On May 22nd, 2010 06:36 a visitor came here looking for "dewalt upright air compressor" and that person was viewing the following page:

Factory-Reconditioned DEWALT D55146R Heavy Duty 4.5 Gallon Compressor with Wheels
Why Buy New Reconditioned is the way to GO First the Cons: The unit must have been freshly painted when they put it in the box, because there was yellow paint rubbed off the unit on the cardbo ...

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Customer Review :

So far so good

So I ordered this item twice. The first time it came it would not start, so I simply returned it with no problems. Thought over the decision again, and I just couldnt pass it up: the price was good for such a good unit. Well, the first one was definitely a lemon, as I received another reconditioned d55146 and it works like a charm. I still let it run for 15 mins with the valve open. I just used a small brad nailer with it...the thing barely flinched. fairly quiet for an oil-less compressor, quickly fills... the only thing I find a little cheap on the compressor is the knob to regulate pressure. other than that, its a solid compressor. i will update this if there is any future problems.

Rating :

Best bang for the buck

I was disappointed to see that this item has been withdrawn. Perhaps related to the way they are shipped? I shopped around for a compressor that was relatively inexpensive yet had enough CFM for some of the more demanding tools like higher end painters and impact wrenches that need 5+ CFM at 90psi.

My compressor arrived today. Despite the box looking to be in good shape, I found a broken piece laying the the bottom of the box. After a bit of research I found it was part of the mounting bracket the holds the compressor to the frame. There are three of them, one steel, and two cast (pot?) metal formed with the casing. The piece that was broke goes over the rubber under it that helps with vibration.

I went to the web site to see about getting a replacement and noticed that the item was no longer available so they only gave me the option of a refund, not a replacement. I was very disappointed as I thought this was the ideal compressor for the price, especially the cheaper, refurbed (in Mexico) unit.

I thought I would take a flyer, and rather than accept a refund and return it, to instead see if Amazon would be willing to give me a partial refund to offset the damage. Since the damage probably won't affect the operation of the unit, I was willing to keep it if reimbursed something for the damage. I suspect such negotiation isn't conventional for most businesses, but what did I have to lose to ask.

These units retail for around $600-700, are sold new by Amazon for $350, but the refurbs were a more modest $254 with free shipping. Amazon offered me a 40% refund if I didn't return it. I thought that was very gracious. I was also amazed to get a reply literally within minutes of asking for a partial refund, assuming I would get rejected. I think the resulting $153 price delivered to my door was awesome :) I almost bought a $150 compressor from Northern Tool (located locally) but like other cheaper units, it just didn't have the higher volume needed for the better air tools.

Having just gotten the unit today, I only did the 15-minute break-in and then pumped up the tank to be sure it would hold air. It passed that test with flying colors. Four hours later the tank still has full pressure so it seems to be holding the pressure well too.

I don't know why, but they ask you to operate the compressor horizontally, and only have it vertical for hauling and storage. Based on how I think it works, I wouldn't think running it vertically would matter, but I won't take that chance.

WARNING: As someone else noted, this is a higher pressure unit than most comparable units. As a result, the 250psi air hose most people are buying is NOT adequate. The owner's manual clearly says you should buy a 300psi hose instead. I am guessing the 250psi hose would work as the operating pressure is only 200psi, but for the price, why not do as asked? The hose most people are buying is the yellow Goodyear hose for around $20, but the Goodyear 300psi hose is $43, so being frugal I looked around. I see Amazon offers several choices, from no name to known names. But rather than buying the $43 Goodyear hose, I bought the $27 Gates hose, another fine brand. I called the local auto parts store and they stocked the same Gates hose for $68. It is red instead of "safety" yellow, but who cares, not me.

It would be great if Amazon would put something in the description about the need for a 300psi hose as it seems people (like another reviewer) are ordering the 250psi hose and then having to return it after reading the manual.

Rating :

good build quality, quiet, easily portable

I love my new air compressor. The unit is rock solid in build. The compressor is quiet - as far as compressors go; especially oil free units. The pressure regulators work well. This unit will pump up bike tires in less than 10 seconds and car tires faster than any gas station unit. I plan to use it to blow out sprinkler lines and am very confident it will excel at that task too.

Rating :

After a snag, excellent compressor

I received the compressor and the box was much too big so it was rolling around during shipping which caused the plastic handle to be broken. I took it home and other than the broken handle, it works excellent! I called Amazon and they gave me a credit that more than covered the $30 cost of a new handle which took less than 2 minutes to install.

Rating :

Why Buy New? Reconditioned is the way to GO!

First the Cons: The unit must have been freshly painted when they put it in the box, because there was yellow paint rubbed off the unit on the cardboard. Wheels are a bit wobbly, but nicely hold air and roll easily. Overall, the unit looked new.

Pros: For a non-oil type unit, it is actually quieter than expected. Builds tank pressure quickly to 200+ psi and regulated pressure easily goes to 160+ psi. Runs my Ingersol Rand impact and ratchet easily. Unit is easy to move around with the extension handle. Small tank will empty quickly if using it in high volume, but the compressor keeps up nicely. Tank bleeder is easy to use.

For a savings of approx. $130 over a new unit, I'd go this route everytime!

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 200 PSI allows for 80-Percent more usable air that the industry leader while 5.2 SCFM @ 90 PSI provides the compressor a quicker recovery time after the initial tank charge is depleted
2. Easy to transport and store with pneumatic wheels and vertical stand feature. Convenient to maintain oil free pump
3. Innovative high pressure technology provides the motor with longer life and allows it to run off an extension cord
4. Low noise with 78 A-weighted decibels operational noise level (tested per ISO3477)
5. Easy to read metal console with protected gauges, couplers and regulator

Editorial Review :

DEWALT built the D55146 Heavy Duty 4.5 Gallon, 200 PSI, Heavy Duty Hand Carry Compressor with Wheels is quiet, efficient and solidly built; constructed to withstand harsh jobsite conditions. Its dual connections allow users to simultaneously operate up to 3 framing nailers or 2 roofing nailers. This versatile compressor is useful to both small framing carpenters & remodelers and large trim carpenter crews & remodelers alike. The unique, patented high efficiency motor and high pressure pump provide a maximum pressure of 200 PSI with 5.2 SCFM @ 90 PSI so you never lose pressure. The D55146 is convenient, with an oil free, maintenance free pump and is easy to move & store with pneumatic wheels. It’s the perfect compressor to choose if you need a lot of power and a low maintenance tool.

Customer Review :

Defective BRAND NEW

Bought from Lowe's for $329. Followed all the start-up procedures, ran it for 5 minutes and the tank pressure gauge would not go beyond zero. Tried it 3 times, and checking thoroughly both the drain and safety valves, but the results
are still the same. I'll be returning this tomorrow and request replacement otherwise I go for another brand.

Rating :

Best bang for the buck

This is a partial repeat of a review I wrote on the refurbed version of this model. I have edited out part of the review, leaving in the WARNING!

I shopped around for a compressor that was relatively inexpensive yet had enough CFM for some of the more demanding tools like higher end painters and impact wrenches that need 5+ CFM at 90psi.

Having just gotten the unit today, I only did the 15-minute break-in and then pumped up the tank to be sure it would hold air. It passed that test with flying colors. Four hours later the tank still has full pressure so it seems to be holding the pressure well too.

I don't know why, but they ask you to operate the compressor horizontally, and only have it vertical for hauling and storage. Based on how I think it works, I wouldn't think running it vertically would matter, but I won't take that chance.

WARNING: As someone else noted, this is a higher pressure unit than most comparable units. As a result, the 250psi air hose most people are buying is NOT adequate. The owner's manual clearly says you should buy a 300psi hose instead. I am guessing the 250psi hose would work as the operating pressure is only 200psi, but for the price, why not do as asked? The hose most people are buying is the yellow Goodyear hose for around $20, but the Goodyear 300psi hose is $43, so being frugal I looked around. I see Amazon offers several choices, from no name to known names. But rather than buying the $43 Goodyear hose, I bought the $27 Gates hose, another fine brand. I called the local auto parts store and they stocked the same Gates hose for $68. It is red instead of "safety" yellow, but who cares, not me.

It would be great if Amazon would put something in the description about the need for a 300psi hose as it seems people (like another reviewer) are ordering the 250psi hose and then having to return it after reading the manual.

Rating :

I use it everyday

most reviews I read, are from people who use their equipment occassionally. I have used this compressor almost everyday (all day)for about a year and a half, maybe more. So far the only problem has been that the "tank pressure gauge" needed to be replaced, which was very easily done in about 15 minutes.I do mostly soffit and fascia work and I am pretty hard on all of my day to day tools.I also love how quiet it is compared to most other compressors. I will most likely purchase this again when it is needed. I would also like to point out that about half the time this has been used with multiple hoses and guns(usually 2 at a time). good luck, I only hope that since the price has dropped nearly $100 since I bought it, that they haven't began to use cheaper parts.

Rating :

Good Unit But Draining Tank Difficult

Compressor is very quiet and performs great, but location of drain valve for tank makes it very difficult to drain moisture. Drain valve is not at bottem of tank in storage or operating position. Have to prop unit up with something under handle to drain.

Rating :

Regulator broken after less than 10 uses

I am a homeowner. I rarely use this compressor and thought it was a "good one". I have used it less than 10 times in 1 year and the regulator is broken. They (Dewalt) are sending me a repair kit as a "favor" so we'll see if that fixes it. If your compressor lasts this long it is not worth much! This thing also puts out a lot of ozone when it runs....the electric motor must be doing this you can smell it!

Rating :

More reviews...

1. Delivers 4.0 SCFM at 90 PSI for rapid recovery and multi-tool use
2. Oil-lubricated pump for durability; designed for quick, easy oil checks and changes
3. Cast-iron cylinders, roll-cage frame, and 3/4 foot for exception durability
4. Telescoping handle allows ergonomic transport; top panel helps you move loads up to 100 pounds
5. Includes compressor oil, control panel with two universal quick couplers

Editorial Review :

Whether your crew is laying down roofing, finishing up a framing project, or putting trim in place to complete a big start-to-finish construction job, the oil-lubricated DeWalt D55154 Heavy-Duty Electric Air Compressor offers convenience and dependable performance. Continuous power provided by the 1.1 HP induction motor delivers 4.0 SCFM at 90 PSI and 125 PSI Max. Combined with two conveniently placed universal quick couplers that make it easy to run several tools at the same time, this output ensures that multi-person woodworking crews won't be disappointed by this four-gallon compressor. For increased efficiency, the compressor features an oil pump that has been rotated 90 degrees to make oil changes quick, and it offers a convenient ball drain valve that makes thorough tank draining a simple task.

Because professional craftsmen and women know how important it is the have tools that are both durable and easy to handle, this compressor features a unique wheeled dolly-style and a sturdy cast-iron construction, complete with a roll-cage frame that protects the pump and motor from being damaged on the job. The tank assemble is also structured to protect the couplers and gauges from wear and tear and the 3/4 foot is designed to stay attached in the face of tough use, increasing the life of this tool. Fully pneumatic tires, a frame-clearance of 2.5-inches, and a telescoping handle make moving this compressor around a jobsite easy on your body, and a top-load panel with positioning holes allows you to load up to 100 pounds on to the deck of this tool for transport.

Customer Review :

cut in pressure

I looked over compressors for awhile and was impressed by the list of features with this model. I love the wheels and the upright nature with the handle. I have found the drain valve hard to find visually and I was extemely disappointed with the cut in factory preset at 95 pounds and the cutout set at 120-122 pounds. I see no reason for these low settings. other models cut in at 120 and cut out at 150. depending on your tool set this is a problem. My framing nailer operates best at 115-120 so with this compressor it's only operating at peak performance 1/3 of the time. I am trying to figure out how to adjust the cut in/out presssure but the manual is useless in this area. All of my other tools work great and it can definetly keep up with everything I've attempted so far other than my somewhat disfunctional framing nailer. Overall it has been a great unit so far.

Rating :