A nail gun, often known as a nailer, is a tool for driving nails into wood or other materials. Compressed air, gases, or electromagnetics are used as the power source to operate this tool.
Whether you have a nailer gun or are planning to buy one for your job, you need to know how much PSI (pounds per square inch) is required for an air compressor for nailer to get the best outcome from it.
The majority of air tools need about 70 to 90 PSI. Small to medium category air compressors can readily handle 90 PSI, but you should always have more flow than you need. The tool will not work if you do not provide adequate air volume. If you use too much force, you may damage the device.
Besides the PSI rating, you will need to consider other factors for choosing a suitable air compressor for your nail gun. In this article, we have discussed all the crucial aspects for you. So, let’s find out.
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What psi air compressor do I need for a nail gun?
So, how can you figure out how much air pressure you’ll need for your nail gun for a specific job?
Nailer tools for normal usage will need air compressors with 0 to 5 CFP/min at 70 to 90 PSI, but more effective tools attached to fixed systems require 10 CFM at 100 to 120 PSI.
90 PSI Air Compressor
Low-duty compressors generally have a pressure of 90 psi, sufficient for pneumatic instruments used for simple household tasks such as nailers. You can easily use these compressors with your nail gun tool to nail in woods of medium thickness and other materials.
100 PSI Air Compressor
100 PSI air compression may have 0.5 to 0.7 CFM air delivery capacity with 100 to 120 volts power requirements for proper functionality. With this type of portable automotive air compressor, you’ll have plenty of air when you need it.
This grade of air compressor is excellent for brad nailing, stapling, airbrushing, and a variety of other light or medium weight nailing jobs!
150 PSI Air Compressor
The air compressor with a 150 PSI rating is suitable for heavy-duty nailing. This compressor can provide airflow ranging from 2.6 to 7.5 CFM with a weight of 30 to 60 lbs, depending on size and quality. You can use this to power your nailing gun for heavy-weight jobs applications such as nailing into solid and thick woods and other materials.
The difference among PSI, CFM, and HP
To understand the application and functionality of air compressors for nailer guns, you need to know the three basic ratings that illustrate what a compressor can perform. The three basic ratings are PSI, CFM, and HP.
PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch)
It determines how much pressure is applied to a surface per square inch area. PSI refers to the force that an air compressor can provide in pounds per square inch.
CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute)
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute, and it refers to the flow rate of a compressor or the volume of air it can create at a particular pressure level. Compressors with more excellent CFM ratings can often provide more atmosphere, making them suited for more prominent applications.
HP (Horsepower)
HP stands for horsepower that indicates the amount of work a motor can do. HP is less relevant than pressure and flows in assessing whether your compressor will work for you since newer and more efficient compressors can accomplish more with less HP.
Doing more with less HP can save you energy and provide higher returns during the compressor’s lifetime.
Is it essential to consider PSI for air compressors?
PSI is an essential factor to consider for air compressors used with nail guns. If you do not provide adequate pressure flow in your nailer gun, your nailing job will not be successful. Moreover, for different types of nailing work, you will need different amounts of PSI to provide.
If the PSI is minor than necessary, you will not drive the nail into wood or other materials. Providing more PSI than required, on the other hand, may damage your tools and, in the worst-case scenario, will injure and fracture your hand.
How to use a nail gun?
Nail guns produce very high pressure and release the nails at a very high speed like a bullet. So, it could be dangerous if you do not follow the proper steps while using it. Let’s see the best way to use a nail gun safely and correctly.
Wear a goggles
Wear nail gun-safety goggles. You will protect your eyes in the unlikely event that you accidentally shoot the gun towards your face.
Remove all flammable materials from the workplace
The nail gun may create some sparks, which can fire up your workplace if there are any flammable materials.
Before getting started, clear your workplace of greasy rags, dry paper, and any chemicals.
Load the gun
Although each manufacturer’s air tool is designed differently, the magazine is generally located at the rear or bottom of the air tool. Insert the strip of nails into the magazine and shut it tightly.
Connect your power supply
Now, attach the power source, a battery, an electrical wire, and an air compressor after the nail gun is filled.
Place the gun’s tip against the surface and fire
To avoid shooting at an angle, hold the nail gun perpendicular to the wood’s surface and firmly push the gun against the wood to compress the safety nosepiece. Pull the trigger while holding the nail gun steady.
Remove the gun from the surface
You should flush the nail-head to the wood surface. If you do not give enough pressure while firing the nail, it will be crooked or just partially in. It can also happen if you draw the gun too quickly.
Turn-off the gun
When you’re done, please turn off the nail gun and put it away somewhere dry. Turn the safety back on, disconnect it or remove the batteries, and store it in a dry, incredible location after you’ve done your job.
Final Verdict:
After you’ve completed reading the article, now you know what psi air compressor you need for your nail gun. Air compressor comes with a variety of PSI levels for a variety of nail jobs.
You should select the one that has the correct PSI output range to support your nail gun properly. Besides, follow the safety measures while working with nailer guns.
Finally, we hope you have learned a lot from the article about the air compressor for nailers that will help you find the best air compressor for your job.
