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Average Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM) Requirements for Air Tools
If you're going to be using air tools to complete a task, remember that you need an appropriately-sized compressor to drive them. This chart indicates the average air requirements of many different types of air tools.
If your air compressor is too small for the tools you're using or task you're undertaking, your compressor might run constantly (shortening it's life and creating plenty of noise!), or your air tools may not function correctly.
Air Tool
CFM Requirements |
|
Air Tool Description |
Average CFM @ 90 PSI |
Angle Disc Grinder - 7" |
5-8 |
Brad Nailer |
0.3 |
Chisel/Hammer |
3-11 |
Cut-Off Tool |
4-10 |
Drill, Reversible or Straight-Line |
3-6 |
Dual Sander |
11-13 |
Framing Nailer |
2.2 |
Grease Gun |
4 |
Hydraulic Riveter |
4 |
Impact Wrench - 3/8" |
2.5-3.5 |
Impact Wrench - 1/2" |
4-5 |
Impact Wrench - 1" |
10 |
Mini Die Grinder |
4-6 |
Needle Scaler |
8-16 |
Nibbler |
4 |
Orbital Sander |
6-9 |
Ratchet - 1/4" |
2.5-3.5 |
Ratchet - 3/8" |
4.5-5 |
Rotational Sander |
8-12.5 |
Shears |
8-16 |
Speed Saw |
5 |
Air Compressor: Features to lookfor when purchasing
ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) tank
Belt-driven Air Compressor — Belt-driven compressors generally have a longer
life, with less vibration and heat transferring from the motor/engine to
the pump.
Cast iron cylinder or cast iron pump sleeves — Cast iron is typically the standard
material for cylinders
Fully packaged unit with premounted and prewired magnetic motor start, dual
control, belt guard mounted air cooled after cooler and electric condensate
drain
Low-oil shutdown prevents downtime and costly repairs resulting from low oil
levels
Oil-Free (or Oil-less) compressors are virtually maintenance-free performers
for light- to general-duty applications. No need for periodic oil changes.
V-design cylinders — V-design cylinders typically run cooler that in-line cylinders.
Heat is a compressors worst enemy.
Vertical vs. horizontal air compressors — Vertical compressors usually take
up less floor space than horizontal compressors. Typically, vertical compressors
are stationary, whereas smaller horizontal compressors are better for portable
applications (such as a truck-mounted compressor).
100% Continuous Speed operation vs. Auto Start/Stop operation — Auto start/stop
operation has preset cut in/cut out pressures. The compressor actually stops
and turns back on as air is needed. With constant speed operation, the compressor
runs 100% of the time and simply adjusts the air output. Dual control compressors
offer both auto start/stop and continuos speed operation.
Air Drill: What to look for
Depending on the use of the drill and your budget, you can decide on the power as well as the size of the drill. Normally, a heavier drill is more stable and prevents any kinks or dents being rendered in the area surrounding the drilling location, due to sudden jumping of the drill caused by the vibrations. Additionally, the controls and adjustments should be easily accessible even when drilling. The CFM value is a true indicator of the power of the air drill. Most air drills are shipped with a set of drill bits of varied sizes, ranging from around 3/64th to 3/8th of an inch. Popular U.S. manufacturers of air drills include Astro Pneumatic, Campbell Hausfeld, Chicago Pneumatic, Ingersoll Rand, and Viking.