An air compressor supplies compressed air to a pneumatic nail gun, which drives fasteners into the material. The right match depends on the nailer’s operating pressure, air consumption and how quickly you intend to fire it.
Compare air delivery at the nailer’s working pressure, rather than choosing only by the compressor’s maximum tank pressure.
Best Air Compressor for Nail Gun Reviews
The BOSTITCH preview below is also covered in the four-model comparison that follows.
1. PORTER-CABLE C2002 Air Compressor
The PORTER-CABLE C2002 is a six-gallon pancake compressor with an oil-free pump. Its tank and air-delivery rating suit intermittent nailing when they meet the nailer’s requirements.
PORTER-CABLE C2002 6-Gallon Air Compressor
- 150 PSI maximum tank pressure.
- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI.
- Oil-free pump; 120-volt supply.
A carry handle and rubber feet help with positioning the compressor. Operate it in the clean, dry, ventilated location specified in its manual.
The six-gallon tank stores compressed air. Do not fill it with water. Drain accumulated condensation after use following the manual’s shutdown procedure.
The C2002 has a maximum tank pressure of 150 PSI. This is its storage-pressure limit, not the pressure to apply automatically to a nail gun.
Use the outlet regulator to match the connected tool’s specified operating pressure.
It uses a 120-volt electrical supply. Follow the manual’s circuit and extension-cord requirements; it is not an all-weather appliance.
Air delivery is rated at 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI. Compare that rate with your nailer’s consumption at the intended firing pace.
If demand exceeds the pump’s output, allow time for pressure to recover or choose a compressor with more air delivery.
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Pros
- Oil-free pump needs no added pump oil.
- Six-gallon tank and two regulated outlets.
- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI.
Cons
- High-demand or rapid continuous nailing may exceed its air delivery.
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2. DEWALT DWFP55126 Pancake Air Compressor
The DEWALT DWFP55126 is another six-gallon pancake compressor with an oil-free pump. Its higher maximum tank pressure gives it a different storage rating from the C2002, but their rated air delivery at 90 PSI is the same.
DEWALT DWFP55126 6-Gallon Pancake Compressor
- 165 PSI maximum tank pressure.
- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI.
- Oil-free pump; 120-volt supply.
Choose a nailer whose pressure and air-consumption requirements fit the compressor, hose and couplers.
The DWFP55126 delivers 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI. This specification helps assess sustained air supply; it is not a guarantee of unlimited firing speed.
The compressor requires a 120-volt supply. Its manual specifies a minimum 15-amp branch circuit; that circuit requirement is not a claim that the motor continuously draws 15 amps.
The pump cycles to replenish the tank as air is used. Recovery pauses depend on the connected tool and the rate of work.
Maximum tank pressure is 165 PSI. Regulate outlet pressure to the nailer’s rating rather than using the tank maximum as the working setting.
Nail size and material suitability are determined by the nail gun and fasteners. A higher compressor pressure rating does not make a wood nailer suitable for concrete.
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Pros
- Six-gallon tank with 165 PSI maximum storage pressure.
- Oil-free pump.
- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI.
Cons
- Air delivery is no higher than the C2002 at 90 PSI.
- Hose and coupler types must match the tool.
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3. Makita MAC100Q Quiet Series Air Compressor
The Makita MAC100Q is a compact option for one properly rated pneumatic nailer or stapler on small jobs. It suits a slower trim or furniture-work pace rather than a continuous high-volume crew.
Makita MAC100Q Quiet Series 1-Gallon Compressor
- 0.7 CFM at 90 PSI; 135 PSI maximum tank pressure.
- For one properly rated nailer or stapler on small jobs.
- Quick coupler included; hose and nailer sold separately.
Its one-gallon tank and 0.7 CFM output at 90 PSI are smaller than those of the six-gallon compressors in this comparison. Check the nailer’s demand before choosing it.
Maximum tank pressure is 135 PSI. The pump replenishes the air automatically, but a small tank provides less reserve between pump cycles.
The oil-free dual-piston pump needs no added pump oil. The roll cage protects the pump and motor during handling.
Makita specifies a maximum recommended 50% duty cycle: no more than half an hour of pumping in an hour. Condensate draining and routine checks still apply.
The MAC100Q includes a 1/4-inch universal quick coupler. A hose and nailer are separate purchases; this is not the MAC100QK1 brad-nailer combo kit.
Makita publishes a 58 dB noise figure. That is a manufacturer rating, not a promise of silence or a substitute for the hearing protection required for the work.
The manual limits this compressor to appropriately rated nailers and staplers. Do not treat it as a substitute for the higher-airflow equipment used for irrigation blowouts or paint spraying.
For a different application, see compressor airflow for sprinkler blowouts. This is not a recommended use of the MAC100Q.
Pros
- Compact one-gallon compressor for small nailing jobs.
- Oil-free pump and protective roll cage.
- Universal quick coupler included.
Cons
- Only 0.7 CFM at 90 PSI; limited reserve for rapid firing.
- Hose and nailer are not included.
For spray-painting equipment, see the separate guide to air compressors for auto body work.
4. BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Air Compressor
The BOSTITCH BTFP02012 is a six-gallon pancake compressor with an oil-free pump. Match it to the nailer’s pressure and air-consumption requirements.
Its 2.6 SCFM rating at 90 PSI is comparable to the C2002 and DWFP55126. Whether it keeps pace depends on the nailer and firing rate.
Maximum tank pressure is 150 PSI. The regulator sets the pressure supplied to the tool, which must remain within that tool’s rating.
The tank capacity, maximum pressure and rated airflow match the C2002’s corresponding figures.
The compressor does not determine which nail sizes or materials a nail gun can handle. Check the nailer’s specified fasteners and application.
A six-gallon tank provides an air reserve while the pump cycles, but it does not replace adequate pump output.
If pressure falls below the tool’s required level during rapid work, pause for recovery or select more air delivery.
The 120-volt motor is designed for easy starting, including in cold weather. Follow the manual’s operating conditions instead of assuming it will work in every environment.
The pump is oil-free, which removes the need to add pump oil. It still requires condensate draining and the other routine checks in the manual.
Pros
- Six-gallon tank and 150 PSI maximum pressure.
- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI.
- Oil-free pump.
Cons
- Rapid or high-demand nailing can require recovery pauses.
Start with the nailer’s specified working pressure and air requirement. Keep regulated outlet pressure within its rating; a higher maximum tank PSI alone does not make a compressor more suitable.
Compare CFM or SCFM at the same working pressure, then allow for your firing pace and the compressor’s duty-cycle limit. The air supply must keep up with the tool you intend to use.
Oil-free pumps avoid oil changes, but still need the maintenance described in their manuals. Weight and noise vary by model; neither can be judged solely from whether a pump uses oil.
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