Steele Products SP-CE355TM 4.6 Gallon Air Compressor with Wheel Kit

• 120V 60Hz
• 3.5 HP
• Max PSI 115
• 4.2 CFM @ 90
• 5.2 CFM @ 40

Pros:

1. Solidly built

2. Pumps up to pressure quickly

3. Good workmanship (where it counts)

4. Compact

5. Oil lubed should last a long time

6. Should be more than adequate for any homeowner application, and some professional uses

7. New ones actually 5 Gallon, and labeled accordingly

Cons:

1. Really dumb on-off switch setup useless

2. With wheels already installed is designed to be broken when in transport without cushioning

3. Small 3" wheels not good for mobility around project sites

4. Average noise not particularly quiet but not bad for outdoor use

5. Turns off at 105 psi (gauge readings)

6. Warranty for commercial use is only 3 months

7. Duty cycle is not specified nor mentioned in manual

Expecting it to arrive with the wheel/mobility kit ready to install was surprised when it arrived fully assembled. Of course the predictable had occurred. With just a sheet of cardboard under the compressor there is no cushioning. The box had been dropped at an angle hard enough to bend both wheel mount brackets. The wheels, jammed to the frame, could not be turned, making removal from the plastic bag a bit more difficult the compressor had to be lifted from the box anyway. Removing the wheels (not a particularly easy job as the nuts are of the full locking variety and the axle bolt has a Phillips head that is not easy to access when the brackets are bent at a bad angle under the tank) and bending the brackets back close to where they belong with a crescent did an adequate job of freeing the wheels.

One bracket had excessive weld slag that also interfered with the wheel rotation and had to be reduced in size with a chisel.

On a positive note, the wheels appear to be undamaged, in spite of their rather flimsy appearance. Would be much nicer if they were 5" or 6" diameter, though, instead of 3".

The next discovery was the loose switch cover. The cover itself is a flimsy "snap-on" affair that came off in transport and refused to snap back in place. Eventually got it to stay put, but the on-off button didn't line up with the power switch for some reason. The main worry at that time was that the compressor would not turn on. In fact the problem is it cannot be turned off!

Ran the unit in for 15 minutes as prescribed in owners manual, closed the drain plug, and ran up to pressure. At precisely 115 psi it turned off, quickly dropping to 100 psi, and held. On subsequent air-up sequences it shut off at 105 psi, then dropped to 100. Maybe a break-in phenomenon?

Oh, and the switch cover came off again. Won't stay put if you plug the compressor in and let it run. Haven't contacted Steele customer service so cannot comment on problem handling.

With all the weight on the back side, the wheels, which are in front, almost lift off the garage floor enough so that they actually turn slowly when the compressor is running interesting. When the compressor shuts off they settle back down to the floor. Another positive, the compressor is smooth running and does not drift across the floor when running it stays put.

If you forget to release the pressure at the end of the day, no worries. The pressure dropped to about 20 psi overnight.

Buy Steele Products SP-CE355TM 4.6 Gallon Air Compressor with Wheel Kit Now

Mr Ellsworth hit the nail right on the head. My product also arrived with the wheels bent and unusable. However that was easily remedied with an impact driver, vise grips to bend back into shape and I also added 3 washers to act as spacers in lieu of grinding.

Big selling points of this machine for me were:

Made in the USA (GUESS WHAT???? NOT ANYMORE!!! MADE IN CHINA) Almost a deal breaker. I am still debating returning it for this alone since the product description states made in the USA

Price Just a Benjamin, Jackson and some change shipped.

High HP for its size which provides quick charge time.

5 Gallons Decent tank size for garage or small shop use (inflating, nailing, HVLP spraying, blowing off tools and workbench) while remaining very portable.

Attached Wheels.

2 Outlets.

Oil lubed.

Easy to read forward facing gauges.

The handle is a great idea but would be nice if it were extendable. I am only 6'1 and have to bend over a lot to drag this thing around. I attached a cheap Reelworks retractable hose to the vertical section with 3 hose clamps so the whole thing is self contained. I also use the secondary air outlet to store my tools that are not in use (Water/Oil separator and inflator, I keep the blow gun on the hose full time) so everything excluding my nailer and paint gun is ready to go.

No leaks detected anywhere.

The universal couplers supplied fit very well on both kinds of attachments that I have.

The regulator is located well so it's easy to adjust pressure.

The Bad

My garage is wired off a single 20 amp breaker and if the compressor fires up when I have any other tool running it will blow the breaker. Its rated at 13.5 amps and obviously is pulling more at start up. This never happened with my previous compressor, but that one was only rated at 10 amps.

The made in China thing still gets to me.

The plastic motor casing shakes, rattles and rolls more than an 83 Corolla I use to have. I actually need to pull it off and see if there is something I can do to dampen it. It sounds really cheap as is.

Did I happen to mention Made in China.

Not a bad compressor if you can get it for the right price. Anything closer to two hundred and I would start looking at the name brand models.

PS. I apologize for the crude pics. They were taken with my Kindle.

Read Best Reviews of Steele Products SP-CE355TM 4.6 Gallon Air Compressor with Wheel Kit Here

I could not find any reviews on this air compressor. The specifications are nearly identical to the Steele Products SP-CE155QT which received pretty good reviews. But this one has the same CFM ratings and a bigger engine, 3.5 HP compared to 1.5 HP. I called Amazon and was told it has 72 dB rating. dB-ratings work on a logarithmic scale (not linear). So a 3-point difference in dB rating is substantial. Unfortunately that was a deal breaker since I work in environments where noise is a huge factor. If noise is not a concern, then save $100 and buy this one. The SP-CE155QT produces 55dB, has a smaller engine and the same CFMs, without a wheel kit.

QUESTION: It's made of steel and has a wheel kit, but it weighs the same as the aluminum SP-CE155QT?

72 dBs is pretty loud and I have questions about the weight which is why I gave it 4-stars. I bought the SP-CE155QT and gave it 5-stars in my review.

Want Steele Products SP-CE355TM 4.6 Gallon Air Compressor with Wheel Kit Discount?

first it was cracked in the plastic cover no big deal but now having trouble getting it to work,. disappointed

10020 Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free 2.0 Hp 10.0 Steel Tank Air Compressor

This compressor is impressive, fills up fast, has good recovery, and is very very quiet! My only negative comment would be on the size of the tank. I new it was only a 10 gallon tank when I purchased, but this is because they don't offer a bigger one. Ideally a 25 or 30 gallon tank and this would be perfect for my use.

My son-in-law loved this item. He had it on his wish list and is very happy with it.

Thank you.

Buy 10020 Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free 2.0 Hp 10.0 Steel Tank Air Compressor Now

I purchased this compressor to supply a spray gun in my wood shop. It not only has plenty of air for a LVLP gun but it is the quietest air compressor I have ever owned (by far).

Read Best Reviews of 10020 Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free 2.0 Hp 10.0 Steel Tank Air Compressor Here

Hitachi 725297 Round Head Framing Nailer Compressor Combo Kit

• Combo kit includes nailer, compressor, hose, fittings and oil
• Most dependable NR83A shoots 2- 3 1/4" full round head plastic collated fasteners
• 2 HP oil-bath stack tank compressor
• 14.5 amp compressor; 50-foot hose included
• 1-year warranty

So you are thinking about this kit. It's awesome, buy it. I've worked in Hawaii, Colorado, and with framers from California. For every, paslode, senco, bostitch, portercable, harbor freight model on the job there are twice as many hitachis running at the same time.

If you are looking for a deal, um.....I don't know maybe this is it. If you are looking for tools that will keep up all day long, this kit will and more except the hoselose it quick. I'm buying the polyurethane 1/4" x 100' it's all over here in Aurora, CO and I've worked with it in the middle of winterit's a must have.

Good gun and compressor.

Buy Hitachi 725297 Round Head Framing Nailer Compressor Combo Kit Now

I have had this nailer and compressor for about a year and have gone through over 4 thousand nails. I have had no problems with the gun. The only problem encountered was with the compressor. It would not start up when connected to any extension cord. I would recommend this to anyone that wants a high quality nailer and compressor.

Read Best Reviews of Hitachi 725297 Round Head Framing Nailer Compressor Combo Kit Here

OK, so first I have to say that I got the combo from HD for $350! that's the best price i've ever seen for this package, and for that price, I couldn't pass it up. I just finished a small project with it, and now it's waiting until I get permits to frame up an addition to the house. The compressor is a great, little, and strong-running oiled motor, the nail gun is pretty basic, but does whatever you need it to do, and the hose and accessories are exactly what you need. The ONLY thing I have to mention is that the compressor draws a LOT of current on start up... so make sure to have it plugged in to a circuit with nothing else running (especially when it's cold), or you run the risk of tripping breakers all day long. But when it's running, it has no problem keeping up with you. LOVE IT!

Want Hitachi 725297 Round Head Framing Nailer Compressor Combo Kit Discount?

ok so i am a high end custom carpenter that does mostly framing, and i have to say from the 3 million dollar projects to the project in the back yard hitachi compressors and nailers are but far the best. The dual tank compressor can keep up with two skilled carpenters doing sheer wall nailing with very little lag and this is the only compressor of its size that even comes close to that. i have never been happier with a air purchase than i have been with this. My only advise is as far as the nail gun goes buy the NR83A2 not the NR83A the A2 has the adjustable nailing depth and if your in the trades is a huge help.

Save 37% Off

I've used this combo on many jobs and never had a complaint. Hitachi makes the best framing gun I've ever used. The compressor works as it should: plug it in and dial in the pressure for your job. It would have been nice to have a depth gauge on the gun, but that would have made the deal more expensive and you can really do that with the pressure on the tank. I think this combo is a steal.

The weakest part of the chain for me was the hose. I used it for a months before it got annoying and I upgraded it for $60. The hardware itself is top notch. I really like it.

Milton Industries S-745 1/4 Npt Female Amt-style 3 Way Coupler

• Sold Individually

Bought this (and some other Milton units) to standardize my workshop on a single quality connector. I had one out of box failure (leaked at the factory joint) out of about 25 units. Itwas promptly replaced by the seller free of charge, very pleased.

I orders up various quantities of the S775 (ends of hoses or hose reels and tools with 1/4" NPT male), S776 (tools with 1/4" NPT female), S213 (5 piece set of the 75 & 76, plus the male A series ends you need for loose hoses), S745 (used to make a conversion hose so I can borrow a friends tools that use the M style connectors). All interconnect nicely, and seal beautifully. The real test is time and use, so maybe in 6 months after I drag them around the shop can comment on longevity.

One thing that I found an improvement over the cheapo crap ones, I can snap a tool in one handed, without having to retract the collar to insert. Nice! Would highly recommend these to replace the cheap ones that are bought at your local import tool store which all leak and get sloppy very quickly.

Buy Milton Industries S-745 1/4 Npt Female Amt-style 3 Way Coupler Now

I went to the hardware store to buy a new adapter for inflating tires. There are three different kinds of plugs! And none of them is the kind my compressor came with. Now I have this coupler installed on the compressor, and it accepts all plugs very nicely.

TEKTON 4592 Air Filter/Regulator/Lubricator Unit

• Complete Air Management System Includes Filter, Regulator, and Lubricator
• Filter Traps and Removes Harmful Water Vapor and Debris Particles from Compressed Air Supply
• Easy-Clean Filter Canister with Brass Drain Valve
• Regulator Features High-Contrast Dial Face and Oversized Adjustment Knob
• Micro-Fog Lubricator Creates a Light Oil Mist to Properly and Consistently Lubricate Moving Air Tool Parts

This is advertised as 3/8" NPT for the inlet and outlet, but it is really 1/2" NPT. Not sure if I'm missing something, but it seems everything else out there is 3/8" NPT, not sure why this is any different.

The product comes with an "Instruction Manual" but it is just a drawing of the unit fully assembled showing that an air compressor is connected on one end and your nailer or other pneumatic device on the other end. These are hardly instructions.

Also, I can't even find a website for the company to contact or try to find more information about the unit.

Buy TEKTON 4592 Air Filter/Regulator/Lubricator Unit Now

this product was the worst junk i have ever delt with. before it was even put to use, it failed. the plastic nut that holds regulator to mounting frame stripped out,way to thin for its purpose. also the knurls that are supposed to adjust air pressurs stripped flat, no way to c hange pressure. a very poorly made unit, dont even think about it!

Read Best Reviews of TEKTON 4592 Air Filter/Regulator/Lubricator Unit Here

Mine seems to have a VERY small leak. When the garage is dead silent, I can hear a faint hiss and my compressor cycles more frequently when this is inline than when it isn't. It's not a big deal but that's why it's only four stars.

Works well. You can adjust pressure and oil flow easily and it feels fairly sturdy. I don't think this would cut it in a real shop but in a hobbyist's garage, it's a great thing.

Porter-Cable CFBN125A 18-Gauge Brad Nailer Compressor Combo Kit

I bought this unit about a month ago, and I thought it was a bargain...!The main reason I bought it was to install wainscot (1/4" pine, tongue-in-groove boards) in a room which was 9'x25'. This tool really made the work go pretty fast. To put up the wainscot, it's preferable to nail it through the tongue; what can happen is that the nail (or your hammer!) splits the tongue and therefore makes the installation go slow. To avoid splitting, the wainscot mfgr. recommends predrilling the nail holes! Talk about slow installation! The porter cable nailer allowed me to put the nails in without much splitting of tongues, and it also put the nail in without requiring a nail set to get the nail even or below the surface of the wood.

The compressor plugs into a regular 110v AC outlet, and only runs when it needs to refill its air tank. I found that I could shoot 20-25 1" brads before the compressor would kick on and run for about 1 minute. The compressor is not quiet, but it isn't that loud either. The unit is easily carried from place to place (approx. 40 lbs) and doesn't take much space at the job site.

I've always wanted one of these, and I can see using it for a variety of around the home build-it jobs. One more thing, I bought nails for the nailer at Loew's, and they were

Save 28% Off

Hardcore Tools® Pneumatic 2 in 1 Flooring Cleat Nailer / Stapler HARDWOOD FLOORING 1-1/2-Inch to 2-

• Light weight die-cast aluminum body. 2 in 1 Flooring Cleat Nailer / Stapler. Colors may differ!
• Operates with any standard compressor using pressure of 60 to 100 psi.
• High-capacity magazine reduces reload time. Precisely drives staples at proper angle and depth.
• Non-marring adjustable base plates allows for 1/2 to 3/4 inch hardwood floor installation.
• We currently ONLY ship these TOOLS inside USA via fedex ground.

I recently purchased the Hard Core floor nailer based on posted reviews and was not disappointed. The pictures really don't show this is a big tool and well built. I used the nailer to install 3/4" walnut flooring using Bostitch 2" staples and it only mis-fired once trying to push 2 staples through at the same time. I would attribute this to the manufacture of the staple and not the tool. Jamb was easily cleared and it never missed a beat again. The instruction manual stated it used 16 gauge staples and I had trouble finding that size. In fact it uses 15.5 gauge with 1/2" crown and Home Depot had what I needed. Excellent quality tool and the price is right. If your looking I would recommend this item without reservation.

Buy Hardcore Tools® Pneumatic 2 in 1 Flooring Cleat Nailer / Stapler HARDWOOD FLOORING 1-1/2-Inch to 2- Now

I did my first floor with this tool. I have two more to do. It is a massive and well built tool. It came with everything I needed to get it working. I shot the L shaped nails purchased from Home Depot and it never miss or partially fired. I ran the tool off a small Craftsman air compressor. It's the one with the small tank about the size of a long two liter bottle. It kept up fine and the tool worked well with it. Highly recommended for the price.

I researched these things a long time but didn't want to pay the price for a named brand one as I wouldn't have used the same amount of time as a professional. Just for your information, I came across a lot of people warning against the ones that look like the handle is small and held on with two U bolts as they leak after awhile.

Read Best Reviews of Hardcore Tools® Pneumatic 2 in 1 Flooring Cleat Nailer / Stapler HARDWOOD FLOORING 1-1/2-Inch to 2- Here

Anyone looking for a quality flooring gun this is IT! I am weekend warrior with no formal carpentery training. I did a lot of research looking for the best gun for a reasonable price. I was looking at the Bostich, Porter Cable, Senco and found the Hardcore on Amazon. I am glad I did. The reviews I read gave me the assurance I needed to make my final decision. I hope this review does the same for you.

I am currently doing 1500 sqft, 3/4 red oak in my house with staples. The gun is solid as a rock, easy to use and versatile because it uses both staples and l-cleats. It was setup and ready to go. I did need to tighten a couple of bolts to stop an air leak but no big deal. It jammed once and that's because I inserted too many staples. The tools design made it easy to remove the jam. I'd recommed this to anyone looking for a flooring nailer. At this price you can also buy a good compressor to go with it. Plan on spending another $50 to have it shipped but it's still a great deal. This is a smart choice for anyone looking to buy a 2 in 1 flooring nailer.

Want Hardcore Tools® Pneumatic 2 in 1 Flooring Cleat Nailer / Stapler HARDWOOD FLOORING 1-1/2-Inch to 2- Discount?

Item did not have an issue except with the Grizzly Staples (Which curl up in bizzare ways). Went to HD and bought their stuff and went through everything just fine The unit works with out changing a thing with staples and cleats. Did I say I love it. The case is great also. I am never renting again

Save 79% Off

I estimated it would take me less than two weeks to install about 1200 feet of 3/4 x 5 inch prefinished oak floor so I rented a nailer from Home Depot instead of buying this one, which I had selected after a lot of research. The Senco nailer I rented is a great tool but but with everything I had going on, I didn't have time available in the two weeks to get the job done. I returned the nailer and bought this one, which is what I should have done in the first place. Another life lesson.

This nailer is every bit as good as the Senco with one difference: the Hardcore is sensitive to how hard you strike it with the mallet. The Senco drives every nail the same if you strike it hard enough to activate the pneumatic action. If you don't hit it hard enough (when you're in tight spaces and can't get the clean shot) it just won't activate. The Hardcore will partially drive a nail if you hit it too softly.

It'll take you 30 seconds to get used to that. Out of about 5000 nails, I had to pull and redrive two due to my soft strikes. The nailer itself never misfired a single nail.

Use the Senco nails (cleats) available at Home Depot in the rental department. If you have a box left over, you can easily return them.

This is a great tool and the seller is top-notch, too.