Is A 6 Gallon Air Compressor Enough?

A 6-gallon compressor is enough for those air tools that require airflow below 4 CFM at 90 PSI, such as finish nailers, staple guns, brad nailers, floor nailers, and framing nailers. Also, a 6-gallon compressor has enough power for tire inflating tasks. 

Most typical 6-gallon compressors are pancake style, and the tank air storage capacity is fixed. But their air-delivering ability could vary depending on manufacturers and the equipped motor power.   

Note: 6-gallon air compressor tank pressure ranges from 150 PSI to 200 PSI, and the airflow capacity ranges between 2.5 CFM to 4 CFM at 90 PSI. 

So, make sure! 

What can You do with a 6-gallon air compressor? (6-Gallon air compressor uses)

A traditional 6-gallon air compressor can deliver 2.6 CFM air at 90 psi. This spec can power various low to medium air-hungry pneumatic tools, such as nail guns, staple guns, blow guns, flooring nailers, framing nailers, and tire inflating. 

When it comes to choosing a 6-gallon compressor for moderate air-hungry tools or professional framing and roofing jobs, there are a few models of 6-gallon compressors available with a tank pressure of around 200 PSI, and an airflow capacity of 4 CFM. 

Can a 6-gallon air compressor run a nail gun?

Yes, a 6-gallon air compressor can certainly run a nail gun. Most nail guns operate within a range of 70 to 120 pounds per square inch (psi) and require an airflow range of 1 to 2.8 CFM at 90 psi, and a 6-gallon air compressor can provide this pressure level. 

Can a 6-gallon air compressor fill a tire?

Yes, a 6-gallon air compressor can fill a tire. When it comes to inflating tires, the most important aspect is the air pressure and volume that the compressor can deliver. 

A 6-gallon air compressor typically generates enough air pressure to fill a tire to the recommended psi (pounds per square inch). Most car and bicycle tires require a psi range of 30 to 60, which a 6-gallon compressor can easily achieve. 

However, it’s worth noting that the compressor’s airflow rate and the tire’s size will affect the time it takes to fill the tire completely. Smaller tires may inflate quickly, while larger tires or those with a higher recommended psi may take a bit longer. 

Some 6-gallon air compressors may come with accessories like tire inflator attachments, making the inflation process even more convenient. It’s important to monitor the tire pressure during inflation and use a tire pressure gauge to ensure accurate inflation. 

Will a 6-gallon air compressor run a framing nailer?

Yes, a 6-gallon air compressor can run a framing nailer. But there are a few limitations for a typical 6-gallon pancake compressor. As mentioned above, they can deliver 2.6 CFM air at 90 PSi; this airflow is much enough for a single framing gun for occasional or professional uses. But they will struggle to build certain pressure while you’ll be used to supply air for your construction team members. 

So, I recommend professional contractors choose those 6-gallon compressor variants with airflow rates minimum of 4 CFM at 90 PSI and a maximum tank pressure of 200 PSI. 

Is a 6-gallon air compressor enough to paint a car?

Using a 6-gallon air compressor to paint a car can be challenging, particularly for larger vehicles or comprehensive paint jobs. While a 6-gallon compressor can provide sufficient air pressure for certain painting tasks, its limited tank capacity and airflow may result in frequent pauses to refill, which can impact the overall painting process.

What Size Air Compressor For Painting – In-Depth Guides & Recommendation

Can you use a 6 gallon air compressor for an impact wrench?

Yes, a 6-gallon air compressor can be used with an impact wrench, but the running time is very limited due to the airflow capacity and tank pressure of a 6-gallon compressor. A traditional 6-gallon compressor can optimally run a 1/2 impact wrench to remove 2 or 3-lug nuts before the motor kicks on.

To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended to check the manufacturer’s specifications for the impact wrench you plan to use. Look for the required CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating of the wrench and compare it with the CFM output of the air compressor.

If the CFM rating of the impact wrench is within the capabilities of the 6-gallon air compressor, it should be suitable for most tasks. However, if the impact wrench requires a higher CFM rating, you might need a larger air compressor with a larger tank and greater airflow capacity.

How many CFM is a 6-gallon compressor?

Average 6-gallon compressors have an airflow capacity range of 2 CFM to 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI, unlike professional 6-gallon compressors. Mostly professional 6-gallon compressors designed to provide plenty of air for framing guns, roofing guns and other medium air-hungry tools, their airflow capacity would be 4 CFM at 90 PSi, and the tank pressure maximum of 200 PSI.

The CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating of a compressor is a measure of its airflow capacity, indicating how much air it can deliver in a minute. The size or capacity of the compressor tank, such as 6 gallons in your case, doesn’t directly determine the CFM rating. CFM is primarily determined by the compressor’s motor power, pump efficiency, and design.

Here’s a CFM chart of the most popular 6-gallon compressors

Models	Airflow Capacity at 90 PSI
Metabo HPT EC914S	4.0 CFM
BOSTITCH BTFP02012	2.6 CFM
RIDGID 6 Gal	2.6 CFM
CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K	2.6 CFM
Metabo HPT EC710S	2.8 CFM
DEWALT DWFP55126	2.6 CFM
PORTER-CABLE C2002-ECOM	2.6 CFM
GOODYEAR 6 Gallon	3.1 CFM
FORTRESS FT6175	3.1 CFM
MCGRAW 6 Gal	2.9 CFM

How much PSI is 6 gallon air compressor?

A 6-gallon air compressor typically has a maximum pressure rating measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) that ranges from approximately 125 to 200 PSI. PSI represents the amount of pressure the air compressor can generate and maintain within its tank.

6- gallon air compressors tank pressure PSI rating Chart

Models	Maximum Tank Pressure
Metabo HPT EC914S	200 PSI
BOSTITCH BTFP02012	150 PSI
RIDGID 6 Gal	150 PSI
CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K	150 PSI
Metabo HPT EC710S	150 PSI
DEWALT DWFP55126	165 PSI
PORTER-CABLE C2002-ECOM	150 PSI
GOODYEAR 6 Gallon	175 PSI
FORTRESS FT6175	175 PSI
MCGRAW 6 Gal	150 PSI