Best Portable Air Compressors for Impact Wrench 2021

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I was searching for the best portable air compressor for impact wrench when I came across the following air compressors. In my research, I had to check on the durability, portability among other features.

The different air compressors available in the market come with various features. There are others which are oil lubricated hence run quietly while others can withstand heavy sues.

The task of trying to locate the best air compressors to power your impact wrench can overwhelm you. You do not have to worry because we have researched on your behalf.

Top Best Portable Air Compressors for Impact Wrench in 2021

1. Makita MAC5200 Air Compressor

It is among the most durable air compressors. With a cast iron pump, it works very well in delivering enough pressure to power different impact wrenches. I was attracted to the air compressor due to its powerful 3.0 horsepower motor.

It is a durable motor which never lets me down. The pump is oiled; hence it can work very well even under heavy uses. The cylinder is made out of cast iron making it highly durable.

Built-in storage compartment allows me to store different accessories which I need in my daily applications. Folding handle allows for easy storage even in small spaces. Rugged wheels will enable me to take the unit to any job site where I can enjoy working.

2. DEWALT DWFP55126 Pancake

The air compressor can produce up to 165 PSI pressure. I apply it to a wide range of applications. When taking into consideration the best portable air compressor for the impact wrench, the unit scores highly.

High-efficiency motor makes it very fast. Even in the cold season, I do not face any problem when it comes to starting the air compressor. It can easily start even in cold areas where other units can fail.

It uses a household power supply. I do not have to worry about where I can get an adapter. High flow regulator allows me to get the exact pressure I need to run different air tools. For the case of an impact wrench, the air compressor works very well. I can recommend it to anybody who would like to realize the best results.

3. Excell U256PPE Air Compressor

It is among the best portable air compressor for impact wrench which I have been using for long. Oil-free operation reduces its maintenance.

The universal pump allows me to use the air compressor without worry of repairs. Special design motor enhances the cooling hence better performance. Control panel is conveniently located thus making it easy for me to enjoy its operation.

Fully enclosed motor and pump provide the necessary protection I need to realize the best operation. Cold weather start makes the unit easy to start even in extreme conditions. Low voltage operation makes it an excellent tool for my use in rural areas.

4. PORTER-CABLE C2002

It is the best portable air compressor for impact wrench which assures me value for money.

It comes with up to 13 accessories which even save my money because I do not have to put money aside so that I can buy other accessories to use. 6-gallon tank is big enough to guarantee me the necessary pressure I need to realize the best performance.

Pancake style tank offers optimal stability. A maximum of 150 PSI makes it a great air compressor I can access in the market. Quick compressor recovery time allows for continuous operation. I can easily save time due to the fast recovery periods.

5. Bostitch BTFP02012 Compressor

The air compressor appears in my best portable air compressor for impact wrench due to its powerful capability. It can reach up to 150 PSI making it a great air compressor I can utilize in the market.

High-efficiency motor delivers enough pressure to allow me to work on different projects. It does not matter the type of wrench I’m using, the air compressor has an excellent design to assure me of exceptional performance.

High flow regulator makes it easy to work on a wide range go wrenches because I can adjust the pressure. Long life oil free pump makes it highly durable. Repairs have been reduced due to the use of special design pump.

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Portable air compressor for impact wrench: Buying guide

There are several factors you need to take into consideration before buying an air compressor to power an impact wrench. Here are some tips:

Noise production

In your work area, you need to go for an impact wrench air compressor which cannot produce a lot of noise. You need to check on the maximum amount of noise the unit can deliver before you proceed to order.

Durability

To save on money, you need an air compressor which is built to be highly durable. Check on features such as the cast iron pump and the material used to make the tank.

Cold start capability

If you stay in a place which experiences severe weather, you need an air compressor which has cold start capability.

FAQs

How much CFM do I need for my impact wrench?

It all depends mainly on the size of the impact wrench you’re using. The bigger the impact wrench, the more the air you will need. Let’s check out the well-known impact wrench sizes available and the ideal cfm required.

1/4-inch

You don’t need much air pressure here. A 1-1.5 CFM is sufficient for a 1/4-inch wrench. Of course, you can go for more air, but it’s not necessary. Anything smaller would mean you won’t have enough power to operate this size impact wrench.

3/8-inch

For an impact wrench of this size, you will need a bit of more power. It would help if you had roughly the double of a 1/4-inch impact wrench. That means you are on the lookout for a 3 to 3.5 CFM air compressor. Is it safe to go lower?

Maybe. However, if you could get a 2.5 CFM air compressor, it will be cutting close to the limit. If you need a model specifically for a 3/8-inch impact wrench, the recommended rating is the 3 to 3.5 CFM.

1/2-inch

If you’re not new to the impact wrenches, you may be familiar with the 1/2-inch impact wrench. It’s probably the most common of all sizes, and in terms of sizing, they are in the middle of the chart. You must size its CFM right.

The good news is, there are many options to consider when it comes to the right CFM. Anything between 3.5 to a 5 CFM can be ideal for this size impact wrench. If you need to get specific, the best recommendation would be 4 CFM.

If you’re running a professional workshop that uses multiple 1/2-inch impact wrenches, the best CFM rating is 5 CFM. It will give you the ideal balance of everything you need to operate the wrench.

1-inch

Lastly, there is a 1-inch impact wrench. These types are uncommon and mostly found on construction sites only. Besides their sizes, you need a powerful air compressor to operate them, something with a 9 to 10 CFM range. And as you can guess, this size of air compressors are expensive. You’ll have to dig deeper into your pockets.

Can you convert psi to CFM?

PSI and CFM are two different units. It’s like talking about how to convert pressure into volume; they are not the same elements. What’s more, they have opposite effects on each other, and their relationship is linear. If you have 8 CFM at 120 PSI, you can get 4 CFM at 60 PSI.

How many CFM do I need for air tools?

Air tools are a broad name that is used to describe every equipment that needs air to operate. That means there those that need less CFM to perform optimally, and there those that need higher CFM for better productivity. With that said, most of the personal-use air tools will require anything between 0 and 5 CFM. For the more extensive air tools, mostly used by professionals, you need something above 10 CFM at 100 or 120 PSI.

Is it OK to hand-tighten lug nuts?

No. Yes, you need to install the wheel lugs by hand, but not to tighten them. Most manufacturers recommend using hands to push the wheel home on the right hub and use a socket wrench to tighten them to make sure they hold snugly. You should know that pulling the lug nuts with hand might allow them to get loose in the future and cause problems.