8 Best Air Compressor For Roofing Nailer

As a roofer, you know what it takes to get the job done. You need your tools and equipment to be ready at all times. Whether you’re nailing down shingles or tacking up drip edge, your roofing nailer is an integral part of the project.

You want a durable compressor to withstand the job and provide a constant power supply that won’t let you down when you need it most. But finding the best air compressor for roofing nailers can be tricky, it requires a lot of research.

Our team has compiled a list of the best air compressors for roofing nailers to save your time. Read on to explore.

Points to consider before buying the best air compressor for roofing nailers

Before we get into the list of air compressors for roofing nailer, let’s just look through the points to be kept in mind before deciding the better one.

  • Tank size 

The tank size will determine how long you can use your compressor before it runs out of air. The bigger the tank, the more nails you can put.

The recommend air compressor tank size for roofing nailer is at least 6 gallon. So be sure to check the size of compressor before purchasing.

  • Maximum Pressure

The better the maximum pressure, the faster you’ll be able to work. It will also aid in better nail penetration. For example, if you’re using a pneumatic roofing nailer, the maximum pressure of the compressor should be at least 2.5 CFM at 90 PSI.

  • Noise 

Roofing is a lengthy operation that involves much time with your nailer, therefore noise is an important issue to consider. A noisy compressor will be highly inconvenient. Get one with a sound level of 60 – 80 decibels.

BOSTITCH – Air Compressor Combo Kit with Brad Nailer

Why Do We Love It?

  • This compressor kit has a straight finish nailer that works perfectly with one ¼ and 2 ½ inch nails.
  • It has an excellent crown stapler that helps the worker complete fastening work.
  • This air compressor is cordless, so you can use it while the power is out.
  • It is lightweight. It is portable, and you can move it around conveniently as it just weighs 43.6 lbs.
  • It doesn’t require much space. As it has a 15 feet hose length and measures 21.1×19.5×18 inches, you can place it wherever you want to.
  • It has 150 PSI max. Also, the air capacity of the tank is large, so this air compressor will let you run tools for a long time.

Above are the reasons why we love this compressor. So, you can surely call it the Best overall air compressor for roofing nailers.

In-Depth Details

The Bostitch Air Compressor Combo kit is an air compressor that can do multiple functions and is perfect for both indoor and outdoor trimming and finishing work of roofing nailers.

This compressor has an oil-free pump. So, you are not required to oil the pump before use. It is great for people who often forget to oil their compressors regularly.

This three-in-one kit comes with a Brad nailer perfect for most inside work, such as fixing lightweight decoration pieces, roofing nailers, and fastening decorative molding.

The extra flexibility makes it an excellent choice if you’re working on projects with limited space, like builders who need to fit everything into their tight schedule.

It can carry things wherever you want because of its lightweight and portability! It is so easy to use that you won’t face any problems.

It is so lightweight that every woman can also use it without any hassle. It has a maximum pressure of 150 PSI which is decent enough for most of the work with your roofing nailer.

Whether you’re a professional roofer or just want to do some home improvement work on your own house, this air compressor is perfect for completing those jobs

Pros

  • It comes with a 3 in 1 kit
  • Cordless design
  • Lightweight
  • Efficient motor for easy start-up
  • Oil-free usage
  • Maximum performance
  • Low noise level

Cons

  • The air gun is of average quality

If you want to know why this air compressor is the best for roofing, click here to find out more.

CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor, 6 Gallon, Pancake, Oil-Free (CMEC6150K):

Why do we love it:

  • It has a maximum pressure of 150 PSI which is decent enough for most of the work with your roofing nailer.
  • It comes with a 3 in 1 kit, which makes it an excellent choice if you’re working on projects with limited space, like builders who need to fit everything into their tight schedule.
  • It is so easy to use that you won’t face any problems. It is so lightweight that every woman can also use it without hassle.

In-Depth Details: 

The Craftsman is a high-pressure compressor that also offers you three equipment functions. It is the best use of money, as it saves your cost.

It is a great choice with its durable and sturdy materials, high PSI, quick recovery time, and decent capacity. The overall weight of this air compressor is around 32 pounds, with ‎16.5 x 16.5 x 17.88 inches.

The air compressor offers 45% more airflow capacity, which is greater than other roofing nailer air compressors.

This compressor has an oil-free durable pump, so you don’t have to worry about oil leakage during your heavy-duty work. It is perfect for indoor and outdoor trimming and finishing work of roofing nailers.

As compared to others, we found this to be a little bit noisy at 82 decibels. However, the noise can be reduced by using a sound muffler.

So if you’re looking for an oil-free air compressor for roofing nailers, then this Craftsman 6-gallon pancake air compressor is the best choice.

It allows you to complete your job with high speed and accuracy. But sound cancellation may be needed to reduce the noise and keep your surroundings peaceful.

Pros

  • Rubberized feet for stability
  • Fast recovery time
  • Easy to carry everywhere
  • Oil-free pump

Cons

  • Noisy

If you want to understand more about why this air compressor is the finest for roofs, go here to learn more.

BOSTITCH – Oil free Pancake Air Compressor – Best Budget

Why Do We Love It?

  • The noise level of this compressor is 78.5 dB to make sure the workplace is quiet.
  • You can use this compressor for around 450 hours which lets the DIYers or carpenters work for a long time continuously.
  • This compressor produces a lot of energy. You can use the 0.9hp motor on many different tools that are hard to use.
  • The shape of the tank can fill around 6 liters of air inside. This maximizes the performance and efficiency of its work. 
  • This compressor has feet made of rubber material. They help the compressor standstill comfortably.

Above listed features make it the third-best compressor in this category. So, you can call it the best budget air compressor for roofing nailers.

In-Depth Details

Bostitch pancake compressor is perfect for people who want to work on their heavy-duty roofing nailing work. It has a 165 PSI max pressure and recharges quickly. It means all your roofing work will be done conveniently and fast.

This compressor is versatile. You can use it with a lot of different tools. It is compact and weighs 30 pounds only. It is one of the best-performing compressors. This compressor comes with a split-pressure feature that allows you to use multiple tools for your projects.

Pros

  • Quiet Operation
  • 75% duty cycle
  • Convenient usage
  • 20 seconds recovery time
  • Highly efficient motor
  • Two universal couplers.

Cons

  • Short electric cord

If you want to learn more about why this air compressor is ideal for roofs, go here to read more.

DEWALT – Powerful Air Compressor with 225-PSI Max

Why do we love it:

  • The DEWALT roofing nailer air compressor has a maximum working pressure of 225 pounds per square inch. This compressor’s high working pressure is perfect for running multiple nailers at once. 
  • It is a bit heavy in size but has wheels for easier mobility. 
  • It has a vertical stand and collapsible handles for easy storage and is manufactured in the United States.
  • There is a 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty on the DEWALT compressor.

In-depth Details: 

Normally we have seen many air compressors in this price range come with only 90 – 150 psi max PSI. But the DEWALT Roofing Nailer Air Compressor offers you 225 max PSI which is more than enough for roofing nails.

This air compressor can run multiple nail guns because it has a high CFM capacity of 5.0 at 90 PSI and can quickly fill up the tank.

It has an oil-free pump which can be a great solution if you are looking for an air compressor for your roofing nailer because oil-free pumps require less maintenance and cleanup.

This air compressor is manufactured in the United States. It measures ‎33.5 x 23 x 15 inches and weighs around 80 pounds, making it a bit heavy in size, but it has wheels for easy mobility.

If you’re looking for a high psi air compressor for a roofing nail gun, then the Dewalt Air Compressor is a great choice.

Pros

  • High PSI & CFM for roofing nailers
  • 80% more usable air
  • Compact & lightweight
  • Easy storage with a vertical stand and collapsible handle

Cons

  • Not the quietest compressor
  • Heavy-weight

If you’d like to understand more about why this air compressor is perfect, click here for additional information.

Makita MAC2400 – Big bore air compressor with 2.5 HP

Why Do We Love It?

  • The motor of this compressor has 2.5 HP. It produces 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI for powerful and quieter operations.
  • The low amperage power of this compressor helps reduce the incidents of breakers tripping while starting the motor.
  • The discharge tube helps reduce the water and heat dissipation in the tank.
  • This pump can work at 1730 RPM, promoting quieter and more durable operation.
  • It has a cast-iron cylinder which increases the life of the pump. Also, the cylinder is removable for quick and convenient maintenance.

These are the main factors why we love this compressor. This is why we call it the best portable air compressor for roofing nailers.

In-Depth Details

The 4.2-gallon tank of this compressor can sustain maximum Pressure of 130 PSI and gives off 40 PSI at 4.8 CFM while 90 PSI at 4.2 CFM, which is enough to use two roofing nailers.

The low AMP reduces the chance of breakers tripping and voltage drop that can cause the motor to fail while starting. 

The roll bar handle makes this compressor portable. It also provides extra protection helping it work in the hardest job sites as well.

Also, it includes an easy oil drain and sight glass, a tank drain valve that makes maintenance convenient, and a discharge tube that takes out its heat more quickly and efficiently.

This compressor is designed for low noise, less maintenance, and high power. It gives out great industrial power and durable results even in tough conditions.

The Makita big-bore compressor is a great air compressor.

From cleaning the house, mowing the lawn, woodworking the benchtop, or whatever other work a tool to paint, drill or roofing power tool is required, Makita is the most reliable for roofing nailers.

Most roofer companies depend on Makita as it has a great value of products and customer service. 

Pros

  • Can run two separate nailing guns at the same time
  • Oil-lubricated
  • The roll cage design is perfect for protecting the compressor
  • 1.6 HP big bore cylinder
  • Conveniently detachable cylinder
  • Quick recovery time
  • Easy cleanup

Cons

  • Tricky assembly of the air filter. 

Click here to read more about this air compressor.

Campbell Hausfeld – Best 8 Gallon Ultra-quiet air compressor

Why do we love it:

  • This is one of the quietest compressors we have seen, which will give you a working environment without noise disturbance.
  • The compressor is made for comfort and portability. It has a rubber handle that makes it easy to grip and a base with dual wheels that easily transport around.
  • The Campbell Hausfeld has an 8-gallon tank which ensures you can get the roofing nailing work done without waiting for the unit to fill up.
  • It can easily run up to 125 PSI, perfect for roofing projects.

In-depth Details: 

The Campbell Hausfeld is a great choice for those looking to buy an air compressor that can be highly beneficial and provide you with a great working environment.

The unit can deliver more than 3.5 CFM at 40 PSI, making it an efficient air compressor for nail guns and an air stapler.

It has a fantastic 17-piece accessory kit which can come in very handy when doing household tasks.

It has a pressure gauge that gives you an accurate idea of the current pressure being generated. You can easily monitor the air pressure and keep it at safe levels.

The unit has an oil-free system, which means it doesn’t require regular maintenance, and also, the pump is quiet and is backed by a 1-year limited warranty.

The unit also has an efficient cooling system that ensures the tank doesn’t overheat, the reason being that if tanks overheat, they can affect the performance of an air compressor.

It has an 8-gallon tank capacity which is mostly enough air to do your tasks without waiting for the tank to fill up.

If you’re looking for an air compressor that can run a roofing nailer as well as an air stapler, then the Campbell Hausfeld 2 in 1 is a great choice for you. It can drive 18 gauge brad nails and 1/4 inch crown staples.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • 17-piece accessory kit
  • Quick recovery time
  • Best for outdoor

Cons

  • Expensive

Find out more by clicking here.

WEN 2287 Portable Air Compressor

Why do we love it:

  • Whether working with a roofing nailer or framing nail gun, the WEN 2287 can handle tough jobs without any hassle.
  • It is a great compressor that is also very quiet.
  • The price tag, the size, and the weight of this unit make it a great option for those looking to invest in a good-quality compressor.
  • What’s more? It comes with a 2-year warranty and is super reliable.

In-depth details: 

When it comes to air compressors for roofing nailers, you need an air compressor that can keep up with the job’s demands. The WEN 2287 can do just that.

This portable air compressor has a 13A motor and a reinforced steel tank, which work together to provide a max pressure of up to 125 PSI. 

It has a simple design, making it easy to use. It runs quietly and efficiently by automatically shutting down once it reaches its max PSI.

Plus, it has two pressure gauges, one for regulating the air pressure and the other for monitoring the tank pressure. The tank holds up to 6 gallons of air, so there is no need to worry about running out of compressed air.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Two pressure gauge
  • Portable
  • 2-year warranty

Cons

  • Heavyweight

Find out more about this air compressor by clicking here.

Buying Guide for best air compressor for roofing nailers

Picking a suitable air compressor for your roofing nailers is essential. You want to make sure you have enough power to get the job done, but you also don’t want something too big or bulky.

Build Quality

It is tied into power, but it’s important enough to be noted on its own. If the compressor you are looking at doesn’t feel like it’s made well, then it probably isn’t, so avoid it. It needs to be built solid and feel like it would last for years with the proper care.

Effectiveness

Unlike many other types, there isn’t much in gimmicks and additional features when it comes to roofing nailers.

It’s a simple tool, and you want the air compressor you are using to be equally simple. Avoid anything too flashy or complex when choosing an air compressor for roofing nailers.

Price

It is an essential factor. While not everything will have an exact price next to it, you should know that air compressors typically cost a little more than you expect. Most will fall in the $150-500 range for a new one.

If you’re looking to get what you need at the best price possible, you will want to figure out what you need and then look for a used air compressor that comes close to that.

The market is full of expensive products with different features that you don’t even know about. But, make sure to buy a compressor that fits your budget.

There are a lot of affordable air compressors that work great and will work perfectly according to your requirements.

Power

For roofing nailers, you want enough power to make sure you can drive nails through any material without too much of a problem.

The power numbers you want to look for are CFM and PSI. A general rule of thumb is that CFM makes up for PSI, so if you find a compressor with 2.4 in CFM and around 70 – 90 psi, it should be a good fit for a roofing nailer.

Noise

Roofing nailers are loud, and you don’t want a compressor that will add even more noise to the mix. You’ll want to look for a compressor with an acceptable noise rating (most should be around 60 -80 decibels).

Keep in mind that some compressors will be louder when they work harder, so you’ll always want to look at the noise rating and not just for when it is idle.

Horsepower 

Horsepower is the unit that measures power produced by the motor. While buying a compressor, you need to look for one with a minimum of 2 HP. It will provide enough power for fast operation, and it won’t be uselessly heavy as well.

Size and weight

You don’t want to choose a compressor that is too bulky or heavy, so you’ll want to factor the weight and size of the unit into your decision.

Most compressors will have a weight listed, so use that to determine if they are too heavy for your needs.

As far as size goes, you want the compressor to fit comfortably in the space you have for it. If it is too broad, you won’t be able to fit anything else besides or around it, so make sure to check the measurements before making your purchase.

Portability

We all know roofing job sites aren’t the easiest to navigate, so you want a compressor that will quickly move from place to place. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something you want to consider.

Most compressors are not meant for continuous carry, so if you have to haul it up and down ladders or stairs, you’ll want to get something that is lighter.

Cost of Operation

This aspect ties directly into power and how well the compressor performs. If you buy a low-powered unit, it will cost more money in the long run because you will have to run it longer to get the job done.

You want a balance between power and cost, so you’ll need to know what your specific needs are so you can shop accordingly.

Oiled & Oil-free

As you can probably guess, oil-free compressors don’t require any additional oil. They are a little more expensive, and they don’t handle extreme temperatures as well, but they also last longer. Oil-filled compressors will be more affordable, but they do require oil often, and they don’t last as long.

Conclusion:

We hope you enjoyed our review of the best air compressor for roofing nail gun. Now that you know all there is to know about roofing nailers, it’s time for you to decide.

We hope our buying guide and product reviews have helped you narrow down your choices and better understand what to look for when purchasing an air compressor for your roofing nailer.

Remember, the most important thing is finding the model that fits your needs and budget. So, take your time and do your research.

We always suggest reading as many air compressors for roofing nailers reviews as you can get your hands on. That way, you can get a good idea of what’s out there and how others feel about specific models. We hope we have been able to help you find what you are looking for. 

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