When it comes to auto repair, an impact gun is an essential tool for loosening and tightening stubborn screws and bolts. However, what many people overlook when choosing the right air compressor for their impact gun is size. In the pursuit of getting a job done quickly, using too powerful or too weak of a compressor can often end up hindering progress rather than helping it move along.


That’s why we have created this comprehensive guide. We examine what type of air compressor is most efficient and effective, as well as listing out all available sizes so that you can make an informed decision on which one will work best for you. We will also explain how various measurements like CFM, SCFM, PSI and tank volume factor into the decision making process so you can make perfect choice when selecting an air compressor. Read on and learn how to select the perfect size of air compressor for your impact gun needs!


What Size Air Compressor For Impact Gun

What Size Air Compressor For Impact Gun


For an impact gun, you’ll need an air compressor with a CFM rating of at least 5 to 8 and a PSI rating of between 90-120. HP should be in the 15-20 range, and the gallon size should be around 16 gallons or higher.


Minimum Size Air Compressor For Impact Gun


What Is An Impact Gun?

An impact gun, also known as an impact wrench or torque gun, is an industrial-grade tool used in automotive repair and other applications. It works by rapidly spinning a nut or bolt head when it is clamped onto the drive shaft of the device. This continual rotation allows for stubborn nuts and bolts to be loosened quickly and efficiently with the application of the minimal amount of force.


Types of Impact Gun:

The size of the impact gun is determined by the diameter of the drive shaft on which it operates. Impact guns comes in three main varieties:


– 1/4-inch Impact Gun

– 3/8-inch Impact Gun

– 1/2-inch Impact Gun


1/4-inch Impact Gun:

This size is suitable for most basic tasks such as removing bolts, nuts and small screws.


3/8-inch Impact Gun:

This size is more powerful than the 1/4-inch model, making it ideal for larger fasteners and tougher jobs.


1/2-inch Impact Gun:

This is the most powerful of the three and is suitable for heavy duty industrial tasks.


What Size Air Compressor For 1/4-inch Impact Gun?

Most 1/4-inch impact guns require a minimum of 0.7cfm (Cubic Feet per Minute) at 90 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch). This means that the air compressor must be able to produce at least 0.7 cubic feet of air every minute, and maintain an output pressure of 90 pounds per square inch.


What Size Air Compressor For 3/8-inch Impact Gun?

For 3/8-inch impact guns, the size requirements increase dramatically as they are more powerful tools. A minimum of 2 cfm is required here along with a pressure rating of 90 PSI or higher in order to operate optimally.


What Size Air Compressor For 1/2-inch Impact Gun?

For 1/2-inch impact guns, you will need an air compressor that can provide a minimum of 4 cfm at 90 PSI, or higher.


Do I Need A Bigger Air Compressor For My Impact Gun?

The size of the air compressor should be matched to the requirements of your particular impact gun. This means that if you are using a 1/4-inch impact gun, then you do not need to buy an excessively large and powerful compressor as this will simply cost more money and be unnecessarily bulky.


On the other hand, if you plan on using a 3/8 inch or larger impact gun frequently, then it would make sense to invest in a larger model which will be more powerful and efficient in the long run. By taking into consideration all of these factors, you can find the perfect air compressor for your impact gun needs. Now that you know how to select the right size air compressor for your application, don’t hesitate to get started on those stubborn nuts and bolts!


7 Important Factors to Consider When Selecting an Air Compressor for Impact Gun:

Factors to Consider When Selecting an Air Compressor for Impact Gun


When selecting an air compressor for impact gun, there are a few important factors to consider, such as:


1. PSI Rate:

It is important to check the PSI of your air compressor as this will determine how much air pressure is delivered when you use your impact gun. Generally speaking, a minimum of 90 PSI is required for most typical applications.


2. Horsepower:

HP stands for Horsepower and indicates how powerful an air compressor motor is. Generally speaking, higher horsepower usually translates into higher CFM ratings on larger compressors. However, if you are only using a small impact gun such as 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch, then smaller motors with lower horsepower may be adequate for your needs.


3. Tank Size:

The size of the tank on your air compressor will determine how long it takes to fill up and also affects its overall capacity. If you plan on running your impact gun for extended periods or frequently, then a larger tank may be necessary in order to prevent small interruptions in usage due to having to wait for the unit to refill.


4. CFM Air Output:

CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute and indicates how much air is being delivered by the compressor during use. As mentioned previously, the CFM rating should match with the requirements of your particular impact gun so that you get optimal performance out of it.


5. Flow Meter:

Many modern air compressors come with flow meters which allow you to accurately measure the rate at which air is flowing and help you keep an eye on your compressor’s performance and usage.


6. Duty Cycle:

This refers to the maximum amount of time that an air compressor can be used before it requires a break for cooling down purposes. If you plan on using your impact gun extensively, then make sure to select an air compressor with a longer duty cycle.


7. Portability:

Depending on where you plan on using your impact gun, portability may also be an important factor to consider when selecting the right air compressor. For example, if working in tight spaces or having access to power sources is limited, then investing in a smaller but more powerful portable unit may be ideal.


By taking into account all of these factors when selecting the right air compressor for your needs, you can ensure that you get the most out of your impact gun.


Now let’s discuss these 7 factors one by one in detail.


PSI Requirement for Impact Gun:

The amount of pressure required for an impact gun depends on the size of your tool. Generally speaking, a minimum of 90 PSI is required for most typical applications. However, if you are using a 1/4-inch impact gun then you don’t need to buy an excessively large and powerful compressor as this will simply cost more money and be unnecessarily bulky. On the other hand, if you plan on frequently using a 3/8 inch or larger impact gun then it would make sense to invest in a larger model which will be more powerful and efficient in the long run.


CFM Requirement for Impact Gun:

The CFM rating of your air compressor should match the requirements of whatever impact gun you are using so that you get optimal performance out of it.


For example, if you have a 3/8-inch impact gun then it would make sense to invest in a model which delivers at least 8 CFM as this will provide enough power and speed for most applications. On the other hand, if you plan on using larger tools such as 1/2-inch or even 3/4-inch then a minimum of 10 CFM and above may be necessary.


Horsepower Requirement for Impact Gun:

The horsepower of an air compressor motor indicates how powerful it is, and higher horsepower usually translates into higher CFM ratings on larger compressors. If you are only using a small impact gun such as 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch then smaller motors with lower horsepower may be adequate for your needs.


On the other hand, if you plan on frequently using a larger impact gun then it would make sense to invest in a model with higher horsepower so that it can deliver more power and speed.


Tank Size Requirement for Impact Gun:

The size of the tank on your air compressor will determine how long it takes to fill up and also affects its overall capacity. If you plan on running your impact gun for extended periods or frequently, then a larger tank around 10-15 gallons may be necessary in order to prevent small interruptions in usage due to having to wait for the unit to refill.


Flow Meter Requirement for Impact Gun:

It is important to ensure that your air compressor comes with a flow meter so that you can accurately measure the rate at which air is flowing from your unit. This helps you monitor how much pressure is being delivered and also alert you to any issues or blockages which may be present in the system.


Duty Cycle Requirement for Impact Gun:

The duty cycle of an air compressor refers to the maximum amount of time which it can be used before needing a break for cooling down purposes. If you plan on using your impact gun extensively then make sure to select an air compressor with a longer duty cycle as this will help reduce the amount of time you spend waiting for it to cool down.


Portability Requirement for Impact Gun:

The portability of an air compressor is also an important factor to consider as this will determine how easy or difficult it is to move around and transport from one place to another. If you plan on using your impact gun in multiple locations then a smaller, more easily transportable model would be ideal so that you can take it with you wherever you go.


By taking all of these factors into account when selecting the right air compressor for your needs, you can ensure that you get the most out of your impact gun. With the right tools, knowledge, and research, anyone can find the perfect air compressor to suit their needs and get the job done quickly and efficiently.



Frequently Asked Questions

Question #1

What size air compressor do I need to use my impact gun?

The size of the air compressor you need will depend on the type and size of impact gun you are using. If you have a smaller tool such as 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch then a smaller motor with lower horsepower may be adequate for your needs. However, if you plan on frequently using larger tools like 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch then it would make sense to invest in a model with higher horsepower so that it can deliver more power and speed.

Question #2

What tank size should I get for my air compressor?

The size of the tank on your air compressor will determine how long it takes to fill up and also affects its overall capacity. If you plan on running your impact gun for extended periods or frequently, then a larger tank may be necessary in order to prevent small interruptions in usage due to having to wait for the unit to refill.

Question #3

What CFM should I look for when choosing an air compressor?

The CFM rating of your air compressor should match the requirements of whatever impact gun you are using so that you get optimal performance out of it. For example, if you have a 3/8-inch impact gun then it would make sense to invest in a model which delivers at least 8 CFM as this will provide enough power and speed for most applications. On the other hand, if you plan on using larger tools such as 1/2-inch or even 3/4-inch then a minimum of 10 CFM and above may be necessary.

Question #4

Does my air compressor need to have a flow meter?

It is important to ensure that your air compressor comes with a flow meter so that you can accurately measure the rate at which air is flowing from your unit. This helps you monitor how much pressure is being delivered and also alert you to any issues or blockages which may be present in the system.

Question #5

What duty cycle should I look for when buying an air compressor?

The duty cycle of an air compressor refers to the maximum amount of time which it can be used before needing a break for cooling down purposes. If you plan on using your impact gun extensively then make sure to select an air compressor with a longer duty cycle as this will help reduce the amount of time you spend waiting for it to cool down.

Question #6

How important is the portability factor when choosing an air compressor?

The portability of an air compressor is also an important factor to consider as this will determine how easy or difficult it is to move around and transport from one place to another. If you plan on using your impact gun in multiple locations then a smaller, more easily transportable model would be ideal so that you can take it with you wherever you go.

Question #7

Are oil-free air compressors suitable for use with an impact gun?

Yes, oil-free air compressors are suitable to use with an impact gun as long as they provide enough power and speed for the job. However, it is important to make sure that the model you choose has a high CFM rating in order to avoid issues such as slow performance or stalling due to insufficient pressure levels.

Question #8

How should I maintain my air compressor?

In order to ensure your air compressor runs at its optimal level of performance, be sure to regularly check and clean all hoses and filters on the unit and also take care not to overload it beyond its stated capacity. Additionally, it is important to check the oil levels of your compressor every few months in order to make sure that it doesn’t run dry and cause damage to the unit.

Question #9

What safety measures should I take when using an air compressor?

It is essential to take all necessary safety precautions when working with an air compressor such as wearing protective eyewear, wearing long sleeves and trousers, keeping hands out of the way of moving parts and making sure that there are no exposed wires or cables nearby which could pose a risk. Additionally, always ensure that you have the correct size and type of pressure regulator for your impact gun so that you don’t overload it beyond its specified capacity.

Question #10

Is it important to use a compressor with an adequate tank size?

Yes, having the correct tank size for your air compressor can be essential in order to ensure that you have sufficient air pressure and performance when using your impact gun. Generally speaking, larger tanks are better for heavier duty applications such as 3/4-inch or 1-inch impact guns. However, if you plan on using smaller tools then a smaller 1-gallon tank may suffice. Additionally, it is important to make sure that your compressor has enough power and speed to run all of the tools you need without overloading the unit as this could damage both the motor and the tools.



Conclusion:

There are a number of important factors to consider when choosing the right air compressor for impact gun. It is essential that you select an appropriate model with enough power and speed for the job and one which has a large enough tank size. Additionally, ensure that your unit has a long-duty cycle and is portable so that it can be moved around easily without hindering progress. Finally, always take all necessary safety precautions when using any type of compressed air equipment in order to avoid any potential risks or hazards.