Brad nailers and SCFM

I recently purchased a small 2 gallon compressor capable of 100 PSI but the SCFM at 90 PSI is a mere 0.7.

I have looked at several brad nailers and most when rated, require 4.5 SCFM at 90 PSI. These were sometimes called 3 in 1 nailers. All I need is a brad nailer that is capable of driving 3/8 to 2 inch brads bearing in mind the limitations of the compressor I currently have. Thanks in advance, Kern Smith
smith.langer@nf.sympatico.ca





Bill says...

You have to be careful of both PSI and CFM in that the air tool requires both to operate correctly.

Your compressor has, when the tank is full, about two gallons of air at 100 PSI. What's that in CF of air? You can check that out here.

If your compressor cannot deliver the flow necessary, and you don't have enough air in the tank to deliver enough air, then your air tool will not work. Simple as that.

When you check out the link above, I think the answer to your question will be clear.

Also, check out this page on a custom brad nailer air tank a friend of mine built.

He says this amount of air will give him 40-50 shots of his brad nailer with 3/4" brads.

Cheers,

Bill




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Brad nailers and SCFM

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Dec 30, 2009
 re brad nailer
by: Ken

For what it's worth, I bought a Campbell Hausfeld
2 in 1 staple/brad nailer. It has no SCFM rating or mentioned requirement but it will drive about 16 staples and/or 12-15 2 inch brads at a starting PSI of 100, before the compressor starts again. It cuts in at about 70 PSI. All I needed it for was to put some baseboartd/trim in place and the stapler works fine for putting carpet on stair treads. The nailer/stapler is also adjustable for controlling the depth. Thanks for the additional info regarding the conversion of gals to Cubic Ft. Have wondered about that and know a couple of people who will be interested in that info as well. Regards, Ken

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