DEWALT D55155 15 Amp 2-3/4-Horsepower 4-Gallon Oiled Single Hot Dog Compressor

Additional DEWALT D55155 15 Amp 2-3/4-Horsepower 4-Gallon Oiled Single Hot Dog Compressor Information

We should have known better when the first thing we saw was the word "Emglo" emblazoned in black on that famous DeWalt yellow. Emglo’s half-century in the compressor business is evident in this model, and with a couple of small exceptions (we’ll get into that in a minute), we don’t think anyone could make a finer piece of air power.

Structurally, it’s top-notch. DeWalt/Emglo’s great new roll-cage shape protects your investment in the shop, in the truck and at the job site, and the gauges are easier to read than many we’ve squinted at over the years. It weighs in at around 60 pounds, and the way the handle’s designed, you can carry it much like a suitcase without overexertion. To let out any moisture that’s accumulated, it’s just an easy turn of the ball-valve tank drain, then just wrap the cord on its holder and you’re ready to go.

In the performance department, we have to say this machine blew us away, moving 4.5 cfm at 100 psi. Now, this may be a plus or a minus in your book, but we liked the fact that the compressor is factory set to power on at 100 psi an+d shut off at 120 psi, and the cycle time was under 15 seconds. We didn’t find it unusually loud, but we’re given to wearing hearing protection with tools such as this one anyway (and we hope you are, too.) It has air aplenty for two nailers at once, and with that fast recovery, the job will get done in no time.

If we had to say what we didn’t like, there are two items on that list: First, we thought the power switch would have been better seated on the front panel rather than the side, but that’s a miniscule complaint. What you do want to watch out for, though, is the proximity of the reset switch to parts that get searingly hot while in use. A little care will save you some pain.

In balance, this is one of the best compressor’s we’ve seen for the size, power, ruggedness and incredible portability it offers. Here’s to a great pairing of two great toolmakers.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

What Customers Say About DEWALT D55155 15 Amp 2-3/4-Horsepower 4-Gallon Oiled Single Hot Dog Compressor:

The only time that it underperformed was when I tried to run an automotive dual-action air sander off of it, it just needed too many CFMs and the compressor couldn't keep up. It has performed well and I love the fact that it has two universal hose takeoffs. But it has no problem keeping up with nail guns and other construction related air tools. I've had this compressor for nearly two years and have been very happy with it. I've used it for many home-improvement projects and also was happy to have it when working on my classic car.

If you have to run spay guns, grinders, sanders or other large air pneumatic tools look elsewhere. For light duty use, if you do the oil changes and drain the tank periodically this compressor should last you for many years. If you need to move it a lot, there are lighter better choices. I've had this compressor for about 4 years now, and would say it is a good choice for a light duty home or hobby use compressor. If you just run some small pneumatic tools around the house and want a long lasting compressor this would be good, but there are cheaper choices. It can keep up with a framing nailer or even a couple of small brad nailers, but it won't keep up with a spray gun, grinders, or sanders. I haven't had any problems with it (such as the regulator, reported by others), but I didn't try and use this as my main job site compressor. It is portable, but I wouldn't want to have to rely on this for a job site compressor unless I was doing trim/finish only.

That's bound to be tough on the bearings.I'm giving it three stars because it is a decent unit, is fairly-priced, and suits my needs, despite the fact that I am having to replace the regulator after one year of VERY occasional use. with the factory preset cutoff so high, this thing will turn on/off constantly with even normal use. The ability to run the motor in constant mode, while the pressure valve cuts off, would really extend the engine life.

Very sturdy for such a small unit.Cons: Regulator is noted as failure-prone by several reviewers, including me. No continuous-run mode and factory set on/off too close to max pressure.This compressor is fine for the hobbyist who wants to fill tires or run an occasional nail gun. Pros: Relatively light and portable.

Will keep up with one framing nailer or a couple of smaller guns, but you'll have to slow down for plywood decking or anything else that requires constant firing. People with only slightly more demanding needs won't be as happy. Dewalt, this is an inexpensive part and a real annoyance.

You can do better.

It had a minor air leak when I first got it. I have even used it to blow out my sprinkler system for the winter. A couple of good long sections of hose are a wise investment. It is relatively quite, and in my view, you can comfortably use it in living spaces.

This has been a good, solid tool. DeWalt sent out a replacement part quickly, but before I got to installing it, the leak went away. It does not seem to have trouble on 15 amp circuits, but it did shut itself off once when I tried it with an extension cord. I have used it for about 2 years now.

Although it has a handle, carrying it around is a chore. I have not had any problems since. In that time, I have used it for framing nailers and finish nailers and it has always had plenty of air. The later is probably more than it was intended to do and a much bigger compressor would be faster, but this one does the job fine, without over-pressurizing the system.

Make sure that there is no other amp eater on that circuit or plug into a 20amp and it will run like a champ. I did run into the slow start up problem a couple of times when i plug into a certain electrical circuit at our warehouse terminal, but only in that location. It runs off of a 15amp circuit, but it is pulling every bit of that 15 amps. Can't remember how long ago I bought this compressor, but I've had 2 framing nailers since. After owning this unit and the number of jobs that it has been used on and performed so well, I would be hard pressed to consider another brand when it finally needs replacing ( this doesn't seem to be needed anytime in the near future). I run a framing nailer, industrial stapler, and finish nailer very often. I have built several decks, sheds, interior offices and lately frame, block and brace goods into ocean containers and crating. It has always performed well to the point that I don't give it any thought.