impact wrench/compressor question

[railer]

I've got kind of a small 12 gal 1 hp 125 psi Craftsman compressor rated at around 2.5 CFM.
I'd like to buy an impact wrench, mostly for lug nuts and general piddling around, but most of those require 4 or 5 CFM.

Now in my simple mind, all that means to me is that my compressor will power an impact wrench just fine, but it won't "keep up", and after I use the impact for a bit (5 or 10 lug nuts, for example), I'll have to wait a minute for my compressor pump to run and fill my tank up. I have no problem with that - I'm not running a NASCAR pit crew here.

Is that about accurate? Or in other words, do I need to spring for a new compressor if I want to run an impact wrench? Thanks!

 

[jlee]

You are correct - no new compressor needed.

 

[JCH13]

You are correct - no new compressor needed.

This.

 

[CraigRT]

12 Gal is fine. I have a 13 and it's good enough. You can't be constant on the air but you rarely have to use full air pressure 100% of the time.. If you are just using an impact gun may I suggest just going electric. I love my electric impacts. I have 2, and I rarely use the air impact guns if at all anymore.

 

[LTC8K6]

I've got kind of a small 12 gal 1 hp 125 psi Craftsman compressor rated at around 2.5 CFM. I'd like to buy an impact wrench, mostly for lug nuts and general piddling around, but most of those require 4 or 5 CFM.

I think you'll quickly get tired of the compressor not keeping up.

 

[Gillbot]

I think you'll quickly get tired of the compressor not keeping up.

Depends on how often he uses it. I have a ~2 gal pancake and I do fine with my impact. Then again, the compressor delivers more air than the impact consumes so it can readily keep up but my old 20 gal couldn't. It took too long to fill the tank.