The Bostitch and the Ridgid air compressors have several good attributes. They are both electric-powered, have the same operational noise level, tank size, and are oil-free. These are some of the similarities the Bostitch and the Ridgid air compressors have. They have differences on price points, voltage, weight, warranties, and more. Let us do a comparative analysis so that you can figure out which is better, the Bostitch air compressor or the Ridgid air compressor?
Table of Contents
Bostitch Vs Ridgid Air Compressor: Comparison Table
| Bostitch Air Compressor | Ridgid Air Compressor | |
| Voltage | 230 volts | 120 volts |
| Power Source | Corded electric | Corded electric |
| Noise Level | 80 dB | 80 dB |
| Maximum Pressure | 150 PSI | 150 PSI |
| Tank Size | 6 gallon | 6 gallon |
| Weight | 29 pounds | 35 pounds |
| Dimensions | 16.9 × 16.5 × 19.1 inches | 17.13 × 17.1 × 19.7 inches |
| Special Features | Oil-free | Oil-free |
| Warranty | 1 year limited | 3 year limited |
| Maximum Power | 0.2 HP | 6 HP |
| Hose length | 50 feet | 50 feet |
| Build Material | Metal | Steel |
| Price | Check Price On Amazon | Check Price On Amazon |
| Bostitch Air Compressor |
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| Ridgid Air Compressor |
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Bostitch Vs Ridgid Air Compressor: Recommended Uses
The Bostitch air compressor has its own stipulated uses. Its recommended uses are drilling, air brushing, spraying, and nailing. The Ridgid air compressor is also recommended in uses such as drilling, air brushing, nailing, and spraying.
Bostitch Vs Ridgid Air Compressor: What Comes In The Package?
For the Bostitch air compressor you will of course get the air compressor. Other inclusions in the package will be a 50 inch rubber and PVC blend air hose. There will also be a 10 piece inflation and blow gun accessory kit. The included accessories are tire chuck and gauge, a number of inflation attachments, blow gun and rubber tip, a safety nozzle, and ¼ inch NPT male plugs. The Ridgid air compressor may not always come with additional accessories or components.
Bostitch Vs Ridgid Air Compressor: Design And Features
The Bostitch air compressor is a 6 gallon 150 PSI oil-free compressor. This is also the same for the Ridgid air compressor. The Bostitch air compressor features a high flow regulator and dual couplers. These are instrumental in optimizing its operational performance. The provided 50 inch rubber and PVC blend air hose is made from hybrid polymer. Both the Bostitch and the Ridgid air compressors are made out of metal. The Ridgid air compressor has a locking regulator. This keeps the knob firmly in place to avoid undesirable pressure variations. The Ridgid air compressor also has a ¼ turn ball valve tank drain.
Bostitch Vs Ridgid Air Compressor: Most Notable Desirable Characteristics
Both the Bostitch and the Ridgid air compressors have notable desirable characteristics. These are typically aspects that customer ratings and or reviews mention. The Bostitch air compressor’s most notable desirable characteristics are portability, ease of use, manoeuvrability, value for money, light weight, and low noise level. The Ridgid air compressor’s most notable desirable characteristics are manoeuvrability, portability, and low noise level.
Pros Of The Bostitch Air Compressor
The Bostitch air compressor provides a quiet work environment. This is because of its noise level which adheres to ISO 3744 certification standards. The Bostitch air compressor is also light weight which makes it easy to handle and operate. The fact that the Bostitch air compressor is oil-free eliminates the hassles of daily maintenance. The Bostitch air compressor can support two simultaneous users. This is made possible by the two universal couplers. The provided hose is flexible, light, and robust; more than other hose types. The other advantage of the Bostitch air compressor is that it enables quick refilling of tanks. The controls are well-placed and it is hassle-free to adjust outlet pressure.
Cons Of The Bostitch Air Compressor
The Bostitch air compressor has a very short warranty – just one year. It is much less than the Ridgid air compressor’s 3 years. In this case the Bostitch air compressor is much pricier than the Ridgid air compressor. Unfortunately, the Bostitch air compressor also has a lesser maximum power than the Ridgid air compressor. The other downside of the Bostitch air compressor is dial accuracy. It has a variance of around 2 PSI when it comes to dial accuracy. The power cord of the Bostitch air compressor is just 5 feet. That may prove inconvenient in some scenarios; it is too short.
Pros Of The Ridgid Air Compressor
The Ridgid air compressor is significantly cheaper. Just like the Bostitch air compressor, the Ridgid air compressor can support two simultaneous users. This is because the Ridgid air compressor also features dual universal connectors. This means you can use two nailers at the same time. The Ridgid air compressor has a noise level of 80 dB, just like the Bostitch air compressor.
The Ridgid air compressor’s turn ball valve tank drain is designed in such a way that enables quick draining. Just one simple turn is enough to drain. The Ridgid air compressor has a much longer warranty of 3 years. The Ridgid air compressor delivers more maximum power; more than 7 times than the Bostitch air compressor.
Cons Of The Ridgid Air Compressor
The Ridgid air compressor weighs more than the Bostitch air compressor. Thus it may be a bit less portable and easy to handle or operate. The Ridgid air compressor may not always come with additional components or accessories. If excluded, you would have to source them separately which can be inconvenient. Some users cite that the Ridgid air compressor may not be ideal for use outdoors.
Factors To Consider When Purchasing An Air Compressor
Type Of Air Compressor
There are so many different types of air compressors. There are several air compressor characteristics, along with your specific needs that need to be considered. The foremost factor to consider is the type of air compressor. Some of the commonly used categories of air compressors are piston, portable, and stationary, amongst others. For example, portable air compressors are ideal for use at home. Piston air compressors are considered ideal for commercial purposes. Thus you need to consider the air compressor type.
Air Flow Capacity
You must factor in the air flow capacity of the air compressor. This is typically measured in cubic feet per minute. This means that the higher the air flow capacity, the better. However, you also need to know that the air flow capacity is a function of the pressure range.
Pressure Rating And Size
This implies that another important factor to consider is the maximum pressure rating. It is also important to consider the size and weight of the air compressor. Use dynamics differ so you have to consider you needs. For example, portability may be a core operational issue for you. Thus you would need a smaller and lighter air compressor.
Features Of The Air Compressor
The other factor is the features of the air compressor in question. Some air compressors may have desirable features that other air compressors may not have. This can play a huge role in informing your purchase decision. The converse is also true. As in, an air compressor may have features you do not need and as such would not be ideal.
These are the core factors to consider when purchasing an air compressor.
Bostitch Vs Ridgid Air Compressor: Our Pick
The Bostitch and the Ridgid air compressors are good. Most of what makes them good are attributes or features that they share. However, when it comes to which one would be ideal, our pick would be the Ridgid air compressor. The Ridgid air compressor costs way less by a wide margin. Additionally, it still has desirable elements which are similar to the Bostitch air compressor e.g. noise level, maximum pressure, being oil free, and having a robust build material. The Ridgid air compressor also delivers more maximum power of 6 HP – way more than the Bostitch air compressor’s 0.2 HP. The icing on the cake is that the Ridgid air compressor has a longer warranty of 3 years. All these premises make the Ridgid air compressor the best option of the two.
Maintenance Tips For Air Compressors
The first step in mastering the maintenance of your air compressor is being abreast with the user manual. The user manual provides the core of what you need to do maintenance-wise. Daily, before and after every use of your air compressor, you must conduct thorough checks. The Bostitch and the Ridgid air compressors are of course oil-free compressors. This significantly reduces the hassle of maintenance checks and routines. Regardless regular checks of your air compressors are imperative. This will largely be a routine meant to detect or avoid the incidence of operational challenges.
One of the important routine works you must do is to remove excess moisture in the receiver tank. The air compression process leads to moisture built-up in the tank. This can even be worse when the general weather or climate is humid. You have to regularly drain excess moisture from the receiver tank. Checking for and fixing any loose fittings is also an important maintenance operation. Lastly, you must regularly clean your air compressor; preferably after every use. Buttress this by storing your air compressor in a clean environment when not in use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Air Compressors Expensive To Run?
It is said that looking at the lifespan of an air compressor; roughly 76 percent of the total operating costs go to power or electricity. Of which an air compressor requires considerable amounts of power. All in all, the greatest chunk goes to power and that is why running an air compressor is considered costly.
Which Air Compressors Last The Longest?
This is a function of the type of air compressor in question. Centrifugal air compressors are the longest lasting with a lifespan of 250 000 or more operating hours. In second place are oil-free rotary screw compressors at 70 000 or more hours. Third placed are reciprocating air compressors with operating hours of 50 000 hours or more. Portable air compressors have a lifespan that varies greatly so it is not easy to give a universal figure.
What Can Shorten The Life Expectancy Of Air Compressors?
A number of factors can reduce an air compressor’s life expectancy; all of which can be managed. One of the most common culprits is using low quality oil. You must use fresh and recommended oil. The other issue stems from contamination of either air or oil. Such contamination can compromise chemical balances and also lead to dirt built-up. Overheating of the air compressor can also reduce the life expectancy. The other cause can be starting and stopping the air compressor way too often.
What Size Of Air Compressor Do I Need To Run Air Tools?
General use air tools typically work with portable air compressors with air flow capacities spanning between 0 and 5 cubic feet per minute (CFM). That will be at 70 to 90 psi. As for much bigger tools, the ones often used with stationary systems, 10 CFM at 100 to 120 psi would do.
At What Pressure Should I Set My Air Compressor?
This depends on the type of air tools you will be using. The majority of air tools can make do with a pressure of anything between 70 and 90 psi. Virtually any small to medium-sized air compressor can handle 90 psi. However, it is recommended that the air compressor must deliver more air flow than needed. This means setting it at a slightly higher pressure setting would be necessary.
Conclusion
Between the Bostitch and the Ridgid air compressors, it all comes down to your preferences and your needs. If price point is your major concern, the Ridgid air compressor is a no-brainer. If you want an air compressor that is lightweight and that operates at 230 volts, the Bostitch air compressor would do. Moreover, the Ridgid air compressor has more of what would be most preferable between the two. Thus at the end of the day the Ridgid air compressor is most likely going to be your preferred pick. What is important is to ensure that what you pick will fully suit the entire breadth of your needs.
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