The best way to determine what size air compressor you need is by looking at the CFM requirements of you air tools and sizing your compressor accordingly. The second best way is to look at this Air Tool CFM Chart!
In the chart below you’ll find a list of common air tools, their working pressure, how many CFM a given air compressor needs to provide in order to power them, and a recommendation. If you’re looking to buy a new air compressor but don’t know what you need, this chart is a great place to start.
| Tool | Working Pressure | CFM Requirement | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brad Nailer | 1.0 CFM @ 90 PSI | 1.5 | Makita Mac210Q (2 CFM) |
| Framing Nailer | 4.2 CFM @ 90 PSI | 6.3 | Makita Mac5200 (6.5 CFM) |
| Finish Nailer | 1.0 CFM @ 90 PSI | 1.5 | Makita Mac210Q (2 CFM) |
| Palm Nailer | 1.5 CFM @ 90 PSI | 2.25 | Porter Cable C2002 (2.6 CFM) |
| Flooring Nailer | 2 CFM @ 90 PSI | 3 | Stealth 4.5 Gallon (3.0 CFM) |
| Roofing Nailer | 2.5 CFM @ 90 PSI | 3.75 | Craftsman CMXECXA0331042 (4.0 CFM) |
| Pin Nailer | 1.0 CFM @ 90 PSI | 1.5 | Makita Mac210Q (2 CFM) |
| Siding Nailer | 2.5 CFM @ 90 PSI | 3.75 | Makita Mac2400 (4.2 CFM) |
| Stapler | 1.0 CFM @ 90 PSI | 1.5 | Makita Mac210Q (2 CFM) |
| 1/4 Ratchet | 4.2 CFM @ 90 PSI | 6.3 | Makita Mac5200 (6.5 CFM) |
| 3/8 Ratchet | 4.4 CFM @ 90 PSI | 6.6 | Makita Mac5200 (6.5 CFM) |
| 1/2 Impact Wrench | 4.0 CFM @ 90 PSI | 6 | Makita Mac5200 (6.5 CFM) |
| 1/4 Angle Die Grinder | 4.0 CFM @ 90 PSI | 6 | Makita Mac5200 (6.5 CFM) |
| Air Hammer | 4.4 CFM @ 90 PSI | 6.6 | Makita Mac5200 (6.5 CFM) |
| 6″ Palm Sander | 4.5 CFM @ 90 PSI | 6.7 | Makita Mac5200 (6.5 CFM) |
| HVLP Paint Spray Gun | 8.0 CFM @ 30 PSI | 12 | Ingersoll Rand SS5L5 (18.1 CFM) |
| 3″ Cut off Tool | 4.0 CFM @ 90 PSI | 6 | Makita Mac5200 (6.5 CFM) |
| Reciprocating Saw | 3.0 CFM @ 90 PSI | 4.5 | California Air Tools 10020C (5.3 CFM) |
| Tire Inflator | 1.0 CFM @ 100 PSI | 1.5 | Dewalt DWFP55126 (2.6 CFM) |
| 3/8 Air Drill | 4.0 CFM @ 90 PSI | 6 | Makita Mac5200 (6.5 CFM) |
| Needle Scaler | 4.0 CFM @ 90 PSI | 6 | Makita Mac5200 (6.5 CFM) |
Articles You May Be Interested In:
- What Size Air Compressor Do I Need? (With Chart)
- Best Size Air Compressor For Home Garages: What You Need & Why
- Best 6-Gallon Air Compressors for the Money
- 10 Best Brands of Air Compressors: You Can’t Go Wrong With These
- 3 Gallon Air Compressors: All Your Questions Answered
- 6 Gallon Air Compressors: All Your Questions Answered
- Air Compressor Types Compared (Pancake, Hotdog, Twin Stack, Vertical)
