It is always best to check the specifications with your tool manufacturer, but if this information is not available, this air tool consumption list will provide a rough guideline.
A common question we get revolves around how much air a particular tool uses. Whether it’s a impact gun, grinder or breaker, there are various ranges of air consumption each of these tools use. Below is a rough guide on common air tools in various sizes. This is only a guide. The tool manufacturer will have exact specifications for each model.
| Types of Pneumatic Tools | MAX ACFM @ 90psi | Pavement-Breaker | CFM Requirement at 100% Duty Cycle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1″ Impact Wrench | 45 – 65 | Sullair | ||
| 3/4″ Impact Wrench | 30 – 40 | 30 lb. | 37 | |
| 1/2″ Impact Wrench | 25 – 40 | 45 lb. | 48 | |
| 1/4″ Impact Wrench | 10 – 20 | 60 lb. | 49 | |
| #5 Spline Impact Wrench | 40 – 95 | 90 lb. | 62 | |
| 1/2” Ratchet | 15 – 20 | Chicago Pneumatic | ||
| 1/4” Ratchet | 10 – 20 | 25 lb. | 48 | |
| 3/8” Ratchet | 10 – 20 | 45 lb. | 56 | |
| 1 1/4” Drill | 60 – 100 | 60 lb. | 68 – 75 | |
| 1/2” Drill | 25 – 35 | 90 lb. | 85 | |
| Angle Grinders (4”) | 17 – 37 | American Pneumatic | ||
| Angle Grinders (5”) | 17 – 68 | 30 lb. | 34 – 38 | |
| Angle Grinders (6”) | 24 – 77 | 45 lb | 48 | |
| Angle Grinders (7”) | 24 – 90 | 60 lb | 60 – 65 | |
| Angle Grinders (9”) | 80 – 93 | 90 lb. | 75 – 80 | |
| 1/4” Die Grinder | 8 – 32 | Atlas Copco | ||
| Vertical Grinder | 63 – 93 | 30 lb. | 53 | |
| Screw Driver | 18 | 45 lb. | 55 | |
| Rotary Sander | 17 – 36 | 60 lb. | 64 – 68 | |
| Belt Sander | 25 – 40 | 90 lb. | 74 – 83 | |
| Polishing Repair Sander | 20 | Ingersoll Rand | ||
| Polishing Sander | 28 – 33 | 45 lb. | 49 – 58 | |
| Scalers | 5 – 16 | 90 lb. | 85 | |
| Chipper | 5 – 10 | Airex | ||
| Needle Scaler | 5 – 10 | 30 lb. | 38 | |
| Caulking Gun | 17 | 45 lb. | 48 – 56 | |
| Hammer | 10 – 25 | 60 lb. | 65 | |
| Chipping Hammer | 20 – 30 | 90 lb. | 85 | |
| 25 lb. Pavement Breaker | 49 | |||
| 35 lb. Pavement Breaker | 56 | |||
| 60 lb. Pavement Breaker | 70 | |||
| 90 lb. Pavement Breaker | 62 – 85 | |||
| Spike Driver | 70 – 90 | |||
| Clay Digger | 36 – 47 | |||
| Pumps | 85 – 108 | |||
| Shears | 15 | |||
| Rivet Buster | 45 | |||
| CoreDrill | 85 | |||
| Concrete Vibrator | 65 | |||
| Riveter | 5-10 | |||
| Tire Buffer | 13 | |||
| Saw | 85 | |||
| Chop Saw | 85 | |||
| Belly Saw | 55 | |||
| Walk Behind Saw | 85 | |||
| Chain Saw | 85 | |||
| Gasket Scraper | 43 | |||
| Rotary Drill | 19 – 47 | |||
| Sinker Drill | 46 – 129 | |||
| Scabbler | 24 – 28 | |||
To download a copy of this chart, click here.