Best 60 Gallon Air Compressor for Home Garage

You need to paint a car – it needs to be done without any hurdle in a go.

For this, a compressor with a lower capacity is not going to help but 60 gallons definitely.

60 Gallon air compressors are of two types;

Single Stage: The air is sucked is compressed to the preset pressure by a single-piston stroke. The air is compressed only once. This will give you around 120 PSI.

Double Stage: A two stage, or dual stage air is a compressor with an extra piston. This way the 175 PSI pressurized air is delivered to the storage tank

The 60 gallon air compressors are powerful enough to tackle any heavy duty task and last for a longer period of time.

60 Gallon compressors are used to run multiple air tools for Air Brushing, Blow Cleaning, Bolting/Wrenching, Brad Nailing/Stapling, Cutting, Drilling, Finish Nailing, Framing Nailing, Grinding, HVLP Painting, Hobby Painting, Inflation, Sanding, Spraying, Surface Prep, etc.

QUICK PICKS

Here are my recommended products picked out through amazon; you would be interested in depending on your budget…

BEST PICK

Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor...

Best Value

Ingersoll-Rand 2340L5-V 5hp 60 gal Two-Stage Compressor...

BEST BUDGET

DeWalt DXCMV5076055 60 gallon 5 hp Two Stage Air Compressor

5 Best 60 Gallon Air Compressor for Home Garage Reviews

Below are the top rated Air Compressor on Amazon from the best known brands as per my recommendations;

1. DeWalt Two Stage Air Compressor for Garage

See at Amazon!

Overview

DeWalt 60 Gallons comes with a heat dissipation mechanism through an Aluminum layer that helps during the heavy duty task.

60 gallons tank will help to run the jobs at 100% duty cycle.

This garage compressor is not limited to DIYers but is also useful for contractors and small shop owners.

These can be powerful enough to perform Die grinders, impact wrenches, air hammers jobs with ease.

You need to check if you are in noise limited area as it is quite noisy for some residential areas. Still, you can use sound dampers or earplugs in a case.

2. Quincy 60 Gallon Air Compressor for Home Garage

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Overview

Quincy reciprocating air compressors are specially designed for home garages. The reason is these are the quietest yet 60 gallon powerful compressors.

This compressor is going to lower down your bills as you will get more compressed air at a lower horsepower.

The pump is once for a lifetime – Buy once in life at tested for 50,000 hours pump life rating.

The pump head is protected with a heat dissipation aluminum layer to help heavy duty jobs.

You will get 100% duty cycles and can run multiple air tools in your garage or jobsite.

One thing to note that these are not portable.

3. California Air Tools Compressor for Home Garage

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Overview

California Air Tools are also a quiet guy like Quincy compressors – only 75 dB.

An air compressor with 4 HP with that low decibel rating is one of its own kind. The motor operates at 2 hp and 1680 RPM that’s why it creates less noise.

As it is oil free pump, it helps to use in colder temperatures as well as in harsh environments with efficiency.

The 60 gallon ASME standard tank is of the right size for your garage.

This produces 30% less noise than its competitors of the same power and capacity.

4. Puma Industries 60 Gallon Belt Driven Air Compressor

See at Amazon!

Overview

Puma Industries has made this 60 gallon compressor, especially for home owners. It has a single stage pump.

This is best for a home garage to perform blow cleaning, nailing, and painting.

The water draining is quite easy – easy to maintain for a DIYer.

This has quick connect 1/2″ outlets ball valves.

For sound control, it has vibration dampers.

5. Industrial Air Two Stage Garage Compressor

See at Amazon!

Overview

Industrial Air is two stage that means is power and will provide a higher CFM at a great PSI.

The maximum PSI you will get is 175 that is a lot and 13.5 CFM will definitely perform all the jobs of a contractor as well for a professional.

Thermal motor with overload protection is of 220 volts and 5 hp can fill the 60 gallon tank in no time. That’s why you can get a 100% duty cycle.

This is not a portable equipment but 4 holes at the bottom with tight fixing and ease in transporting outside.

The pump is oil lubricated that you will get with the shipment – no worries.

Factors to Consider When Buying an Air Compressor for a Home Garage

Following are the significant factors to consider while choosing an air compressor;

Operational Noise

Compressors are usually very loud.

If you plan on operating your air compressor indoors, be mindful of the noise output measured in decibels (dB).

Most will operate between 60-90 dB which is the difference between a “normal” conversation and a power lawnmower!

For comparison purposes most state laws consider exhaust noises over 85dB illegal – so make sure not to exceed this buying an air compressor when using it in that low noise residential areas.

Tank Air Capacity

The compressor’s air capacity determines how long you can work with your tools before having to refill the tank.

Larger tanks are heavier and require more space, but they allow for longer operating periods without a break in between refills because of their larger size.

PSI- Pounds per Square Inch

PSI is used to define air pressure.

This is one of the most important factors while choosing an air compressor for your needs.

Most pneumatic tools require 70 to 90 PSI to work with. For example, if you need to operate an impact wrench then it needs 90 PSI.

Make sure about your requirements and then choose the required one described above.

If your PSI rating is not enough then the air tools may not work properly. By forcing too much you may damage the tool.

CFM – Cubic Feet per Minute

You can say it as the volume of produced air. Same as PSI the CFM is an equally important factor to consider when choosing a compressor for your DIY projects.

I have made it easy as you just need to multiply the minimum CFM of your tool’s required CFM by 1.5.

Many pneumatically powered tools require a CFM of around 4 to 5, but it varies significantly like for a stapler you may just need only 0.3 CFM while a framing nailer may require 2 plus CFM.

Air Fittings/Couplers

For easy operation just be careful about Male and Female pipe threads – Internal and External threads.

Multiple Tools

If you need to operate multiple tools like you need to operate a blaster that needs 50 CFM and a Drill that requires 40 CFM then you need to add both and require 90 CFM of air capacity to these jobs at the same time.

This way you can add multiple air tools for your team to work alongside in your garage.

Duty Cycle

If you need an air compressor for quick and short breaks instead of a 100% duty cycle then you can get a less powerful air compressor that will save your time and money.

If you need for 100% duty cycle then you need a better pump quality and a bigger receiver tank capacity compressor.

See your requirements before investing your hard earned money.

Power Supply

In order to avoid a silly situation where your air compressor trips the breaker, you’ll need to figure out how much power it needs.

This can be done with some simple math just multiply the hp by 746 to get watts. Now you need to divide the voltage of the motor to get running Amperage. Just size up the breaker to avoid trips if needed.

Oil lubricated vs Oil free

Oil lubrication garage compressors are stronger than oil free in performance and durability.

Oil free is the best to reduce running costs and frequent maintenance.

Easy Tank Drain

The drainage should be easy as it is quite a frequent operation when running a compressor. Easier drainage, easier maintenance, and longer are compressor life.

Air Compressor Size

The best way to do this is by considering what tools are most likely to be used in the garage, such as spray paint guns or sanders with motors that can generate more power than lighter duty units but still need something capable enough for general use around the home improvement projects.

Most people have several different types of bulky equipment which mean there must always be room available on site at all times – even when not being used!

Just consider this factor as per your garage requirements.

Noisy vs Ultra Quiet Air Compressor

According to studies, it found that noise above 85 dB is harmful to our ears. If exposure is long then it may damage the ears.

A sound that is between 60-70 dBA is considered a normal conversational voice.

The air compressors are 60-110 dBA usually. Some brands make ultra quiet like 50 dBA or even less.

If you are looking for a residential garage then you need to remember that in some areas you can not operate equipment that produces more than 85 dBA.

Uses of Air Compressors in Garage

Here are a few uses of an air compressor when you are going to use for a garage;

Multiple Tasks

An air compressor in the garage can help you to do multiple tasks at a time like inflating, Brad nailing, polishing, grinding, bolting, sandblasting, blowing, cleaning, and much more.

Versatile Application

A compressor is not only used in industries but compact versions let you put it in your garage. These compressors can be used from simple ball inflating to complex industrial projects.

Lower Cost

These compressors once have air in the tank then you can use them continuously or in batch. No power is required when on/off like in electric power tools may trip the breakers.

These are readily available and no need to wait longer to operate.

Easy to Use

Most of the compressors I have mentioned are portable thus making them very easy to use for a DIYer. Unless you required a 60-gallon air compressor that is much heavier and not easy to move or not manufactured for it.

Types of Air Compressors – Stage Wise

Stages wise there are two major air compressors;

Single Stage Air Compressor

In this type, the air is sucked and compressed by a single piston stroke and hence the air is compressed only once. The maximum pressure is roughly around 120 PSI (per Square Inch). These are used where a 100% duty cycle is not required at higher pressure. Like for DIYers project where a longer run continuous flow is not required.

These compressors with a single stage are normally cheaper and portable.

Two Stage Air Compressor

In this type, the air is sucked and compressed by the first piston and then again is compressed by another piston. In this way, a two-stroke pressurized gas is present in the tank. This way the pressure in the tank can go higher like up to 175 PSI (per Square Inch).

This is typically more expensive and only to be used where more power hungry tools are to be operated.

Types of Air Compressor – Pump Wise

We have mainly 4 types of air compressors that follows;

Reciprocating Compressor

In reciprocating compressors up and down movement in the piston is used to compress air. This type is for quiet series of air compressors.

Rotary Compressor

The rotary compressor works on the two screw rotors. The rotors rotate and the air is trapped between that build up high pressure within housing. These are used for industrial applications as you need a 100% duty cycle there.

Axial Compressor

As the name suggests the air flows in an axial direction and is compressed with the help of a rotary element. This way low pressure air converts into high pressure air.

Centrifugal Compressor

This compressor works on the centrifugal movement of the impeller. Air enters into a casing and is compressed due to centrifugal movement of the impeller & the casing, then forced outward by converting low to high pressure air.

Top Brands for Garage Air Compressors

There are many brands competing with each other in the power tools market. But here are the top rated as per my recommendation for compressors;

DeWalt

Not many people know that DeWalt is a subsidiary brand of Black & Decker. The major contribution of this brand is that it has a cooling system for heavy duty air compressors.

DeWalt also manufactures other power equipment like electric chainsaws, lawn mowers, power drills, and much more.

Porter-Cable

This is also a subsidiary brand of Stanley Black & Decker. This is a local New York based company. That is why DIYers prefer to get this equipment.

This is also a versatile company that provides more powerful tools like presses, circular saws, belt sanders, and more.

INGERSOLL RAND

This is an Ireland based company. It deals in air conditioning, air compressors, winches, etc. It has the best selling compressors out there. The reason is these are reliable and cheaper than other competitors.

Final Thoughts

When you are looking for 60 gallon air compressor then you will get portability as we can get in 30 gallon air compressors. Here we are looking for a 100% duty cycle like to paint a whole car in a go, or running multiple tools without any break.

You can get single stage 60 gallon air compressor as well as two stage. If you buy a two stage then you will get more power at the expense of cost. It is up to your requirement where is you go for. I have explained in detail both with pros & cons for your ease.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are a few questions that will further help you understand more about home garage compressors;

What are the Best 60 Gallon Air compressors for Home Garage?

Here is my list for the top rated 60 gallon air compressors for the garage in 2022;

1. DeWalt Two Stage Air Compressor for Garage
2. Quincy 60 Gallon Air Compressor for Home Garage
3. California Air Tools Compressor for Home Garage
4. Puma Industries 60 Gallon Belt Driven Air Compressor
5. Industrial Air Two Stage Garage Compressor

How to Drain an Air Compressor?

This is a common question that you need to know before buying an air compressor;

Draining an air compressor involve simple steps;

Step – 1: Switch off the compressor from the power source

Step – 2: Release pressurized air from the safety valve

Step – 3: Find the drain valve at the bottom of the tank

Step – 4: Open the drain valve and let all the moisture out.

What is called 100% Duty Cycle Air Compressor?

100% duty cycle means you can run a compressor for a long run without any break. If you see a duty cycle of 50% then you need a break for 60 minutes after 60 minutes running or so.

If you run a compressor more than its duty cycle then the pump may damage prematurely due to overheating.

Oil lubricated air compressors are for heavy duty and oil free are for lite duty garage application.

What is Oil-free and Oil-lubricated Air Compressor?

Oil is used for lubrication, cooling, and sealing.

Oil lubricated air compressors are a bit risky in the sense you may forget to check the oil level that may lead to damage to the pump.

Also, oil droplets may make a mess while operating.

Oil free  air compressors on the other hand are neat and clean but are not for 100% duty cycle in many cases.

Although both works on the same principle.

What’s The Best Way To Move a 60 Gallon Air Compressor?

Normally you see holes at the bottom of a compressor, you can tie from there while transporting a 60 gallon garage.

Who makes the best 60 Gallon Air Compressor?

It is up to your requirements. Not a single we can say is the best. If you are looking for a single stage, two stage, less noisy, CFM, PSI, etc. I have explained all in detail and you can choose easily from there.

Will A 60-gallon Air Compressor Paint a Car?

Yes, you can pain a car with ease with a 60 gallon air compressor on any day. Make sure the tank is full before you start the job.

How long should it take for a 60-gallon air compressor to fill?

It all depends on the motor. Yes on average it takes around 5 to 8 minutes to fill the cast iron 60 gallon tank.

How much does a 60-gallon air compressor cost?

A 60 gallon air compressor may cost you around 500$ to 1500$ as per your preference and brands.

What Are The Typical Uses For 60-gallon Air Compressors?

A 60 gallon air compressor can do versatile jobs from tire inflating, wretching, painting, nailers, plasma cutters, and sandblasters, whatnot. You can run multiple air tools with a 60 gallons tank.

How much Horsepower Does a 60-Gallon Air Compressor Need?

More than 3 horsepower is quite OK to work with 60 gallon pump air compressor.

What is the quietest 60-gallon air compressor?

Normally a 30 gallons air compressor that is below 80 decibels is considered a quiet guy. California Air Tools Compressor & the Puma Industries compressors are considered the quietest in the lot.

How Can I Reduce The Noise Of A 60 Gallon Air Compressor?

You can get noise dampers or expression chambers mufflers that will help you to block the noise level. Also if you are in a locality where you can afford the noise then you can just wear earbuds to prevent noise.

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David Houghton

Construction Manager at Schlumberger

I am a content strategist and editor here at garage.guide. I have been working in Oil as well in the Construction Industry for years. TThe major projects I was involved in are Offshore Drilling and residential buildings. I have great hands-on experience in Tools & Machinery. Read More About Me

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