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When working with pneumatic tools on any project, you’ll need a powerful air compressor to run them. Most people think they need the largest, heaviest kind to power a framing nailer, but in reality, a pancake compressor with the right specs will do fine.
Read on for a list of the best pancake compressors for framing nailer operation on the market today, as well as a guide on choosing the best one for your needs.
Contents
Top 5 Pancake Compressors for Framing Nailers
Here are the picks for pancake compressors fit to run a framing nailer. For a fair comparison, they all have 6-gallon tanks and run at comparable PSI and CFM. They all have oil-free pumps, which is the current standard for no maintenance.
We compiled this list with products that match the requirements for operating a framing nailer. Most framing nailers require 2.4 CFM at 90 PSI and about 120 PSI to run smoothly without being choppy or irregular.
However, you should always check your framing nailer and compressor for compatibility before you start working to avoid complications.
Best Overall: CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor
This is the most popular choice in that category for many reasons. Apart from being made in the USA, the Craftsman 6-gallon air compressor offers a gold standard for compressors of that size.
It offers 150 max PSI and 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI to support a framing nailer working continuously with a short recovery time. And at a weight of 32.5 lbs, it maintains portability and won’t break your back. This is especially important if you’re working on a site with multiple stories.
Product Specs
- 6-Gallon tank
- 150 Max PSI
- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI
- It weighs 32.5 lbs.
Feature Highlights
- Standard noise rating
- Works on a standard 15 amp circuit
The Craftsman pancake compressor can also be used for other projects that require a portable compressor with medium power. If you need to inflate your tires or blow out a sprinkler system, this will work great!
However, unlike the Campbell Hausfeld super quiet unit, this one has a standard noise rating of 71+ dB while operating. Just keep in mind it’s lightweight and more affordable, so the pros outweigh the cons here.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- It comes with a 13-piece accessory kit
Cons
- The release valve at the bottom of the compressor needs tightening before operating for the first time.
- Not all accessories are of good quality.
Best Value: DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor
This Dewalt pancake compressor offers a great value, as it supports 165 max PSI, which will work for almost all framing nailers. It also attaches to two couplers, easily handling dual users at once, which will get the job done twice as fast.
It has an efficient motor that makes starting up easier in low temperatures or if you’re using an extension cord. The console cover protects controls and is removable to allow easy repair, as well. So, you don’t have to break the compressor apart if there’s a minor repair to be done.
Product Specs
- 6-Gallon tank
- 165 Max PSI
- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI
- It weighs 30 lbs.
Feature Highlights
- Noise rating of 78.5
- Ball drain valve for quick and thorough tank draining
The Dewalt unit is a couple of pounds lighter than the Craftsman, making for better portability. The noise rating is also standard, at 78.5 dB, so the unit is still relatively quiet and won’t create a loud work environment.
Moreover, the manufacturers thought of everything, as the outlet tube is rerouted to avoid becoming a catch point. This is especially important for framing jobs, as you don’t want the hose getting stuck on the outlet tube while working.
Pros
- Higher max PSI at 165, which supports more tools.
- A more affordable option with great quality
Cons
- It doesn’t come with any accessories.
- Some users experienced air leaks after using it for a while
Best Budget: BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor
This is the most affordable unit on the list by a far shot. Even so, the build quality of the Bostitch pancake compressor is comparable to the other, more expensive options. It offers 150 max PSI and 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI like the Craftsman unit.
It’s the lightest option at just 29 lbs, which aids portability and makes it easier to grab for random jobs around the house. It has a highly efficient motor, which makes start-up in cold weather and using extension cords a breeze.
Product Specs
- 6-Gallon tank
- 150 Max PSI
- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI
- It weighs 29 lbs.
Feature Highlights
- Efficient motor for quick start-up.
- Can work with extension cords.
The unit is equipped with a Bostitch high flow regulator and dual couplers to maximize air tool performance. However, it’s best to work this unit with one framing nailer at a time since it might get too hot during operation.
The one drawback has to be the noise level; although it says it’s 78.5 dB, users have reported peaks of 99 dB, which is much higher. It’s recommended to use a handyman’s pair of noise-canceling headphones while working with equipment this loud for a long time.
If you’re looking for a quiet compressor, you’re better off with the Campbell Hausfeld. Just keep in mind the weight and cost of the unit when you choose it, as well as the max PSI.
Pros
- Two universal couplers to support dual users.
- The most affordable option with comparable specs to other compressors.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with any accessories.
- Very loud and might require noise-canceling handyman headphones.
Best Performance: Metabo HPT “THE TANK” Pancake Air Compressor
This Metabo unit is lovingly referred to as “a beast” by some users, all for a good reason. The Metabo pancake compressor boasts a whopping 200 Max PSI, the highest one on the list. It also has better airflow, 4 CFM at 90 PSI, which will support more powerful pneumatic tools for a longer time.
The build quality is also sturdier, as it has an all-metal handle. This comes in handy because it’s heavier than some of the other options, standing at 41 lbs. However, it’s still lighter than a traditional twin-stack compressor, all while being able to support similar output.
Product Specs
- 6-Gallon tank
- 200 Max PSI
- 4 CFM at 90 PSI
- It weighs 41 lbs.
Feature Highlights
- 25% more PSI than similar pancake compressors.
- 30% more airflow, comparable to a twin-stack compressor.
The Metabo tank can simultaneously run two framing nailers, two roofing nailers, two siding nailers, three finish nailers, or five brad nailers. This can be extremely useful and time-saving in larger framing projects when you need two nailers working at once.
All in all, it’s a sturdy unit with powerful specs, but this can come at the cost of the unit’s longevity. Some users reported the unit heating up too much, producing a burnt plastic smell. So if you’re doing a large project, respect the duty cycle and allow the engine to recover.
Pros
- A powerful pancake compressor that can drive two framing nailers at once
- More portable than large, traditional compressors at a similar output.
Cons
- Heavier and louder than similar pancake compressors.
- It can heat up too much, producing a burnt plastic smell.
Best for Quiet Operation: Campbell Hausfeld Portable Quiet Air Compressor
This unit is the answer for anyone who can’t handle an obnoxiously loud compressor, especially in residential areas where the neighbors complain. The Campbell Hausfeld Quiet Air Compressor truly is quiet at just 68 dB, which is much lower than the standard.
However, it’s not nearly as portable as the Bostitch or even the Metabo units. The Campbell Hausfeld is actually two times as heavy as the average pancake compressor, at just over 60 lbs. Of course, this can limit portability, but some users fitted the unit with wheels to aid movement.
Product Specs
- 6-Gallon tank
- 125 Max PSI
- 2.4 CFM at 90 PSI
- It weighs 62 lbs.
Feature Highlights
- Conveniently placed regulators and gauges allow for easy monitoring of tank and line pressure.
- Key components last four times longer than competing units.
It’s also less powerful than the other options on the list, with only 125 max PSI and 2.4 CFM, which is just enough to power one framing nailer at a time. Just make sure the framing nailer you’re using matches the compressor’s PSI and CFM, or the job will be choppy and a pain to complete.
That said, the unit is very sturdy and will be dependable for many projects; just try not to haul it up that many stairs to give your back a chance.
Pros
- Sturdy build quality for a longer life expectancy
- A much quieter option than other pancake compressors.
Cons
- Heavier than most pancake compressors.
- Much more expensive than all the other options.
Features to Consider When Choosing a Framing Nailer Pancake Compressor
Pneumatic tools aren’t created equal, and you must know by now that the same goes for air compressors. It’s important to know whether the framing nail gun you intend to use fits the air compressor you have and vice versa.
There are some metrics that measure compatibility, like pressure and airflow. Looking for these numbers on the framing nailer and the air compressor will ensure you have a good fit.
PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)
PSI measures the amount of pressure exerted on one inch of space by the air. You’ll want this number on your air compressor to be higher than the requirement of the framing nailer to be on the safe side.
Most pancake compressors will have a max PSI of 150, while the average framing nailer requires between 80–90 PSI for 2-inch nails and 100–125 for 3/4-inch nails.
Read more about the best nails for framing walls in my review.
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
CFM measures the airflow rate that the compressor produces in cubic feet per minute at a certain pressure. Standard CFM is usually measured at 90 PSI.
Framing nail guns are pneumatic tools that require more airflow, unlike upholstery staplers and brad nail guns. That’s why you don’t want to go with anything lower than 2.4 CFM at 90 PSI to maintain a steady working rhythm.
HP (Horsepower)
Horsepower is a rather outdated metric since newer compressors are more energy-efficient and will display a lower horsepower than older tools for the same output.
The average pancake compressor is usually at around 1 HP, but the PSI and CFM vary according to the motor.
Portability
Pancake air compressors are small and relatively easy to move around. Lighter weigh pancake compressors weigh in at 25-30 lbs, while heavier options can weigh upwards of 60-75 lbs.
If you need to move your unit around a lot, consider the best portable compressor for framing nailers. These will weigh a little less.
However, none of these options will match the convenience of using a cordless framing nailer with no external compressor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few questions people have about using pancake compressors and framing nailers:
Why Do Framing Nailers Require an Air Compressor With Higher Specs?
Framing nail guns are made to create sturdy structures in applications such as framing, deck building, roof sheathing, and sub-flooring. This requires the nails used to be thicker and longer than in other kinds of nail guns.
This means the force needed to drive the nails into the wood is bigger, so a higher CFM and PSI are necessary for framing nailers.
What Else Is a Pancake Compressor Used For?
Since they’re more compact than other types of compressors, pancake compressors are great for filling up tires and powering other pneumatic tools, such as staplers and other kinds of nail guns. They can also work as leaf and dust blowers for cleaning up a yard or a workshop.
Conclusion
Framing nailers don’t need a huge wheelbarrow compressor that you’ll have to lug around all over. A good-quality pancake compressor can do the job efficiently and without too much fuss.
If you’re looking for a well-built, standard compressor, look no further than the Craftsman Pancake Compressor. If your requirements are a bit more, go for the Metabo HPT , which has a higher PSI and CFM and can drive two framing nailers at once.
As for users in residential areas, the Campbell Hausfeld Portable Quiet Air Compressor is the way to go, so your neighbors won’t have anything to complain about.
