Air Tool Reviews and Pneumatic Nailers | Pro Tool Reviews https://www.protoolreviews.com/category/tools/air/ Professional Tool Reviews for Pros Wed, 23 Nov 2022 12:28:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 https://www.protoolreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/cropped-PTR-favicon-32x32.png Air Tool Reviews and Pneumatic Nailers | Pro Tool Reviews https://www.protoolreviews.com/category/tools/air/ 32 32 Senco FN91T1 Paper Tape Framing Nailer Review https://www.protoolreviews.com/senco-34-clipped-head-framing-nailer-fn91t1/ https://www.protoolreviews.com/senco-34-clipped-head-framing-nailer-fn91t1/#respond Wed, 19 Oct 2022 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.protoolreviews.com/?p=122911 Senco FN91T1 Paper Tape Framing Nailer ReviewSenco Next-Generation FN91T1 Framing Nailer Delivers Serious Driving Power Engineered lumber is growing in popularity and framing nailers have to […]

The post Senco FN91T1 Paper Tape Framing Nailer Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>

Senco Next-Generation FN91T1 Framing Nailer Delivers Serious Driving Power

Engineered lumber is growing in popularity and framing nailers have to have the power to drive into them. Considering how much framing is soft SPF (spruce/pine/fir), that can be a challenge for some models. We got our hands on the Senco FN91T1 paper tape framing nailer to see what it can do with modern framing materials.

A quick note before we jump in. The FN919T1 is a 30° – 34° paper tape clipped head nailer and it’s the one we’re using for this review. While there are some differences (like the nose design), it came out with a 21° round head version—the FN81T1—that you can expect similar results from.

Senco FN91T1 Paper Tape Framing Nailer Performance

Driving Power

Sinking Nails in LVL

We generally see framing nailers used with softer pine for the majority of applications. Sometimes, however, we’ll need a nailer to punch through denser material. That’s why we tested this nailer by driving a series of 3 1/2-inch nails into a section of LVL.

We set the nailer to the deepest drive setting and dialed our line pressure to 115 PSI. To our delight, the Senco not only drove the nails but actually managed to sink them! Whether you’re fastening LVL to LVL or softer materials into it, you can be confident this nailer has the power you need. Plus, there’s plenty of speed to keep up with even the most seasoned members of your crew.

Accuracy and Visibility

Typically, accuracy isn’t the biggest factor when it comes to framing nailers but it’s not something to ignore either. The improved claw design does offer a decent amount of visibility but we have seen better. The kit also includes a no-mar tip to protect delicate surfaces, however, it further obstructs your view.

Take that all with a grain of salt. You can still see the nose and you know the nail is going to fire inside of it. You’re just unlikely to have 1/8th-inch accuracy.

Toenailing

Senco FN91T1 Paper Tape Framing Nailer Review

Toenailing into boards at hard angles can get tricky no matter what, and some nailers handle it better than others. This nailer underwent a bit of a facelift towards the business end to help improve performance in this area. The nose is now more aggressive with larger steel barbs that get a much better bite into the wood compared to other framers we’ve used in the past.

Senco FN91T1 Paper Tape Framing Nailer Design Notes

Ergonomics

Senco FN91T1 Paper Tape Framing Nailer Review

Weight is a big factor when it comes to selecting a framing nailer. While some Pros are opting for new cordless models, like the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2744 nailer, some are choosing to stick with tried and true pneumatic options because they tend to be a tad lighter.

The Senco FN91T1 nailer weighs 8.4 pounds, a few pounds shy of most battery-powered models. It has a nice balance and isn’t overly top-heavy. The magazine’s inline design helps keep the left/right balance neutral. The head has the forward tilt we expect that promotes effective bump firing and recoil reduction.

When it comes to the grip, textured rubber overmold on the handle helps you maintain a secure grip, even when wearing work gloves.

Firing Modes

Trigger

To switch between bump fire and sequential fire modes, you need to switch out the trigger. That’s not unusual for pneumatic framing nailers, so it’s not a big surprise.

Driving Depth

Drive Depth Thumbwheel

You change the driving depth with a typical thumbwheel, but the placement is a bit different. It’s central on the nose rather than offset on the right, making it easier for lefties. Every 1/2-turn of the dial, you feel a stop/detent, giving you an idea of how much you’re adjusting.

Loading the Magazine

Magazine

Nails load from the base of the magazine. Slide a stick in, bring the pusher down over them and let it slide back up the same way you do with most framing nailers. One difference is that the override button takes some getting used to. Its corner placement makes it far easier to engage from the above than below.

Clearing Jams

One fly in the ointment is that you have to remove the entire magazine to access the firing chamber. While the system isn’t overly complex, it’s certainly not as convenient as those with tool-free access.

Additional Features

  • Large aluminum rafter hook
  • Engineered and assembled in Cincinnati, Ohio

Senco FN91T1 Paper Tape Framing Nailer Price

The Senco FN91T1 retails for $309.99 and comes with a 5-year warranty. While it’s not out at the time we’re writing, we expect the FN81T1 to have a similar price tag.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a framing nailer that has the performance to deal with engineered lumber without sacrificing speed, the Senco FN91T1 or FN81T1 framing nailer is an excellent choice. It has plenty of power to fasten in LVL and its aggressive claw nose makes toenailing far more effective. While having to remove the magazine for jam-clearing may make some people hesitate, the nailer’s overall performance and quality are more than enough to make up for it.

Senco FN91T1 Paper Tape Framing Nailer Specifications

  • Model: Senco FN91T1
  • Power Source: Pneumatic
  • Magazine Capacity: 80 nails
  • Weight: 8.4 pounds
  • Max Operating Pressure: 70 – 120 PSI
  • Air Consumption: 0.111 SCFM
  • Air Inlet: 3/8 in. NPT
  • Nail Size Range: 2 – 3 1/2 in.
  • Warranty: 5-year
  • Price: $309

The post Senco FN91T1 Paper Tape Framing Nailer Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>
https://www.protoolreviews.com/senco-34-clipped-head-framing-nailer-fn91t1/feed/ 0 PTIA-2022-Winner-Square-Ish-15-650×601-1 Senco FN91T1 Paper Tape Framing Nailer 05 Senco FN91T1 Paper Tape Framing Nailer 06 Senco FN91T1 Paper Tape Framing Nailer 09 Senco FN91T1 Paper Tape Framing Nailer 02 Senco FN91T1 Paper Tape Framing Nailer 07 Senco FN91T1 Paper Tape Framing Nailer 10 Senco FN91T1 Paper Tape Framing Nailer 08
Metabo HPT Tank XL Wheelbarrow Compressor https://www.protoolreviews.com/metabo-hpt-tank-xl-wheelbarrow-compressor/ https://www.protoolreviews.com/metabo-hpt-tank-xl-wheelbarrow-compressor/#comments Tue, 09 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.protoolreviews.com/?p=120757 Metabo HPT Tank XL wheelbarrow compressorPower A Whole Team Of Nailers With Metabo HPT’s Tank XL Compressor The Metabo HPT Tank XL wheelbarrow compressor (EC2610EA) […]

The post Metabo HPT Tank XL Wheelbarrow Compressor appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>

Power A Whole Team Of Nailers With Metabo HPT’s Tank XL Compressor

The Metabo HPT Tank XL wheelbarrow compressor (EC2610EA) powers a whole fleet of nailers for all of your framing, roofing, or siding needs. With its wheelbarrow design and Honda GX 160 motor, the next iteration of Metabo HPT’s Tank series of air compressors aims to take center stage on your jobsite.

Metabo HPT Tank XL Wheelbarrow Compressor: The Big Deal

Metabo HPT Tank XL compressor

This is Metabo HPT’s third entry in The Tank air compressor series. It also looks very similar to the discontinued EC2610E that came out several years ago. They have a lot in common and the updated model has some performance gains.

This air compressor was engineered to run a crew of framers, roofers, or siding installers on large jobsites without the need for electrical power. Metabo HPT tells us that it has the capacity to run up to five framing, siding, or roofing nailers simultaneously at the rate of production expected for a jobsite compressor.

At 9 gallons, The Tank XL also has the largest capacity out of any of Metabo HPT’s air compressors. It’s powered by a Honda GX160 gas engine to deliver better performance than the company’s previous compressors.

The Tank XL achieves 9.5 CFM at 90 PSI and provides up to 11% more air. This coupled with its large 9-gallon capacity lets you and your crew operate more tools on the job.

Additional Features

  • Assembled in the U.S.A
  • Oil-lubricated pump provides durability and long life
  • Solid rubber maintenance-free tire for traversing rough terrain
  • Aftercooler cools discharged air and reduces moisture

Metabo HPT Tank XL EC2610EA VS EC2610E

Tank XL
EC2610EA
EC2610E
EngineHonda GX160Honda GX160
Max HP5.5 HP at 3600 RPM5.5 HP at 3600 RPM
Tank Capacity9 gallons8 gallons
Max PSI145 PSI145 PSI
CFM at 90 PSI9.5 CFM9.5 CFM
CFM at 100 PSI9.3 CFM9.0 CFM
Weight159 pounds158 pounds

Metabo HPT Tank XL Wheelbarrow Compressor Price

The Metabo HPT EC2610EA retails for $1,299. You also get two 1/4-inch brass industrial couplers. Metabo HPT backs your purchase with a 1-year warranty.

Specifications

  • Model: Metabo HPT EC2610EA
  • Maximum horsepower: 5.5 Net HP @ 3,600 RPM
  • Throttle control: Pneumatic
  • Tank capacity: 9 gallons
  • Tank type: Twin wheelbarrow
  • Max working pressure: 145 PSI
  • CFM @ 90 PSI: 9.5 CFM
  • CFM @ 100 PSI: 9.3 CFM
  • Length: 43 in
  • Width: 18.5 in
  • Height: 26 in
  • Weight: 159 lbs

The post Metabo HPT Tank XL Wheelbarrow Compressor appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>
https://www.protoolreviews.com/metabo-hpt-tank-xl-wheelbarrow-compressor/feed/ 1 8dd3c1ae-8609-4fe0-ab50-d33fa0f0aa89_7
Metabo HPT 8-gal Portable Air Compressor EC1315SM https://www.protoolreviews.com/metabo-hpt-8-gal-225-psi-high-capacity-portable-air-compressor/ https://www.protoolreviews.com/metabo-hpt-8-gal-225-psi-high-capacity-portable-air-compressor/#comments Tue, 14 Jun 2022 18:11:38 +0000 https://www.protoolreviews.com/?p=119733 Metabo HPT 8-gallon The Tank air compressorPower an Entire Crew of Framers With this Metabo HPT 225 PSI Air Compressor Construction workers know how important it […]

The post Metabo HPT 8-gal Portable Air Compressor EC1315SM appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>

Power an Entire Crew of Framers With this Metabo HPT 225 PSI Air Compressor

Construction workers know how important it is to have enough power to get the job done. That goes double when it comes to nailing, which is integral to the building process from start to finish. The Metabo HPT 8-gallon 225 PSI air compressor (EC1315SM), part of their The Tank series, may just be the one you need to make framing, roofing, finishing, and siding installation a breeze.

Metabo HPT 225 PSI Air Compressor: The Big Deal

We reviewed the Metabo HPT pancake air compressor which also falls under The Tank series. This 8-gallon air compressor aims to be one step above. It includes the ability to run even more nailers at once. With the Metabo HPT EC1315SM The Tank 8-Gal compressor, you get five (5) ports. They let you run 3 framing nailers or 4 roofing/siding nailers simultaneously. Or, you can run up to five 15-gauge or 16-gauge finish nailers. In either of these scenarios, each tool would have enough air to drive nails.

Metabo HPT EC1315S 8-gallon compressor

You don’t have to sacrifice airflow, either. It offers 40% more airflow, according to Metabo HPT, with 5 CFM at 90 PSI and 6.3 CFM at 40 PSI. Its PSI in general is 38% greater than the company’s EC99S 4-gallon twin stack compressor.

On top of the power and PSI, this air compressor is also lightweight for its size—even compared to many of the best air compressors we’ve looked at. Weighing 93 lbs, it’s easily manageable when you need to move it around the jobsite. It also has rubber tires for traversing rough terrain. Metabo designed it to store upright when not in use so you can easily tuck it out of the way.

Additional Features

  • Retractable steel pull handle
  • Drives nails flush without delay
  • Regulated pressure gauge
  • Noise: 76 dBA SPL
  • Top-mounted air filter
  • 6-foot power cord length
  • Oil-free motor for less maintenance

Metabo HPT EC1315SM Price

The Metabo HPT 225 PSI Air Compressor retails for $459. It includes two 1/4-inch brass industrial couplers. Metabo backs your purchase with a 1-year limited warranty.

Specifications

  • Model: Metabo HPT EC1315SM
  • Amperage: 13.5 A
  • Air delivery: 6.3 CFM at 40 PSI; 5 CFM at 90 PSI
  • Running horsepower: 1.5 HP
  • Fitting size: 1/4-inch
  • Weight: 93 lbs
  • Length: 35.7 in
  • Width: 22.5 in
  • Height: 17.9 in
  • Tank material: Steel
  • Max pressure: 225 PSI

The post Metabo HPT 8-gal Portable Air Compressor EC1315SM appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>
https://www.protoolreviews.com/metabo-hpt-8-gal-225-psi-high-capacity-portable-air-compressor/feed/ 1 Metabo HPT EC1315S 8-gallon compressor
Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator Review 2848-20 https://www.protoolreviews.com/milwaukee-m18-cordless-inflator-review-2848-20/ https://www.protoolreviews.com/milwaukee-m18-cordless-inflator-review-2848-20/#comments Tue, 03 May 2022 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.protoolreviews.com/?p=118279 Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator Review 2848-20The Milwaukee 2848-20 Inflator Claims to Be the Fastest 18V Model on the Market When Milwaukee Tool made the claim […]

The post Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator Review 2848-20 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>

The Milwaukee 2848-20 Inflator Claims to Be the Fastest 18V Model on the Market

When Milwaukee Tool made the claim that its M18 2848-20 cordless tire inflator was the fastest 18V model on the market, we had to get it in and test it for ourselves. Having used nearly a dozen of these cordless tools already, we’ve found that they all get the job done…but quickly? Not so much. We wanted to put this particular tool to the test on cars, trucks, and even some ranch equipment to see if it could increase the only kind of inflation we like around here.

Pros

  • Truly quick compared to all other tested tools to-date
  • Lower frequency sounds better than the typical high pitch of other cordless inflators
  • Accurate pressure gauge
  • Brass Schrader chuck
  • 150 Max PSI

Cons

  • Leaks a bit of air on removal due to the depth of threads on the Schrader chuck

Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator Performance

Right from the start, we knew this was an unusual inflator. For one, it never took more than a minute to top off any of our vehicle tires—even the ones that were down by a considerable percentage. The Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator also emits a lower pitch when running than other tire inflators we’ve used. It’s not as hard on the ears. We first tested it out on a combination of passenger vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs from Jeep, Honda, Subaru, and Ford.

2848-20 RedLithium battery-powered

Setting the desired pressure involves pressing the + and – buttons on the Milwaukee 2848-20 and then hitting the inflate button on the right to begin. Milwaukee designed their M18 cordless inflator to take readings throughout the tire inflation process. This seems to help it get a more accurate fill. Based on our comparisons using a manual tire pressure gauge—it did a more accurate job of hitting our target PSI numbers by as much as 2 PSI.

Milwaukee M18 battery-powered tire inflator

After finding it easy and quick to fill up our passenger vehicles, we took the Milwaukee M18 tire inflator to the ranch to pair it with a John Deere tractor. While those tires don’t require a lot of pressure, they do need a bunch of air volume. Unsurprisingly, the Milwaukee 2848-20 tire inflator’s increased filling speed—even with the pauses to re-evaluate pressure—shaves a lot of time off a job filling larger tires like these.

Comparing the M18 Tire Inflator Speed and Accuracy to Other Models

We compared the Milwaukee 2848-20 to the Ryobi P747 dual function inflator and the Ridgid R87044 digital inflator. The test included draining 6 PSI off the tire of a 2015 Ford F150 and then seeing how quickly the inflator could top it off back to 36 PSI. We verified the before and after pressure using a manual dial-style tire gauge.

Milwaukee 2848-20Ryobi P747Ridgid R87044
Inflation Time0:522:191:19
PSI at completion*36 PSI35 PSI35 PSI
FunctionTire Inflation onlyTire & High VolumeTire Inflation only
Price$169$59.98$69
*Measured with a manual tire gauge

Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator Design Notes

This really isn’t a complex tool. While it excels in speed it also uses a simplistic interface. You get 4 memory positions which you toggle through using the Memory button under the backlit LCD screen. Use the + and – buttons to set the desired pressure and then hit the inflate button to begin inflating.

LCD screen tire pressure

I love that, as it works, the tone of this tool isn’t quite as high-pitched as other battery-powered tire inflators. Milwaukee clearly used a larger internal bladder, so it runs at a lower frequency and fills tires more quickly. The auto pressure check feature seems to work really well, and I even liked the design of the brass Schrader chuck. One potential issue is that the number of threads on the Schrader valve caused me to lose a bit more air than I would like when removing it from the valve stem.

36-inch hose brass Schrader chuck

Additional Features

  • Includes inflation needle, nozzle, and Presta chucks
  • Backlit LCD screen
  • Onboard hose and nozzle storage
  • Fits all current M18 batteries
  • Anti-vibration feet

Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator Price

You can pick up the Milwaukee 2848-20 M18 cordless tire inflator for around $169 as a bare tool. We’ve seen it as a kit for around $348, but that seems excessive. Get the bare tool or wait for a deal or special.

Milwaukee M18 tire inflator

The Bottom Line

This product should really appeal to current Milwaukee Tool users. Skip the kit option and just use whatever batteries you have lying around. We tried it with both a 5Ah RedLithium and 8Ah High Output battery. You just get more inflating between charges with a larger pack. Compared to every other 18V tire inflator we’ve used, the Milwaukee is significantly faster. This will especially matter to anyone doing a bunch of remote inflating and wanting a quicker solution. If that was the primary design goal Milwaukee Tool had in mind for this tool, then we say: Mission accomplished.

Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator Specifications

  • Model: 2848-20
  • Chuck (integrated): brass Schrader
  • Max pressure: 150 PSI
  • Dimensions (HxWxL): 7.8 x 6.4 x 13.8 in.
  • Weight: 9 lbs.
  • Warranty: 5-years
  • Includes: M18 Inflator, integrated brass Schrader chuck, inflation needle, inflator nozzle, Presta chuck

The post Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator Review 2848-20 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>
https://www.protoolreviews.com/milwaukee-m18-cordless-inflator-review-2848-20/feed/ 1 2848-20 RedLithium battery-powered Milwaukee M18 battery-powered tire inflator LCD screen tire pressure 36-inch hose brass Schrader chuck Milwaukee M18 tire inflator
Best Air Compressors for 2022 https://www.protoolreviews.com/best-air-compressor-reviews/ https://www.protoolreviews.com/best-air-compressor-reviews/#comments Wed, 02 Feb 2022 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.protoolreviews.com/?p=63681 Nearly every professional contractor uses an air compressor. Of course, it’s not just a construction tool. Automotive, woodworking, aviation, marine, […]

The post Best Air Compressors for 2022 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>

Nearly every professional contractor uses an air compressor. Of course, it’s not just a construction tool. Automotive, woodworking, aviation, marine, and many others use a compressor to power air tools. When we got our team together to decide on the best air compressor, we sparked a fierce debate concerning brands, styles, prices, and much more.

Now that the physical and relational bruises have healed, we’re ready to share our expert opinions across a wide range of categories.

Best Air Compressor Overall – Our Top Pick

Metabo HPT 8-gallon Portable Air Compressor EC1315SM

Metabo HPT 8-gallon The Tank air compressor

Coming off of the success of the Metabo HPT pancake air compressor (also called “The Tank”), the 8-gallon EC1315SM delivers more CFM and capacity. Delivering up to 225 PSI and 5 CFM (at 90 PSI), you can run 3 framing nailers or 4 roofing/siding nailers simultaneously. Running a trim crew? Connect as many as five 15-gauge or 16-gauge finish nailers and get to work! In either of these scenarios, each tool would have plenty of air to drive nails.

At $459, you get a lot of tool in this capable package. Between the wheeled portability and capacity—we find this compressor to be an all-around workhorse.

Best Small Air Compressor

Choosing the best small air compressor can mean a couple of different things. Rather than assume one way or the other, we’re giving you both a typical compressor with a tank and an inflator to choose from.

Best Pancake Air Compressor: Metabo HPT “The Tank” Pancake Compressor EC914SM

Best Pancake Air Compressor: Metabo HPT Pancake Air Compressor

Metabo HPT again delivers outstanding performance with their Tank pancake compressor. With 4 CFM at 90 PSI and 200 PSI Max, it outperforms most other pancakes by a mile. Capable of running 2 framing or roofing nailers continuously, it doesn’t come with a crazy-high premium either. Just $199 takes it home.

With its 6-gallon tank, “The Tank” takes home a couple of accolades. It’s our top choice as the best pancake air compressor and the best 6-gallon air compressor. It also happens to be a 2020 Pro Tool Innovation Award Winner. For around $200, we find it hard to beat.

Best Inflator: Ridgid 18V Digital Inflator R87044

Best Inflator: Ridgid 18V Digital Inflator R87044

We’re tool guys. When we hashed out the best inflator, most of us wanted a cordless option rather than a 12V that connects to the car.

After much debate, we chose the $59 Ridgid 18V digital inflator. Our justification? It’s faster at filling than most others we’ve tested. Adding to its value, it eliminates the cordless vs 12V debate. How? By including a 12V adapter, giving you the best of both worlds.

Best Quiet Air Compressor

Makita Quiet Series 3 Gallon Air Compressor MAC320Q

At 60 decibels, the Makita Quiet Series 3-gallon air compressor is quiet enough to hold a conversation next to it. However, it’s not just the noise level that made it our choice as the best quiet compressor.

The MAC320Q offers better air delivery than most. With up to 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI, it maxes out 135 PSI in its 3-gallon tank. Keeping the noise down by running at 1750 RPM, it still takes just 65 seconds to charge and only requires 8.5 amps to run. You can grab this compressor for under $200.

Best Cordless Air Compressor

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2-Gallon Quiet Compressor 2840

Best Cordless Air Compressor: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Compressor

Both the DeWalt FlexVolt air compressor and the Milwaukee cordless compressor both make solid cordless compressors that have similar specs. Milwaukee earns the nod from our review team with a system that runs on its popular 18V batteries. It’s also 11 decibels (dBA) quieter. That’s a significant noise difference considering our Pros see cordless compressors as a primarily indoor air source. It’s $379 as a bare tool and $598 with a 12.0Ah battery. This tool also earned a 2020 Pro Tool Innovation Award.

DeWalt makes its case with a little higher tank capacity (2 gallons compared to 2 1/2) and a $329 price tag that includes a battery and charger. DeWalt’s lower price is certainly enough to grab some attention.

Best Wheelbarrow Air Compressor

Metabo HPT Tank XL Wheelbarrow Compressor

Metabo HPT Tank XL wheelbarrow compressor

Metabo HPT shows up once again on our list—but they really seem to be on a roll. They simply nailed the design of their 9-gallon Tank XL wheelbarrow air compressor. Powered by a Honda GX160 engine, it oozes long-term reliability. With a pair of 4.5-gallon tanks, it delivers 9.5 CFM at 90 PSI—dropping only slightly to 9.3 CFM at 100 PSI. We also really like the solid rubber maintenance-free tire for navigating nail-ridden jobsites. From start to finish, we think the Metabo HPT has the all-around best wheelbarrow air compressor available.

Best Shop Air Compressor

Ingersoll Rand 80-gal 5 HP 230V Single Phase Air Compressor

Ingersoll Rand 80-gal air compressor for home garage

Things got heated when we started talking about the best shop compressor. One thing is clear: Ingersoll-Rand, Jet, and Rolair dominate the shop compressor space in the opinion of our review team. Either of those brands represents a solid choice.

We decided to base our choice on the best single-stage 80-gallon air compressor each brand offers. We realize there are a lot more choices than just this design we narrowed it down to, but we had to make a decision and this seemed like the best all-around.

This Ingersoll-Rand offers 100% duty cycle operation with 17.8 CFM (and models that go up to 24 CFM or more). At over $3100, expect to pay for the quality you get with this system.

If you’re working on a tighter budget, consider the comparable 5HP 230V Campbell Hausfeld HS5180 80-gallon two-stage air compressor. It delivers 14 CFM and nearly halves the price.

Editor’s Note: Be sure to also check out our recommendation for the best portable air compressor for your home garage

Best Air Compressor for the Money

Metabo HPT Air Compressors

Best Air Compressor for the Money

When it comes to name-brand, professional-grade models, we turn to Metabo HPT to get the best air compressor for the money. While they’re not the cheapest, they consistently pack better performance than their competition for the dollar. With a long heritage of building quality nailers, it’s no wonder they have compressors dialed in as well.

Kobalt Air Compressors

There are several great brands to choose from when you’re looking for an inexpensive air compressor. Husky and Ridgid both offer a lot of bang for your buck. Topping out both brands is Kobalt. Found at Lowe’s, they have a wide selection. What sets Kobalt apart are a couple of larger-capacity quiet compressors that Husky doesn’t offer while still reaching up to 80-gallon models.

Best Air Compressor Brand

Rolair Air Compressors

Best Air Compressor Brand: Rolair

When cost is no object and you’re targeting the highest quality across an entire line, more of our Pros turn to Rolair than any other brand. With a history dating back to 1959, the Wisconsin-based manufacturer says it quite simply, “Our goal was simple: Produce the finest compressors known to mankind.”

In our opinion, they still do.

Air Compressor Buying Guide

Power Source

The most common air compressors run on either gas or electric power. Electric models can be either 120V or 240V, depending on the level of performance they have.

Smaller electric compressors are highly portable. They can run on a generator if you don’t have a direct AC power supply nearby. On the other hand, larger units tend to be installed in place and piped to the most convenient locations where you install connectors for your hoses.

Gas units are usually reserved for jobs that require high air delivery when mobility is a priority.

Battery-powered air compressors are becoming more popular with several major power tool brands making them. These are typically lower-power options that are best for finish nailers and other low-supply applications.

CFM and PSI

When you’re shopping for an air compressor, CFM and PSI are the key specs. They tell you the most about the performance you can expect.

CFM (often measured at 90 PSI) lets you know know the volume of air the unit can sustain. You can actually get higher CFM out of the tanks, but the pump won’t be able to replace it as fast as you’re using it. That means you have to take some “breaks”. Some tools, such as finish nailers, require very little CFM to keep up with the pace of the work. Other tools, like air sanders, need much higher CFM values to keep running.

PSI (pounds per square inch) is a measurement of the maximum pressure the pump can put in the tank. The higher the pressure, the greater the amount of air the tank can hold. 125 PSI is a good starting point and 200 PSI gets you into the high end of the spectrum for the most common units.

The reality is that every tool has its own CFM and PSI requirements. Check the package or the manual for the tool you’re considering and make sure the air compressor you’re buying can handle both. To make sure you get the most from your compressor, we recommend going with a model that gives you 50% higher CFM than your highest tool’s needs.

Tank Capacity

Tank capacity is a measure of the amount of air volume your compressor can hold. Each tank has a pressure rating and pairs with a pump. The higher the pressure the pump delivers, the greater the total amount of air the tanks hold. After that, the number of gallons determines the rest of the equation for understanding how long you can work.

Pro Tip: Drain your air compressor after every use. The air that comes in carried moisture with it and can start to rust the tank from the inside, especially around coastal areas.

Even if you find your compressor’s tank capacity is a little low, you can add an additional reserve tank to increase it.

Pro Tip: Every tank has an expiration date. Replace it once you reach that date to ensure the tank doesn’t fail.

Couplers

Alton Stealth Compressor

Most portable air compressors have one or two couplings on board. It’s also possible to add a two or three-way splitter. Just be aware that you’re sharing the air and your system needs to work harder to keep up.

Noise Level

Air compressors can be noisy! Add in a small gas engine and they get loud enough that you’ll want hearing protection.

One way to reduce noise is with the drive style. Belt drive compressors run quieter than direct drive by nature.

If you frequently work indoors, in occupied spaces, or around noise-sensitive campuses, look for a quiet compressor. These can drop down below 60 decibels (though most are more) and operate at a level you can actually hold a conversation next to.

Most quiet models are on the lower air delivery side. That means you’re unlikely to find one that’s good for sanding or roofing.

Duty Cycle

Duty cycle is a rating that tells you the percentage of time your compressor can run. For example, a 50% duty capacity tells you it needs 30 minutes of downtime for every 30 minutes of running.

If you’re looking for the best model in a high-use environment, check the duty cycle rating. Look for a compressor with a 100% duty cycle for high-demand work. For work that doesn’t keep a compressor working to keep up the entire time (most common), a 50% duty cycle is just fine.

Pump Type

Without going into a ton of detail about air compressor pumps, there are two basic types: oiled and oil-free. Oil-free models are much more convenient since you don’t have to worry about oil levels and require less maintenance.

Don’t be afraid of splash lubricated compressors, though. They don’t require a ton of refilling even though you should keep an eye on the levels frequently. In the end, your best bet is the compressor that meets your tools’ requirements whether it needs oil or not.

Types of Air Compressors

We mention several different types of air compressors above. If you’re shopping for your first one, here’s a breakdown of what we mean:

Pancake Air Compressor

Pancake air compressors use a round, flatter tank style with the motor and pump on top. They’re highly portable and stable with a relatively small footprint. These are a favorite among trim carpenters.

Craftsman 6-gallon air compressor CMEC6150

Hot Dog Air Compressor

A “hot dog” air compressor uses a single, longer cylinder-shaped tank with the motor and pump up top. Smaller capacity models are similar in footprint to pancake designs while larger capacities tend to take up more room. Some models may have a wheel system built into the frame.

Twin Stack Air Compressor

Essentially, a twin stack air compressor features a double hot dog style. The two tanks can be on the base or stacked on top of one another with the motor and pump shifting from the top to the front side. The advantage is primarily additional capacity. Some models will have a wheel and handle system built into the frame.

HItachi EC99S Twin Stack Compressor Profie

Wheelbarrow Air Compressor

Take a twin stack air compressor and feed it some and you get a wheelbarrow compressor. These usually feature two high-capacity tanks on the base with a gas engine for its power plant (there are also electric models). A single wheel between the tanks and handles on the opposite side make it portable despite its much heavier design.

Makita 5.5 HP Big Bore Gas Air Compressor MAC5501G

Vertical Air Compressor

Vertical air compressors use a single high-capacity tank with the motor and pump mounted on top. Smaller models usually have a handle and wheels that you can move around similar to a hand truck. Larger models are designed to be installed and stay in place.

Ridgid 15-Gallon Air Compressor

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

Ever check out a “review” site and you can’t tell if they actually tested the tools or if they’re just “recommending” the Amazon top sellers?

That’s not us. We only recommend what we’d actually use, even if we don’t earn a commission from it. It’s all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product.

We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction, automotive, and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review more than 250 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

We consult with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work.

We work with more than two dozen professional contractors around the United States who review products for us on real job sites and consult with us on testing methods, categories, and weighting.

We’ll provide more than 500 pieces of new content this year absolutely free for our readers—including objective evaluations of individual tools and products.

The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool.

The post Best Air Compressors for 2022 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>
https://www.protoolreviews.com/best-air-compressor-reviews/feed/ 3 Metabo HPT 8-gallon The Tank air compressor Metabo HPT Pancake Air Compressor 01 PTIA 2020 Ridgid 18V Digital Inflator R87044 Best-Quiet-Compressor-31 Milwaukee-cordless-compressor-portable PTIA 2020 Metabo HPT Tank XL wheelbarrow compressor Ingersoll Rand 80-gal air compressor for home garage Vertical Metabo HPT Tank Compressor07 Kobalt-Quiet-Compressor Rolair VT25BIG Air Compressor Name Alton Stealth Compressor09 Craftsman 6-gallon air compressor CMEC6150 Ryobi Cordless Compressor P739 FI HItachi EC99S Twin Stack Compressor Profie Makita 5.5 HP Big Bore Gas Air Compressor MAC5501G 07 Ridgid Compressor 15 Gallon08
Best Air Compressor for Home Garage https://www.protoolreviews.com/best-air-compressor-for-home-garage/ https://www.protoolreviews.com/best-air-compressor-for-home-garage/#comments Thu, 13 Jan 2022 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.protoolreviews.com/?p=114115 best air compressor for home garageConsiderations When Choosing an Air Compressor Forget choosing the best air compressor—choosing any air compressor for any task requires that […]

The post Best Air Compressor for Home Garage appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>

Considerations When Choosing an Air Compressor

Forget choosing the best air compressor—choosing any air compressor for any task requires that you understand a few key things. You need to know what CFM means, how the cycle rate affects your airflow, and the form factor you need (portable stack, pancake-style, standing tank, etc). When choosing the best air compressor for a home garage, we lean towards standing tanks. We do, however, recognize that some don’t want to (or need to) buy multiple air compressors, so we’ll also make some picks in the portable category as well. Before you choose, go through the following to understand your particular needs.

Editor’s Note: You may also want to see our recommendation for the best air compressor overall.

Air Compressor Type

One of the first things you want to decide is what type of air compressor you want. While some may want a standing tank that never moves from the corner of their garage or shop, others may desire something more portable. If you decide on a fixed tank, longer air hoses can get you just about anywhere you want. If, however, you plan to take your air on the road to do a job, that standing tank won’t be much help. Standing air compressors also take up a permanent place in your garage, so you lose some flexibility when it comes to storage.

A good compromise might be a larger 4–8 gallon jobsite air compressor. They make these in a variety of styles and some offer an excellent amount of both airflow and short cycle time to refill the tank. If you do decide to go portable, another decision involves choosing the “hot dog” style tanks or a “pancake” air compressor. In our opinion, hot dog compressors typically work best in a garage as they typically come with wheels (at least models 4-gallons or higher). Pancake compressors never include wheels and have a lower center of gravity and a wider base for use on roofs or anywhere you don’t want it to roll away.

Airflow or Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) or (SCFM)

When operating a finish nailer, you don’t need a ton of airflow or CFM. However, if you want the best air compressor for your home garage, you might want to support the use of air tools like impact drivers, pneumatic ratchets, and air sanders. Those require considerably more airflow or CFM. How much more? Assuming 90 PSI, you can drive a small finish nailer with just 0.3–0.5 CFM. Contrast that to an air ratchet which requires 3-7 CFM depending on its size. Want to use an air sander? That requires upwards of 11 to 13 CFM or more. You need a larger tank if you want to support those higher cubic feet-per-minute demands. Plan and buy accordingly.

NPT shut off valve

Pressure or PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)

When it comes to PSI ratings, most air compressors can handle the air pressure requirements of basic air tools. Many tools operate just fine around 90 PSI. Some tools, like framing nailers, want a bit more—around 100-120 PSI for maximum penetration into LVL and similarly hard materials. You may see many air compressors rated at 90 PSI for their airflow (SCFM) ratings. When you begin using more air pressure, those CFM rates drop.

pressure PSI air compressor

If you plan to use pressure-hogging tools like tire inflators, grease guns, and (multiple) framing nailers, be sure your compressor is big enough to keep up. This also leads to our next spec and consideration.

Duty Cycle Time

The duty cycle (or cycle time) refers to the amount of time between successive times a compressor refills. If your compressor generated air but had no tank, it would operate at 100% duty cycle. Some compressors are rated at 100% duty cycle, meaning they can deliver the spec’d pressure at the rated PSI continuously. That doesn’t mean they can run forever, however. At some point—unless you have a “continuous run” compressor, the system has to stop and give the pistons a break.

With respect to the duty cycle time, you need to ensure that your compressor can supply the proper pressure and volume of air for the tools you intend to use. That means that if you want to use an air sander at 13 CFM at 90 PSI, you likely need a decent-sized tank so you don’t have to stop and wait for it to refill if you quickly blow through all your available air.

A pneumatic nailer can suffer a shorter duty cycle just fine since it only requires a burst of high pressure. A continuous tool like an air ratchet, sander, or tire inflator, requires a faster fill rate for the tank, or a larger tank to keep up with the demands of the tool. Of course, this leads directly into our next feature.

Best Tank Size for a Home Garage

We’ve covered some of this above, but the size of your air compressor tank determines how much air you have to use before it needs to be refilled by the compressor. Our preference for the best air compressor for a home garage would include a larger tank—perhaps as much as 60 or 80 gallons. You can go higher, of course, but 60-80 fulfills a lot of applications for a garage or small workshop.

If you want something that supplies a decent amount of air but remains portable, an 8-gallon or 10-gallon model might make more sense. These come as either “wheelbarrow” style (see our Makita Big Bore air compressor review) or as a portable vertical tank style. The latter looks almost like it has an integrated dolly. A third type resembles an oversized “hot dog” style compressor.

If all of those seem too large and you have no use for high-demand tools, then keeping a 4-6 gallon portable hot dog or pancake-style air compressor in your home garage might be the best solution for you.

Check out our Best Air Compressors article for our top picks across a variety of applications and uses.

Best Home Garage Air Compressor Overall – Our Top Pick

Campbell Hausfeld 2-Stage 60 Gal. Stationary Electric Air Compressor

Campbell Hausfeld 60 Gal Air Compressor

The “dirty little secret” about air compressors is that not a whole lot of companies make them. As such, you see a lot of VERY similar designs. Often, you pay a bit of premium for a particular name. With that being the case, we’ve always liked the value presented by Campbell Hausfeld. Our pick for the best home garage air compressor overall combines performance, air supply, and value.

Add it all up, and you get the 60-gallon Campbell Hausfeld 2-stage compressor (XC602100) priced around $999. This 240V single-phase compressor nets you 175 max PSI and 7.6 SCFM at 90 psi. If that’s not enough for your needs (perhaps you intend to run an air sander) then look below for our larger-capacity air compressor pick for home shops.

If you’ve never heard of Campbell Hausfeld, you may be new to air compressors. From budget systems to tall 80-gallon solutions, the company has a very wide range of solutions. In fact nearly all they do is manufacture and sell pneumatic products (and some other items like welders). This particular model is even assembled in Leitchfield, Kentucky from global materials. It comes with a limited 3-year warranty.

Great for: pneumatic ratchets, nailers, and medium-demand air tools.

Best Air Compressor for Your Home Shop

Ingersoll Rand 80-gal 5 HP 230V Single Phase Air Compressor

Ingersoll Rand 80-gal air compressor for home garage

We’ve used quite a few stationary air compressors over the years, and Ingersoll Rand remains one of our favorite manufacturers. When you need an air compressor for your larger home shop, IR springs to mind very quickly.

They provide reliability, great features, and you get a lot of model options. For example, while we recommend the single-phase 80-gallon 2475N5 with 17.8 SCFM air delivery, you could just as easily ease up to a 40-amp model that puts out over 24 SCFM. You can also choose between single-phase and 3-phase (if you happen to have that available). Even better? Many of their products are assembled in the United States.

While Ingersoll Rand isn’t the only game in town (check out Northstar compressors at Northern Tool and Equipment as an alternative), we like them for their reliability. This shop-ready compressor runs about $2570 and features industrial-grade bearings and a cast-iron pump. It carries a 1-year warranty.

Great for: pneumatic ratchets, sanders, polishers, and high-demand air tools.

Best Portable Air Compressor for Your Home Garage

Rolair VT25BIG 2.5HP 5.3-gal Compressor with Folding Handle

Rolair VT25BIG best portable air compressor home garage

We reviewed the Rolair VT25BIG portable air compressor several years ago, and it still holds up as our favorite pick for a high-output portable air compressor. Why? Well, for just under $400 you get a 5.3-gallon 2.5HP air compressor with a 100% duty-cycle motor. That should get you 5000+ hours and outlast the warranty by a significant margin.

The Rolair VT25BIG 2.5 horsepower compressor offers outstanding air delivery while still being paired with a direct drive motor. Performance and build quality are excellent as well. The 108 pound weight is offset by a well-balanced and well-designed frame that makes portability much easier. Of course, we love the folding handle, too.

For running pneumatic nailers, you can easily run dual trim and framing nailers. One roofing nailer is no problem, but two might get ahead of air delivery. With its design, build quality, and performance, the Rolair VT25BIG absolutely gets our recommendation as the best portable air compressor for your home garage.

Great for: smaller pneumatic ratchets, nailers, and lower-demand air tools.

Best 30 Gallon Air Compressor for Your Home Garage

Husky C304H or Craftsman CMXECXM301 Portable Vertical Compressor

Craftsman CMXECXM301 Husky C304H vertical compressor

If you want to stay on the smaller side, a 30-gallon air compressor for your home garage can save a lot of space. They also give you some portability as they typically include wheels (on the vertical models). This size is also popular for gas-powered truck-mount designs, but we’ll not cover those in this article. Our pick for the best 30 gallon air compressor for a home garage gets a split vote. The reason, is because both models are licensed. For around $569 you can get the Craftsman CMXECXM301 30-gallon portable vertical compressor with 6.2 SCFM at 90 PSI.

Or, for $649 you can pick up the Husky C304H 30-gallon portable vertical compressor with an identical SCFM rating. Both use 2 HP motors that output 175 max PSI. Looking closely, you can see that both compressors very likely come out of the same factory—which is why we’re not discriminating too hard on which one you choose. Our recommendation? Look for which one is on sale.

Great for: pneumatic ratchets, nailers, and medium-demand air tools.

Air Compressor Maintenence Tips

A little regular maintenance should keep your shop or home garage air compressor working for many years. We also recommend more frequent checks than normal if your environment tends to be more dirty or filled with dust and debris. Here’s a good idea of the type of maintenance schedule you want to keep with oil-filled compressors:

DailyWeeklyMonthlyEvery 100 Hours
Check safety valveX
Drain tankX
Check pump oil levelX
Inspect air filterX
Change pump oilX
Check for oil leaksX
Inspect drive beltX
Check drive belt tensionX
Inspect pulley/flywheel alignmentX
Check for unusual noise/vibrationX
Air leak inspectionX
Clean exteriorX

Manufacturers, perhaps due to an overabundance of caution or legal reasons, might recommend more frequent checks of things like air filters and drive belt inspections. Our recommendations are a bit more relaxed to accommodate practical use of these tools in a non-commercial environment. If you use your home garage air compressor daily then you may want to make some of your routines more frequent.

One thing we like to note is that you should really change the oil on an air compressor pump after the first 20 hours. This can really prolong the life of the pump by eliminating any early issues associated with manufacturing and breaking the unit in. For compressors using oil in their pumps, replace the oil after break-in with synthetic SAE30 oil that has no detergents in it.

How We Make Our Choices

Looking at the best air compressor for a home garage, we based our picks on several specific key metrics. We realize—given the vast scope of available products—that our top choices are somewhat subjective. Even so, each selection is made carefully and represents the result of careful consideration and our collective experiences as a team of reviewers. Over the years, we’ve honed our process into a system that we feel helps us deliver reliable choices when recommending products, accessories, and even power and hand tools.

We’ve each used and reviewed various compressors over a period of decades. As such, we have a lot of personal experiences to pull from when choosing the best air compressors for home shops and garages. In the end, we feel you can really rely on and trust the models we included in this article.

Options and Features

You don’t often think of options when looking at air compressors. For us, “options” means those features that make it easier to use and maintain the air compressor. On portable units, that equates to the size of the wheels and the means of moving the unit around. With stationary units, that might be the maintenance features (like the magnetic oil plug that collects foreign materials before they mess up your pump).

As noted above, we also looked at tank capacity, airflow, noise output, and duty cycle compared to similar (or similarly-priced) models. Taking a holistic view of many brands together lets us determine what products stand out with respect to the features that matter.

Duty Cycle and Run-time

No matter what size air compressor you pick, you want one that can run the tools you need it to operate. If you drain the tank too quickly and the compressor’s pump can’t refill the system quickly enough, you lose performance. Your tools won’t work the way they’re designed. That means proud nails, swirl marks, etc. You need to match the air compressor to the application.

In a home garage or shop that gets even more complicated since you can do so much more than simply drive nails. Sanding, polishing, using air ratchets—all these opportunities demand enough tank size and CFM to get the job done. The recommendations on this page include helpful information to let you know what these compressors can handle.

Value

Value always matters. How much you want to invest in a solid air compressor should relate to the type of work you want to do. However, we don’t just compare SCFM numbers and tank size and call it a day. For example, a $129 8-gallon 1.8HP hot dog compressor performs quite differently than a comparably-sized 5HP 220V model that pumps out 18.5 CFM.

You shouldn’t mind spending more for higher build quality or a compressor that runs more quietly. For that reason, we look for products that offer exceptional build quality or features. You can outspend all of our recommendations, of course. We tend to prioritize affordability over the premium “Ferrari” solutions that almost overdeliver or operate at what we might consider commercial levels.

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

Ever check out a “review” site and you can’t tell if they actually tested the tools or if they’re just “recommending” the Amazon top sellers? That’s not us. We won’t recommend anything unless we actually have the in-hand use and experience to go along with the pick and we don’t really care who the primary retailer is. It’s all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product.

We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction, automotive, and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review more than 250 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

We consult with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work.

We work with more than two dozen professional contractors around the United States who review products for us on real job sites and consult with us on testing methods, categories, and weighting.

The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool.

The post Best Air Compressor for Home Garage appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>
https://www.protoolreviews.com/best-air-compressor-for-home-garage/feed/ 7 Ingersoll Rand 80-gal air compressor for home garage Vertical large hot dog compressor Horizontal Emglo EM810-4M 4-Gallon Dolly-Style Twin Tank Air Compressor Preview Hot dog Senco 6-gal pancake compressor Pancake NPT shut off valve pressure PSI air compressor dolly style portable compressor Vertical style wheelbarrow air compressor for garage Wheelbarrow large hot dog compressor Horizontal Campbell Hausfeld 60 Gal Air Compressor Ingersoll Rand 80-gal air compressor for home garage Vertical Rolair VT25BIG best portable air compressor home garage Craftsman CMXECXM301 Husky C304H vertical compressor
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 15-Gauge Finish Nailer Video Review https://www.protoolreviews.com/milwaukee-m18-fuel-15-gauge-finish-nailer-video-review/ https://www.protoolreviews.com/milwaukee-m18-fuel-15-gauge-finish-nailer-video-review/#respond Thu, 06 Jan 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.protoolreviews.com/?p=115350 Milwaukee’s 15-Gauge Finish Nailer got a big upgrade with the 2839 model. Improved visibility, design, and a new nitrogen air […]

The post Milwaukee M18 Fuel 15-Gauge Finish Nailer Video Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>

Milwaukee’s 15-Gauge Finish Nailer got a big upgrade with the 2839 model. Improved visibility, design, and a new nitrogen air spring drive system are just a few things we’ve noticed that make the upgrade worth it. The shop’s under construction, but Kenny’s at his traveling desk to tell you more about the nailer that’s just hit the market.

Wanna know more? Read the full written review here.

The post Milwaukee M18 Fuel 15-Gauge Finish Nailer Video Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>
https://www.protoolreviews.com/milwaukee-m18-fuel-15-gauge-finish-nailer-video-review/feed/ 0
Makita DMP181 18V Cordless High-Pressure Inflator https://www.protoolreviews.com/makita-18v-cordless-high-pressure-inflator/ https://www.protoolreviews.com/makita-18v-cordless-high-pressure-inflator/#comments Tue, 21 Dec 2021 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.protoolreviews.com/?p=114990 Makita 18V High-Pressure Inflator Delivers Up To 160 PSI While cordless inflators all perform the same basic function, some models […]

The post Makita DMP181 18V Cordless High-Pressure Inflator appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>

Makita 18V High-Pressure Inflator Delivers Up To 160 PSI

While cordless inflators all perform the same basic function, some models feature an extra degree of refinement. The Makita DMP181 18V Cordless High-Pressure Tire Inflator improves upon previous models with a higher PSI limit, faster inflation, and some convenience features to easily top off car, truck, and bike tires, as well as sports balls and other inflatables.

What’s the Big Deal?

The Makita High Pressure Inflator delivers up to 160 PSI. Compared to the DMP180, this version generates 40 more PSI. It has high, medium, and low speed settings to help regulate pressure across various applications. The backlit pressure gauge provides an easy-to-read display in any lighting condition.

Makita DMP181 High-Pressure Inflator

It also features an auto-stop function that lets you set a predetermined air pressure; when your setting is reached, the Makita DMP181 shuts off to prevent overfill. However, Makita includes an air release button on the side of the unit to release air pressure just in case you do over-inflate.

Other Features

  • Compact design
  • 25-1/2″ hose length
  • Rubberized handle
  • LED light

Pricing

Currently, the Makita DMP181 18V LXT Cordless High-Pressure Inflator is available as a bare tool. It retails for $159 and comes with Makita’s 3-year warranty. You can find it anywhere Makita tools are sold.

Makita 18V Cordless High-Pressure Inflator Specs

  • Model: Makita DMP181ZX
  • Motor: Brushed
  • Max Air Pressure: 160 psi
  • Dimensions: 12-1/2 x 4-1/4 x 9-1/8 in.
  • Net Weight: 4.6 lbs.
  • Includes: Tool, Presta Valve Adapter, Sports Ball Needle, Tapered Adapter
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Bare Tool Price: $159

The post Makita DMP181 18V Cordless High-Pressure Inflator appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>
https://www.protoolreviews.com/makita-18v-cordless-high-pressure-inflator/feed/ 4 Makita 18V Tire Inflator02
Ryobi Cordless Narrow Crown Stapler Review | P361 https://www.protoolreviews.com/ryobi-cordless-narrow-crown-stapler-review-p361/ https://www.protoolreviews.com/ryobi-cordless-narrow-crown-stapler-review-p361/#respond Wed, 08 Dec 2021 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.protoolreviews.com/?p=112534 A rock solid tool with a price that wont break the bank Could you benefit from a battery-powered narrow crown […]

The post Ryobi Cordless Narrow Crown Stapler Review | P361 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>

A rock solid tool with a price that wont break the bank

Could you benefit from a battery-powered narrow crown stapler? We got our hands on the Ryobi 18V cordless narrow crown stapler (P361) to see if it might make for a good investment. At first glance, it looks like an affordable solution for DIYers or anyone working with wood fences, drawers, fascia, or other materials where crown staples make a great fastener choice. Our questions centered around runtime, and what materials it would work well with.

Pros

  • Single- and bump-fire modes
  • Supports 3/8-inch to 1.5-inch narrow crown staples
  • LED light
  • 18V ONE+ battery system works with over 225 tools
  • 3-year warrenty

Cons

  • 1-inch fasteners was the deepest it will drive into oak

The Case for Using Narrow Crown Staplers

Have you ever put together IKEA furniture or a cheap bookshelf system? The frame of these shelf systems remains quite frail until you fasten the thin veneer back panel. That thin back panel typically attaches via small ring shank nails. Professional cabinet shops build their custom shelves a little differently—but with the same principle in mind. Instead of small individual nails, they tend to use narrow crown staples to attach the backs. It provides a more secure hold, and the tools used to fire the nails speed up the process.

Editor’s Note: Check out our article on How to Use a Narrow Crown Stapler for some more great insights into using these tools.

Ryobi P361 Narrow Crown Stapler Performance

Pick up any of the Ryobi nailers and staplers, and you can really feel the excellent build quality. I am sure they can take a beating. It has rubber overmold in all the right spots both to protect the tool and also to protect the surfaces of any materials you may be working with. As long as you don’t set this on the belt clip, you can safely lay the Ryobi narrow crown stapler on a client’s countertop without fear of scratching it.

Making a lattice out of oak strips. The narrow crown staples provide lots of holding power and will not split the thin wood

When it comes to driving the fasteners, I had no trouble driving 1.5-inch fasters in any material except hardwoods like oak. This should not be an issue as these are almost always going to be used in sheet goods, construction lumber, trim, paneling, or molding. In oak, I could drive any staple 1-inch or shorter.

narrow crown staples
The Ryobi P361 can use any 18 gauge 1/4-inch wide narrow crown staples from 3/8-inch up to 1.5 inches long

Ryobi Narrow Crown Stapler Design Notes

Prior to picking up the P361, I already owned the Ryobi P360 “Airstrike” narrow crown stapler. It has worked well for me, so I was anxious to see any improvements Ryobi might have made. If you own the P360, you probably don’t need to upgrade. However, if you’re on the fence about buying a narrow crown stapler, the new P361 has a few welcome changes. Once Ryobi gets through their existing inventory this will be a rolling replacement to the older model.

Old Ryobi P360 vs. new Ryobi P361 narrow crown stapler
My old model P360 vs the new P361 narrow crown stapler

The first “upgrade” is a simple sticker and a few other identifiers letting you know which Ryobi nailer you are picking up. You may not think it is all that important, but to me it is huge. I own five different Ryobi nailers and they all look alike. Having a way to tell them apart is very helpful.

Ergonomics

The handle is a little more ergonomic on the new Ryobi P361 stapler. Also, the power control on the top has been changed. Instead of a dial that was rather stiff and hard to turn (especially if you have arthritis as I do), it now features a lever that I found easier to adjust. When driving fasteners into harder wood like oak, turn the power up. When working with softer materials (or if your fasteners drive too deep), dial the power down.

Controls on Ryobi P360 vs Ryobi P361
The old version is on the left and the new one with an easier-to-grasp lever on the right. Adjusting the power is simply a matter of turning a lever on top of the tool. This compensates for the hardness of the wood.

Loading the staples is very easy. Press the release mechanism located near the battery on the bottom of the tool. The magazine slide opens, and you can install a new magazine of staples by dropping them in place. Push the magazine slide closed, and you can begin firing staples.

Installing nails into the Ryobi P361 narrow crown stapler
Loading more staples is fast and easy.

Ryobi P361 Controls

The Ryobi P361 narrow crown stapler has two modes: single-fire and bump-fire. I leave mine in single-fire mode all the time for more accurate positioning of fasters one at a time. With bump-fire, you hold the trigger down and every time the nose of the staplers comes in contact with the material it shoots a nail. This is faster but not as accurate unless you do this all day every day like a roofer. This method also comes with some safety concerns since it makes it easier for accidental misfires.

The three nail symbol on this switch is bump fire mode. Single fire mode in a single nail symbol

Depth adjustment is very easy on all the Ryobi cordless nailers. Simply turn the dial on the side to make the head of the fastener sink deeper or stick up higher from the material. The dial on the P361 is smaller but much easier to turn than the oversized one on my P360.

Ryobi P361 staple depth control
Adjusting the depth of the staples. Notice the extra replacement tip stored on the tool on the left-hand side near the magazine release.

Ryobi Narrow Crown Stapler Price

The Ryobi P361 Narrow Crown Stapler is available at the Home Depot as a bare tool for $149 (supply issues notwithstanding). You may even find it as a kit for a bit more. That will include a charger and 2.0 amp-hour battery.

Ryobi Cordless Nailers
I bought all of these Ryobi cordless nailers and staplers and have no regrets

The Bottom Line

The Ryobi P361 Narrow Crown Stapler is an excellent tool for anyone who builds cabinet carcasses, bookcases or other box-type assembles and is tired of hand nailing the backs on. If you use a ring shank nail to hold thin sheet goods on, you are probably better off using a narrow crown stapler most of the time. Anyone with a lot of wall paneling or lattice to install should also give this a serious look. It even works great for installing or repairing fence pickets.

In my opinion, all of Ryobi’s cordless nailers represent the best value for a good price. They do this so well, I bought almost the entire Ryobi line of cordless nailers/staplers for myself!

Ryobi Narrow Crown Stapler Specifications

  • Model: Ryobi P361
  • 3/8-inch to 1.5-inch norrow crown staples (1/4-inch wide)
  • Grip-activated LED light
  • Single/bump-fire modes
  • 3-year tool warranty
  • Price: $149

The post Ryobi Cordless Narrow Crown Stapler Review | P361 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>
https://www.protoolreviews.com/ryobi-cordless-narrow-crown-stapler-review-p361/feed/ 0 GMZ8019-WEBSITE narrow crown staples Old vs new narrow crown stapler _GMZ8046 WEBSITE _GMZ8045 WEBSITE Sticker labeling the Ryobi Brad Nailer GMZ8050-WEBSITE GMZ8041-WEBSITE GMZ7749-WEBSITE GMZ8039-WEBSITE Ryobi Cordless Nailers
Ryobi Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Review | P321 https://www.protoolreviews.com/ryobi-18-gauge-brad-nailer-review/ https://www.protoolreviews.com/ryobi-18-gauge-brad-nailer-review/#comments Thu, 02 Dec 2021 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.protoolreviews.com/?p=112531 Ryobi P321 Brand NailerRyobi Improves Its Cordless Brad Nailer with an Updated Model Out of the five Ryobi nailers and staplers I have […]

The post Ryobi Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Review | P321 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>

Ryobi Improves Its Cordless Brad Nailer with an Updated Model

Out of the five Ryobi nailers and staplers I have bought, the one I reach for most often is my Ryobi Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer. Ryobi refreshed many of their cordless nailers, including the handy Ryobi P326 16ga nailer as well as their narrow crown stapler. Having owned the first-generation Ryobi P320, I got my hands on the new Ryobi P321 cordless brad nailer to see what changed from the older 18 gauge brad nailer.

Pros

  • Good build quality
  • New tip allows more precise nail placement
  • Improved ergonimics
  • Better tool-free jam clearing
  • Work light that activates without firing the tool
  • Drives 18-gauge brads from 5/8-inch to 2-inches
  • ONE+ 18V battery works with over 225 Ryobi tools

Cons

  • Still can’t drive the very longest nails into hardwoods like oak

Ryobi P321 Cordless Brad Nailer Performance

Perhaps the most welcome change to the new Ryobi P321 Cordless Brad Nailer is the reduction in the size of the protective tip on the nose. It is 45% smaller than the old model. The more precise placement of nails is very handy when firing into thin moldings like around doors and windows. Like all Ryobi cordless nailers, this one included a replacement tip stored on the tool.

A side-by-side comparison of the old and new Ryobi 18-gauge brad nailers reveals a slight change in the shape of the handle. Having used both, I don’t have a preference for either handle. They both feel comfortable to use. Neither one gives you any sort of hot spot on your hands, even with all-day use. I also like the huge “18 gauge” gray band that quickly identifies the tool.

Ryobi Brad Nailers
Side-by-side comparison with the old P320 model on the left and the updated Ryobi P231 Cordless 18 ga brad nailer on the right

The new Ryobi P321 cordless brad nailer can drive 18 gauge nails from 5/8-inch to 2-inch. When using this brad nailer on plywood, plastic trim, softwoods, and similar construction materials, the Ryobi sings. It drives nails quickly and accurately. That’s exactly what you want from a brad nailer.

It had no issues driving nails of any length except for the longest nails into hardwoods like oak. The more I test out nailers the more I appreciate how dense and hard oak and maple are. It has been my experience that only the most premium nailers can drive the very longest nails into these materials.

Ryobi 18 GA Brad Nailer
Easier-to-use depth adjustment dial that doesn’t hurt my fingers to use.

Ryobi P321 Cordless Brad Nailer Design Notes

Since I have five nailers and staplers from the same manufacturer, they all look alike. It can be difficult to tell the difference between them. Ryobi has finally started adding clear branding to help you tell them apart. Especially helpful has been the addition of color-coded stickers near the magazine release which clearly label each nailer.

One complaint I had about the old 18-gauge brad nailer had to do with the power control knob. Located on the top, I found it stiff and hard to use if you have arthritis (as I do). The Ryobi P321 cordless brad nailer replaces the knob with a much easier-to-use lever. Incidentally, the new brad nailer also comes with a belt clip. Unfortunately, someone at the office seems to have misplaced it! You can attach the belt clip to either side of the tool.

Top view of the old model on the left and the new, improved model on the right (minus the belt clip we lost)

Ryobi even made it easier to clear jams. The P321 now has a sleeker, more ergonomic release latch for flipping open the nose—no tools required.

Clearing a Jam
Clearing jams is easier.

Ryobi P321 Cordless Brad Nailer Price

The Ryobi P321 cordless 18-gauge brad nailer should hit Home Depot shelves before the end of the year (2021). This tool will replace the P320 18-gauge brad nailer. Hopefully, you will also be able to purchase a kit version with a battery charger and 2.0 Ah battery as well.

Making a bench hook with the Ryobi 18 GA brad nailer

The Bottom Line

I have been very happy using my old Ryobi brad nailer. The new improvements make an already excellent tool even better. Anyone looking for a brad nailer should definitely consider the new Ryobi P321 cordless 18V brad nailer. A great value and offers solid performance for the $129 price tag—something Ryobi has made their reputation on.

Ryobi P321 Cordless Brad Nailer Specifications

  • 18V battery
  • 105 brad nail magazine capacity
  • Up to 1900 nails per charge
  • 3 year limited warranty
  • Price: $129

The post Ryobi Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Review | P321 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

]]>
https://www.protoolreviews.com/ryobi-18-gauge-brad-nailer-review/feed/ 1 Ryobi Brad Nailer tip Detail Ryobi Cordless Brad Nailer Ryobi Brad Nailers Ryobi 18 GA Brad Nailer _GMZ8045 WEBSITE Sticker labeling the Ryobi Brad Nailer GMZ8055-WEBSITE Clearing a Jam _GMZ8062 WEBSITE