[agfenton]

I'm getting ready to dive into a first set of air tools, and I noticed that most 1/2" impact wrenches say they consume around 6 CFM @ 90 PSI. There's a 21 gallon CentralPneumatic compressor that provides 4.7 CFM @ 90 PSI. Does that mean you won't get the full potential of the tool if you use it with this compressor? Or is this totally different and not something to worry about? Trying to decide between the 21 gallon and the 29 gallon model (for twice as much, unfortunately). Any suggestions for compressors to get that work on 120V (for fairly cheap)?

 

[royc]

You won't be able to run the 6 CFM impact wrench continuously with a 4.7 CFM compressor, but you wouldn't do that anyway. For short bursts removing lug nuts, it'll work fine. The compressor needs to have a greater CFM capacity than the CFM rating for tools like a sander or cutoff grinder that will run continuously for several minutes.

 

[voigt.mike]

I know this is an old thread, but if you are going to use an air impact, get the set of high-flow couplers. The max torque is directly related to how much air you flow, so if you don’t have a monster compressor, make sure to keep your hose short and fat. SCFM ratings are the ratings of the compressor itself. A tank can dump a lot of air in a very small amount of time to break a bolt free. The compressor will just have to run longer to catch up. I ran a $20 Harbor Freight impact for years with poor results until I got the shorter hose and high-flow fittings. The upgrade made all the difference until I moved and had no place for a compressor.

These days I run a Milwaukee FUEL 1/2” High-Torque impact wrench and also their 3/8” FUEL ratchet. These battery tools perform better than my air tools ever did.


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