Air compressors are boxlike, towable machines that supply and store high-pressured air. They can be used for tasks like inflating tires or as a power source for a variety of electric tools including jackhammers, air drills, nail guns, and paving breakers. Electric-powered air compressors are ideal for indoor use because they don’t give off any emissions.
An air compressor’s flow rate is expressed in terms of cubic feet per minute (CFM) at a given pressure level—the amount of force a compressor can deliver—measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). For instance, you might need a 185 to 375 CFM compressor at 90 PSI for a small or moderate task, or 750 to 1,600 CFM at the same pressure level for a heavy-duty job.
