Milwaukee Air Compressor

Milwaukee Air Compressor

The long-awaited Milwaukee M18 Fuel cordless air compressor has been on jobsites for a while now. Carpenters have put its 1,600 18-gauge nails-per-charge claims to the test. Some users have even tried this Milwaukee battery-powered air compressor with impact wrenches and for tire inflation. I’m a professional plumber by trade. While it may seem unusual for someone like me to review the 2840-20 compressor—I had several ideas. First and foremost, I could use it on jobsites with no power. Indeed, my team has now used it successfully to bleed heaters and air-test PEX on several repipes.

Milwaukee air compressors are reliable, and versatile units that may be used on an array of applications, ranging from powering pneumatic tools to inflating tires.

They are known to be superior in terms of power and torque and will last for a longer period, even when used in adverse conditions. However, you just have to choose one that is best suited to the intended application.

Over the years, the manufacturer has been offering some of the most reliable, and durable compact air compressors to meet various needs. You will find their models to be rather versatile, easy to operate, and usable in different conditions.

Are Milwaukee tools any good?

Are Milwaukee tools any good? Absolutely!

Milwaukee Tools is a legend in the industry and earned this honor by leading the way in the development of innovative solutions for the trades for more than 90 years. They specialize in working with real users to understand their needs on the jobsite. The results are ground-breaking tools that deliver the best solutions for professionals and DIY-ers alike.

What are air compressors and what do they do?

An air compressor is a machine designed to take air from the ambient environment and, using a power source (typically electricity or a combustible fuel), compress it with a pump to the point where it can be used for specific applications. Since many of these applications have automotive benefits — like filling tires or powering paint sprayers and pneumatic tools — many car enthusiasts choose to keep air compressors in their home garages.

Air compressors work via internal pump mechanisms that are designed to increase the pressure of air. While there are many different types of air compressors, the methods by which they perform the task fall into two categories: positive displacement and dynamic displacement. Positive-displacement compressors (the more common type) draw air into internal chambers that get smaller, thereby compressing it. Dynamic-displacement compressors make use of rotating components that use kinetic energy to compress the air.

Key Features

MAXIMUM PRESSURE RATING

In air compressors, the amount of pressure they can produce is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Knowing the max PSI rating for your air compressor is vital to ensuring you purchase one that’s powerful enough to run your chosen tools or equipment. For most hobby and general applications, you’ll need an air compressor that offers at least 100 PSI. For more industrial applications and larger tools or equipment, look for a PSI of 200.

AIR FLOW RATE

The airflow rate of an air compressor is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and is directly related to the compressor’s maximum PSI capacity. Pneumatic tools and equipment have specific CFM requirements in order to have them function properly. For example, a typical brad nailer needs air to move through it at a rate of 0.3 CFM at 90 PSI. Most orbital sanders require 6-9 CFM at 90 PSI. Be sure to check your equipment requirements prior to purchasing an air compressor to ensure you’re getting one that’s strong enough.

COMPRESSOR PUMP

Twenty-gallon air compressors offer two different types of pumps. One is an oil-lubricated pump that is typically more powerful and durable. However, it also requires more maintenance. Oil-free pumps are usually less expensive and more user- and environmentally-friendly, but they may not be as powerful.

Our Top Picks: 5 Best milwaukee air compressors of 2021

1. Milwaukee 2840-20 M18 FUEL 2 Gallon Oil-Free Hand Carry Air Compressor

Milwaukee 2840-20 M18 FUEL 2 Gallon Oil-Free Hand Carry Air Compressor

The Milwaukee 2840-20 M18 FUEL 2-Gallon Compact Quiet Air Compressor delivers the runtime needed to drive up to 1600 18 Ga. brad nails per M18 REDLITHIUM Lithium-Ion battery charge (sold separately). Producing only 68 dBA of noise, this portable air compressor is the quietest battery-powered unit on the market. Its compact size and weight (only 31.25 lbs.) make it easy to carry on and off the job, and the steel cage protects the motor and tank while providing a stackable design.

The 2-Gallon tank is optimized for common brad and finish nailers and staplers, providing remodelers and carpenters with a cordless solution on jobs where power is off or hard to reach. This cordless compressor delivers up to 1.2 CMF at 90 PSI and features a single turn regulator to adjust pressure output required for the connected tool. This quiet compressor makes for a great addition to the shop or garage and will tackle tire and recreational inflating tasks with ease.

Features:

  • The industry’s quietest cordless air compressor with only 68 dBA of noise
  • POWERSTATE brushless motor and compressor deliver up to 1.2 CFM of air at 90 PSI
  • 2-Gallon tank is optimized for brad and finish nails and staples, as well as common inflation tasks such as tires or recreational equipment
  • Quickly dial in air output with the onboard single-turn regulator
  • A quick connect coupler helps users change hoses with ease
  • All steel rollcage delivers stackable design and protection for the pump, motor and tank
  • Carrying handle and lightweight design help transport this compressor on and off the job
  • Compatible with all M18 REDLITHIUM Lithium-Ion batteries

2. M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Compact Inflator Kit with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger

M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Compact Inflator Kit with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger

Fastest Cordless Tire Inflator. The Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator delivers fast, accurate, easy inflation with the portability to take anywhere. The inflator has the capability to complete demanding applications like car, LT truck, and compact equipment tires, the M12 Compact Inflator gives users ultimate power and efficiency.

Rated to deliver over 120 psi. The high efficiency motor and pump top-off car tires in under 1-minute. The True Fill Auto shut-off technology delivers highly accurate pressure, protects from overfill, and automatically senses speed of fill to deliver precise shut-off at the desired PSI. Additionally, the unit includes a large easy to read back-lit LCD, anti-vibration feet, and 26 in. hose with an all brass Schrader chuck.

Features:

  • Fastest cordless tire inflator: top-off a car tire in under 1-minutes (28 psi to 35 psi)
  • Inflates car, LT truck, and compact equipment tires
  • REDLINK intelligence: true fill auto shut-off technology increases accuracy, protects from over-temp and over-fill
  • High efficiency pump and motor for true 120 psi capability
  • Illuminated digital gauge with target and current pressure reading
  • Top off a car tire in under 1-minutes 28 psi to 35 psi, fills a LT truck tire in under 4-minutes 30 psi to 45 psi
  • Compact, portable, and easy-to-store in any car or truck
  • Weather and impact resistant with a reinforced cage
  • Anti-vibration feet for no tool movement while running
  • 3-year limited warranty
  • Includes: 2475-20 M12 compact inflator, 48-11-2440 M12 XC RED lithium 4.0 battery pack, 48-59-2401 M12 lithium-ion battery charger ball inflation needle, presto chuck, Schrader chuck, inflator nozzle

FAQs

What size air compressor do I need?

There are several factors involved in determining the size of the air compressor you’ll need. One is the way the pneumatic tool works; tools that operate continuously, such as grinders or sanders, need an air compressor with a larger tank capacity than a tool that only operates in short bursts of power, such as a pneumatic nail gun.

What happens when water stays in my compressor?

Compressor tanks are made of steel, which means if water is left in the tank, rust will start to accrue. Depending on the severity, contact your local service center about the best way to eliminate the problem. One place to start would be to look into purchasing an air dryer, to help eliminate the problem.

Will my compressor run on a generator?

The compressor should be able to run given the proper requirements, however we recommend not using a compressor with a generator. Generators have fluctuations in power, and because a compressor needs constant voltage to be able to run, it is generally best not to use a generator if no power is available.

What size of hose should be used?

This will depend on the type of compressor that you have. The two most common sizes are 1/4″ and 3/8″. Check your compressor manual, or give us a call to help find the right size to use. Generally, the larger the compressor means the larger size of diameter you can use. Most homeowner compressor manufacturers would recommend a 1/4″ hose diameter.

Conclusion

Milwaukee might not have different options in terms of the air compressor listed, but that doesn’t mean that you can skip the brand. This air compressor you are getting is something truly remarkable and hard to compete with. There are seldom other air compressors out there that you can use as an alternative to this cordless beast. These deals are the best value for your bucks and also pretty convenient as you will not have to look out for different sorts of stuff separately.

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