 👏 Thank you!

[@UBME2]

Kobalt has a nice unit. lasted 6 years and I am now replacing the switch/pressure regulator for $10.

[@JeLifeCoach]

Would you recommend one of these for mobile detailing? I have a kobalt 6 gallon pancake now and it is so loud. Would like something that stays on at a more consistent and lower rumble. I’m slightly concerned with what you mentioned about blowing cause of small tanks.

[@DIYMark]

Hi Jon. I've never detailed a car...other than bucket wash. I totally understand the problem with the annoyingly loud pancake! But if you need to blow off the car after a wash these little guys are going to disappoint you. Makita does make a quiet 3 gallon compressor, that might be more appropriate. But I don't have any first and experience.

[@JeLifeCoach]

@@DIYMark ok thank you so much sir. I appreciate your insight!

[@gregoryNallison]

Question if you would know, will these compressor air up a car or truck tire ?

[@DIYMark]

Hello Greg. Of course it would depend on how big the tire is (and deflated), but yes. I use them to air up car tires all the time. They are super convenient cuz it's easy to tote them from wheel to wheel.

[@mururoa7024]

Thanks! You covered all my questions. I know what to look for now.

[@Ho_ten]

SO...I have a question about all this, hopefully you'll get back to me sooner that later. I need to spray my backyard fence with Austrian lumber oil stain. I have about 1,000 foot of fence that I need to treat. I haven't purchased my spray gun yet and nor do I have a compressor. What would you recommend for this type of job? Thanks for reaching out! Any insight you might have is going to be greatly appreciated.

[@DIYMark]

Hi Kevin. Like most things in life....it depends. Primarily what gun you choose and how much frustration you want to endure.1000 feet is a lot of spraying whatever you choose. These little compressors don't have enough wind to run any spray gun IMO. I would suggest you go airless. Go to a reputable paint store and they can guide you what is best for that application (including spray tips). If cost is too high for you budget check craigslist/offer-up/etc for a used one. Save you about half or more. I got a nice second hand Titan unit for about $300 used for several projects then sold it for nearly what I paid. Good luck!

[@billystray7007]

Im a big fan of Makita compressors But I have the senco because the tank is just small enough to fit in a systainer Length wise You mind telling me how long the makita tank is ?

[@DIYMark]

Bill that is an excellent idea. I never thought of putting a compressor into a systainer. Would love to see some pictures of what you came up with (askdiymark "AT" gmail.com). I measured the tank on the makita and it's at 14 3/8" so would fit the width. The challenge is the depth of the cage, which is close to 15". My systainer is only 11 1/2 deep. Thoughts?

[@lgmnowkondo938]

so, if I use this and I'm doing trim work...I'll have to pause for 27 seconds after 10 nails?

[@DIYMark]

Only if you use framing nails for your finish work. When you shoot brads or pins the demand is so much less there is never any issue.

[@lgmnowkondo938]

@@DIYMark so that means the compressor will add air before it's empty? Or does it wait until the tank is empty to refill the air?

[@emotionalfish1181]

Bought the Makita, thanks for the vid

[@allwinds3786]

My big question is how long will they last.

[@WaIIyMaven]

I agrée, i feel the duty cycle is fairly low

[@rogerlatterell7157]

thanks for the review

[@andre1987eph]

VERY helpful. Thanks

[@mingoreyes1]

You ever test the poter cable compressor is it really loud?

[@nodoubt46able]

very loud piece of junk, ive been thru 4 of them

[@patrickcotter945]

Are they good for bike and car tires ?

[@DIYMark]

Excellent. The light weight makes it ez to move out to the driveway and service the car.

[@kc7136]

Mark could not thank you enough. Excellent review!!! I'm specially looking for blowing air (cleaning filters and small jobs like cleaning car interior etc), what size tank would you recommend ?

[@DIYMark]

Hey KC, Yeah these little guys just don't have enough capacity for blowing. My 6 gallon tank unit works well for most stuff...blowing filters, cleaning garage, etc. That might be your ticket. My drywaller uses a 6gal Husky unit that is pretty quiet. Much quieter than my 6 gal porter cable. But the old noisy ones are cheaper. Hope this helps.

[@kc7136]

@@DIYMark perfect. just the answer i had been looking for. thanks so much

[@AphexTwinII]

Makita at $220 puts it right out of the market while the Senco remains the same price.

[@travisjazzbo3490]

PRICE vs COST... If you work the hell out of it... Makita price is well worth it

[@happycat0411]

Spend a little more money and buy something a little bigger that is also uses an oiled air compressor engine like the Makita. Oiled units will last much longer and those that can do 4 ~ 5 CFM @ 90 PSI are good enough for air tools as well. Oil-Free units are noisier and used both sealed bearings on the connecting rod and neoprene seals on the piston to keep the air in during the compression stroke to build pressure. Over time the neoprene seals will tend to wear down and fail and need to be eventually replaced. Oiled air compressors are much more heavy duty and can run 24/7 if necessary due to their better designed oiled lubrication, which is what all professional contractors use.

[@kimstockdale632]

I'm not looking to run 24/7 maybe a few times per months. I prefer lightweight and quiet for home use, and I don't want to deal with oiled air compressor, so these three fit my needs great.

[@rainbowhorse2312]

hi , Wondering if you'd be interested in review handheld endoscope? 😀

[@Kusv583]

Wonderful review sir

[@nadiaelhakkaoui6697]

thank you so much for this video

[@rickbarg3980]

Your dB tester is off 58 dB on the Makita tank

[@JuanitoGT502]

Thanks for the video 📹 homie 🙏

[@jeffalan6339]

Nice info.

[@Dawesenm]

Hey, that's pretty good.

[@RobertMillerJustme]

Just recieved delivery of mine an hour ago I went with the California Air the other two are knockoffs now that the patant time has expired CA has been producing them the longest I went with the 15020c-22060 220 volts 10 gallon tank - sold my Black Max and it was a basic trade and did it exclusively for lower sound levels, every review I watched so far said it was the quietest, with the longest motor pump life. I will go to home depot later for the outlet and test it.

[@whitestar3531]

These reviews never tell the size motor

[@LarryB-inFL]

The CAT model tested is not avail and the replacement is now $165

[@HIGHER7RUTH]

I just got my Husky brand new for 100 bucks im stoked. Cant wait to get my order of 4 husky air tools for 90 bucks.🤙

[@craigchiddo2794]

They are all coming from the same factory

[@KennyGarland]

One thing that wasn't pointed out is the tank on the CAT is detachable, and therefor potentially serviceable/replaceable. That is not the case on the Makita. I'm looking at getting the Makita MAC201Q, but now considering the CAT 2010A instead for that very reason.

[@eifionjones559]

mine seems detachable on having a quick look . But to be honest this was so cheap it would not be worth the bother

[@mrbkkt1]

@@eifionjones559 I have the 210Q. the tank is welded to the roll cage.

[@Agent77X]

Use my as a tire inflator!

[@arriagada1957]

I have the Porter Cable 6 gallon pancake Is anything loudest than this pancake BS..?

[@billtmarchi4320]

I got a CAT air compressor for free. A 10 gallon 2hp compressor. $465 new. Guy had it by the curb. Looked like new. He said it worked but the safety shut off wasn't working or something pointing to the wires that go to a fuse diode thing by the tank. Took it home. Plugged in started and ran and shut off popped my circuit breaker on my multi plug in thing. Drained air gotbit to start and run again, popped breaker. Tried again drained some air motor wouldn't start. I could see it trying. Tried over and over when tank had airborne would try to start but motor wouldn't. Drain all out motor ran., Unhooked air line to tank and air was leaking back to motor. Pulled the spring loaded rubber plug from the one way valve that stops air from leaking out the tank back to the motor cleaned it sprayed it and where it seats. Even put a washer behind spring to give a little more pressure on spring and plug. Works great works just like it should. A rare good thing that happened to me. Thanks for the video.

[@rickbarg3980]

And airbrushing

[@allenkuns6552]

My california air busted a reed valve with less than 10 hours on it. Cheap piece of crap!

[@eifionjones559]

much rather the Hyundai super silent myself , better design

[@KennyGarland]

Looks good, but it's not sold in America. The compressor looks identical to the CAT, wonder if they imported it from Hyundai or their supplier.

[@eifionjones559]

@@KennyGarland Pleased with it, Would not be surprised if they rebranded it for different markets

[@strikerfired6242]

The CAT is junk

[@James-gz6iq]

Senco is the weakest and most useless compressor ever made, stay away from it