Senco PC1131 Compressor, 2.5-Horsepower (PEAK) 4.3-Gallon

• Direct Drive Motor
• Cast Iron Sleeve / Cast Iron Head Cylinder
• Twin Tank Configuration
• Standard equipment includes 1/4" universal coupler regulator, pressure gauge.
• Delivers 4.3 cfm at 100psi

I have used this compressor for a few days now with a coil framing nailer and it works fine, has plenty of capacity for one gun, and is relatively quiet.

I would give it 5 stars except that packaging is poor and instructions for initial set-up are also poor. The compressor ships in its original retail box, not double boxed, and mine was torn open and then re-taped. The box says an oil bottle is included and there is space for it in the box, but in fact Senco is shipping with oil in the compressor and no oil bottle (I found this confusing as it looks like the oil bottle was stolen or missing). The air filter comes unattached and you have to figure out where to attach it on your own (a little sketch would be helpful for the spatially challenged). The air inlet has a plastic plug inserted so don't start your compressor before finding and removing the plug and attaching the air filter.

Finally, if you do happen to have a major problem such as a dead compressor, Amazon will not accept a return ("too dangerous") and will simply refer you to the distributor.

These may be nit-picky points, but I thought I would throw them out there to possibly help some one else considering this compressor.

Buy Senco PC1131 Compressor, 2.5-Horsepower (PEAK) 4.3-Gallon Now

The PC1131 has a 4.3 gallon double hotdog tank system. It has easy to read primary and secondary gauges and a switch that can be reached quickly but does not interfere with operation when moving the hose around. The compressor has a well positioned oil fill port, for spalsh lubrication. It's relatively quiet (though there is no such thing as a quiet compressor. I have used the Senco with brad, stapler and finishing nail guns as well as a framing nailer to drive both 2" and 3-1/2" framing nails. The recycle of the tank pressure (which I set @ 110psi) easily operates any of these tools without a need to wait for the pressure to build. The only issue would be using the compressor form spray guns, where a constant (uniterrupted airflow is a critical requirement of airguns). Other than that, I would strong recommend this Senco for everyday, portable use, especially for the DIY homeowner.

Read Best Reviews of Senco PC1131 Compressor, 2.5-Horsepower (PEAK) 4.3-Gallon Here

Everything about it seems to be good/ excellent value.

Pros: It's got lots of power to keep up, no compressor is quit, but this one is surprisingly not that noisy, the weight is quite reasonable to considering it's power. Oil-lubricated is quieter and lasts way longer than oil-less. Runs any air tool you will need, even roofing and framing nailers with no problem.

Cons: The rubber handle has ridges in it that hurt your hand if you carry it farther than a few steps without gloves. The copper air pipe is on the outside of the compressor, where it seems like there is more risk of damage (see picture on the left side of the plastic covering. The drains can sometimes hit your legs while carrying it, which is not pleasant. The pressure readings are a little difficult to see. There is only one air outlet instead of two.

Make sure you read the initial set up directions, to put on the air filter and the oil dipstick. I also suggest running it with all the valves open (screwed in clockwise) for 20-30 min. This is a good thing to break in any new compressor.

All in all, it's probably the best bang for your buck, a good purchase at two hundred something dollars

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Bottom line is that this compressor works well enough, but has a few design flaws.

I originally wanted a Makita MAC700, but when I was making my Amazon wishlist, it was out of stock. I should've waited, but eagerness got the better of me and I asked for the Senco.

As mentioned, it works as it should and meets my needs to power finish nailers (woodworking), fill tires, and blow crud off my garage floor. I wanted to upgrade from my current, dinky, 3 gal pancake compressor. The pancake was under-powered, leaked air, and was screamingly loud. The Senco provides plenty of power and 2hp/4.3 gals seems to be enough for my needs. Bigger would be better, but storage and portability were also concerns. The Senco is heavyish, but managable; and its footprint isn't much greater than the pancake compressor.

Is the Senco quiet? In a wordno. While its noticably less noisy tham my oiless pancake, it still makes a racket. The Makita is reportedly quieter, due to the larger bore and slower motor. Thats one of the reasons I originally wanted it, and kinda wish I held out for it.

So whats wrong with the Senco?

1The item received differs slightly from the compressor pictured. The gauges on the compressor I recieved don't face upward as pictured. They face inward, toward the compressor motor. This makes the gauges harder to read imo.

2The air filer housing was a hassle to install. There isn't enough room between the motor and air tank. You need to disassemble the housing, attach the small portion of the housing to the compressor motor, then muscle/squeeze the large portion back onto the other part. (See pic)

3The bottom gauge originally rubbed against the motor shroud. This would have caused excessive wear and vibration on the gauges and regulator. I was able to move the regulator/gauge assembley off the shroud by simply tightening the coupling that attaches it to the tank. Quick fix, no big deal.

All that said-

The senco works well enough that I don't feel inclined to return it for the Makita. Other than the minor issues I mentioned, it seems to be fairly well-built. My 5-year plan is to upgrade into a much larger compressor when/if I move into a bigger place. I'm sure the Senco will serve me well until I get there.

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My Husband got this to use with his nail gun. He loves it. Helps him out in his huge array of projects that sometimes get finished.