Each type has a different CFM requirement, which could make our decision-making process daunting.
While it is easy for experienced workshop owners or DIY-ers to pick the best air compressor for air tools, the process isn’t so easy for an amateur.
No worries, my friends. Below are 10 products that give you the best for your buck.
- Bostitch BTFP02012 6 Gallon 150 PSI Oil-Free Compressor – Best for brad nailers
- California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Light & Quiet Portable Air Compressor – Quiet option for brad and finish nailers
- DeWALT D55146 Hand Carry Compressor – Best for framing nailers
- Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor – Best for air hammer
- Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP Air Compressor – Best for grease guns
- Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP Air Compressor – Best for ½ inch impact wrenches
- Industrial Air ILA1883054 30-Gallon Belt Driven Air Compressor – Best for air ratchets and die grinders
- Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 Air Compressor – Best for orbital sanders
- Industrial Air ILA3606056 60-Gallon Single Stage Cast Iron Twin Cylinder Air Compressor – Best for 3/4 inch impact wrenches and paint sprayers
- Powermate Vx PLA4708065 80-Gallon Electric Air Compressor – Best for longer air tool run times
Top 10 Best Air Compressors For Air Tools
Bostitch BTFP02012 6 Gallon Air Compressor – Best for brad nailers
- High-efficiency motor
- Durable pump
- Sturdy and well-made
- Easy to adjust
- Quickly build up pressure
- Quite loud
6 gallon of tank size and 0.8 HP can generate 150 maximum pressure, which is not only great for small tasks like car and truck tires inflation but also some fence work too.
It is lightweight and compact, a trait that makes working around the house and storing as easy as ever.
The only drawback is the noise level. Though it is small, it can generate 78.5 dBA, quite noisy to work inside.
Product Specifications
| Horse Power (HP) | 0.8 HP |
| CFM/PSI | 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI |
| Max pressure | 150 PSI |
| Tank Capacity | 6 gallon |
| Power source | corded-electric |
| Oil required | No |
| Noise Level | 78.5 dBA |
| Highlight Features | High-efficiency motor for easy start-up in cold weather, high flow regulator and couplers, long-life oil-free, maintenance-free pump for convenient use |
The affordable Bostitch BTFP02012 6 Gallon 150 PSI Oil-Free Compressor is a great companion not only for braid nailers but also for various small tasks around the house.
California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Air Compressor – Quiet option for brad and finish nailers
- Ultra-quiet
- Lightweight and compact
- Durable tank (steel)
- Suitable for home garage
- The on/off switch is not user-friendly
I also love the construction of this compressor. The steel tank and oil-free pump promise durability and less hassle for maintenance. There is one drawback though. The location of the on/off switch is a bit awkward and difficult to reach.
Product Specifications
| Horse Power (HP) | 0.6 |
| CFM/PSI | 1.20 CFM @ 90 PSI |
| Max pressure | 120 PSI |
| Tank Capacity | 1 gallon |
| Oil Required | No |
| Power source | corded-electric
|
| Noise Level | 56 dBA |
| Highlight Features | Oil-Free pump for less maintenance & costs, lightweight for easy transporting |
Looking for a quiet and affordable option for brad and finish nailers? California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Light & Quiet Portable Air Compressor is the best answer I can give you.
DEWALT D55146 Hand Carry Air Compressor – Best for framing nailers
- You can store it upright and save space.
- Vertical stand feature and collapsible handle
- Well-made and sturdy construction
- Great value for the price
- Quiet operation
- Quite bulky
This hand-carry compressor can generate up to 225 PSI maximum pressure. At 90 PSI, the CFM (cubic feet per minute) is 5.0 – perfect to work with air-hungry tools such as framing nailers. Plus, the compressor can be stored upright, suitable for small home garages and small workshops.
Though the machine is a bit bulky, it features a collapsible handle and 10” non-flat foam tires for easy transport. The value brings certainly exceeds the cost.
Product Specifications
| Horse Power (HP) | 1.6 HP |
| CFM/PSI | 5.0 SCFM at 90 PSI |
| Max pressure | 225 PSI |
| Tank Capacity | 4.5 Gallon |
| Oil Required | No |
| Power source | corded electric |
| Noise Level | 78 dBA |
| Highlight Features | 80% more usable air, recover quickly, , Ehp efficient high pressure technology, 10-inch non-flat foam tires |
DEWALT D55146 Hand Carry Compressor, powerful motor and sturdy construction, offers endless help for light and medium-duty projects with framing nailers.
Makita MAC2400 Big Bore Air Compressor – Best for air hammer
- Relatively quiet,
- Relatively vibration-free
- Compact
- Durable pump
- Quite heavy
With 4.2 gallons of air tank and 2.5 HP, the MAC2400 generate 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI. Its maximum pressure is 130 PSI, enough to handle air hammer and other light-duty air tools. Big Bore oil-lubricated pump allows the machine to run efficiently and recover faster.
The roll-cage construction offers added protection for the interior parts. This beast comes with a useful oil drain, oil sight glass, and a tank drain valve, which makes maintenance and heat dissipation easier.
The cons? It is heavier than it looks. And without tires and proper handle, transport could be daunting.
Product Specifications
| Horse Power (HP) | 2.5 HP |
| CFM/PSI | 4.8 CFM @ 40 PSI and 4.2 CFM @ 90 PSI |
| Max pressure | 130 PSI |
| Tank Capacity | 4.2 gallon |
| Oil Required | No |
| Power source | corded electric |
| Noise Level | 79dBA |
| Highlight Features | Low AMP draw, oil-lubricated, roll-cage construction, large automotive style industrial air filter, lever handle ball valve |
Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor is a mighty machine you should have at home. Sturdy, durable and easy to handle. What else do you ask for?
Makita MAC700 Big Bore Air Compressor – Best for grease guns
- Low noise
- Low AMP draw
- Durable pump
- Copper finned tank
- It is heavier than it looks.
The Big Bore cylinder and piston are capable of maximum performance. The machine generates 80 dBA, but the actual noise is much lower. It also draws low amps which help to reduce motor failure. The copper finned tank stays durable for a long period and reduces heat accumulation.
The roll-bar handle is a great feature for those who need to work at different job sites. However, the compressor is way heavier than it looks.
Product Specifications
| Horse Power (HP) | 2 HP |
| CFM/PSI | 3.8 CFM @ 40 PSI 3.3 CFM @ 90 PSI |
| Max pressure | 130 PSI |
| Tank Capacity | 2.6 gal. |
| Oil Required | No |
| Power source | corded electric |
| Noise Level | 80 dBA |
| Highlight Features | A large 1,720 RPM pump, enabling greater displacement at lower RPM, low amp draw, oil lubricated |
Makita MAC700 Big Bore 2.0 HP Air Compressor is a trusted companion for low-pressure pneumatic tools such as grease guns and nailers.
Makita MAC5200 Big Bore Air Compressor – Best for ½ inch impact wrenches
- Portable thanks to the rugged wheels
- The whole thing is solid, compact and durable
- Two ¼” air hoses can handle two air tools at the same time
- Reliable
- A loud compressor
MAC5200 offers 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI, and with two ¼” air hoses this machine can accommodate 2 air tools at a time. Makita is famous for its sturdy and durable construction. This compressor is also compact for easy storage.
The only thing that makes me disappointed is the noise level. With 90 dBA, it is no way to work comfortably in a garage with this machine nearby.
Product Specifications
| Horse Power (HP) | 3.0 HP |
| CFM/PSI | 6.5 CFM @ 90 PSI |
| Max pressure | 130 PSI |
| Tank Capacity | 5.2 gallons |
| Oil Required | Yes |
| Power source | corded electric |
| Noise Level | 90 dBA |
| Highlight Features | Cast iron pump with Big Bore cylinder and piston, folding handle with low profile design, rugged wheels for jobsite portability |
Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP Air Compressor is an assurance for performance, durability, and reliability. Not only ½ impact wrenches, but this compressor can also handle a whole load of low to medium air tools.
Industrial Air ILA1883054 30-Gallon Air Compressor – Best for air ratchets and die grinders
- Maximum portability
- Easy operation
- Reliable power
- Vibration-free
- It is hard to reach the drain cock.
Air ratchets need 2.5 CFM (1.4”) to 5 CFM (3/8”) while die grinders require at least 4 CFM. But that won’t be a problem with Industrial Air ILA1883054 since they can reach 5.7 CFM at 90 PSI.
The 30-gallon air tank supplies enough air for grinding, polishing and sanding. Plus, this beast features a heavy-duty motor that ensures trouble-free and continuous operation.
The pre-attached pneumatic wheels and front handle allow you to move it around job sites with ease. It may not be the quiet compressor but this machine is vibration-free.
The drain cock location is the biggest design drawback since it is so hard to reach.
Product Specifications
| Horse Power (HP) | 1.9 RHP |
| CFM/PSI | 5.7 CFM at 90 PSI; 7.0 CFM at 40 PSI |
| Max pressure | 155 PSI |
| Tank Capacity | 30 gallons |
| Oil Required | No |
| Power source | corded electric |
| Noise Level | 78dA |
| Highlight Features | Cast iron, twin cylinder, oil lubricated pump, dual voltage motor, UL and CSA certified, pre-attached pneumatic tires, quick-set regulator |
Industrial Air ILA1883054 30-Gallon Belt Driven Air Compressor is a must-have item for those who have to deal with heavy-duty air tools such as air ratchets and die grinders.
Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 Air Compressor – Best for orbital sanders
- Accurate air gauge
- Well-made output regulator
- Powerful motor
- Easy to store
- Sturdily designed
- Quite heavy and prone to tip over.
With an air tank of 30 gallons, the compressor can hold lots of air for continuous operation. It can run up to 5,000 hours. The VT6271 is designed horizontally, making it ideal for storage in small garages or workshop. This compressor can handle from simple inflation to stapling, bolting and much more.
At 87 dBA, the Campbell Hausfeld is nowhere near a quiet compressor. It is also quite heavy and easy to tip over.
Product Specifications
| Horse Power (HP) | 3.7HP |
| CFM/PSI | 10.2 CFM at 90 PSI |
| Max pressure | 135 PSI |
| Tank Capacity | 30 Gallons |
| Oil Required | No |
| Power source | Corded electric |
| Noise Level | 87dBA |
| Highlight Features | Reliable power, designed to provide up 5,000 hours of product life, durable and safe ASME code tank, cast iron pump, user friendly design |
If you are looking for an industrial-grade air compressor to handle some woodwork, probably you can’t get any better deal than Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 Air Compressor.
Industrial Air ILA3606056 60-Gallon Air Compressor – Best for ¾ inch impact wrenches & paint sprayers
- Large tank capacity
- Heavy-duty motor
- Run smooth
- It is quite loud.
This beast has anything you need for a sturdy and powerful compressor. From the cast-iron pump, aluminum valve plate to stainless steel reed valves, Industrial Air has built this model to handle heavy-duty tasks and reduce malfunctioned performances.
With 60 gallons, this model has a sustainable air supply for different tasks. It generates 155 PSI maximum pressure and reaches 11.5 CFM at 90 PSI. You will be surprised that all of these commercial-grade features come with a very affordable price.
At 83 dBA, the ILA3606056 generates loud noise, which can annoy some people.
Product Specifications
| Horse Power (HP) | 3.7 HP |
| CFM/PSI | 13.4 CFM at 40 PSI 11.5 CFM at 90 PSI
|
| Max pressure | 155 psi |
| Tank Capacity | 60 gallon ASME* |
| Oil Required | Synthetic oil |
| Power source | Corded electric 208-240 volts |
| Noise Level | 83 dBA |
| Highlight Features | Cast-iron, twin-cylinder, oil-lubricated pump, one-piece cast iron crankcase and 12 inch cast iron crankcase, heavy duty induction motor, large capacity |
Industrial Air ILA3606056 60-Gallon Single Stage Cast Iron Twin Cylinder Air Compressor with a powerful motor and durable design is the ultimate options for air tools like ¾ inch impart wrenches or paint sprayers.
Powermate Vx PLA4708065 80-Gallon Air Compressor – Best for longer air tool run times
- Reasonably quiet
- Large tank capacity
- Durably built
- Easy to fall on its side
The tank is sturdily built from steel, which promises a long life ahead. The cast-iron, 3 cylinder pump comes with an aluminum head and valve plate to increase heat dissipation. The 155 PSI maximum pressure plus the sturdy motor is a guarantee of trouble-free operation.
The tank comes with an accurate tank pressure gauge and convenient onboard switch. What’s more, this massive compressor features a wired formed belt guard to help with cooling.
Due to the design, most of the heavy parts located on the top, which makes the machine easy to tip over. You should be extra cautious when working with it.
Product Specifications
| Horse Power (HP) | 4.7 HP |
| CFM/PSI | 14 CFM at 90 PSI |
| Max pressure | 155 PSI |
| Tank Capacity | 80 Gallon |
| Oil Required | Synthetic oil |
| Power source | 240 volts |
| Noise Level | N/A |
| Highlight Features | Tank Durably Built from Steel, Oil-Lubricated Pump with a piece cast-iron crankcase and a full cast-iron cylinder body |
Need to work with various air-hungry pneumatic tools for a long time? Powermate Vx PLA4708065 80-Gallon Electric Air Compressor will be your reliable assistant.
How to choose the best air compressor for air tools (buying guide)
Your working place
Since compressors are available in different shapes and types, knowing where to put your purchase will save you much of time and money. There are two main types of compressors.
Portable: As the name suggests, portable compressors are typically lightweight and easy to maneuver. This type is suitable for inflating cars, sports equipment and powering nail guns.
Stationary: Unlike portable, stationary compressors aren’t easy to move around. They are more compatible with medium to heavy-duty tasks. Both tank size and horsepower rating are increased to accommodate different air tools.
Would you rather a portable compressor for light-duty tasks around the house or a stationary one for its capacity to work with different air-hungry tools?
Tank size
The range of tank sizes is vast. You can find a compressor with only 1 to 2 gallon, but some compressors can hold 80 to 120 gallon of air.
Portable compressors are versatile when it comes to tank size. Hotdog types offer 2 to 3 gallons of tank size, while pancake and pontoon can deliver a double tank size. You can also find vertical portable compressors that offer 30 gallons of tank size.
As for stationary compressors, the tank size ranges from 40 to 120 gallons.
Air tools
Last but not least, which air tools you work with the most? Each tool has a specific CFM rating requirement, so users should keep it in mind while shopping for a compressor.
Take a look at the table below:
| Air Tools | CFM requirement |
| Angel Disc Grinder | 6 CFM |
| Air Drill 1/2 | 4 CFM |
| Ratchet 1/4” | 3 CFM |
| Spray Gun (HVLP) | 18 CFM |
| Die Grinder | 8 CFM |
Who makes the best air compressor for air tools?
Industrial Air
Industrial Air has always popped up in my list of the best air compressor manufacturers. Their products are designed to handle light-duty to professional tasks.
Robust motor. Great air pressure. Good customer service. That’s what makes Industrial Air a trusted place for air compressors.
Powermate
Powermate specifies in air compressors and air tools. They provide light to medium-duty to professional compressors with a wide range of price tags.
The manufacturer emphasizes on the quality, built and performance. Thus, their products are exceptionally well-made and reliable.
Campbell Hausfeld
Campbell Hausfeld offers air compressors and air tools for any types of jobs.
They have been in the business for over 180 years, gathering customer’s insight and technology to build sturdy and durable products for both home use and commercial operation.
Makita
With over 100 years of experience and innovation, Makita’s air compressors deliver top-notch performance, excellent durability and reliable power.
Makita has earned the global prestige in over 40 countries. You can trust their products.
DeWALT
DeWALT is a famous manufacturer for gear, equipment and power tools. When it comes to air compressors, this company offers a wide range of tank size and horsepower.
The price tag is also DeWALT’s highlight because most of their products are quite affordable.
California Air Tools
California Air Tools is the leading manufacturer for the highest-rated and quietest compressors. Even their industrial-grade compressors can run smoothly and quietly.
Bostitch
Bostitch focuses on the portable, hand-carry air compressors rather than the stationary ones. And they know how to do their job best.
Portable compressors from Bostitch are compact and well-designed. They can generate impressive maximum pressure that many bigger beasts can’t.
FAQs
What oil is best for air tools?
Choosing the right oil for air tools could be tricky because the wrong lubricant can cause serious damages. Most pneumatic tools use mineral oil or synthetic oil.
Mineral oils feature anti-foaming and anti-gumming elements, which are beneficial to air tools. Synthetic oils are the hybrid type that can work on both mechanical and pneumatic applications.
What air tools require the most CFM?
Some air tools such as a brad nailer only require 0.5 CFM to run. Others need more than 10 CFM to function properly. When it comes to air tools that require the most CFM, there are a few candidates.
| Air tools | CFM |
| Air Mother 1 Hp | 12-15 |
| Backfill Tamper | 30-35 |
| Carving tool | 10-15 |
| Chain Saw | 7 -22 |
| Concrete Vibrator | 20 – 50 |
| Bead Breaker | 12 |
| Impact Driver 1” | 12 |
Do air compressors use a lot of electricity?
It depends on many factors to conclude whether an air compressor uses a lot of electricity.
There are two components you need to pay attention to the horsepower and amp draw. Plus, you also need to figure out the total amount of time the compressor is used.
For example, a compressor of 2 HP draws 8 amps. At 240 vac, it will generate 1920 watts. Let’s say you run the compressor 10 minutes.
1920 W * (10/60)hrs = 0.3 kW-hr.
Kw-Hr costs around $0.33 (it could be different at your place), and if you run your compressor for 8 hours per day. It will cost you 0.33*0.3*8 = $0.792. That air compressor will cost you in total $23.76.
How do I know the CFM of my air compressor?
Most air compressors will come with a specification table in which maximum PSI and CFM are available. However, if you want to calculate the CFM at certain PSI, the specification table isn’t very helpful.
There are simple steps you can follow to figure out the CFM rating you want.
- Make sure you know the volume of air tank (in a gallon)
- Divide the tank size by 7.48 (this is the number of gallon in one cubic foot). You will get a number A.
- Let the air inside your compressor out.
- Refill the tank again, pay attention to the amount of time the tank is filled and the tank gauge. Record the PSIG (pounds per square inch) at 2 different times: when the compressor kicks in and once it kick out.
- Subtract the PSIG when the compressor kicks in from the PSIG when it kicks out. Let’s call this number X.
- Divide X by 14.7, you will get Y – the amount of added pressure during the filling cycle in atm or atmospheric pressure.
- Multiply A (in step 2) by Y (in step 6). You will get a number in cubic feet that your compressor pumps in the tank to fill it.
- Convert this number in minutes by dividing it by the seconds it took (in step 7) to pump. Multiply it by 60 and you will have the CFM you want.
The bottom line
It isn’t easy to look for the best air compressor for air tools. Each air tool has different CFM rating, which could be daunting if you want to accommodate multiple air tools at a time.
I believe these 10 compressors above are the excellent answers for your need and preference. Hopefully, my reviews could shed some light on each item and help you pick the right product.
Related reviews
Best Small Air Compressors For Different Uses
Best Air Compressors For Home Garage
Best Air Compressors For Painting Cars
I’m James J. Decker, a hobbyist and DIYs and also a big of home improvement and gardening tools. I immensely enjoy how these amazing products improve productivity and efficiency, and allow me to do jobs for which I would’ve otherwise needed professional help.
Loading...