Expert Review
Ridgid OL50145MW air compressor

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Expert Review

Ridgid OL50145MW air compressor

Date Published: 7/2/08

When the pressure is on to find portable power that can take on all kinds of pneumatic power tools, the Ridgid Mini Wheelbarrow Air Compressor OL50145MW is built tough to tackle any project. An induction motor and 1.5 running horsepower give this durable air compressor plenty of power. And with maximum air pressure up to 145 PSI (pressure per square inch) and air delivery rated at 4.4 SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute) at 90 PSI, this unit also has plenty of punch to power fasteners through the hardest engineered wood.

Right away we noticed several impressive features, starting with its easily maneuverable portability. Designed like a low-rider wheelbarrow with two handles and one wheel, the nicely balanced unit features a motor in the middle flanked by two side air tanks for a total air tank capacity of 5 gallons. It rolls on a single, never flat semi-pneumatic tire. We especially like the retractable handles as they stay out of the way during storage or operation, and lock in the extended position for easy transport. You can roll the unit in your truck or pack it in the trunk of your car for transport (two well-padded and sturdy handles allow for easy pickup), then roll it underneath your work bench when not in use.

Other features we like include a great gauge panel (which comes with two gauges) that's easily accessible and easy to read. It's got a good air filter and is equipped with a full roll cage to protect critical components on the jobsite. Each tank is outfitted with a ball valve tank drain valve for easy quarter turn opening. Two universal quick couplers really come in handy when you need to use two pneumatic tools for the same job or have two people using the same air compressor. We especially like that you can use both 1/4-inch industrial and automotive plugs. About the only negative we could find is that you have two separate tanks that you need to drain rather than one.

For all-around performance that's built to last, the Ridgid Mini Wheelbarrow Air Compressor OL50145MW is a great product at a Best Buy price.


Pros: Built to handle all kinds of pneumatic power tools, plenty of punch to power fasteners through the hardest engineered wood, low-rider wheelbarrow style for easy maneuverability and portability, pumps up quick, never flat semi-pneumatic tire, retractable handles stay out of the way during storage or operation but lock in the extended position for easy transport, great gauge panel, two universal quick couplers
Cons: Double air tanks to discharge moisture rather than one air tank

Warranty
3 year



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release: 8.4.3-qa1
content_id: 267307
type: review
category: l4-cp-air-compressors

brws title: Ridgid OL50145MW air compressor Review: Powered by ConsumerGuide and HowStuffWorks

meta d: The Ridgid Mini Wheelbarrow Air Compressor OL50145MW can take on all kinds of pneumatic power tools. Find out more in the full review from Consumer Guide.

url: http://shopproducts.howstuffworks.com/SAS-Safety-Pure-Air-2000-No-Co-Monitor-2001-01/productId=110945690