Have you tried reading about tools like air compressors and find that they’re too full of terms and numbers that just complicate things? Well, let me help you with that as we get into this California Air Tools 10020C review. I promise to make it simple and easy to understand. By the end of this review, I hope you will have a better idea if this model is the right fit for your needs. Let’s get started!
A Short Guide Before Your Buy an Air Compressor
Air compressors are used almost everywhere. A home shop or garage, the dentist’s office, the local carwash, and large factories make use of air compressors. It’s because this tool is reliable and helps a lot in making difficult jobs easier.
The way that air compressors work is by sucking the surrounding air continuously. It then squeezes the air through its internal components and makes it into a force to power air tools. To make the most of your air compressor, you would need to have the tools and the machines that it powers.
Since air compressors can be used for various applications, it can be challenging to choose the best air compressor. So, before you buy one, ask yourself some important questions first. For example, what applications will you use the tool? Where will you install it? How much power are you going to need for it to run?
For a Homeowner or Hobbyist
If you consider yourself a hobbyist or one who likes taking on small DIY projects, then it would be nice to have a small compressor. For home use, if you get a flat tire, you can easily fix that. But if you’re serious about the projects you do around the house, you can also get a bigger compressor that has a large tank and more power.
With a model like that, you can try your hands at woodworking. Maybe you’ve been thinking about building your own shed. Having an air compressor can definitely help you with that. You can also try more advanced projects for home improvement.
For Professionals
If you are a contractor or a commercial business owner, then you already have an idea of the kind of air compressor that you’re going to need. You need one that won’t just be great in your job site or workshop but you will also allow you to save money by being robust, versatile, and durable.
The kind of air compressor that’s perfect for you would be professional-grade models that can build a good number of decks or can paint numerous cars or change countless tires and won’t have trouble with it.
So, if you’ve determined which category you belong to, then you now have a better idea of the air compressor that you need. Let’s look into this California Air Tools 10020C review so you can make an assessment if this is the right fit for you.
California Air Tools 10020C Review
California Air Tools is known for providing quiet compressors. For this model, it has a 70-decibel noise level which is low considering it 2-horsepower, 10-gallon capacity with a 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI. What this means is that it is powerful, portable, but not at all that noisy.
The 10020C is well-designed. You can find all its controls and connectors as well as gauges in the front control panel. The panel even has a protective steel roll cage. Its dual connectors are easy to operate with one push. You don’t have to pull back its collar.
Since it has an SP-9421 pump has an increased duty cycle and also better heat dissipation. You can use this air compressor for longer periods compared to similar models. The motor also has a safety feature with thermal overload protection. Whenever the motor reaches and exceeds 275 degrees Fahrenheit, the safety feature opens the circuit and helps to prevent accidental damage to the air compressor because of overheating.
With the 5.3 CFM at 90 PSI rating, you can use the California Air Tools 10020C in powering many different pneumatic tools such as air ratchets and ½ impact wrenches. The 10-gallon air tank capacity is able to fill up to 120 PSI in just about 2 minutes. From 90 PSI, the tank can recover to 120 PSI in approximately 25 seconds. You can use the air compressor for a longer period before you need to restart it because of its large tank.
With all these components that make up the air compressor, you can bet that it’s heavy, and it is. It weighs about 82.5 lbs. But don’t worry about that. It has a wheel kit that can help you move it around whenever you need to use it elsewhere in your shop or job site.
What People Think About the California Air Tools 10020C
Alternatives to the 10020C
- Porter-Cable PXCMF220VW – This model has a 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI rating and a 1.5 running horsepower. Its tank capacity is 20 gallons. This model also has wheels so you can move it around. It also has rubber feet to keep the unit stable.
- Campbell Hausfeld DC080500 – This is another quiet air compressor with a 68 dBA. A versatile unit, you can use it for bolting, nailing, fastening, stapling, painting, and inflating. It also has wheels as well as a rubber-grip handle made of steel so you can move it around with ease.
- WEN 2289 – This unit from WEN also has a 10-gallon tank. It is made from reinforced steel and can hold a max pressure of 150 PSI. Its rating is 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI. It’s also a good model for plenty of applications. Since it is oil-free, you don’t need to apply external lubrication to extend its lifespan.
Check out our another review for Best Small Air Compressor
Conclusion
There’s a lot the California Air Tools 10020C offers. It is powerful yet quiet. It is versatile and can be used from simple tasks to more complex ones. The size is adequate and the design is simple but well thought of. To know more about the California Air Tools 10020C air compressor, Click Here.
