If you love working with air tools, then a rattle gun is an essential in your tool arsenal. But knowing what size air compressor for rattle gun can be confusing.
Different rattle guns come at different CFM requirements, and some require additional accessories like oilers and pressure regulators to make them work properly.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide, so that you can be sure the air compressor you choose will get the job done. We’ll cover everything from choosing your compressor type to sizing it correctly and setting up all of the necessary parts to use it safely.
What Size Air Compressor For Rattle Gun
For a rattle gun, you’ll need a compressor with a CFM rating of at least 5 and a PSI rating of between 90-120. HP should be in the 1-2 range, and the gallon size should be around 8-10 gallons or higher.
What Is A Rattle Gun?
A rattle gun is a pneumatic tool that uses air pressure to vibrate and loosen fasteners. It is commonly used in automotive and engineering applications to assist with assembly, maintenance and repair jobs.
Its main advantage over traditional wrenches or ratchets is the speed with which it loosens nuts, bolts and other fasteners, it can be up to ten times faster.
Types of Rattle Gun:
There are several different types of rattle gun available. The most common type is the impact wrench, also known as an air ratchet or torque wrench.
This type uses a hammer and anvil mechanism to generate impacts which loosen nuts and bolts. Other types include needle guns, palm drivers and angle grinders, which have slightly different functions but all require air pressure to operate.
7 Important Factors to Consider When Selecting an Air Compressor for Rattle Gun:
When selecting an air compressor for rattle gun, there are a few important factors to consider, such as:
1. PSI Rate:
The pressure rating of the air compressor is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). Most rattle guns require a minimum of 90-120 PSI in order to function correctly. If you select an air compressor with a lower PSI rating than is recommended for your rattle gun, it will not be able to generate the necessary power and may cause damage.
2. Horsepower:
The horsepower of an air compressor determines how much air can be delivered in a given time period. Most rattle guns require 1-2 HP in order to function properly. If you select an air compressor with a lower horsepower rating than is recommended, it will not be able to handle the load.
3. Tank Size:
The size of the air compressor’s tank determines how much compressed air can be stored in it at any given time. Most rattle guns require an 8-10 gallon tank in order to function properly. If you select an air compressor with a smaller tank size, it will not be able to store enough compressed air for the rattle gun.
4. CFM Air Output:
The cubic feet per minute (CFM) of airflow rating determines how much air is delivered by the air compressor in a given time period. Most rattle guns require at least 5 CFM in order to function properly. If you select an air compressor with a lower CFM rating than is recommended, it will not be able to deliver the necessary amount of airflow.
5. Flow Meter:
The flow meter measures how much air is actually being delivered by the air compressor in a given time period. Most rattle guns require at least 3-4 SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute) in order to function properly. If you select an air compressor with a lower flow meter rating than is recommended, it will not be able to deliver the necessary amount of airflow.
6. Duty Cycle:
The duty cycle determines how long the air compressor can operate before it needs to take a break and cool down. Most rattle guns require a duty cycle of at least 25% in order to function properly. If you select an air compressor with a lower duty cycle than is recommended, it will overheat and not be able to perform correctly.
7. Portability:
The portability of the air compressor refers to how easy it is to move around and transport from one place to another. Some air compressors are more portable than others, so if you plan on taking your rattle gun with you often, then it’s important to select an air compressor that is lightweight and has wheels or handles for easy transportation.
With all these factors taken into account, selecting the right size air compressor for rattle gun will ensure a successful and efficient job every single time!
Now let’s discuss these 7 factors one by one in detail.
PSI Requirement for Rattle Gun:
The pressure rating of the air compressor is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). Most rattle guns require a minimum of 90-100 PSI in order to function correctly. An air compressor with a lower PSI rating than this will not be able to generate the necessary power and may cause damage.
CFM Requirement for Rattle Gun:
The cubic feet per minute (CFM) of airflow rating determines how much air is delivered by the air compressor in a given time period. Most rattle guns require at least 5 CFM in order to function properly. An air compressor with a lower CFM rating than this will not be able to deliver the necessary amount of airflow.
Horsepower Requirement for Rattle Gun:
The horsepower of the air compressor determines how much air can be delivered in a given time period. Most rattle guns require 1-2 HP in order to function properly. An air compressor with a lower horsepower rating than this will not be able to handle the load.
Tank Size Requirement for Rattle Gun:
The size of the air compressor’s tank determines how much compressed air can be stored in it at any given time. Most rattle guns require an 8-10 gallon tank in order to function properly. An air compressor with a smaller tank size than this will not be able to store enough compressed air for the rattle gun.
Duty Cycle Requirement for Rattle Gun:
The duty cycle determines how long the air compressor can operate before it needs to take a break and cool down. Most rattle guns require a duty cycle of at least 25% in order to function properly. An air compressor with a lower duty cycle than this will overheat and not be able to perform correctly.
Portability Requirement for Rattle Gun:
The portability of the air compressor refers to how easy it is to move around and transport from one place to another. Some air compressors are more portable than others, so if you plan on taking your rattle gun with you often, then it’s important to select an air compressor that is lightweight and has wheels or handles for easy transportation.
Do You Need An Air Compressor For A Rattle Gun?
A pneumatic rattle gun requires an air compressor to power it. With the right size, power, and tank capacity, your job will be much easier and faster with a quality air compressor. Also make sure to consider the CFM, flow meter, duty cycle and portability of your chosen model in order to get the best possible performance from your rattle gun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question #1
What is the minimum PSI rating needed for a rattle gun to operate correctly?
The required PSI rating for a compressor intended to power a rattle gun is between 90 and 120 PSI.
Question #2
How much horsepower (HP) does a rattle gun require?
Most rattle guns require 1-2 HP in order to function properly.
Question #3
What is the minimum tank size for a rattle gun?
Most rattle guns require an 8-10 gallon tank in order to function properly.
Question #4
What is the minimum CFM rating required for a rattle gun to operate correctly?
Most rattle guns require at least 5 CFM in order to function properly.
Question #5
What should be the flow meter reading of an air compressor used with a rattle gun?
Most rattle guns require at least 3-4 SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute) in order to function properly.
Question #6
What is the minimum duty cycle required for a rattle gun?
Most rattle guns require a duty cycle of at least 25% in order to function properly.
Question #7
Is portability an important factor when selecting an air compressor for use with a rattle gun?
Yes, some air compressors are more portable than others, so if you plan on taking your rattle gun with you often, then it’s important to select an air compressor that is lightweight and has wheels or handles for easy transportation.
Question #8
Do all air compressors deliver the same amount of power?
No, different types of air compressors can deliver different amounts of power. It’s important to select an air compressor that is capable of delivering the necessary power for your rattle gun.
Question #9
How often should I check my air compressor’s pressure gauge?
You should check your pressure gauge regularly, at least once a day, to ensure safe operation of your air compressor and rattle gun.
Question #10
Do I need any safety equipment when using an air compressor with a rattle gun?
Yes, you should always wear eye protection and hearing protection when operating an air compressor and a rattle gun. Additionally, you should be sure to read all instructions carefully before beginning work.
Conclusion:
Picking the right air compressor for your rattle gun is essential if you want to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Knowing what size air compressor for rattle gun to purchase, as well as understanding all of the necessary components and settings, can help ensure that you get the most out of your tools. Selecting the right air compressor for rattle gun is an important decision that requires careful consideration of factors such as size, CFM rating, duty cycle, tank size, portability and maintenance, in order to get the job done efficiently. With this information in hand, you’ll be able to choose the best air compressor to power your rattle gun with ease and confidence.