Collection: California Air Tools

The decibel number is real. So is the CFM number.

California Air Tools compressors run 60 to 70 dBA where a conventional belt drive piston sits at 90 dBA or above. Decibels are logarithmic, so every 10 dB drop is roughly half the perceived loudness, which puts a 60 dBA unit at about a quarter the apparent noise of an 80 dBA machine. You can hold a phone conversation standing next to one. That is the real reason these go into basements, finish carpentry shops, dental offices and service vans.

The oil free dual piston pumps mean no oil changes, no oil carryover into the line, and a cold start that does not care about the temperature in the garage. Many models are rated past 3,000 hours before significant wear, which is long for an oil free design.

Where they stop

These are low CFM machines. A 1 to 2 HP unit makes roughly 2 to 5 CFM at 90 PSI, which runs nailers, staplers, airbrushes, tire inflation and intermittent blow off all day long. It will not feed a continuous draw tool. Orbital sanders, die grinders, cut off wheels and blast cabinets want 12 to 25 CFM without a break, and an oil free pump asked to run at full duty to chase that will wear out years early. If continuous air is your work, buy a two stage cast iron piston or a scroll compressor and put it in the next room.

The mistake is buying on decibels and tank size. Check CFM at 90 PSI against what your tools actually pull first, then read our quiet compressor buying guide. We also carry California Air Tools air dryer systems and replacement parts.