I'm considering switching from my corded pancake compressor to a cordless 20V model for DIY projects. I find it easier to carry around without worrying about finding a power source. Currently, I use it mainly for brad and finish nailers, and occasionally for inflating tires, but I'm curious if it can handle bigger tasks like framing and siding nailers. What kind of runtime should I expect? I'm aware cordless nailers are convenient, but they can be pricey, and I'd prefer not to invest in multiple guns if I can avoid it.
2 Answers
I own the 2520 model, and I like its portability, but it takes quite a while to reach full pressure, even with good batteries. It can definitely run a framing nailer, but you’ll find that it uses a lot of battery power, especially for larger jobs. For me, it works fine for cleaning tasks, but I would not recommend it for big projects like framing a house. Just be prepared for a lot of cycling and battery changes if you go that route!
I've actually used a cordless 20V compressor for similar tasks. I saw a guy online who shingled a shed using one battery, and I managed to do two rooms of trim with both a 16-gauge and an 18-gauge nailer on a 6Ah battery. It performed pretty well with my framing nailer for a few boards, so it sounds good for smaller projects. The price is also great—I got mine on sale for about $120 at Home Depot. Hope this helps!