Editorial Review

Hitachi’s 2-horsepower compressor is one of the hardest-working units on the market. Plug it into any standard household outlet and get 4.1 cfm of free air at 90 psi--enough to easily run two tools at once. Because of its compact size and trim weight, it’s the perfect compressor for the home do-it-yourselfer, but taking into account its power and portability, contractors will love it, too. Minimum maintenance keeps this baby humming for years--all it wants is lubrication. The 2-horsepower, direct-drive motor runs at 14.5 amps, so you won’t find yourself blowing fuses or popping breakers. Hitachi’s known for workhorse tools, and this one is a prime example.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Oil-lubricated design for a long life of service
• 2-horsepower direct-drive motor runs at 14.5 amps--won't overheat circuits
• Delivers 4.1 cfm of free air at 90 psi
• Vertically stacked twin tanks with 4 gallon total capacity
• Shutoff valve at line and auto reset

Reviews (23)

EC12 Cold Start Problems
The Hitachi EC12 is a very solid contractor compressor.However, like most units that fall in this category, it often has difficulty starting.Starting related issues stem from cold weather, voltage drop across an extension cord or the use of multiple tools.While these problems occur across the board among compressor manufacturers, there is a product that helps eliminate the issue.Called the Smart Start by Conrader it replaces the standard inlet filter of the compressor.Essentially, it delays compression and allows the motor to reach full speed before encountering a load.More information is available at www.conrader.com.

Compressor great, regulator bad
This compressor is a great value.It has a quality oil lubricated motor and is competitively priced with "oil-less" compressors of similar size and capacity.It works great with my various small air tools (palm nailer, impact wrench, etc).My only complaint:After a few hours of light use, the regulator dial became very hard to turn, and eventually stopped working altogether.I dismantled it and found that the dial threads had stripped.I replaced the regulator with an inexpensive AmFlo model purchased at Lowes, and am much happier with the new one -- easier to adjust, more precise, and more accurate.If Hitachi included a better regulator, they would have a 5 star product.

Bob, a home improvement enthusiast
I have owned this compressor for 3 years now and it continues to run flawlessly. I agree that the gauges are mounted in an area where they can be easily damaged but if you take care when using and transporting the compressor, you won't have any problems. Change the oil regularly and this beauty will last a very long tme. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Air Compressors    2. Oil-Lube Compressors    3. Stacked Tank    4. (Compresors)    5. (Compressers)   

Features

• Perfect for mounting on the wall, floor, or ceiling"
• All steel construction
• Spring-powered auto-rewind
• Guide arm adjustable for different angles
• Valve assembly handles up to 250 psi and 25 CFM

Reviews (2)

Works great
Works great, hose is good quality, need fitting to make 1/4" use.
Keeps it off the floor and untangled

Very Nice Hose Reel
I bought my hose reel from Lowes and it is identical to this one.It is solid built and made mostly of metal.The spring return works fabulous.To install it, you need to two guys and some strong bolts (4) to mount it on the wall.It can be mounted on the ceiling too if it is structurally sound.It comes with 50 feet of good quality rubber hose.If you install it properly, it is one very NICE tool.Certainly the best way to have "neat" hose accessibility. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Air Tools    2. Hose Reels    3. Hoses   

Reviews (5)

Good quality for a good price...
Sung to the theme song from Mister Ed:

"A hose is a hose, it sucks it blows"...

Actually this is a well made (and made in America for a change even as P/C makes more and more of their items overseas - hello [local store]?) rubber hose with decent flexability, nice brass fittings and ferrules BUT it's missing the black strain reliefs as shown in the above Amazon picture, I guess somebody at P/C read their accountant's memo. Should hold up as well as the equivalent grade Goodyear hose. Who knows, perhaps even made by them? Shipping speed from order to delivery was reasonable, less than two weeks. It's a good buy at a good price, but it's a "teaser" with the free shipping as you'll have to find something else to tip the [money amount]scale and Amazon has discontinued many of the small inexpensive things - such as Milton Kwik-Change couplers and plugs. Clever. So buy yourself a good book on constuction techniques along with it, or better yet a good book on jokes so the next time somebody uses a nailgun to sink a 16d nail into their foot on the jobsite you'll have something clever to say to lighten up the situation besides "Did you square that shoe before nailing"?

hey it's a hose
What can you say, it hasn't failed yet.... should last a long time.

Never got it
Well I was in need a good air hose and when you order it you ussualy anticipate resonable shipment, after they got my money they told me that it was damged and it would take unitl feb.( jan 12 is today) who needs an air hose (or any tool) in a month.I guess when the advertise free shipping they forgot to mention the it would be on the back of a mule, ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Air Tools    2. Hoses   

Features

• Includes a blo-gun
• Inflate and check tires
• Blow debris
• Mend and connect hose
• Quick-change template guide

Reviews (5)

Okay for Starters
I bought this kit because I live and work in a remote place where it takes an hour and a half or more to get anywhere where I can pick up little parts.For anyone living in a more convenient place, I suggest that you go round to your local hardware store or tool supplier and buy better quality parts as you need them.The pieces are okay, but they are not machined very well.For instance, the threaded components require a lot of effort to get them tight enough to stop leaks.Better machining, and good brass or bronze, would make them fit and work better.If you are just starting out, the kit is okay, but that is as far as it goes.

Should have bought something else.
Wish I bought just the stuff I needed at Home Depot.Would have saved some money.Quality was not a problem though I have no use for the tire pressure guage.

Just an average set of accessories.
This is an ok set of compressor accessories.The quality is only average.I will be replacing almost everything with better quality components.For the money, you would be better off buying individual pieces that have some weight to them.The pressure gauge is a joke and is just an example as to what the other pieces are like.Save your money and go down to your local tool supply and get quality stuff. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Air Tools    2. Fittings   

Features

• Includes hose
• Levelwind layering mechanism ensures the hose retracts evenly and easily
• 3/4-inch ID swivel reduces flow restrictions and improves performance
• User can select "Free Run" for fast rewind or "Latching" to latch the hose
• Mounting bracket allows the user to secure the reel in 1 of 7 positions

Reviews (3)

Awsome!!!
This Legacy L8306 3/8" x 75' Retractable Air Hose Reel is very nice, I am just a guy who likes neet work areas such as my garage and basement, I have a 50' retractable air hose reel from another manufacturer and it is not nearly as nice, I really like the way it retracts the line and reels the hose back and forth so it doesn't get tangled internally, in my garage I had my old unit hard plummed but had to add another piece of galvanized pipe to make up for the short 3' lead, if you can swing it opt for the 75 ft. and not the 50 ft. the extra 25 ft. makes a difference I no longer have to run a second line

Just what the garage enthusiast needs!
A hose reel in a garage in my opinion is a necessity. No more messy hoses lying all over the floor, getting run over, cut, etc. The Legacy L8306 is a wonderful addition to my garage!
The 75' hose is great, that 25' additional length comes in handy!

The hose on the reel I replaced with the Legacy model always wanted to bunch up when retracting into it. Thanks to the wonderful layering mechanism in the Legacy reel, it doesn't suffer from that problem. The hose retracts neatly and evenly every time!

I found the 3' lead-in hose to be adequate, as my garage is hard-plumbed and connecting it to the air line was a breeze, and the reel also comes with a handy wall mount bracket allowing me to reposition and secure it at different angles if needed.

I would recommend this reel to anyone looking for reasonably priced, convenient, air hose storage.

What was I thinking??
... I was expecting something MUCH higher in quality.I open the thing up and there is no tension whatsoever, with line just flowing out when I pull.Turns out the side tensioning plate was supposed to have two screws holding it in.So I shake the box and two dinky screws bounce around.I had to use two of my own, larger, screws to hold the plate as the holes for the original screws were stripped.Then, they give you a 'whopping' 3 or so feet of hose to attach to your compressor, like that's EVER going to be enough.So, every single person that buys this has to go out and buy another stretch of hose, with all the right fittings, to attach their compressor to this reel.If I had bought it locally, I'd just return it and get my money back.Folks, my recommendation is that you just buy a 50' or 75' hose and deal with the hassle. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Air Tools    2. Hose Reels   

Features

• Pos-I-Latch keeps hose at length wanted
• Weather proof spring drive
• Adjustable for mounting
• Includes 3/8 inch x 50 feet air hose
• Full flow shaft and swivel

Reviews (1)

Great, except for lousy recoil
This would be a great reel if the recoil worked better.After all, isn't that the purpose of buying a reel ... so it will recoil itself?Also, they should include a swivel base mount.

Quality product though and it gets a rating of 4 biners from me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Air Tools    2. Hose Reels   

Features

• Comes with 53 feet of air hose with fittings
• Automatically locks the hose to any length
• Positive rewind action
• Swivel action
• Includes mounting bracket

Reviews (2)

Acceptable design let down by low-quality hoses
Not a bad product, if you discount the sub-standard hoses.Before I even tried to use the hose, a leak was evident in the fittings of the connector hose, which had to be replaced before use.Since the manufacturer is in Australia, I just paid for a new connecting hose rather than try to send the defective one halfway around the world to get a replacement.

Perfect Solution For My Problem
I was skeptical about this product. It is manufactured in Australia. I have a small engine repair shop (lawn mowers,outboard motors etc.) and I have limited space. This air hose unit is very compact. It is also made out of alot of tough plastic, that will take alot of banging into and it WON'T rust. It is completely enclosed and protects the hose well. The hose is a good grade rubber. I have had it now for 2 month's and I have to give it a perfect five stars. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Air Tools    2. Hose Reels   

Features

• Re-usable hose ends
• Lightweight
• Flexible to -40 degrees
• 2.5-inch bend radius
• Low drag resistance

Reviews (4)

Only hose you'll ever need!
I recently purched this hose and found it to be the best hose ive ever used. It is considerably lighter and smaller than the others, only hose ive found that fits with room to spar on a electric cord reel. This hose doesnt twist and tangle like the others either it may have coils in it when laying on the floor but when you extend it they come right out. Ive never had it kink yet. I was so impressed i bought 2 50` ones and i'm going to purchase a 3/8's as well.Try this hose and you'll never own another.

Home Builder
These Polyurethane hoses are amazingly light and save countless hours on the job site.They don't kink or get wound up like most ordinary hoses, while being so light that you almost don't even have to think about pulling the hose around with you. These hoses are flexible in the cold mid-west building environment and I'm continually impressed with their durability. I use the ¼" mostly for finish nailers or tools with lower air demands, but I've recently started using them to run 1 framing gun with good success.Because they are light, flexible and don't get tangled, I've now mandated that my crews will use only these hoses on roofs where it's quite common for guys to trip over air hoses.And if you've ever done a finish trim job and fought the hoses damaging every corner in the house, you'll love these hoses. Their [spendy], but worth it.

best hose ever
I just started using one of these hoses last year.they are great.way easier to manage, much more maneuverable.They seem to last quite a long time, my boss has been using his for over 8 years.he paid 100 bucks for it and hasn't bought a replacement yet,The best thing I find about them is when you go to coil them up.you're not fighting them to keep them from twisting up.we are running three of these right now, and combined they save us about 2 man hours/week in cleanup and general hose tangling issues.that is worth the difference in price right there, the fact that they out last rubber is just icing on the cake! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Air Tools    2. Hoses   

Features

• Made in USA
• 1/2 inch x 50 feet, 200PSI
• Oil-resistant
• Can be used in all temperatures
• Includes male brass ferrules and barbed fittings

Reviews (2)

Great Hose to move large volumes of air
As the previous review stated, this hose is overkill for everyday applications, such as connecting air nailers, sanders and such to the source.I use this hose to move large volumes of air from my compressor to my regulator on the jobsite to minimize pressure drop and supply the maximum amount of air to the multiple tools connected to the regulator.That being said, if you are only going to attach tools directly to a compressor, buy the 3/8" which is lighter weight, easier to manuver and less costly.Given the size, the hose is slightly heavy to attach to a framing nailer and a little cumbersome to wrap up at the end of the day.

No complaints
Now this is an air hose!It's overkill for everyday applications, but the quality is great.I bought one of these five years ago, and I use it to connect the compressor (in the back of the garage) to my filter and regulator (in the front of the garage) - I didn't want to bother with running pipe for such a short distance.But aside from specialty applications where you absolutely have to minimize pressure drop, this hose is more than you'll need.If, for whatever reason, you DO need a 1/2" hose, then you'll be happy with this one.Otherwise, buy the yellow 3/8" model - that's a great hose, too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Air Tools    2. Hoses   

Features

• Includes 1 year limited warranty on parts and accessories
• 3.5 HP (peak) 1.6 HP (running) 4.5 gallon single tank air compressor
• Oil-free pump design for durability and maintenance
• 150 PSI tank pressure for longer run time, 90 dBA, 120V / 60 hertz/ 1 phase
• Two pole, 3450 RPM capacitor start induction motor for maximum air delivery

Reviews (1)

It's a worker
I bought this compressor a few days ago for my small remodeling company.

I am currently growing and needed a larger compressor for the job site, as all I was using was a pancake compressor from porter cable, and it had a hard time keeping up with the heavier demands I was putting on it.

I had looked at alot of compressors from emglo (dewalt) and others. I also looked at the specifications as I wanted a compresor that wouldhave fast recovery, and high air presure for driving nails in older existing framing.

My first surprsie was the way it was packaged. The compressor had no assembly reqired, and was easy to remove from the box. This may sound like a stupid thing, But I prefer to work than asemble tools or have to pry them out of thier packing.

We tested it as soon as we got it to the job site and have used it for a few days now.This compressor is an animal. it will drive nails with my Porter Cable FR 350 into almost anything, and you can literally go non stop. The recovery is the fastest I have seen on any compressor out there. It only takes about 30 seconds run time to refill the tank from 125 to 150.

The only drawback to this compresor is the noise. It is a litle loud, But we fixed that by moving the compressor to another room, and removing the regualtor panel and putting it into the work area. I wasn't sure I would use this feature, but it is great, as you have your air supply and regulator right where you are working. The quick connects are also handy, just push the nipple into the coupler and it locks automatically. The cart is really handy. over having to carry it. ( It's not light )

This compressor by far exceeds what I expected it to do.
You could easily support two framers and other tools off this unit. For the price of this unit, and the features it is a bargin. I already have a few friends in the business who after seeing it, are planning on purchasing one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Air Compressors    2. Oil-less Compressors    3. Hot Dog Tank    4. (Compresors)    5. (Compressers)   

Features

• Low profile design and pneumatic tire for mobility
• 5.5 HP Honda GX gas engine provides proven reliability and durability
• Twin cylinder, cast iron, oil lubricated pump for durability and reliability
• Ball drain valve allows for quick and thorough tank draining
• Automatic idle control for reduced fuel consumption

Subjects:  1. Air Compressors    2. Oil-Lube Compressors    3. Wheelbarrow    4. (Wheel Barrow)    5. (Compresors)    6. (Compressers)    7. (De Walt)   

Features

• Five-year warranty on electrical components (start relay, capacitor, and motor)
• Perma-Lube oil-less design for maintenance free operation
• Starts at 100 psi, stops at 125 psi with an 18 second recovery
• Delivers 2.7 cfm at 100 psi
• Operates on a standard 15 amp circuit

Reviews (10)

Quiet is the best part
Well we all know that there is enough noise in the shop. I have had other compressors and you can't hear yourself think when they turn on. Well not this one. Sure you can hear it but it it nothing like other compressors.... I liked it well enough that I orded another one for my other shop I am setting up.... It is a little pricey but I thoght the differance was worth it..... Don't hesitate, remember you usually get what you pay for.

Trust the Reviews on the T-30
This is one neat little unit!Compact, QUIET, and very well made.

Let me first begin by addressing the ordering/shipping process.I decided after much review time to order the T-30 on 8/20/04.On 8/23/04, the unit arrived at my doorstep (Wisconsin to South Carolina).Keep in mind that there were two weekend days involved in this timeframe.It's hard to fuss about a duration that short!

As for the unit itself, the package did arrive (FedEx) with the top of the box opened.All contents however were intact (no damage at all).After a quick review of the instructions, I twisted on an air filter (supplied with the unit), ran to the hardware store and installed a quick disconnect.I powered the unit up and turned a switch, in less than a minute the unit was fully pressurized at EXACTLY 125 psi as noted in the manual.

My wife was on the phone in the adjoining room (door open) and commented after ending her conversation on how quiet the unit was during the pressurizing process.After dinner, I noted that the gauge was resting steady on 125 psi.I connected an air nozzle to the end and bled the unit down.The motor kicked in at EXACTLY 100 psi (as noted in the manual).After 14 QUIET seconds, the unit was resting steady again at 125 psi.I tried it again, same story.I can't wait to see how this unit performs in the shop!

As for first glance, this unit is well worth the extra $'s compared to any others I reviewed.And trust me, I think I checked out every comparable unit on the WEB.You won't go wrong with this set-up.I spent $294 (shipping included) with Amazon and had the unit ready to go in 3 days.Now that's tough to beat!

You'll love this compressor
I needed an air compressor to power a finish nailer because I'm remodeling my home and I spent a lot of time researching different ones on the 'net. I ended up choosing this one and I couldn't be happier. I'm very impressed with the quality of its construction and with its performance. It's also quieter than others and easy to move around and doesn't take up a lot of space. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Air Compressors    2. Oil-less Compressors    3. Pancake    4. (Compresors)    5. (Compressers)   

Features

• 2-HP portable air compressor
• 125-PSI max
• 6-gallon reserve tank
• 25' coil hose
• 17-pc. inflation and cleaning kit

Subjects:  1. Air Compressors    2. Oil-Lube Compressors    3. Hot Dog Tank    4. (Compresors)    5. (Compressers)    6. Home    7. Tools   

Features

• 100 PSI
• 25 CFM

Features

• Large gauges provide a clear view of both tank and regulated air pressure
• Honda 5.5HP engine with oil alert which protects engine in low oil situations
• Oil lubricated pump with cast iron cylinder for extreme durability
• Full roll cage protection for extreme job site durability
• Innovative, integrated control panel for the ultimate in user convenience

Subjects:  1. Air Compressors    2. Oil-Lube Compressors    3. Wheelbarrow    4. (Wheel Barrow)    5. (Compresors)    6. (Compressers)   

Features

• Re-usable hose ends
• Lightweight
• Flexible to -40 degrees
• 3-inch bend radius
• Low drag resistance

Reviews (3)

ez-one
I can not beleive the high rating these get. I bought one because of the feedback. it arrived damaged (with a hole in it) it kinked easily but it did lay flat. If you want a flat, leaky, kinky hose, I would highly recommend this product. you would do better buying 3 cheap ones.

Lively hose better for large spaces
The 50ft polyurethane hose beats rubber hoses hands-down when your using it in bigger spaces and far away from the compressor. Its light weight and durability really shine in this situation. However, the hose has a mind of its own when you're trying to coil/roll it back up and won't lay flat on the floor if there's the slightest twist. So when working in a tight space or smaller workshop, I'd recommend a rubber hose or spring coil hose ...instead .

SUPER HOSE
I use this hose for everything from roofing to frameing to finish.Living in New England hoses always take a beating and freeze up.This hose stays pliable no matter the temperature.
It is also very light weight and won't drag your expensive air guns off of the roof.Not to mention its amazing durability with constant use.Also great for finish work it will not mar your baseboards and casing.I recomend this hose to anyone who needs a dependable light weight hose. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Air Tools    2. Hoses   

Features

• Re-usable hose ends
• Lightweight
• Flexible to -40 degrees
• 3-inch bend radius
• Low drag resistance

Reviews (1)

Big improvement over rubber hoses
I've been using one of these hoses on a job for the last six months.It's spoiled me so bad I have to buy one of my own now.It is lightweight and slick so it stays out of trouble without snagging on things.The next best thing to having a cordless tool. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Air Tools    2. Hoses