Choosing the right air compressor for you air tools - Belt or Direct drive?

Basically a belt drive is what you want to run your impact wrench or air tool. Cheaper units all employ a direct drive system that runs at lower RPMs. Direct drives are directly connected to the motor. Therefore they are limited to running at the same RPM as the motor. Some motors run at higher RPMs to produce more air, however you will soon run it into the ground. Also, they are so loud that you can hear it in the next county. A belt drive compressor is the better alternative most of the time. A belt drive allows the pump to move a lot slower than motor. This translates into longer life. I would recommend an oil lubricated, belt drive compressor. However if need a smaller unit that is easier to transport, you may have to go with a direct drive model.