Sizing
What size air compressor for tires and blow-off only
For tires and blow-off only (tire inflation and a blow gun) plan on 1.1 CFM at 90 PSI after a 30 percent margin: a 6 to 20 gallon, 120V compressor.
The air budget for this work
| Tool | CFM | Duty | Average CFM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blow gun | 2.5 | 25 percent | 0.6 |
| Tire inflation only | 1 | 25 percent | 0.3 |
Average draw is 0.9 CFM and peak is 3.5 CFM. Everything here is intermittent, so the tank carries the peaks and the average sets the pump size. The figures are typical published values: use the CFM printed on your own tool, and compare it with the compressor's CFM at 90 PSI, never its peak horsepower or tank size.
A 120V compressor of this size runs on a standard circuit, but give it its own so a saw starting on the same circuit does not trip it. Quiet, oil-free models are worth their price in an attached garage.
Shop for this size
Matched to the result above.
Prices change often; the button shows today's price on Amazon.
Amazon and Grizzly, side by side
Each card shows an Amazon pick and a Grizzly Industrial pick for the same job.
20-gallon quiet compressor
Both are oil-free, quiet-series 20-gallon compressors, so they are tolerable in an attached garage. Pick on the sale, the warranty path and the noise rating you can live with.
Prices change often and Grizzly runs sales, so the buttons show current prices.
Get the garage shop planning checklist
One printable page: measure the bay, count the circuits, list the machines, check the floor. Plus a few short emails, then a couple a month at most.
Unsubscribe anytime. You can also just read the checklist on this site.Compressor by kind of work: the other answers
- What size air compressor for wrenching on cars
- What size air compressor for trim carpentry with nailers
- What size air compressor for sanding and grinding
- What size air compressor for spray painting
- What size air compressor for a full auto shop
Frequently asked questions
Is a 6 gallon pancake compressor enough for tires and blow-off only?
A 6 gallon pancake compressor delivers a few CFM at 90 PSI. For tires and blow-off only the requirement here is 1.1 CFM, so a pancake unit is adequate.
This page is researched guidance, not professional electrical, engineering or safety advice. Circuits, loads and clearances depend on your house, your service and your town: have a licensed electrician confirm any wiring, and check local code and each manufacturer's manual before you act.
