A DeWalt Emglo D55155 typically costs about $150-$350 used, with a fair-condition, working unit averaging around $250. Price depends most on operating condition, tank corrosion, included accessories, and whether the seller can demonstrate the compressor reaching pressure; new retail stock is uncommon because this is an older model.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used D55155, tested | $150 | $250 | $350 | Working unit with ordinary wear |
| Untested or repair-needed | $50 | $125 | $200 | May need parts or electrical diagnosis |
| Refurbished or warrantied | $300 | $400 | $500 | Seller condition and warranty vary |
| Local pickup and setup | $0 | $25 | $75 | Transport, fittings, or hose may add cost |
What a working DeWalt D55155 usually sells for
For a running D55155 in ordinary used condition, a realistic private-sale price is $150-$350. Around $250 is a reasonable midpoint when the compressor starts reliably, fills the tank, shuts off at its normal cutoff, and shows no obvious tank damage. A clean unit with a recent service history may reach the upper end, especially where local supply is limited.
For budgeting, treat $200-$300 as the practical target for a tested machine, not as a guaranteed national list price. The D55155 is a portable, 4.5-gallon, twin-stack compressor commonly described with a 1.8-horsepower motor and a 200-PSI maximum rating. Verify the exact data plate and outlet performance on the specific unit, since age, repairs, and seller descriptions can affect what is actually being offered.
Prices above $350 need a reason: documented repairs, strong condition, accessories, a return period, or a limited seller warranty. A listing at $500 or more may reflect scarce new-old stock or an ambitious asking price rather than typical used value. Compare it with current compressors before paying a premium, and confirm that the seller is not confusing the D55155 with another DeWalt model.
Assumptions: U.S. private-party pricing, working unit, local pickup, and no major repair or delivery charge.
How motor, tank, and condition shape the quote
For a used compressor, the purchase price is only one part of the cost. A lower listing price can become poor value if the machine needs a regulator, pressure switch, hose, or motor work. The table separates common transaction costs from the compressor itself; repair estimates are broad because parts availability and shop rates vary.
| Cost item | Low | Average | High | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used compressor | $150 | $250 | $350 | Tested machine, private sale |
| Accessories | $0 | $25 | $80 | Hose, couplers, regulator fittings |
| Local transport | $0 | $25 | $75 | Pickup vehicle or short-distance delivery |
| Basic service | $30 | $75 | $150 | Leak check, cleaning, minor adjustments |
| Repair allowance | $0 | $100 | $300+ | Parts and shop labor, if needed |
A buyer should not automatically add every line item. A complete, tested unit may need no service or new accessories, while a machine sold as-is can require more than the purchase price in repairs. Have the seller demonstrate the pressure gauge, tank drain, regulator, and compressor cycling before assigning value to included parts.
Shop labor can quickly change the bargain: at roughly $75-$125 per hour, even a two-hour diagnosis may add $150-$250 before parts.
Which D55155 condition justifies a higher price?
Condition creates a wider price spread than small differences in appearance. A tested unit with no major leaks, a sound cord, functioning controls, and a tank that drains cleanly can justify $225-$350. A cosmetically rough machine that starts and operates may be closer to $150-$225. A unit that cannot be tested is a risk purchase, commonly valued around $50-$150 depending on completeness.
Ask the seller to start the compressor from an empty tank. It should build pressure, stop automatically, and restart when air is used. Listen for unusual knocking or continuous air leakage, and check whether the tank holds pressure after shutdown. A brief demonstration does not prove long-term reliability, but it can expose immediate faults that make a high asking price unreasonable.
Tank rust deserves special attention. Surface discoloration is different from deep pitting, bulging, or leakage; a structurally compromised pressure vessel is not a routine repair item. Do not buy a tank with suspected serious corrosion for normal use. Also inspect the data plate, safety valve, pressure switch, and drain, and avoid assuming that a missing guard or damaged plug is merely cosmetic.
Pay the upper end only when operating tests and visible condition support it; an untested compressor should be priced as a repair risk. A seller’s claim that it “worked last time” is not equivalent to a current pressure test, and a freshly painted tank can make corrosion harder to assess.
How 200 PSI capacity and air demand affect value
The D55155’s portable 4.5-gallon tank and 200-PSI maximum are useful specifications, but they do not make it suitable for every air tool. Many nailers and intermittent trim tasks use less air than continuous sanding, grinding, or spray equipment. Buyers should compare the tool’s required cubic feet per minute (CFM) at operating pressure with the compressor’s verified output, rather than judging capability by tank pressure alone.
Published listings and archived descriptions may cite different CFM figures or operating details. Check the model label and manual when exact output matters. A small tank can provide a compact setup for short bursts but requires frequent cycling during sustained use. If a project needs more than about 4 CFM continuously at 90 PSI, confirm the D55155’s rated delivery at that pressure before buying; do not infer continuous capacity from its 200-PSI tank rating.
Voltage and outlet condition also matter. This is a portable electric unit intended for a compatible household power supply, but long, light-gauge extension cords can cause voltage drop and poor motor performance. A motor that struggles to start may have an electrical issue, a supply problem, or a mechanical fault. Have a qualified technician inspect electrical concerns rather than treating repeated breaker trips as normal operation.
Air delivery at the tool’s working pressure—not maximum tank PSI—is the specification that determines whether this compressor is a good-value purchase. A buyer paying $300 for a machine that cannot sustain the intended tool may spend more overall by adding a second compressor or replacing it.
Do D55155 prices change by region or sales channel?
Local supply and shipping influence the final price. In a large metro area with frequent marketplace listings, a working unit may sell for $150-$275 because buyers can compare several compressors. In a smaller market with few listings, asking prices can run roughly 10%-20% higher, though sellers may wait longer for a buyer. These are practical market tendencies, not fixed regional price schedules.
Private-party listings often have the lowest sticker price but usually provide no return option. Tool dealers and repair shops may ask $300-$500 for a serviced or warrantied unit, reflecting inspection, repair labor, and business overhead. Online shipped listings can add $50-$150 or more in freight, depending on distance and packaging; shipping a bulky compressor can erase the apparent savings compared with local pickup.
Tax treatment depends on the seller and location. A private local sale may have no sales tax collected at checkout, while a retailer or online marketplace generally displays applicable tax separately. Include tax and transport when comparing offers, and ask whether the listed price includes accessories, testing, or a return window.
Compare the delivered, tested price rather than the headline listing amount. A $225 local unit that starts and reaches pressure may cost less than a $175 shipped machine with unknown condition, missing fittings, and no recourse if it fails.
What common D55155 repairs can add to the bill
Minor issues can be economical when parts are available and the tank is sound. Replacing a coupler, drain valve, or basic hose may cost about $15-$60 in parts, with additional labor if a shop handles the work. A regulator or pressure switch repair can often land around $50-$200 total, depending on the part, diagnosis, and local labor charge.
Motor, pump, or control problems are less predictable. A repair requiring several hours of labor and hard-to-source parts may reach $200-$400 or more. At that point, compare the estimate with the cost of a newer compressor that meets the same air-demand requirements. Older-model parts may be unavailable, aftermarket, or dependent on the exact revision, so confirm compatibility before buying a part online.
A useful purchase calculation is the sale price plus likely immediate repairs, accessories, transport, and tax. For example, a $150 machine with a $175 repair estimate and $40 in needed fittings has a $365 initial cost before any further breakdown. A tested $275 unit with a hose included may be the less expensive choice over the first year.
Do not treat a safety-related tank defect as a repair discount. If the vessel leaks, is deeply corroded, or appears deformed, select another compressor rather than relying on a patch or improvised repair. Pressure vessels and electrical systems require safe, appropriate service.
Three realistic D55155 purchase totals
These examples illustrate how condition and included items affect out-of-pocket cost. They are planning estimates, not appraisals for a particular listing. Local pricing, repair availability, and tax can move the total; the seller should provide a demonstration when the price assumes a working compressor.
| Example | Compressor | Added cost | Estimated total | What the price assumes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| As-is pickup | $100-$150 | $50-$175 | $150-$325 | Untested unit, basic fittings or diagnosis |
| Working local sale | $200-$275 | $0-$50 | $200-$325 | Pressure test, ordinary wear, local pickup |
| Shop-serviced unit | $300-$400 | $25-$100 | $325-$500 | Inspection, minor service, possible short warranty |
For an as-is purchase, a buyer should leave room for diagnosis rather than spending the full budget on the machine. The tested local-sale example is often the most balanced arrangement: the seller demonstrates operation, and the buyer can inspect the tank and controls before paying. The shop-serviced example costs more but may offer recourse if a covered fault appears soon after purchase.
Assumptions: No major motor or pump failure; tax and long-distance freight are excluded.
How to keep a used D55155 purchase below budget
Set a maximum delivered price before contacting sellers. For a normal working unit, a ceiling around $300-$350 is defensible when condition is strong and accessories are useful. Reduce the offer for missing fittings or an inability to demonstrate operation; avoid negotiating from the asking price alone when the model’s age and repair risk are unknown.
Request a cold start and full tank cycle, then inspect the tank and drain. Ask what has been replaced, whether the compressor leaks down, and whether the cutoff switch works. Confirm the model number from the plate and compare the stated pressure and power requirements with the listing. If the seller refuses a basic demonstration, price the unit as untested or walk away.
Choose pickup when practical, but account for vehicle space and safe handling. Avoid paying extra for accessories that do not match the intended tool or are readily available at a low cost. A hose and couplers may be useful, but an old hose with cracks or damaged fittings should not increase the offer. For a costly repair, request a written estimate before committing.
The strongest cost control is buying a verified, complete machine at a price that leaves room for ordinary wear—not paying a premium for a familiar brand name. If a D55155 approaches $400 without service records or a warranty, compare current 4- to 6-gallon alternatives and their rated CFM, weight, replacement-part support, and return terms before deciding.