10 Best Air Compressor for Brad Nailer for 2023 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

If you are into pneumatic tools for personal or professional work, you will definitely know the importance of having an air compressor. No matter if it’s a small fixing task, a DIY project, or a professional work where you use a pneumatic brad nailer, having an air compressor to compliment it best is extremely important. We have them listed down for you if you are looking for the best air compressors for brad nailers.

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Best Air Compressor for Brad Nailer – Comparison Table

What is an Air Compressor?

As the name describes, an air compressor is basically a pneumatic device that is made used to convert the power into potential energy to carry out the tasks. It basically makes use of diesel, electric motor, or a gasoline engine to carry out this task. In simpler words, an air compressor increases a gas’s pressure, and this high-pressure gas is used for various pneumatic applications.

Best Air Compressor for Brad Nailer

1. California Air Tools 8010

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Being one of the quietest air tools that you can get hands-on for nailing projects, this California air compressor is one of the greatest that you can use for your nailing projects. It is light in weight because of its small air capacity, which makes it super convenient to use and easy to carry from one place to another. The motor that it comes with is powerful enough to run along with any nailer, especially the roofing nailers.

It does not need any type of oil to run, which is for sure a plus point. Additionally, this air compressor is electrically powered, so you don’t need to worry about maintaining it for quite long as it is the case with electric brad nailers. Since this compressor is oil-free, it is also suitable to be used in cold weather. 

Key Features:

• 1 gallon tank capacity.
• Oil free pump.
• 29 pounds weight,
• Electric power source.
• 110 volts.
• Horizontal tank style.
• 1.2 CFM flow rate at 90 PSI.
• 8.2 bars maximum pressure.

2. Metabo HPT Air Compressor (EC99S)

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An air compressor should have the ability to withstand stresses for long periods of time, and this is exactly what this Metabo HPT air compressor is designed for. It is very well-known for the durability and compatibility that it has to offer. What makes it special is the fact that it prevents itself from getting burned or overheated, etc.

It comes with a 15-amp direct inductive motor which makes it efficient and smooth to work with. It comes with a body of cast iron, making it super strong and durable and giving a rigid and firm structure. Additionally, this cast iron body makes the air compressor protected from outside barriers.

Key Features:

• Twin stack horizontal tank style.
• Corded electric power source.
• One year limited warranty.
• 59.2 pounds weight.
• 135 PSI maximum pressure.
• Oil lubricated pump.
• 3.1 CFM flow rate at 90 PSI.

3. Bostitch Pancake Air Compressor

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The air compressor used for nailing is specifically known for carrying out the tasks like roof fixing, home repair, precision, etc. This Bostitch Pancake air compressor is here to carry out all these tasks for you, and that too super efficiently and smoothly. This compressor is extremely satisfying to carry out the nailing tasks even in the narrowest spaces possible.

This Bostitch air compressor has a maximum air pressure of around 150 PSI which is extremely satisfying for carrying out various functions and services. Additionally, the high pressured flow it provides is excellent to clean and remove any obstacle in the thrust. Not only this, it comes with an excellent regularized motor that makes the task to be performed smooth and easy.

Key Features:

• Pancake tank style.
• One year limited warranty.
• Electric power source.
• 120 volts.
• Oil free pump.
• 29 pounds weight.
• 150 PSI maximum pressure.
• 2.6 CFM flow rate at 90 PSI.

4. Excell U256PPE 6 Gallon Pancake Air Compressor

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Within few decades, the Excel company has made its ground in the industry and is well-known for producing high-quality products. Therefore, the pancake air compressor by excel has made it to the list of best air compressors for brad nailers. This compressor by Excel is compact, has a powerful Psi rating, easy to transport, and is light in weight which makes it super easy to be carried.

If you need a compressor that is suitable for use in cold weather, this is the one you can get your hands on. It has the ability to run two tools at once and comes with plenty of power that can get your job done in no considerable time. 

Key Features:

• Oil free pump.
• Less costly.
• Comes with a conveniently located control panel.
• 6 gallon air tank.
• One year limited warranty.
• 150 PSI maximum pressure.
• 2.8 CFM at 90 PSI.

5. Makita MAC2400 Big Bore Air Compressor

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Do you want to save your time while carrying out loads of nailing work? Well, the Makita MAC2400 is your go-to option. With the unique and fascinating features that this air compressor offers, it has earned much fame to be considered one of the best air compressors for nailing work. The body is super rigid and firm because it is made of cast iron.

What makes the pressure of the compressor stable is the 130 PSI pressure that this Makita MAC2400 has to offer. It produces around 4.1 CFM at 90 PSI which is definitely enough to run around two nailers and is, therefore, super suitable for professional works. Not only this, it offers oil lubrication which keeps the machine quite relaxed even after carrying out bigger and longer tasks.

Key Features:

• 77 pounds weight.
• One year limited warranty.
• Oil lubricated pump.
• Electric power source.
• 120 volts.
• 4.2 gallon tank capacity.
• 130 PSI maximum pressure.
• 4.2 CFM flow rate at 90 PSI.

6. Porter-Cable C2002 Pancake Compressor

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Providing up to 6 gallons at a time, this air compressor is recommended as one of the best compressors for nail guns. It is so user-friendly and compatible that it can deal with any kind of element. It provides almost 150 PSI for longer periods of time, and there are very few air compressors that can store this much capacity, like the Porter-Cable C2002.

It provides speedy recovery, which is yet another plus point to look for. The compression recovery of this compressor is so quick that it has become one of the most demanded air compressors for best brad nailers for woodwork. Additionally, this compressor is oil-free and is convenient to be used for almost all kinds of climates.

Key Features:

• 6 gallon capacity.
• Pancake tank style.
• 30 pounds weight.
• Oil free pump.
• One year limited warranty.
• Electric power source.
• 120 volts.
• 2.6 CFM flow rate at 90 PSI.

7. Dewalt D55140 Air Compressor

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This Dewalt D55140 is one of the best air compressors for brad nailers because it is compact in design and is of perfect size to be used for all DIY projects. The maximum pressure that it has to offer is 135 PSI which is more than enough for the DIY projects to be carried out at home efficiently. It has lower noise levels, making the work more tolerable and easy to concentrate on. 

It only weighs 24 pounds which makes it super easy to carry and move around. There is an open ball valve drain that keeps it moisture-free, along with a cold wrap that is accessible for easier storage. It allows you to work with consistent power because of the high flow regulator that it comes with.

Key Features:

• Pancake tank style.
• 6 gallon capacity.
• 2.6 CFM flow rate at 90 PSI.
• 30 pounds weight.
• 165 PSI maximum pressure.
• Oil free pump.
• Electric power source.
• 120 volts.

8. Craftsaman CMEC6150K Air Compressor

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Coming with an additional PVC air hose along with plugs and couplers assembled, this Craftsman Air compressor has additional kits to offer for proper and feasible usage. What makes this air compressor remarkable is the fact that it is made in such a way that its motor works out almost for a year without any kind of problems or breakage. Not only this, the air compressor is so feasible that it does not face any kind of error even in different conditions.

During its service, the craftsman air compressor has a maximum air pressure of 150 PSI, ensuring a convenient stress flow. This compressor is oil-free; therefore, there is no chance of damages that may occur due to the presence of oil. 

Key Features:

• 6 gallon tank capacity.
• One year limited warranty.
• Oil free pump.
• Pancake tank style.
• 150 Psi maximum air pressure.
• 2.6 CFM flow rate at 100 PSI.
• Electric power source.
• 110 Volts.

9. Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor

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From using it for operating your pneumatic brad nailers to using it for air sofas or pumping vehicle tires, this air compressor can do it all. It can turn out to be your easiest way out for all kinds of pneumatic daily works. What makes this air compressor by Campbell Hausfeld special is the fact that it is super convenient and easy to use.

Although 3-gallon capacity may look less to you as compared to other air compressors, however, it is highly satisfying and totally fine for daily working tasks. This capacity allows the air to be helpful for a longer period of time for further uses. You can use this air compressor for both professional and heavy nailing both. 

Key Features:

• 21 pounds weight.
• Oil free pump.
• 3 gallon tank capacity.
• One year limited warranty.
• Electric power source.
• 120 volts house outlet.
• 0.26 CFM at 90 PSI.

10. WEN 2289 Vertical Air Compressor

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Being one of the most reputable manufacturers for producing air compressors, Wen company has made to the list of best air compressors for brad nailers. From top-notch materials and components to fair prices, this WEN 2289 vertical air compressor has everything that you are in search of in a portable compressor for your nailer. 

This tool is designed to keep durability and portability in mind. Having a steel tank of a capacity of almost 10 gallons, this compressor comes with an oil-free pump that will keep the tool running for years to come. Not only this, it comes with wheels along with rubber grip handles that make the transportation worry shoo away.

Key Features:

• 4 CFM at 90 Psi.
• 150 Maximum Air pressure.
• Steel tank.
• 10 gallon capacity.
• Rubber grip handles.
• Durable.
• Portable.
• Oil free pump.

Buying Guide:

Here are some major prominent things that you need to look for when you are buying an air compressor for brad nailers.

Cubic Feet/ Minute:

The air volume of a compressor is measured in CFM, which means cubic feet per minute. Ensure that the compressor you are going to buy for your brad nailer comes with a CFM level that complies with it. For standard portable compressors, 2 CFM is the least airflow rate at a pressure of 90 PSI, ideal for a big brad nailer delivering 15 drives/min, and a medium brad nailer for delivering 30 drives/min, and a small brad nailer for delivering 70 drives/min. You will need a compressor with a 4 CFM airflow rate of 90 PSI for a heavy-duty brad nailer. 

Portability:

If you are a regular brad nailer user, you will know how you need this tool to be used in various places like workshops, job sites, garages, homes, etc. Therefore, getting your hands on an air compressor that you can easily carry from one place to another is extremely important. Therefore, look for an air compressor that is light in weight and features wheels along with soft grip handles.

For an industrial setup, wheels, and hand gripping systems are necessary to look for while buying an air compressor. Additionally, for working sites where you need to power your brad nailers for hours to come, a portable air compressor is a more convenient option to have. 

PSI levels:

The air pressure of the compressor is measured in PSI which means pounds per square inch. For better performance of brad nailers, you need to get your hands on an air compressor that comes with a maximum air pressure of 120 to 150 PSI. Additionally, if you are looking for compressors for multi-purposes, you may need to buy an air compressor with higher PSI levels.

Tank Size:

If you buy an air compressor for just brad nailers, you may not need a large tank. Air compressors with 1 to 6 gallons of capacity are enough to run any type of brad nailer. Air compressors that come with capacity in this range are most common to be used with brad nailers. 

Remember, the bigger the tank, the more fulfilled your desire to run your brad nailers at full power. Therefore, for having a smoother operation for longer periods of time, bigger tank size is a better option to go for.

Operation Noise:

Although the noise levels of an air compressor do not affect its operation, however, it is also one of the most important features that you must look for. Try to get your hands on an air compressor that has low noise levels since a compressor with higher noise levels will disturb you while you work.

Oil vs. Oil-less Compressor:

The machine of compressors may run with or without oil. The ones that run with oil must need an oil tank. However, because of the oil tank, the weight and size of the compressor might significantly increase, and the oil-free compressors may produce more noise as compared to the oil needing ones. Therefore, if size and weight are your concern, then you need to go for an oil-free compressor, and if noise levels are your concern, then the oil compressors are your go-to options.

Pricing:

You will have to do a bit of research and leg work to buy one that is within your budget and fulfills all the expectations you have from an air compressor to be used with brad nailers. You can go for any of the ten products mentioned in this article since they are the bests to have your hands on and vary quite a bit in prices to select the one according to your budget. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

If you are still confused, here are some FAQs answered for you to clear out all your doubts.

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1. What size of an air compressor is needed for a brad nailer?

There is not necessarily a need for a large air compressor for a brad nailer. The size of an air compressor varies from 1 to 6 gallons, and you can easily use a 1 gallon air compressor for carrying out your tasks. However, never ignore the size of the air compressor when you are buying one since it is equally important, like the Psi and CFM levels.

2. What is the best air compressor to be bought for brad nailers?

In order to find out which is the best air compressor that you will need for a brad nailer, just look at the buying guide. Suppose a compressor fulfills all the requirements mentioned in the buying guide, then it can definitely be one of the best options that you can get for your brad nailer. 

3. Do brad nailers need an air compressor?

It is not necessary for all the brad nailers to need an air compressor. Only the pneumatic types of brad nailers will require an air compressor to run. If you have a pneumatic brad nailer or are going to buy one, you will definitely need an air compressor to run it. 

4. How many CFM is required for a brad nailer?

To run any type of brad nailer, no matter the size, you will need at least 2 CFM of airflow rate from an air compressor. However, other nailers may require an airflow of more than 2 CFM.