Worth fixing Dewalt compressor, replacing or something else?

[Deke]

I have a small Dewalt compressor (55140) that I bought quite a while ago at a big box store. Maybe 8 years ago? Works great for the shop when I need to use my brad or pin nailer... It was always nice and quiet (as tools go).

The regulator leaks like crazy, but they don't make or sell any small parts to fix it. Instead, they only make and sell a complete manifold replacement for just under $70. I could buy the same new compressor for twice that, at $140. Economically speaking it's a wash - my time is easily worth the other $70 for an hour to put in the new part (maybe less, but...).

What would you do?

Or, is there another good home shop quiet compressor for under $200? One between $200-300 that would be a better investment?

 

[Peter_C]

Quiet? California Air Tools. They make different sizes and types IE: Upright vs horizontal. They make aluminum tank versions of the portables to be light weight. Buy direct from California Air Tools on Ebay. They consider them seconds and they do not come with the full warranty, but at half the price...Mine has been working great for years.
California Air Tools Ebay

Otherwise just find a way to fix what ya got. If it is a bad regulator it could probably be fixed for under $40. May require different fittings to make everything work.

 

[GoingMyWay]

Another vote for California Air Tools.  They're much much quieter than my Porter Cable Compressor. I have the small 1 gallon model.  A larger model would probably be better for a home shop.

I bought mine brand new from Amazon.  Amazon is currently selling the Model I got for $94.99.  California Air Tools eBay price for a used model is $99.  The price difference might be inverted for a larger compressor though.

 

[sancho57]

I have a small Dewalt compressor (55140) that I bought quite a while ago at a big box store. Maybe 8 years ago? Works great for the shop when I need to use my brad or pin nailer... It was always nice and quiet (as tools go).

The regulator leaks like crazy, but they don't make or sell any small parts to fix it. Instead, they only make and sell a complete manifold replacement for just under $70. I could buy the same new compressor for twice that, at $140. Economically speaking it's a wash - my time is easily worth the other $70 for an hour to put in the new part (maybe less, but...).

What would you do?

Or, is there another good home shop quiet compressor for under $200? One between $200-300 that would be a better investment?

Id call a compressor repair shop and see if they have a aftermarket replacement regulator. Im sure they dosave ya time and money replacing the entire manifold

 

[RKA]

Take it apart and fix it.  Replace the regulator and the short couplers between the tank and regulator.  I know what you mean about your time, however you may find yourself back in this boat in a year, regardless of what you get.

I’ve had issues with all 3 of my compressors.  One is a Dewalt 55130, another is a Makita MAC700, and the last is an IR 20 gallon garagemate.  My suspicion is moisture causes rust in the steel couplers leading into the regulators.  The rust gunks up the regulator until it continually leaks.  In 2 of them I installed stainless couplers, the IR got a nice regulator, the Makita got a cheap 3rd party regulator, both have been fine for several years now.  The dewalt was serviced once in warranty for the leaking regulator.  It’s now out of warranty and starting to leak again.  I’ll give it the same treatment as the other two.

The biggest problem is finding the couplers.  I don’t remember where I got the two I used, but my first stop would be mcmaster Carr.  They usually have stuff like this.  Use Teflon tape on every threaded connection obviously.

 

[Peter_C]

Take the cover off and post a picture. I actually thought about it and a reg is about $15, plus a few fittings. There is no reason the reg can't mount in a different spot, or cut and redo the manifold that is there with flare fittings. Maybe $6 for fittings??