If you are too busy to invest a few hours in researching an air compressor that works for your nail gun, this buying guide is meant for you. The reason that discovering the best air compressors for nail gun takes a long while is that almost all brands offer the same opportunities. But in reality, results are different. Even you may end up with picking a wrong compressor that cannot meet your needs.
Fortunately, I have done the research for you. My ten hours study on the current market, manufacturer profile, latest products and their features, intended use, ease in operation, and portability guarantees you own the best air compressor for the money.
Plus, this article will provide you relevant information about what to know before choosing an air compressor for nail gun. Here is the list of top air compressor for nail nailers based on my research.
5 Best Air compressors for nail gun Reviews
01. BOSTITCH Pancake - Best Air Compressor
If you are on a tight budget and looking for an affordable air compressor with best possible specs, BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor is definitely for you. And I am pretty sure no other compressors at this price can beat its quality level. You may get one with higher specs but not one with easy to transport like this portable compressor. The manufacturer designed it with pancake tank style to make it easy for you to carry and store.
For nailing works, the compressor must be quieter with below 80-decibel noise level. Luckily, BOSTITCH built it with noise below the hear destruction level. It’s an oil-free air compressor, not requiring lubrication and routine maintenance and ensuring a long life.
The motor was designed with higher efficiency that it can even start-up in extremely cold weather. The pump features a high flow regulator and couplers to maximize the performance and can boast up 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI with a maximum 150 PSI. And this spec is enough to run most of the nail guns. Although it builds up pressure slowly, so far my study goes, there are no better options than this as far as the price is concerned.
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02. Makita 2.5 HP Air Compressor
Maybe you, sometimes, wish to operate two nailers simultaneously with a powerful air compressor. If you want so, Makita will make your dream come true. It’s equipped with Big Bore engineered pump cylinder and piston for higher output that will suffice for two nail guns. The greater bore and bigger stroke length mean a faster recovery. This feature makes it perfect for sturdy job sides like industry.
The cast iron construction guarantees durability even under extreme work condition. Particularly, the cast iron cylinder plays a key role in reducing the wear and tear and increasing the pump life. Besides, the pump is oil-lubricated and designed with a large automotive style filter to increase the amount of air intake. Thanks to the oil lubrication system, the compressor runs cooler, protecting from overheating.
Instead of installing one large tank, the manufacturer built this model with twin stacked tank to make it compact and, at the same time, to sustain an outstanding operation pressure of 130 PSI. Incredibly, the compressor can deliver 4.8 CFM at 40 PSI and 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI, sufficient for two nail guns. What I like most about Makita MAC2400 is two built-in pressure gauge for two air tools. While the operation going on, you can read the current pressure on the gauge display and control the pressure if need.
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03. PORTER CABLE C2002
Coming in the third position, the PORTER-CABLE C2002 is also a powerful compressor boasted with a 120-volt motor. The motor has no issue with temperature. Thanks to the low amp, it can start easily in cold weather. The kits including extension cord, replaceable offered with the motor are efficient. And with a maximum 150 PSI pressure, the motor is able to provide you long runtime with highest productivity.
The compressor generates 3.7 SCFM at 40 PSI and 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI to fill out the 6-gallon tank with air rapidly. To get more works done at the same time, the company featured this unit with a high flow air regulator which allows you to perform a wide variety of air jobs. As the pump is incorporated with an oil-free mechanism, it requires no or little maintenance. And won’t have to be concerned about the oil spills.
You will find the size and shape of the compressor very appealing. The pancake-style not only ensures stability but can store a significant amount of air as well. The pancake-style also makes it easy to move around. What is more, the compressor comes with two regulated factory-installed air couplers to support the two operators at one and a built-in analogue pressure gauge to see the current pressure. Check out tire pressure gauge for racing for more info.
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04. PORTER-CABLE PCFP12234 3-Tool Combo Kit
When you are in need of everything to do lots of nailing projects, PORTER-CABLE PCFP12234 3 is going to meet your needs. It comes in a package with all in one. The kit includes a compressor, 18ga 2-inch brad nailer, 16ga 2-1/2-inch finish nailer, heavy-duty 3/8-inch crown stapler, and an air hose with coupler and plug. The package comes ready to start your nailing jobs right now.
Rather than purchasing each item separately, choosing this Combo Kits package will save you money a lot. Never think that the kits may be of poor quality as they come in a package at a lower price. All nailers and staplers were designed to have a long life. If you compare the combo kits with other models, you must return to it with a purchase decision.
Moving on to the compressor, it’s wonderful in that it’s powerful enough and easily transportable. Its 6-gallon tank keeps the nail guns running with a maximum of 150 PSI pressure. This allows the nailer to run a long time to drive more nails than the traditional 135 PSI compressor. On the downside, I found nothing to mention here except that the pump is a little bit louder.
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05. senco air compressor - 1 gallon and 1 HP
If your primary concern is about the noise and transport, the Senco PC1010 1-Horsepower Peak is ready to fix your problem. Sinco made this unit with the purpose to keep it ultra-quiet while in use. Unbelievably, the pump makes only 68 decibels noise. You can even talk on your phone while it’s running. And lightweight 20lb body and carry-handle make it easy to carry from one site to another.
The motor having 1 horsepower peak has high performance to deliver an ample amount of pressure to provide 20-40 drives per minute. While the 1-gallon tank surprisingly stores more compressed air than your expectation, the aluminium cylinder ensures the long-lasting service.
No surprise that the intended use of this mini compressor is not for the heavy industry but for hobbies, crafts, and home improvement. This is not a kind of compressor that you want for doing massive nailing. But surely it does best when considering the ultra-quiet and ultra-light features.
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FAQ's
Will any air compressor work with a nail gun?
If you're taking on a project that requires a lot of repetitive fastening, there's no rule that says you can't combine multiple air tools to help make the job go faster. A portable 1 horse power (delivering 2.0 cubic feet of air per minute) can keep a pneumatic fastening tool up and running enough to speed along nail driving at nearly 15 nails per minute, just as an example.
How many psi does a nail gun need?
Most air tools need between 70 and 90 PSI. When selecting a compressor, it's important to choose one that can provide a steady and consistent stream of air pressure at this level. Pro tip: Always respect the recommended PSI surrounding an air tool. Performance of the toll may disturb, if you don't provide recommended air volume.
What size air compressor is needed for a nail gun?
When it's time to start nailing things at your home or job site, make sure you have a good nail gun. You'll want a compressor that won't lag behind because of pressure with an air tank large enough to stay steady during long projects like building walls or decks and one with plenty of horsepower for those who need to drive many nails in one sitting.
Final Thought
All the above picks are best suited to any types of nail guns. But the situations are different. Some are good for the quiet environment, some for home improvement and light use, and other for heavy nailing jobs.
Olivia Archer provides in-depth coverage of air compressors, air compressor accessories, tire inflators and all things related to air compressors. She is a mechanical engineer and air compressor expert with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry.
Olivia’s articles are informative, well-researched and provide readers with valuable insights and information to help them make informed decisions when purchasing air compressors and accessories. She is passionate about the industry and is always looking for new ways to share her knowledge and expertise with readers. When she’s not writing for the website, Olivia can be found working on her own DIY projects, experimenting with different tools and techniques, and expanding her knowledge of the industry.
