Short reason to buy: true indoor-friendly noise (≈60 dB), rust-free aluminum tank, long-life oil-free pump, and portable 8-gal capacity that covers 80% of garage/DIY jobs. (Specs verified from California Air Tools and major retailers.) 

Detailed Description:

The Sound of Silence in Your Workshop: Tired of shouting over your old, loud air compressor? The CAT-8010 changes the game. Its innovative motor and dual-piston pump are specifically designed for quiet operation. This makes it the perfect choice for anyone working in a residential garage, a basement workshop, or on a job site where noise is a concern.

Maintenance-Free, High-Performance Pump The heart of the 8010 is its oil-free pump. You'll never have to worry about adding, changing, or disposing of oil. It provides cleaner air for better tool operation and is capable of running on uneven surfaces without issue. With a tested lifespan of over 3000 hours, it offers years of reliable service with minimal upkeep.

Ready for Any Task. From finish nailers and brad nailers to inflators and blowguns, the 8-gallon tank provides ample capacity for most homeowner and DIY tasks. It's the ideal all-rounder for woodworking, finishing, automotive maintenance, and general inflation needs.

Who it’s perfect for

• Home garages & townhomes where noise matters (≈60 dB—conversation-level). 

• Trim carpentry, brad/finish nailers, staplers, blow-off & inflation, airbrushing.

• Anyone who wants low maintenance (oil-free) with a lightweight tank that won’t rust.

Key features & benefits

• Ultra-Quiet Operation — ~60 dB: run it in your garage without upsetting the household or neighbors. 

• Oil-Free Dual-Piston Pump (~3,000-hr life): cleaner air to tools, fewer oil messes, and reduced upkeep. 

• 8-Gallon Aluminum Tank (Rust-Free) + Wheels: easier to move; no tank rust surprises. 

• Low-RPM Motor (1.0 HP, 1680 RPM): lower wear and heat for longer service life. 

• Good Air Delivery for Everyday Tasks: ~3.1 CFM @ 40 PSI and ~2.2 CFM @ 90 PSI.

• Standard 120 V / Low Amp Draw: friendly with typical household circuits. (See amps in specs below.) 

What’s in the box

• California Air Tools 8010A compressor (8-gal aluminum tank)

• Wheel & handle kit (for easy transport)

• 1/4" NPT outlet with quick-connect (install to preference)

• Owner’s manual

Best-practice setup (2-minute checklist)

1. Position on level floor; attach wheels/handle.

2. Thread-seal any fittings; verify drain valve closed.

3. Plug into a dedicated 120 V circuit; avoid long light-gauge extension cords.

4. Charge to cut-out pressure, then leak-check fittings with soapy water.

5. Add an FRL set and high-flow couplers for noticeably better tool performance (great add-ons below).

Great add-ons (boost performance & longevity)

• FRL (filter-regulator-lubricator) or filter-regulator for oil-free tools (water removal + precise PSI).

• High-flow couplers & 3/8" hybrid hose to reduce pressure drop to nailers and blow guns.

• Auto-drain kit or daily manual draining to prevent moisture buildup.

Specifications

• Model: CAT-8010A

• Motor: 1.0 HP (running), 2.0 HP (peak), ~1680 RPM (SP-9413 series)

• Tank: 8.0 gal aluminum (rust-free), portable with wheels 

• Noise: ~60 dB (ultra-quiet)

• Airflow: 3.10 CFM @ 40 PSI; 2.20 CFM @ 90 PSI 

• Max Pressure: 120 PSI 

• Pump type: Oil-free, dual-piston (≈3,000-hour life before wear) 

• Power: 120 V AC, low-amp draw (household circuit friendly)

• Dimensions: ≈ 26″ L × 14″ W × 23″ H (for fitment/planning)

• Weight: ≈ 37.25 lb (light to roll and lift) 

• Duty & protection: Thermal overload protection; designed for longer continuous run times vs. typical 1 HP units. 

• Warranty: Manufacturer's limited warranty (see included manual).

Common use cases

• Finish/brad nailers, staplers, upholstery tools

• Tire inflation & blow-off cleaning

• Airbrushing and detail work

• Light trim carpentry and DIY projects

For impact wrenches or HVLP spray guns, consider stepping up to CAT-10020C or CAT-4620AC for higher sustained CFM. 

FAQs

Q1) What’s the difference between 8010, 8010A, and 8010AAD?
8010 uses a steel tank; 8010A is aluminum (lighter, rust-free); 8010AAD adds an automatic drain—great if you forget to drain daily. All are ≈60 dB ultra-quiet, 1.0 HP pumps. 

Q2) Can I run this on a standard household outlet?
Yes—120 V with low amp draw. Avoid long, thin extension cords; use a dedicated 15 A circuit when possible.

Q3) Will it run a finish nailer or brad nailer continuously?
Yes, it’s ideal for trim/finish duties. For air-hungry tools (die grinders, spray guns), step up to 10–20 gal / 2.0 HP models. californiaairtools.com

Q4) How loud is 60 dB in real life?
About normal conversation level—dramatically quieter than typical 85–90+ dB shop compressors

Q5) Do I need to add oil or break it in?
No oil changes—this is an oil-free dual-piston pump. Just drain the tank after use (or choose the 8010AAD auto-drain model). Q6) What hose & fittings should I use?
Use a quality 3/8″ hybrid hose and high-flow couplers to reduce pressure drop; keep hose runs short for best performance.

Related articles 

Air Tool Efficiency: PSI vs. CFM Explained

Quiet Air Compressors: The Best Options for Home Garages and Small Workshops

Oil-Lubricated vs Oil-Free Air Compressors: What's the