Do you have a pneumatic nail gun at home? Are you looking for a reliable and good quality air compressor that will match your nail gun for any DIY or home repair?
It is a good thing you pass by to our place as we are going to show you a quick and comprehensive guide in choosing the best air compressor for nail guns for 2020. When choosing the right air compressor, you will need to look for two things: airflow rating (CFM) and air pressure (PSI).
We have also included a comparison chart and an in-depth product review for the top 10 best air compressor for nail guns for 2020. This will save you some time from hovering over a hundred units in the market.
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Best Air Compressor For Nail Guns (may 2020) – Top 10 Picks & Reviews
| MODEL | PRICE | OVERALL |
| Porter-Cable C2002 | check price | |
| Dewalt DWFP55126 | check price | |
| California Air Tools 8010 | check price | |
| Bostitch BTFP02012 | check price | |
| California Air Tools CAT-1P1060SP | check price | |
| Senco PC1010 | check price | |
| Campbell Hausfeld FP209499AV | check price | |
| Makita MAC700 | check price | |
| Excell U256PPE | check price | |
| Dewalt DCC2560T1 | check price |
KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR The Best Air Compressor For Nail Guns
Here are some of the essential features and factors you need to consider when choosing for the right air compressor for your nail gun.
1. Horsepower, PSI, and CFM
Most portable air compressor units have a horsepower ranging from 1.5 to 6.5 hp. Aside from that, what you need to focus on is the CFM rating or the speed of supplying air to the pneumatic tool.
2. Air tool requirements
You must always check how much is the air requirement for the pneumatic tools you have. This allows you to balance cost and capacity of the air compressor unit.
3. Style
There are four styles of a portable air compressor, namely wheelbarrow, twin-stack, hotdog, and pancake. The main difference lies in the shape, volume, and portability features of the unit. Most buyers prefer the wheelbarrow and pancake due to their higher portability feature. The twin-stack is fine for it can provide more pressurized air compared to pancake types.
4. Noise Level
An air compressor produces loud noise level (>80dB) which is disturbing and unhealthy to people and places not used to this kind of condition.
5. Work Space
If you have a smaller space for your shop or home, then it is suitable to buy a small air compressor unit rather than buying a huge tank.
Top 10 Best Air Compressor for Nail Guns reviews
1. Porter-Cable C2002 UMC Pancake Air Compressor
check price on amazon
Features:
- Motor: 120V
- Operating pressure: 0 – 150 psi
- Airflow: 2.6 cfm @ 90 psi
- Capacity: 6 gallon
- Weight: 31.3 lbs
| pros | cons |
| • Durable tank | • Slightly noisy operation |
| • Oil-free pump | ? |
| • Sturdy air regulator | ? |
| • Strong low-amp motor | ? |
| • Nylon-reinforced air hose | ? |
Best Choice
There are several features to love from this air compressor. First, it can reach a maximum pressure of 150 psi in just a few minutes. I also love its compact design and well-built construction. There is very little leakage in its tank. All accessories included in the package work really well.
Note: It operates on a slightly high noise level.
2. Dewalt DWFP55126 Pancake Air Compressor
check price on amazon
Features:
- Motor: 10A 120V
- Operating pressure: 0-165 psi
- Airflow: 2.6 scfm @90psi, 3.7 scfm @40 psi
- Capacity: 6 gallon
- Weight: 32.2 lbs
| pros | cons |
| • Oil-free pump | • Air fittings seems inferior in quality |
| • Efficient motor | ? |
| • Reasonable price | ? |
| • Good air pressure containment | ? |
Better Air Pressure Containment
The thing I love about this air compressor is its amazing low noise level (75.5dBA) operation. This is a highlight feature for most air compressors are really noisy during its operation. Its body construction is sturdy compared to other brands. There is very little air leakage. A 150 psi when left for three weeks only went down to 140 psi.
Else, the air fittings seem flimsy, better to buy a more reliable one.
3. California Air Tools Air Compressor
check price on amazon
Features:
- Motor: 8.5 Amps 1hp
- Operating pressure: 0-120 psi
- Airflow: 3 cfm @40 psi, 2.2cfm @90 psi
- Capacity: 8 gal
- Weight: 54 lbs
| pros | cons |
| • Low noise level | • Nothing so far |
| • Very portable | ? |
| • Oil-free pump | ? |
| • Durable construction | ? |
| • Simple to use and adjust the air pressure regulator | ? |
Low Noise Level
This one is much quieter than the Dewalt air compressor, its noise level is around 60dBA only. You turn on this unit and let it stay for 24 hours, there’s no drop in air pressure. Its output regulator is very simple to use. Simply pull out the knob and rotate it clockwise in increasing pressure and vice versa. Push the knob back after an adjustment. Overall construction is rugged and professional-looking.
4. Bostitch BTFP02012 Air Compressor
check price on amazon
Features:
- Motor: 0.8 hp
- Operating pressure: 0 – 150 psi
- Airflow: 2.6 cfm @90 psi
- Capacity: 6 gallon
- Weight: 30.9 lbs
| pros | cons |
| • Lightweight and compact | • Air regulator for some units are faulty but customer service responds quickly |
| • Very little air leakage | ? |
| • Efficient motor | ? |
| • Durable body | ? |
High Flow Regulator
The instruction manual with this unit is easy to understand. Turning it on, it can reach maximum pressure within 3 minutes or less. There was no significant decrease in air pressure when you install the fittings. The overall built of the air compressor is sleek and beautiful. The motor is decent as well.
Some experienced faulty regulator but the customer service responds quickly.
5. California Air Tools CAT-1P1060SP Air Compressor
check price on amazon
Features:
- Motor: 0.6 hp
- Operating pressure: 0-120 psi
- Airflow: 1.2 cfm @90 psi, 1.6 cfm @40 psi
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Weight: 34 lbs
| pros | cons |
| • Lightweight and portable | • Hose fittings seem to be inferior |
| • Low noise level | ? |
| • Efficient motor | ? |
| • Tough built | ? |
56dBA Noise Level
If you are annoyed by the high noise level of most air compressors, then this one is right for you. Its noise level is just 56dBA which is totally less compared to other brands. It is very light and portable. The motor provides efficient power where the maximum pressure can be achieved within 3 to 5 minutes. Moreover, the whole unit has a tough built.
Note: You can buy better hose fittings for this unit.
6. Senco PC1010 Air Compressor
check price on amazon
Features:
- Motor: 0.5-1 hp
- Operating pressure: 0-135 psi
- Airflow: 0.7 scfm @90 psi
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Weight: 21 lbs
| pros | cons |
| • Strong motor | • Nothing so far |
| • Oil-free pump | ? |
| • Low noise level | ? |
| • Lightweight and portable | ? |
| • Integrated control panel and roll cage | ? |
Lightweight 21 lbs
Two features you will first love about this unit: lightweight and integrated control panel. This air compressor only weighs 21 lbs, thus, very convenient to carry around wherever work takes you. Likewise, the roll cage and integrated control panel give protection to the critical parts of the unit. The motor is strong and there is less maintenance to do for air pump and motor.
7. Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor
check price on amazon
Features:
- Motor: 120V low-amp
- Operating pressure: 0-110 psi
- Airflow: 0.36 cfm @90 psi
- Capacity: 3 gallon
- Weight: 18.72 lbs
| pros | cons |
| • Sturdy built | • Hose is inferior |
| • Affordable price | ? |
| • Good air regulator | ? |
| • Excellent motor power | ? |
| • Easy to maintain and use | ? |
Best Budget
This air compressor gives you the right quality for an affordable price. It operates on a loud noise level but the motor and air pressure is extremely great. Moreover, the huge tank capacity of 3 gallons enables you to do more work compared to the 1-gallon tank compressors. The air regulator is good and durable. There is very little air leakage for this unit.
Note: You can buy better hose for this unit.
8. Makita MAC700 Air Compressor
check price on amazon
Features:
- Motor: 2 hp
- Operating pressure: 0-130 psi
- Airflow: 3.3 cfm @90 psi, 3.8 cfm @40 psi
- Capacity: 2.6-3 gallon
- Weight: 59.6 lbs
| pros | cons |
| • Tough built | • The switch is not that durable |
| • Very little leakage | ? |
| • Compact and portable | ? |
| • Powerful motor and compression | ? |
Best Budget
The 2hp motor which gives greater compression for the air compressor wherein it reaches maximum pressure in minutes only. The unit runs frequently in cycles but it never loses air. The construction of the unit is tough and pressure adjustment is smooth. Moreover, hassle-free with maintenance because the oil is quick and easy to change.
Note: the switch seems flimsy but can be replaced.
9. Excell U256PPE Pancake Air Compressor
check price on amazon
Features:
- Motor: 1.5 hp
- Operating pressure: 0 – 150 psi
- Airflow: 2.8 scfm @ 90 psi
- Capacity: 6 gallon
- Weight: 39 lbs
| pros | cons |
| • Quickstart even at a low temp | • Nothing so far except if it had a quick connect adapter in the package |
| • Oil-free pump | ? |
| • Compact built | ? |
| • Powerful motor | ? |
Low-temp Quick Start Motor
There a few things to like about this air compressor. This unit is ideal from light to medium works due to its powerful motor and huge tank capacity. Likewise, it has two quick connect lines so you can use two pneumatic tools at the same time. This makes work much faster. It has anti-slip rubber feet with enough vertical clearance to avoid the tank from bumping on the ground.
The motor starts at a low voltage of 64V and can even make a quick start at lower temperatures around -14°F. Moreover, it has an oil-free pump and a durable handle for secure portability.
In addition, I wish it had a quick connect adapter.
10. Dewalt DCC2560T1 Cordless Air Compressor
check price on amazon
Features:
- Motor: 60V max FlexVolt 6Ah Li-Ion Battery
- Operating pressure: 0-135 psi
- Airflow: —
- Capacity: 2.5 gallon
- Weight: 21.5 lbs
| pros | cons |
| • Fast charging | • Nothing so far |
| • Durable construction | ? |
| • Long-lasting battery life | ? |
| • Strong and reliable motor | ? |
| • Greater cfm and psi output | ? |
FlexVolt Cordless Compressor
This air compressor is very convenient and portable because of its lightweight and it is battery-operated. It works well on small to medium jobs like nailing, inflating tires, crowning, finishing, and stapling. This unit has a better cfm and pressure output compared to other counterparts with similar specs. Overall construction tough and the design looks professional.
Nothing so far, perhaps extra batteries if really needed.
