DEWALT D55146 4-1/2-Gallon 200-PSI Hand Carry Compressor with Wheels

• 200 PSI max tank storage pressure provides a user with 80% more usable air than the industry leader
• 5.2 SCFM at 90 PSI allows the compressor to recover quickly after its initial tank charge is exhausted
• vertical stand feature and collapsible handle allows a user to save space by transporting or storing the compressor in a vertical position
• 78 dBA operational noise level for a quieter work environment
• 10-inch non-flat foam tires allow for easy transportation around the jobsite;Ehp efficient high pressure technology allows for longer pump and motor life

I like this compressor; quiet, fast, efficient, solidly built. Good features: heavy duty wheel kit, dual connections, good gauges & controls. However, be aware that the drain is not set to drain water completely from the tank in either the vertical or horizontal positions. It needs to propped up at about 45 degrees to get all the condensation out. This is a critical design flaw as residual water in the tank is a big cause of tank failure. Buy the compressor but be sure you drain it well and often.

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After my last cheapo compressor died in a horrible texturing accident (after five years of faithful service, may it rest in peace at the landfill), I felt like it was time for the real deal. Things that drove me to pick this model in particular:

Wheels, beautiful wheels -last one was a dual tank 70 pound behemoth. This compressor is heavier, but those wheels make life so much easier. Granted, I could've used a hand-truck before, but having it all integrated as a single unit is a huge bonus. Not looking forward to the first time I get to heave it into the truck, but for now, it gets around the shop just fine. The handle extends easily and quickly for smooth portability.

200 PSI, will I ever use it? Well, um, not likely. However, the more important numbers: 5.4 CFM at 90 PSI is pretty great. Opens up alot of options in terms of running a variety of air tools. While I probably won't ever run more than two framing nailers at a time, this compressor should have no trouble with any other air tools I could conceivably use.

Low noise. At least, lower noise. Air compressors are noisy beasts, no doubt. This one is pretty tolerable in comparison. Fair warning, the 15 minute, no load warmup period is the noisiest this compressor will be. Once the warmup is over and you close the drain to start building air pressure, the RPM cycles down (almost sounds like it's laboring at first, but it chugs away all the way up to an honest 200 PSI). The normal cycle on is at about 160 PSI, and it runs at around 1750 RPM. It's pretty calm sounding, again, as compressors go. No accompanying vibration.

Price. It's not cheap, but this compressor compares very favorably to others at this price point in terms of features and technical details.

So far I've only used the compressor for finish and brad nailing. The Dewalt has proven way overqualified for that job. No problems at all to this point. If issues develop in the future, I'll edit the review.

Only gripe thus far: One of the wheels was flat when I opened the box. The tubes are replaceable 410/350 x 4 utility tubes. I just did some creative flat repair. Luckily I had a reliable source of air to pump the tire back up! Take note, if you have a tire that goes flat while the unit is stored upright, it will fall over . . . so keep an eye on the tire pressure.

Happy, erm, inflating.

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The thing I like best about this compressor, is the fact that I will never lose pressure to my nail guns before the motor kicks on again.

With my old compressor I had 125 psi after the motor kicked off, but after a dozen or so shots with my framing nailer, the pressure would drop to around 90 psi, and the motor wouldn't kick on until about 85 psi, so sometimes the nails wouldn't shoot all the way into the wood.

With this compressor, the motor kicks in when the pressure drops to about 160 psi, and since it pressurizes to 200 psi, I get a consistent pressure through my hose, guaranteed. (I run the regulator at 110 psi for framing nailers.)

Also, since the tank pressurizes to 200 psi you get a larger volume of air stored in the tank than other compressors with the same size tank.

I also like the look, the wheels, the relatively quiet operation, 2 air outlets, the extendable handle, and the ball valve drain.

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Bought this 2 months ago and used it on and off. Satisfied so far. Most of the specs are accurate, but prospective buyers may want more, please read on. Homeowners beware though, the compressor is not 1.5HP, more like 2.5. It needs a full 15A circuit to run, I measured it.

First off, I'm a DIY homeowner. I owned 2 other compressors prior a tiny 1.5G oiless and a 2HP 4.5G oil lube twin tank. The first one was confined to pumping tires (barely), 18G nailer and very small paint job (e.g., a door). Retired it quickly. The twin tank was a good as can be, short recovery time and sufficient air for most small air tools. However, it maxed out at 100psi and prevented me from using many tools. It has a long warm up time and the air usually contains a little oil. Finally, it was not mobile, the 60lbs "cube" must be carried using an awkward handle.

Enter the Dewalt D55146. Its footprint is big for a 4.5G, but not bad in terms of storage since you can stand it up (tank on top). The unit is also heavy, weighing 80lbs. But it is surprisingly well balanced, not much worst than lifting my twin tank "cube". Of course, you normally just roll the Dewalt, no lifting necessary.

Now the specifics. The reviews are mixed and, for 3 years, I could not decide (considering that my twin tank never failed, only my back). After New Year, the Dewalt's price dropped and I headed to the Web again. Found a youtube video about a guy who was given an old beatup version of this compressor. He took it apart and tried to rebuild it. This led me to the compressor's part list, part diagrams and price list (available at Dewalt). What I found:

1) It has a brushed motor like an electric drill. Most pumps use an induction motor. Don't know how long the brushes last, but they are NOT cheap. Sold by the EACH at over $10.

2) Compressor rated at 1750rpm, but motor probably runs much faster. It drives a large flywheel via a belt and the flywheel drives the piston rod. Sort of double gear reductions.

3) The piston uses dry lube (or no lube). It's primary seal is rubber or silicon. Bore is around 2.5" with a short stroke. The piston/seal assembly can be had for around $30, not bad.

4) The head is very simple. The valves sit on a replaceable gasket. It is not expensive either.

5) The gauges and outlet are connected to a casted manifold. Although there is an affordable regulator rebuild kit, do not break the manifold, it costs $100.

6) There are several revisions of the product. One I got in 2/2012 was "Type IV". Parts are mostly identical. The engine "mount" might have changed though. It seems very sturdy now. A review about broken mount was probably an older model.

What I like about this compressor:

1) Mobile. The tires are big. They are soft run-flat. Works well on rough terrain, though not smooth on flat surfaces. Rims are solid plastic, no bearing.

2) Tubular frame, air tank and tire shaft are all welded together. The frame forms a cage that protects the inners, including the intake filter.

3) Thick and flexible cord. Heavily shielded 14 gauge but looks like 10. Around 6ft long.

4) Nice gauges/outlet panel. The outlets are simple push in type, no need to pull back the sleeve. The regulator is not smooth, but works fine. Note that you must PULL the regulator knob out to adjust, then PUSH in to lock. Knob won't turn when pushed in. Procedure is printed on the panel. This may be why one reviewer was unable to turn the knob.

5) Motor and pump are encased in plastic, keeping dirt away from the inners. It also channels air through the engine to keep things cool. The motor runs a fan at high speed and draws a lot of air.

6) Air tube out of the pump is just warm/hot, not the usual burning hot. I touched the 3/8" aluminum tube and was surprised at how cool it was. Freshly pressurized tank is barely warm, meaning more useable air.

7) Quality OEM intake filter. It is plastic, but has a replacable filter cartridge. Resembles a Solberg 6CFM model.

8) No oil in the air. I can now use it to aerate my lawn.

9) No warm up necessary. I put this last because I'm not sure. One reviewer said it took 15 minutes to warm up. The instruction says nothing about this. Seems unnecessary by design; besides, the pump stays cool during run.

What I don't like about it:

1) It needs a full 15A to run. It maxed out my Kill-a-Watt at >15A and >1800W. Be careful when using this on a household circuit.

2) Like others said, you need to hold the unit at 45 degrees to drain the tank properly.

During operation, the thing sounds almost abnormal. The pump makes little noise, but the motor whines and manufactures ozone. Tank reaches 100psi quickly. The remaining 100 takes a couple of minutes. Strokes slow as pressure builds. Pump stops at 220psi and cuts back in around 160. And the cycle happily continues.

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I purchased my DeWALT D55146 on 4/25/2007 and have a reoccurring problem. I had it for 3 months when it began leaking air from around the pressure adjusting valve. I took it to an authorized repair shop. It was repaired under the warranty, but the part was on back order and it stayed in the shop for over 4 months. The same problem has again occurred and of course it is now out of warranty. I took it back to the shop and I'm told the repair kit is on back order until September.

I am very disappointed with this compressor and the availability of parts! It has spent almost as much time in the shop waiting for parts as it has in service. The fact that the replacement parts always on back order would seem to indicate that there is a problem with the design and/or manufacture of this model.

The specs for this model look great on paper, but it has not performed well.