Air Compressors for Nail Guns

Air powered nail guns or pneumatic power nailers require an air compressor to supply them with the requisite power. Two main types of air compressors are Gas Powered and Electric powered, the former are ideal for commercial and industrial applications whereas the electric powered ones are the most popular type, they can be used anywhere where electricity is available and they also don’t emit dangerous emissions. Air compressors are used with a variety of attachments such as nail guns, die grinders, air nibblers, impact wrenches etc. Air compressor motors range from 1.5 HP to 6.5 HP. Higher horsepower engines will yield greater PSI, and thereby produce more energy. It is very important to realize that higher horsepower doesn’t necessarily mean better performance. As previously mentioned, CFM is the best indicator of a compressor’s performance.

Most nailers, spray guns, and impact wrenches need 1-5 CFM at 90 PSI, and most sanders need 6-13 CFM at 90 PSI. Professional grade tools require more CFM. Once you know the CFM requirements of your most powerful tool, you should add 50% to that total. For instance, if your air hammer requires 3 CFM at 90 PSI, then you need an air compressor that will produce at least 4.5 CFM at 90 PSI.