CoRent an air compressor to increase productivity at your job site.
You can rent air compressors of different sizes, output capabilities and mobility configurations. When renting an air compressor, it’s important to choose one that will match your tool requirements and your project needs.
The material below provides information on some of the points you should consider when renting an air compressor. Your ARA-affiliated rental professional also can answer any questions you have about rental air compressors.
- Power source. Electric-powered air compressors offer the perfect rental solution for indoor projects that have access to the proper voltage of electricity. On the other hand, exhaust fumes from a rented gas-powered air compressor dictate using it only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Choose to rent a gas-powered air compressor when working in a remote location without electricity.
- CFM requirements. Select an air compressor that delivers enough air — a rating measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) — to exceed the total compressed air needs of all of the tools and attachments you will operate at a certain pressure.
- PSI requirements. A rental air compressor’s rating of pounds per square inch (psi) determines the pressure of the air it delivers. Various air tools require different amounts of pressure to operate.
- Tank capacity. The number of gallons of air a rental air compressor can hold indicates the size of its tank. You will need a larger tank to run tools, such as sandblasters, that require a continuous supply of compressed air than you will for tools, including nail guns, which need only short bursts of air.
- Style. Towable air compressors for more power and dependability than smaller, portable air compressors. Many sizes of towable air compressors are able to be towed using a pickup truck. Depending on the job, a smaller portable air compressor may be the size.
- Single- or two-stage pump. Both gas- and electric-powered, air compressor rentals can store air in a tank. These types of air compressors rely on pistons that pull air into the cylinder to compress it. Single-stage compressors use one compression piston and generate enough pressure — up to 150 psi — for lightweight projects. A two-stage compressor uses a second piston to compress further the air from the first piston, producing higher psi pressures for more tasking applications. Air compressors that lack a storage tank must run continuously and provide less power than air compressors that have a tank.
Benefits of renting an air compressor
- Saves time and effort. Using pneumatic tools and an air compressor allows for faster and easier completion of many tasks when compared to performing them manually or by using electric tools.
- Costs less than buying. If an air compressor is not regularly needed, renting one provides a smart and cost-efficient alternative to buying one.
- Multiple applications. The wide variety of available pneumatic tools from nailers to jackhammers makes a rented air compressor an essential component for completing a number of projects.
Accessories
- Air treatment packages. A rental air compressor’s air can reach up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and contain moisture and particulates from not only the source air, but from the air compressor itself. Aftercoolers can cool the air temperatures, separators or dryers can remove water from the air and filters can help clean the air. These features come built-in on some air compressors. If not, they can be rented them as an accessory item. Consider the work area environment and application requirements to help determine the need for one or more of these accessories.
- Distribution manifolds. Rent a distribution manifold that connects to the air compressor to allow for the connection and operation of multiple air tools. When a job requires multiple tools, not having to disconnect and connect tools can save a lot of time and effort.
- Miscellaneous items. Renting extra hoses, connectors, fittings and nozzles will allows for customization of the air compressor to meet the unique application needs.
- Consumable supplies. Some rental stores also sell consumable supplies, such as personal protective equipment, nails or staples, for one-stop convenience.
Best practices
Before you use your rented air compressor, please review the tips below and read all manufacturer warnings and instructions. Your local, ARA-affiliated rental store professional can provide you with complete instructions. Some rental stores offer how-to video instructions for information on using the equipment safely and effectively.
- Read all warnings and instructions for the rented air compressor and for the tools you will attach to it before use.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
- To prevent injuries, do not direct compressed air at yourself or anyone else.
- To prevent burns, avoid touching heated components, such as the discharge tube and compressor head, while using the rented air compressor.
- Always place the rented air compressor on a level surface.
- Do not use a rented, gas-powered air compressor in an enclosed or unventilated space.
- For rented, engine-powered air compressors, check and, if needed, service all lubrication and fluid levels. Use only clean, fresh fuel.
- Connect a rented, electric-powered air compressor to a grounded outlet that it will not overtax.
- For rented, electric-powered air compressors, place unit as close to the electrical source as possible. If an electrical power source is more than 100 feet from the jobsite, rent a longer air hose instead of using a long extension cord. A lengthy electric extension cord can cause too much power line loss, making the air compressor work harder, deliver less air and overheat.
- Adjust the rented air compressor’s pressure to the proper setting.
- Firmly and fully connect each air hose to the air compressor and tool.
- Check air filters on the rented air compressor for accumulated dust and clean them, if necessary.
- For rented air compressors equipped with a tank, drain the condensed moisture from the tank every three to four hours of operation.
- When done working, turn the rented air compressor off, release the pressure from the hoses, bleed the air from the tank when present and disconnect all air hoses.
Contact your local, ARA-affiliated, rental store for information on available rental products and services to meet your air compressor needs. To locate the rental store nearest you, use the Rental Store Quick Locator above.
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