Metabo HPT Pancake Air Compressor Runs Two Framing Nailers at Once
Ever thought how nice it would be to run more than one framing or roofing nailer using a smaller compressor? That’s what the Metabo HPT pancake air compressor—nicknamed The Tank—claims it can do.
Pros
- Easily ran two framing nailers in our testing
- Higher PSI (200) and greater air delivery (4.0 CFM at 90 PSI) than standard pancake and twin stack compressors, making it legitimately more versatile
Cons
- Louder than our other pancake compressors
- Heavier than other 6-gallon compressors (41 pounds)
Check out our Best Air Compressors article for our top picks across a variety of applications and uses.
Metabo HPT 6-Gallon Pancake Air Compressor
Air Pressure and Air Flow
Let’s talk about specifications for a moment. This Metabo HPT pancake air compressor fills up to 200 PSI and can deliver up to 4 CFM at 90 PSI. Those are really big numbers for a pancake compressor!
A typical budget-friendly model is going to run roughly 150 PSI and 2.5-ish CFM at 90 PSI. We’re talking an extra 25% on the pressure side and some 60% better air delivery.
Our Testing Results
The biggest answer we were looking for was whether or not the compressor can actually manage two framing nailers at once. The connections are there for it, so we grabbed a few boards, loaded up two strips of 3-inch nails in each gun, and fired.
At first, we just kind of plugged along. With the compressor having no issues keeping up, we reloaded and fired through two strips as fast as we could. The pressure dropped from 120 PSI where we started, but we still drove nails flush at the end despite firing more than 100 nails in less than a minute.
Obviously, this wasn’t our cleanest work and it’s a lot faster than two people would work in the field, even on sheathing or flooring. However, it proves Metabo HPT’s point that the compressor can indeed keep up.
As far as charging goes, it took 0:45 to reach 90 PSI, 1:33 to hit 130 PSI, and 3:01 to reach its full 200 PSI tank capacity.
Additional Field Notes
While fast, the Metabo HPT Tank pancake air compressor is not a quiet compressor. Measuring at our operator’s ear while making adjustments to the pressure (roughly 24 inches), it registered 93 decibels (A-weighted, slow response). While it’s quieter than a gas model, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re going to be working in an occupied space.
Like many modern compressors, it’s an oil-free design, reducing the amount of maintenance you need to worry about.
This is a more robust compressor and the weight is a little higher. Where we expect most 6-gallon pancakes to weigh in the mid-’30s, this one is a hefty 41 pounds. That’s significantly lighter than twin stack models, though.
Just in case it comes up on the quiz at the end of our review, the compressor has a 50% duty cycle.
Price
The Tank runs $199 from your favorite Metabo HPT retailer. With the most popular 6-gallon pancakes running $129, and twin stacks starting around $150, it’s not a huge premium. In fact, it’s a pretty solid value for what you get considering the air delivery surpasses both styles handily.
The Bottom Line
The Metabo HPT Tank air compressor redefines what you should expect from a pancake compressor. It’s significantly more capable than other models and while it is a bit heavier and more expensive, it’s definitely worth it in our opinion.
Metabo HPT Pancake Air Compressor Specifications
- Model: Metabo HPT EC914S
- Power Supply: 120V/60Hz
- Rated Amps: 13.5 A
- Motor Type: Industrial
- Running Horsepower: 1.3 HP
- Max Pressure: 200 PSI
- Air Delivery @ 40 PSI: 5.1 CFM
- Air Delivery @ 90 PSI: 4.0 CFM
- Tank Type: Pancake
- Tank Capacity: 6 Gallons
- Pressure Switch On: 170 PSI
- Pressure Switch Off: 200 PSI
- Tank Pressure Gauge: Yes
- Regulated Pressure Gauge: Yes
- Coupling Socket: 1/4″ x 2″
- Weight: 41 lb.
- Warranty: 1-year
- Price: $199
