Oil-Free vs Oil-Lubricated Air Compressors

When you pick a compressor, one of the first choices is oil-free or oil-lubricated. Both are common in Ireland and both have their place. Here is how they compare in everyday use.

Oil-lubricated compressors

The pump has an oil sump, like a small engine. The oil cools and lubricates the piston, rings and bearings.

• Quieter running
• Longer working life, especially on belt drive units
• Handle heavy, regular use better
• Need oil checks and oil changes
• A very small amount of oil can carry over into the air, so a filter is a good idea for painting

Oil-free compressors

The pump uses coated or sealed parts that do not need oil in the cylinder.

• No oil to check or change
• Lighter and easier to move around
• Cleaner air, which suits some jobs without extra filtering
• Usually louder, unless it is a purpose built low noise unit
• Shorter working life under heavy use

Which should you choose?

• Home and light DIY: oil-free is simple and needs very little looking after.
• Garage and regular workshop use: oil-lubricated, usually belt drive, will last longer.
• Daily professional use: a belt drive lubricated compressor or a rotary screw unit.
• Clean air jobs like spraying: either type works, but fit a filter and water trap in the line.

Whichever you buy

Drain the tank regularly, and if it is lubricated use proper compressor oil, not engine oil. Our maintenance checklist covers the routine checks.

Not sure which suits you? Call us on 021 435 5424 or call into our Little Island retail outlet (T45 NN60). Browse our air compressors.