Checked my air compressor specs and it explains so much

I was looking at my compressor manual yesterday trying to figure out why my impact gun felt weak. Turns out the compressor I've been using for 5 years only puts out 4 CFM at 90 PSI. Most air tools need at least 5 or 6 CFM to run right. I learned that from a chart on the back of a tool box at AutoZone of all places. So basically I've been working with half the power I needed this whole time and blaming my tools. No wonder my jobs take longer than they should. Has anyone else found a big discrepancy like this between what a tool says and what it actually delivers?

2 comments

2 Comments

miles_roberts224d ago

So you used a mislabeled tool for six months, what finally made you actually check it?

fiona_nelson514d ago

Bought a "3/4 inch impact wrench" from a pawn shop years ago. Took it home, hooked it up, and it barely rattled off a lug nut. Turns out the anvil was actually 1/2 inch with a cheap adapter stuck on it. The seller probably thought I wouldn't notice. I used that thing for six months on car repairs before I figured it out. Felt like a real genius standing in my driveway holding a glorified nut spinner.