The right size of the air compressors for a nailer depends on its workspace and work type. The smallest size of an air compressor used with nail guns is a 6-gallon pancake compressor. It should have an air pressure ranging from 80 to 120 psi. The airflow usually requires 2 to 4 CFM.
With the size and pressure requirements of the nailer, you can pick any compressor. Check the nail gun requirement from the manufacturer’s website or manual to get a suitable compressor.
It also varies with the type of nailer. You cannot use the same compressor for a brad nailer that you can use with the framing nailer.
Do I Really Need A Compressor For A Nail Gun?
When you use a pneumatic nailer, you will need a compressor for a nail gun. Most of the time, pros use nailers with a hose. The pneumatic nailer requires air pressure to penetrate its work surfaces. An air compressor provides this air pressure.
The Minimum Size Air Compressor For Nail Guns Is
6-gallon pancake compressor that can provide 80 to 120 psi of air pressure. The airflow of the compressor depends on the workspace.
If users do small jobs like solo contact or DIY-related jobs, 1-2 CFM is a repairer. Construction-related jobs require 3–4 CFM of airflow.
What Size Air Compressor For Roofing Nailer
Roofing jobs require users to work in high areas, so the less weight the compressor has, the more beneficial it will be for users.
So when choosing the best air compressor for roofing nailer, try to choose one with less weight and a compact body structure. Usually, the weight of the compressor for the roof should be between 20 and 80 pounds.
It should be able to shoot nails with a power of 2 to 2.5 CFM (cubic feet per minute). The minimum size of the tank’s capacity should be 2 to 6 gallons. It should be able to provide 120 psi of air pressure. Try not to choose a compressor with more than 8000 cubic inches.
Right Size Air Compressor For Brad Nailer
Brad nailers are small nail guns mainly used for light trim work. So they don’t need much air power to operate. Most of the time, they are used to install quarter-round or leave marks so that users can add wood putty in the workplace to fill holes.
So it is better to use a compressor that doesn’t provide much air pressure (60 to 90 psi), which can damage the trim. For better results, try to choose a portable pancake compressor with a tank weight of at least 2 gallons and can provide 2 CFM for a brad nailer.
What Size Air Compressor For Framing Nailer
A framing nailer is extremely popular for its versatility. It can be used for different workspaces like construction areas, small homebuilding jobs, or even DIY projects.
So the right compressor size for a pneumatic framing nailer depends on its workspace.
For typical framing purposes, a framing nailer compressor with a 0.5- to 1-hp tool that can generate 90 psi with two cubic feet of air per minute is more than enough. Though because of its mass versatility, the gallon size may change.
For solo contact or DIY jobs, a 2- to 4-gallon tank capacity is required for a framing nailer compressor.
When users are building decks or sheathing roofs, choose a framing nailer compressor with a tank capacity of 6 to 10 gallons. For big-sized construction or home-building jobs, a framing nailer compressor with at least a 15- to 30-gallon tank capacity is required.
Right Size Air Compressor For Siding Nailer
Siding nailer jobs attach siding to houses. It has a superficial velocity, allowing it to attach softwood and non-wood materials to the house.
So it doesn’t require much air pressure to penetrate, as the sidings of the houses are thin materials.
The required average psi of a siding nailer is 90 psi, with an air power of 2.5 to 3.5 cubic feet per minute.
To provide this much power, users should use a compressor that can provide 5.5 CFM with an air pressure of 90 to 110 psi. The tank capacity of the nailer should be between 8 and 10 gallons in size.
What Size Air Compressor For Floor Nailer
A flooring nailer is used for building floor-related structures or floors. As the workspace is pretty big, a 38-inch-diameter hose with at least 15 feet in length is attached to it by pros for better results.
So a compressor that can provide air pressure (75 to 90 psi) at the tip of the hose is required for flooring jobs.
As the requirement for psi varies from wood to wood, the users should choose a compressor with 80 to 120 psi of air power.
So a 1 horsepower compressor with a 6-gallon tank capacity is more than enough for siding nailers. Users may use a pancake compressor or twin-side compressor for siding jobs.
What Size Air Compressor For Finish Nailer
A finish nailer is used to complete finishing jobs on a workspace’s outer surface. It can be attaching a frame or molding to job areas.
So it works in thin workspaces that can get damaged if the air pressure is not perfect and the nailer starts penetrating more than needed.
So try to choose a compressor that provides two cubic feet of air per minute with an air pressure of 85 to 95 psi. An air compressor with a 2-gallon tank capacity is best for finishing jobs.
What Size Air Compressor For Palm Nailer
Palm nailers can be used for different jobs, but their workspaces are primarily small, compacted areas. Framing, decking, or even finishing jobs can be done with this nailer.
Usually, it requires 1 to 2 CFM of air pressure, but as it has vast workspaces, pros attach a compressor capable of providing 3 CFM of air pressure at 70 to 90 psi. An air compressor with a 3-gallon tank capacity can complete palm nailer-related jobs.
What Size Air Compressor For Coil Nail Gun
Coil nailers are used in big workspace jobs as they can store 150 to 300 nails. Fencing, sheds, timber frames, pallets, and case industries use this nailer because it provides great air power with precise penetration.
Pick a compressor that can deliver two cubic feet of air per minute at a pressure between 85 and 95 psi. For coil nailer-related tasks, an air compressor with a 3-gallon tank is ideal.
What Size Air Compressor For Staple Gun
The staple gun is mainly used in the soft materials industry. Most of the time, the roofing, wiring, carpeting, or insulation industries use it.
As it uses soft materials, it requires 1 CFM of airflow with 90 psi of air pressure. So try to choose a compressor that provides 2 CFM airflow with 80 to 100 psi air pressure. The tank capacity of the compressor is 3 gallons.
Air Compressor For 16-Gauge Nailer
Usually, 16-gauge nailers require 2 CFM airflow with 80 to 110 psi air power. Professionals use compressors with 3 CFM airflow with 80 to 110 psi air power. The tank capacity of the air compressor should be 3 to 4 gallons.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about this subject, check out the faq below. Our comment section is open to you if it does not satisfy your needs.
Yes, you can use battery-powered nail guns, which don’t need a compressor to penetrate nails. These nails have internal pistons that create compressed air to produce air pressure. This air pressure drive nails to the workspaces.
Conclusion
Pneumatic nailers require an air compressor to provide air pressure to create airflow and penetrate work surfaces. If someone asks, “What size air compressor for a nail gun?”.
The size of the compressor depends on the type of nailer and its work areas. Framing nailers and brad nailers can be used in various jobs. That’s why they require better CFM. As a result, they require more tank capacity.
A finish nailer, palm nailer, or staple gun is usually used on thin surfaces. So they don’t require much airflow and, thus, don’t require much tank capacity.