What a fair price looks like
Condition on WishThrift is described by the seller against five grades, and nobody inspects it on your behalf — so the description and the photographs are what you are buying on.
| Condition | Typical | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £300 (~$400) | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £255 (~$340) | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £195 (~$260) | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £135 (~$180) | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £75 (~$100) | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
Sterling guide ranges with an approximate US dollar equivalent at £1 ≈ $1.33 (July 2026). Sellers set their own asking price; these are a starting point for judging an offer. All five grades explained.
The checklist before you pay
Cordless tools sold without batteries or a charger, which can cost more to replace than the tool is worth, and worn brushes on corded tools.
Run through these before money changes hands — they are the things that decide whether a compressor is worth what is being asked:
- Corroded or pitted tanks, a safety risk
- Pumps that will not reach rated pressure
- Leaking tank drain valves
- Missing hoses and fittings
And the things worth paying more for, because they hold their value:
- Tanks with no external corrosion or pitting
- Pumps building to full pressure and holding
- Recognised brands with parts available
- Complete with hose, gauges and fittings
Common faults and fakes
Counterfeit batteries and chargers are widespread and are a genuine fire risk. Fake tools themselves are rarer but exist in the premium brands.
Ask which battery platform it takes, exactly what is included, and for a photograph of the tool running. Buy batteries from a reputable source rather than with the tool.
WishThrift does not authenticate, inspect or grade anything, and no marketplace check replaces your own. If a seller will not answer a direct question about condition or origin, that is the answer.
Questions to ask the seller
These are the three that get asked most often about a compressor, and the answers tell you most of what you need:
Answer honestly. Water left in a receiver corrodes it from the inside, and internal corrosion is not visible from outside. It is the most important question about a used compressor.
Fill it, switch off and watch the gauge. A tank that bleeds down has a leak somewhere and the buyer needs to know.
Quote the figure from the plate. Buyers match it against the tool they want to run, and tank size alone does not tell them.
Also worth establishing before you commit:
- Run it up to pressure and check it holds with the motor off
- Inspect the tank underneath for corrosion
- Open the drain valve and check for water and rust
Photographs to ask for
If the listing does not already show these, ask — a seller who has the item will send them in minutes:
- The compressor whole, from the side
- The tank underside and drain valve
- The pressure gauges with the tank at cut-out pressure
- The rating plate showing tank size, pressure and year, plus any rust or dent
Details to confirm before you commit
- Tank capacity in litres and maximum pressure
- Air delivery in CFM or litres per minute, which is what tools actually need
- Belt or direct drive, and motor power and supply
- Tank age, and whether it has been drained regularly
Live compressor listings
Nothing matching is listed at the moment. Browse tools & diy for what is live now, or everything on the site — stock changes daily and new listings are free to post, so it is worth checking back.
When to buy
Steady year round with a spring lift. Larger belt-drive machines sell to trade buyers whenever they appear.
Prices move against that cycle for a buyer: the cheapest time to buy is when sellers are listing most, not when demand peaks.
Paying and collecting safely
WishThrift does not process payments, hold funds or offer buyer protection — you agree the price and the method with the seller directly, which is what keeps the platform free on both sides. Meet somewhere public where you can, inspect before you pay, and keep the conversation on the site so there is a record of what was agreed. Be wary of any seller who wants to move the conversation elsewhere before you have agreed anything.
Selling one instead?
If you already have a compressor sitting unused, it is free to list and there is no commission — the price you agree is the amount you keep. Read how to sell compressor for what to photograph and how to price, or what compressor is worth at each condition grade.
Frequently asked questions
What should I pay for a used compressor?
Around £32 to £195 in good condition, more for barely-used examples and less for anything with a described fault. Compare against the seller’s photographs rather than the grade alone.
How do I check a compressor before buying?
Ask which battery platform it takes, exactly what is included, and for a photograph of the tool running. Buy batteries from a reputable source rather than with the tool.
Is buying a compressor second hand safe?
Yes, with the ordinary care any private sale needs. WishThrift does not authenticate, inspect or hold funds, so inspect before you pay where you can, meet somewhere public, and keep the conversation on the site. Cordless tools sold without batteries or a charger, which can cost more to replace than the tool is worth, and worn brushes on corded tools.
See also: all buying guides · compressor value guide · selling compressor · Tools & DIY · condition grades.