I use mine for minor things. The rare instance when I had it connected to a nail gun, but primarily for inflating tires, and the occasional blower nozzle. It's loud, but it works. The ground prong broke off of mine, have yet to replace the cord as I'm too lazy...I have the 8 gal tank, bought it with sale/coupon for less then $100 IIRC several years back.
I've heard California Air makes a nice quiet small compressor. I'd probably get one of those if I ever have to replace mine.