Best Pneumatic Impact Wrench Partner: 3-Gallon Air Compressor

Pneumatic impact wrenches are a common tool in the automotive industry. They are preferred in many workshops due to their lightweight and powerful nature, as well as their ability to rotate in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. To run a pneumatic impact wrench, you need an air compressor. The size of the air compressor depends on the drive size of the impact wrench, with smaller drive sizes needing less airflow. A 3-gallon air compressor will likely not be sufficient to run an impact wrench as it has a low air pressure of around 0.5 CFM. A 6-gallon compressor is the smallest size recommended to run an impact wrench, but it will only allow you to work for a couple of minutes before running out of stored air. For continuous use, a 20-gallon capacity compressor is recommended.

A 3-gallon air compressor is not powerful enough to run a pneumatic impact wrench

The effectiveness of an air compressor depends on two main factors: the CFM (cubic feet per minute) of the compressor and the volume of the tank. A 3-gallon tank is on the smaller side, so it is likely that the CFM of the compressor is also low. A higher CFM is necessary to deliver the high torque required by an impact wrench.

The size of the air compressor tank determines how long you can use the impact wrench continuously without having to switch on the motor. A larger tank can hold a larger volume of air, allowing for longer use. For example, a 25-30 litre (6-8 gallon) tank would allow for around an hour of continuous use of an impact wrench.

Additionally, if you are running multiple tools or using air tools for a lot of jobs, a larger tank size and more powerful compressor will be necessary to meet the airflow requirements of the tools.

Therefore, if you are planning to use a pneumatic impact wrench for anything more than a few short bursts, a larger and more powerful air compressor is recommended.

A 6-gallon air compressor is the smallest size that can run an impact wrench

Impact wrenches are available in different drive sizes, such as 3/8", 1/2", and 1", and each size has specific airflow requirements. For example, a 1/2" drive impact wrench typically requires around 5 CFM of airflow at 90 psi. Therefore, to ensure the wrench runs freely, the airflow rating of the compressor at 90 psi should be at least 7.5 CFM (3/2 * 5 CFM).

The size of the compressor's tank also matters, as it determines how long you can use the impact wrench continuously without switching on the motor. A larger tank provides a greater volume of air and allows for longer continuous use. For instance, a 5 to 6 times larger tank than the airflow requirement of the tool is generally recommended, which, in the case of a 5 CFM impact wrench, would translate to a 25 to 30-liter tank (approximately 6 to 8 gallons).

While a 6-gallon compressor can run an impact wrench, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your impact wrench, including its drive size and CFM rating, to ensure optimal performance. Additionally, if you intend to use multiple tools simultaneously or for extended periods, a larger compressor with a higher CFM rating and a bigger tank may be more suitable.

A 20-gallon capacity compressor is recommended to avoid delays between tasks

A 3-gallon air compressor will only run a pneumatic impact wrench for a minute or so, and even then, not very well. Pneumatic impacts and ratchets use a lot of air volume. The CFM (cubic feet per minute) of the compressor and the volume of the tank are important considerations.

For example, if the impact wrench requires an airflow of 5 CFM, then the tank size of the air compressor should be at least 25 to 30 liters (6-8 gallons) to ensure continuous use for about an hour or so.

If you plan to use multiple tools simultaneously or have a large garage or workshop, investing in a larger industrial air compressor with a higher airflow capacity and a larger tank is beneficial. This will ensure that you don't have to constantly stop and wait for the compressor to build up pressure.

Some popular 20-gallon air compressors include:

• California Air Tools 20020 2.0 HP Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free Air Compressor
• DEWALT 20-Gallon 200 PSI Oil Lubed Belt Drive Portable Horizontal Electric Air Compressor
• Ingersoll Rand P1.5IU-A9 2hp 20-gallon Single-Stage Compressor
• Stealth 20 Gallon Ultra Quiet Air Compressor, 1.8 HP Oil-Free Peak 150 PSI 68 Decibel Air Compressor

Pneumatic impact wrenches are preferred in many workshops due to being lightweight and powerful

Pneumatic impact wrenches are more lightweight and powerful than their electric counterparts. They are also spark-free and do not pose a shock hazard. Additionally, they can rotate in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, with the amount of torque controlled by a valve in the tool.

When choosing an air compressor for a pneumatic impact wrench, it is important to consider the drive size of the wrench, as different drive sizes have different airflow requirements. The airflow is typically measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and most air tools require a certain CFM at 90 psi pressure. For example, a 1/2" drive impact wrench typically requires 4-5 CFM at 90 psi.

The size of the air compressor's tank is also a crucial factor. The tank size determines how long you can use the impact wrench continuously without switching on the motor. Tanks can range from small (2 gallons) to medium (6-16 gallons) to large (30+ gallons). For impact wrenches, it is generally recommended to have a tank size of at least 5 to 6 times the airflow requirement of the tool.

In summary, pneumatic impact wrenches are preferred in many workshops due to their lightweight, powerful performance, and the fact that they do not produce sparks or pose a shock hazard. When choosing an air compressor for a pneumatic impact wrench, it is important to consider the drive size, airflow requirements, and tank size of the wrench.

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) is the standard measure for air pressure

CFM, or Cubic Feet per Minute, is the standard measure for airflow volume. It is determined by how many cubic feet of air pass by a stationary point in one minute. CFM is important when it comes to air compressors and impact wrenches because it helps ensure that the compressor can deliver the required airflow to the wrench.

When it comes to air tools like impact wrenches, the airflow requirement is typically given in CFM at a specific pressure, often 90 psi. This means that the air compressor needs to be able to provide that amount of airflow at the specified pressure for the impact wrench to function properly.

The CFM requirement of an impact wrench depends on its drive size. Smaller drive sizes, such as 3/8" or 1/2", require less airflow than larger drive sizes, such as 3/4" or 1". For example, a 3/8" impact wrench may require 3 CFM @ 90 psi, while a 1/2" impact wrench may need 4-5 CFM @ 90 psi.

To ensure that an air compressor can adequately power an impact wrench, it is recommended that the airflow from the compressor is at least 3/2 times the minimum requirement of the wrench. This ensures that the wrench can operate continuously without constantly running the motor. For instance, if a 1/2" impact wrench requires 5 CFM, then the airflow rating of the compressor should be 7.5 CFM or higher.

In addition to the CFM, another important factor to consider when choosing an air compressor for an impact wrench is the size of the compressor's tank. The tank size determines how long you can use the impact wrench continuously. For example, if an impact wrench has an airflow requirement of 5 CFM, a tank size of 25 to 30 liters (6-8 gallons) is recommended for continuous operation for about an hour or so.

Frequently asked questions