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When working with an air-poweredfinishing gun or brad nailer, a compact portable trim compressor is sufficient.
The Spruce
A larger compressor is needed to power air tools like standard framing nail guns.
The bigger the tank, the less often the compressor will need to run to recharge.
The tank holds 4.2 gallons, which is sufficient for most purposes.
PHOTO: Amazon
However, this isn’t the right air compressor for painting an entire room or an automobile.
It has a maximum of 130 psi.
That’s enough to power many common pneumatic tools.
PHOTO: Amazon
The air compressor has a roll-cage design, which helps protect it from damage when used in rugged environments.
Itsrubber feet help to minimize vibrations.
It also requires periodic oil changes.
PHOTO: Amazon
At 0.8 horsepower, it isn’t the most powerful, but it gets the job done.
The 6-gallon tank has two outlets, so you might run two nailers or staplers simultaneously.
Most air compressors last for a lifetime with care, but some maintenance and lubrication may be required.
PHOTO: Amazon
Just check that all of the connections are clean and tight before each use.
And consider an oil-less piston system for less maintenance down the road.
It can inflate most common car tires from flat to full in a few minutes.
PHOTO: Amazon
The tool’s 12-volt motor runs off your car’s cigarette lighter, notfrom an electrical outlet.
The air compressor has a 100-psi maximum pressure and delivers a maximum airflow of 35 liters/minute.
It runs off an 18-volt Ryobi batterysold separatelyand can inflate up to nine car tires on one charge.
PHOTO: Amazon
The tank holds one gallon of air, and the maximum pressure the compressor can deliver is 120 psi.
That gives you air delivery of 0.5 scfm at 90 psi and 0.7 scfm at 40 psi.
This model canpower nail gunsand staplers or other pneumatic tools that require only very low pressure.
PHOTO: Amazon
The single coupler requires just a push to connect the hose and can be worked with one hand.
At 78 decibels, it’s not any quieter than corded air compressors, however.
The compressor weighs just 14 pounds and has a comfortable molded handle for easy transport.
PHOTO: Amazon
A fifth setting lets you customize the pressure as needed for the item you want to inflate.
The digital display makes it very easy to keep track of inflation levels as well as battery life.
It shuts off automatically when it reaches full inflation.
PHOTO: Amazon
While this is a heavy compressor at 82.5 pounds, its wheels make it easy to maneuver wherever needed.
This is adequate for powering nail guns, staplers, and some other low-pressure pneumatic tools.
It’s also ideal for inflating tires, balls, or pool toys and blowing away dust.
It weighs 30 pounds and has a handle for transport.
The rubber feet help minimize vibration, but there are no wheels.
It has a 1.3-horsepower engine and a 6-gallon pancake tank that has a maximum pressure of 200 psi.
There are two couplers for attaching your tool hoses.
And it’s reasonably priced, making it an even better choice for DIYers who take their projects seriously.
It includes the jumper cables, which will trigger an alarm should you connect them incorrectly.
Of course, it’s not just a jump starter.
It turns off automatically when full inflation is reached.
It’s a 4.2-gallon air compressor that provides airflow of 4.2 scfm at 90 psi.
For a good value, we suggest thePorter-Cable C2002-ECOM Pancake Air Compressor.
While not as powerful, it’s still a fine choice for running low-pressure tools.
It has an airflow of 2.6 scfm at 90 psi.
The compressor will turn off when the storage tank reaches its maximum air pressure.
There are three basic power sources for air compressors: gas, battery, and electricity.
Consider Weight
Dont assume that just because an air compressor is labeled as portable, its lightweight.
In fact, many portable air compressors weigh 50 pounds or more.
These larger tools usually have wheels that help you move them from place to place.
This pressurized air powers your connected tools or inflates your cars tires.
There are a few important numbers to know when considering a portable air compressor.
You might see either one of these numbers indicated on an air compressors description.
Different pneumatic tools have different requirements for airflow.
This is a measurement of the amount of compressed air the tank can hold.
The larger the tank, the longer it can provide pressurized air to power your tools.
An air-line filter, which keeps moisture and other contaminants from entering your tools can also be useful.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Michelle Ullmanis a writer for The Spruce who specializes in home improvement, landscaping, and tool products.
