Dropped my pancake compressor off a roof - still works! What's your 'abuse test' story?

Had a wild one last week on a roofing job in the suburbs. Was hauling my trusty 6-gallon pancake compressor up a ladder to the second story, lost my grip, and watched it tumble down two stories onto concrete. Not a gentle roll - full-on crash. Thought for sure it was toast. Plugged it in half an hour later, fired right up, no leaks, pressure holds steady. It's a DeWalt that's seen 5 years of abuse. Makes you wonder what some of these cheaper units would've done. Anyone else put a tool through the wringer and been surprised?

Whoa Paul, that's insane! I'm just an apprentice but my boss would kill me if I did that lol. My story's not as dramatic but I left our jobsite compressor (a Husky) out in the rain overnight last month. Totally soaked, I was freaking out. Boss just shrugged, let it dry for a day, and it ran fine. He said 'good ones are sealed up tight.' Makes me think I should save up for a DeWalt or Makita when I get my own setup. Are they really that much tougher?

lol Matt, rain's nothing. Try spackle dust. I do drywall and my compressors eat more mud than some sandwiches. Had a cheapo Porter Cable pancake that died after 6 months - clogged up solid inside. Upgraded to a California Air Tools unit (the quiet one) and it's been a tank for 3 years now. Dropped it off a baker's scaffold once, just a dent. But Paul, you got lucky - I've seen compressors crack their tanks from lesser falls. Might wanna check yours for hairline cracks with some soapy water, safety first bro.

Good call Luke, already hit it with the soap test - all clean. And Matt, yeah DeWalt/Makita/Milwaukee tier is worth it if you're making a living with it. My rule: buy once, cry once. That Husky surviving rain is decent though - Home Depot specials have gotten better. Worst I ever saw was a buddy's no-name compressor from a flea market. Fell off his truck bed at a stoplight, tank split like a melon. Scary stuff.

Thanks for the tips guys! Definitely gonna save up. Also just remembered - my dad's ancient Craftsman compressor from the 90s survived being run over by his truck in the driveway (long story). Still works but he retired it. Maybe they don't make 'em like they used to?