Best Portable Air Compressor for Framing Nailer [2024 Review]

Framing nailers are very useful tools. You can use them to help with all sorts of projects. Still, the location of your air compressor will limit your applications. One way to get around this issue is to buy a portable air compressor.

So, let’s take a look at the best portable compressor for a framing nailer and some of the feature highlights.

Framing Nailer Air Portable Compressor Reviews

If you’re in the market for the best portable compressor for framing nailers, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at the top 5 portable compressors.

Best Overall Portable Air Compressor: Craftsman 6 Gallon

At the top of my list, I have the Craftsman 6 Gallon Air Compressor. This is one of the most popular portable air compressors on the market. Its popularity stems from its outstanding performance and durable build.

If you’re a DIYer, the Craftsman compressor may become your new best friend. It comes with 13 accessory kits that make it perfect for a few different jobs.

One of its main applications is as a framing nailer. This compressor can pair with a few different nailers and other tools.

Product Specs

• Power source: Corded
• Voltage: 120V
• Weight: 32 lb.
• Length: 16.5 in.
• Width: 16.5 in.
• Height: 17.88 in.
• Motor: 0.8 HP
• Tank capacity: 6 Gallons
• Maximum Pressure: 150 PSI
• Air pressure flow: 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI

Feature Highlights

• 6 Gallon tank means you can use the compressor for longer periods
• Includes a 13-piece accessory kit that lets the compressor connect to many devices
• Quick recovery time to refill the compressor tank

An amazing feature of the Craftsman compressor is its weather resistance. It can generate up to 150 PSI in both hot and cold weather because of the resilient outer casing.

What’s more, because the compressor is oil-free, it doesn’t need any regular maintenance.

However, some users complain that the safety valve isn’t secure enough. In addition, when releasing air pressure, the compressor can be incredibly loud.

Pros

• Easy to move around because of low weight
• Versatile and can be used for many applications
• Low maintenance and oil-free to make setup much easier
• Can function well in all kinds of weather conditions

Cons

• The hose may be too small for some applications
• Its safety valve can be a little more secure

Best Value Air Compressor: Porter Cable

Next up on our list, I have the Porter-Cable Air Compressor. If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, this one might be the way to go.

This model is heavier than the Craftsman compressor but comes with more horsepower. The extra power from the motor means that you get a more seamless air compression.

However, the maximum pressure you can achieve is 15 PSI less than the Craftsman. This shouldn’t affect the overall performance, but it does mean a shorter working time.

Product Specs

• Power source: Corded
• Voltage: 120 V
• Weight: 34 lb.
• Length: 19 in.
• Width: 19 in.
• Height: 18 in.
• Motor: 1 HP
• Tank capacity: 6 Gallons
• Maximum Pressure: 135 PSI
• Air pressure flow: 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI

Feature Highlights

• It has rubber feet to help stabilize the base
• The water drain valve is durable and lasts a long time
• 135 PSI maximum pressure

One of the best features of the Porter-Cable compressor is its regulator. This device comes with a built-in pressure regulator to control the pressure you use.

Still, the air pump on the model is a little unreliable. The pump could sometimes stop working and may need frequent replacement.

So, this model is best if you only need to use the compressor for short periods.

Pros

• Easy to use as soon as you unpack it from the box
• Comes with an integrated cord wrap to avoid the cord tangling
• The air compressor doesn’t need any maintenance
• It’s compatible with many tools, even more than the Craftsman

Cons

• Can be loud while the air is compressing
• Some of the plastic parts in the kit aren’t of great quality and you may need to replace them

Best Budget Air Compressor: Bostitch 6 Gallon

If you’re on a budget, the Bostitch 6 Gallon Air Compressor might be your best bet. Even though it’s one of the most affordable options on our list, it has an impressive motor. The Bostitch has a motor as powerful as the Craftsman but at a much lower price point.

Since the Bostitch has an oil-free air pump, you also don’t need to worry about any extra maintenance fees. Being oil-free also means that this compressor doesn’t have any problem starting up in the cold. This can be useful if your compressor spends a lot of time in storage.

Product Specs

• Power source: Corded
• Voltage: 120 V
• Weight: 31 lb.
• Length: 17 in.
• Width: 17 in.
• Height: 19.25 in.
• Motor: 0.8 HP
• Tank capacity: 6 Gallon
• Maximum Pressure: 150 PSI
• Air pressure flow: 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI

Feature Highlights

• The unique design makes storing this compressor much easier
• Comes with a highly efficient motor that can run for long periods
• Couplers and regulators can handle a high flow rate

The Bostitch also comes with an extra-long cord, the longest on our list. So, you have a large working radius to finish large jobs. In addition, it comes with wheels to make moving it around easier.

However, the wheels aren’t of the best quality. It can be a little tricky to use the wheels, so carrying it around might be easier. The Bostitch also doesn’t come with any accessories.

Pros

• Can start up easily, even after long periods of storage
• Comes with a powerful motor at a lower price
• Has a long cord, so you can use it in large spaces
• Doesn’t require any maintenance

Cons

• The device doesn’t come with any accessories for different tools
• Not easy to move around using the wheels

Best Upgrade Air Compressor: Makita MAC2400

If you’re looking to upgrade your compressor, look no further than the Makita MAC2400. This is the most powerful compressor on our list.

It has a motor that’s more than twice as powerful as the Bostitch and Craftsman motors. This makes the Makita MAC2400 the most versatile compressor on the list. You can use it for so much more than just a framing nailer.

Product Specs

• Power source: Corded
• Voltage: 120 V
• Weight: 77 lb.
• Length: 20 in.
• Width: 18 in.
• Height: 18.75 in.
• Motor: 2.5 HP
• Tank capacity: 4.2 Gallons
• Maximum Pressure: 130 PSI
• Air pressure flow: 4.2 SCFM at 90 PSI

Feature Highlights

• It has a big bore cylinder to deliver stronger airflow
• Impressive 2.5 HP motor
• The iron pump is durable and can withstand high pressures

The Makita compressor is also great for roofing and even inflating your tires. This is because the cast-iron pumps allow you to produce up to 130 PSI.

The Makita MAC2400 also comes with wheels. However, unlike the Bostitch, the wheels are stable and sturdy. So, moving around the device shouldn’t be an issue.

Even though the Makita MAC2400 has a powerful motor, it has a smaller capacity than the Craftsman. It’s also much heavier than all the other compressors on the list.

Pros

• Has a powerful motor that makes air compression faster
• The big boar cylinder provides much greater airflow pressure
• Short recovery time because of the compressor
• Virtually silent operation because of the big bore cylinder

Cons

• Has a low tank capacity, so you need to compress air more often
• The most expensive model on the list

Best Cordless Air Compressor: DeWalt FlexVolt 60V

If you don’t plan on using your air compressor regularly, consider buying the DeWalt FlexVolt. This compressor is the most portable on the list, by far. At 21 pounds, it’s about 10 pounds lighter than the other compressors, and it’s cordless.

One of the most annoying things about using a portable air compressor is finding a place to plug it in.

Well, the DeWalt FlexVolt has a solution. It’s the only completely cordless option on our list. Instead of the normal plug, the DeWalt FlexVolt comes with a lithium-ion battery.

Product Specs

• Power source: 1 Lithium-ion battery
• Voltage: 60 V
• Weight: 21.5 lb.
• Length: 15 in.
• Width: 12 in.
• Height: 18 in.
• Motor: 0.4 HP
• Tank capacity: 2.5 Gallons
• Maximum Pressure: 135 PSI
• Air pressure flow: 1.2 SCFM at 90 PSI

Feature Highlights

• Battery power can fire up to 1,220 framing nails per charge
• Brushless motor provides seamless, quiet performance
• One-turn regulator gives you full control of pressure adjustment

The DeWalt FlexVolt also comes with a brushless motor. One of the many amazing benefits of a brushless motor is silent operation. It’s also much more efficient when it comes to power usage.

However, since the DeWalt is so small, the air capacity is about 2.5 Gallons. This is less than half of the Craftsman and Porter-Cable air capacity. For this reason, it’s best suited for smaller projects.

The DeWalt also has a weaker airflow, so it might not be compatible with all tools.

Pros

• Cordless, so you don’t have to worry about plugging it in
• Has a one-turn regulator to help you adjust the pressure
• Lightweight and easy to carry around
• A brushless motor means the compressor doesn’t make much noise

Cons

• A small air tank means it’s best for smaller projects
• The battery needs recharging and there’s no cable alternative

Portable Air Compressor Features to Consider

When you’re using the best cordless framing nailer for your projects, you will want to pair it up with a good air compressor. Portable options allow you quickly move from project to project easily.

Finding the perfect portable air compressor for you can be tricky. So, when looking at air compressors, there are a few factors you should keep in mind.

Horsepower

The motor is one of the most important parts of a portable air compressor. It decides how much power you consume and how long you can use the device.

Horsepower represents how powerful the motor of the compressor is. A powerful motor can compress more air in a shorter period.

If you plan on using an air compressor for long periods, it’s a good idea to get a motor with high horsepower. The lower the horsepower, the more likely it is that your motor will overheat.

Oil-Free Pump

An oil-free pump is a crucial feature of an air compressor, especially if you plan on using it for long periods. The oil-free pump reduces the compressor noise and allows it to run for much longer.

It also makes maintenance much easier, since you don’t have to clean out an oil tank.

Air Tank Size

An air tank will store all of the compressed air. The larger the tank, the more air it can carry, which means you can use the device for longer.

However, a bigger tank isn’t always the best option. This is even more true for portable compressors. You want a tank that’s big enough to finish a job but small enough to carry around.

Noise Level

Before you buy an air compressor, you should know that most models will make a lot of noise. The motors that compressors use can be incredibly loud.

In addition, as you release the air from the tank, the compressor will make even more noise.

If noise is a big issue, there are a few features that try to minimize it. Finding an air compressor with a brushless motor and an oil-free pump will go a long way in cutting down the noise. They won’t stop the noise altogether, but the operation will be much quieter.

SCFM Vs CFM

SCFM stands for Standard Cubic Feet per Minute, which is the rate of gas flow in an air compressor. I measure this at a standard temperature of 60 to 68℉ and a pressure of 14.7 PSI.

CFM stands for Cubic feet per minute. This one measures the volume of air that passes through the air compressor per minute.

The difference between them is the conditions under which I measure the airflow. Using standard, or ideal conditions, I get the SCFM number. For the CFM, I use the actual conditions of the environment.

They’re both important, and ideally, you want a high SCFM and CFM.

PSI

PSI is a unit of measurement for pressure, and it stands for Pounds per Square Inch. This tells you the pressure inside the air compressor.

The higher the PSI, the more force your air compressor can deliver.

Duty Cycle

The duty cycle of an air compressor tells you how long you can use it. It stands for the amount of time a compressor can deliver pressurized air in a cycle.

The larger the duty cycle, the longer you can use your air compressor. For example, an air compressor with a 30% duty cycle would operate for one-third of its total cycle time. If your compressor has an hour’s cycle time, it’ll run for 20 minutes and then rest for 40 minutes.

FAQs

Conclusion

Finding the best portable compressor for framing nailers can be a tedious task. There are many variables you need to keep an eye on, like pressure and motor power.

Our pick for the best portable compressor is the Craftsman 6 Gallon Air Compressor. With a huge tank and an impressive motor, it can help you finish any project quickly.

As for our runner-up, I chose the Makita MAC2400. This compressor has even more horsepower than the Craftsman, but it’s a lot more expensive.