You should choose slightly more power than you actually need to make sure you will have enough power for any job.

One of the most important considerations when using a compressor is safety. Make sure you wear safety goggles when you operate any tool, along with protective clothing, including long pants, long sleeved shirts and safety shoes such as work boots or heavy, not thin sneakers.

The most common air compressor is the portable rotary screw compressor. They rang from 65 to 1600 cubic feet per minute, with a pressure rating from 100 to 350 psi (pounds per square inch). Determine which kinds of tools you use. A professional contractor, for example, would probably require 185 CFM, so that he could run two power tools at once and could use it for both light and heavy duty tools.

Truck mounted compressors are popular and can be mounted in the bed of a truck or under the hood, to save space. A truck mounted compressor will use the engine of the truck to generate the power, which will keep maintenance easier.

However, you have to run the truck in order to use the compressor.

A deck mounted compressor is mounted in the bed of a truck and can be removed from the truck and left on site, instead of setting it up each day. Since they have an engine of their own, they do not rely on the power from your truck. You will fuel them separately and give them the separate required maintenance.

There are electrically powered compressors and gas powered compressors. In both types, air is stored in a holding tank. You attach the tool to be powered with a hose and check the pressure, which is regulated by a valve, on the gauges on the compressor. One of the best brands of compressors in the Quincy brand. They carry rotary screw compressors that range in size from 10 to 350 horsepower. Quincy machines are notable for their reliability, durability and quietness. They come in all tank size models from small to larger models in a stationary cabinet.

Husky air compressors are another popular model, typically for home use. To run household tools such as sprayer, nail guns and spraying insulation, the 1.75 gallon tank, 135 PSI unit is recommended. It is convenient, portable and has a telescoping handle. For easy maintenance, it has an oil free pump. Another model is the 4 gallon, 125 PSI model, perfect for small tools, inflating tires or other recreational items. This is ideal for around the home use or a small wood shop.