Compressed Air Supply Calculator

Use this applet to check that your compressor and air delivery are adequate for your installation.

Select your tool and air delivery configuration

• Air splitter should be integrated into or next to the compressor.
• Separate hoses should be used for each tool.

• Moderate rate is typical of an occasional user.
• Fast rate is typical of professional installers who are using flooring tools on a regular basis.
• Very fast rate is typical of professional installers of large projects or surfaces (>600 sq.ft. every day).
• Tools with roller base will increase your pace.

• Operating at higher pressure than necessary increases air consumption.
• Operating tool over 115psi increases wear and reduces parts life expectancy.

• A minimum of 100psi is required for hose longer than 50ft.

• 3/8" hose is recommended - 3/8" hose is required for hose longer than 50ft.
• Fitting size should match hose diameter.

Compressor Recommendations

• The SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute) is a measure of air flow under standardized conditions (temperature, pressure & relative humidity). Although these standard conditions may vary from one manufacturer to another, the SCFM specification is the best figure to compare different models. Learn more about SCFM
• The SCFM is usually rated at 90psi. If rated otherwise, use the closest value.
• Some manufacturers rate their compressor in CFM (cubic feet per minute). Unfortunately, since the operating environment is not taken into account, this figure is not reliable for comparing compressors.
• Compressor start point (cut-in/cut-out pressures) should be at least 10psi higher than the operating pressure. Refer to the compressor Operation Manual.
• Larger tank compressors or the use of a bumper tank will stabilized the air pressure during fast bursts.

• Motor power (HP) is a crude approximation of a compressor capacity (SCFM) and should be used only if SCFM specification cannot be found.

Operating Air Pressure Recommendations

Use only the air pressure that is required to properly countersink all nails or staples. The use of higher air pressure will increase tongue fracture and dimple effect. Exotic species, dark varnishes and/or hi-gloss finishes are particularly sensitive to over-pressuring tool.

Check your Compressor Rating

• The minimum of  SCFM is required  to sustain a burst of operation under the conditions you defined above.
• This section is to help you asses that your compressor can withstand this usage over a day of work.

• Enter capacity (in SCFM) of your compressor at 90psi.
• Your compressor SCFM capacity should not be less than the minimum recommended.
• A compressor not meeting the recommended SCFM can still be used if a more moderate pace is used during bursts.

• Enter how many nails or staples per day (8 hours) you typically use.
• As a guideline, 200 sq.ft. of 2¼-wide by ¾-thick hardwood flooring requires approximately 1,000 16ga nails or staples.
• For other installations, use the coverage calculator to estimate how many nails or staples are required.