The short answerFor trim nailers and tires, buy a 6 gal pancake compressor that makes about 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI. It costs $100 to $200. If you only fill tires and balls, a $30 to $80 tire inflator is all you need.
What to buy
Tires and balls only
12V or cordless tire inflator
Lives in the trunk and tops off a tire in a few minutes. It can't run any air tool.
$30 to $80
See options on Amazon →Most DIYers
6 gal pancake, about 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI, oil-free
Runs brad, finish and even framing nailers at a homeowner pace, plus tires and blow guns. It's loud, and it can't keep up with sanders or paint guns.
$100 to $200
See options on Amazon →Indoor and quiet work
1 to 2 gal quiet oil-free compressor
Quiet enough to talk over, and light to carry up stairs. The small tank refills often, so it suits brad and finish nailers only.
$130 to $250
See options on Amazon →Impact wrenches and air tools
20 to 30 gal wheeled, 4 to 6 SCFM at 90 PSI
Enough air for impact wrenches, ratchets and short bursts of bigger tools. It's heavy, takes up floor space, and still falls short for nonstop sanding or spraying.
$350 to $700
See options on Amazon →Links go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Need a big compressor for one spray job or one weekend of framing? Rent it. Large tanks cost a lot and take over the garage.
What the numbers mean
- CFM at 90 PSI
- How much air the pump delivers, and the number that decides which tools will run. Find your tool's CFM need and buy a compressor that beats it by about half.
- Tank size
- Stored air, in gallons. A bigger tank lets you work longer before the motor kicks on, but it can't make up for a weak pump.
- Max PSI
- The highest pressure in the tank, often 125 to 175 PSI. Most air tools run at 90 PSI, so higher max means a little more stored air.
- Pancake vs hot dog
- These are tank shapes. A pancake is round, flat and stable, and a hot dog is one long cylinder. CFM matters far more than shape.
- Oil-free vs oil-lubricated
- Oil-free pumps need no oil changes and suit home use. Oil-lubricated pumps tend to run quieter and last longer, and they need regular oil checks.
What not to pay for
- Horsepower on the label
HP numbers get inflated and are hard to compare. CFM at 90 PSI is the honest number.
- Sanders and paint guns on a small tank
Those tools want a steady 6 CFM or more. A pancake runs out of air in seconds.
- Forgetting the hose
Many compressors ship without one. Budget $20 to $40 for a 25 ft hose and a set of quick-connect fittings.
Wear eye and hearing protection, and never point air at skin or at anyone's face. Set the regulator at or below your tool's rated pressure. Drain the tank after each use so it doesn't rust from the inside.
Questions
What size air compressor do I need for a nail gun?
Brad and finish nailers use very little air, so a 1 to 6 gal compressor runs them fine. For a framing nailer, a 6 gal pancake works at a steady DIY pace.
Can a pancake compressor run an impact wrench?
For a few lug nuts in short bursts, sometimes. Most 1/2 in impact wrenches want about 4 to 5 CFM at 90 PSI, more than a pancake makes. A cordless impact wrench is the better buy for most people.
Is an oil-free compressor OK?
For home use, yes. There's no oil to check or change, and it can sit on its side in a trunk. The trade-off is more noise and a shorter pump life under heavy daily use.
Written by the DIY Project team. We recommend by type and spec, cheapest option that does the job first. How we check
Updated October 3, 2026. Prices are estimates.