One word to describe this compressor…QUIET! I seriously cannot believe my ears, I’ve heard a fair amount of air compressors in my day, both oil lubricated and oil free. This is without a doubt the most quiet compressor I’ve ever experienced and I am proud to own it. It pumps up fast and performs beautifully. Rips off lug nuts like nobody’s business. I didn’t find the air regulator position in a horrible spot like others mentioned either. I have a 48” leader hose that goes to my 50ft wall mounted hose reel, it’s an awesome combo. I also find it absurd that people giving bad reviews think the compressor should include a bunch of accessories, you’re only buying a compressor and it is advertised as such, your unrealistic expectations are not Sears’ fault. Everyone has their own preferred accessory combinations so I was not upset about this whatsoever. After the 30 minute break in CHANGE THE OIL. When I drained it there were lots of sparkles, you don’t want that in the oil. I’m going to change it again soon and then it should be good for the 100 hr service intervals. My oil was not low upon 1st inspection like many others experienced, check to be sure though. This unit is meant to be kept upright at all times, if you lay it down for transport oil is going to leak out, I strapped mine upright in my truck for the drive home from the store. I bought a full synthetic Dewalt brand oil off ******, works great and is thinner for good performance on cold start ups. BONUS: its blue so its easier to read on the tiny dipstick. The manual states to add 18oz after draining oil but it only took me about 14oz. A flexible hose on funnel is your friend as draining oil is not super convenient. Overall I am in love with this compressor and highly recommend it!
After purchase, 2 Sears Employees that loaded laid on side in PU bed. I brought the "Keep Upright, contains oil and my damage if laid down" to the employees attention. Young man attempted to bs me with "won't hurt it" as long as not laid down on face. Got it home & unloaded. Compresser & inside of box covered with oil. Following start up proceedure with oil check, needless to say was low by approx 8 oz. Fortunately I had also purchased Craftman syn compresser oil. Running with no pressure (break-in) for 30 min, seemed good to go. Phase two, break-in, under pressure approaching 140 psi, begins to labor and blows off black plastic bleeder tube from side of Check valve. Shut down and reconnect, turn on and motor continues to labor with rattle until reaching approx 150 psi. Possible Pulley alignment but as new, should not be. Not stable platform with rubber slip on pads as opposed to bolt on rubber feet. Wabbles. Only 1/2 in clearance at drain petcock. Taking back today. Buyers Remorse.
Right out of the box this thing makes a loud ringing noise like a circular saw when the compressor motor runs. I expected a lot more from Craftsman. I guess they don't make 'em like they used to.
"Brand New" unit purchased at Sears Outlet store, found to be leaking air back thru the "check valve" to the pressure switch. Would not hold pressure. Removed check valve from tank and discovered the body was badly rusted and corroded. The check valve was composed of cheap steel, instead of brass like all others I've seen. Replaced check valve with top brand brass unit and compressor held pressure and works as expected. Going "cheap" has killed Sears' reputation for quality. While this has been my experience over recent history, I have two(2) other air compressors of this model and other than a reed valve problem in one they have worked very well for years.
I have had this compressor for over 4 years and not had any issues with it. I do keep up with maintenance.