Compressed CO2 vs. air tank for brad nailing

[duke000088]

I'm in need of a small portable compressed air source for my brad nailer. I'd like something VERY portable. I own a 30 gallon compressor on wheels but I can't lug it close to where I need to do some work.

I could get a mini compressor (pancake or whatever) but I'd rather not invest in another compressor that will only see occassional use... plus I might not even have electrical easily available in some cases.

So I saw these compressed CO2 systems at Sears the other day:

http://www.jacpacco2.com/

But they're ~$100 and I've heard very mixed reviews. Plus refills of CO2 are a little inconvenient. Since I have a good large compressor, has anyone outfitted a 5 gallon air tank to lug around as an air source for a brad or finish nailer? Like:

http://www.about-air-compressors.com/brad-nailer-tank.html

I was just concerned about the number of shots... The JacPac CO2 claims they can get hundreds of shots (2" brads... 20oz tank = ~700!) But the author of that little air tank article claims much more modest shot counts. I'm assuming the CO2 is stored liquified which would yield more useable pressure...

I dunno... anyone been down this road. I realize the easy answer is just to buy a second small compressor (and I might) but I could pick up an air tank at Harbor Freight for $20 (on sale this week). $10 of fittings and I'd be rollin'...

 

[JeepFreak21]

Our cabinet installer had one of those little CO2 bottles for his brad nailer and said he loved it. I asked him about refills and he said that he just buys a new bottle everytime. I asked if it was expensive and he said not at all, for the convenience!

Billy

 

[sp5368]

You exchange the bottle you bring in and they give you a full tested bottle back, it cost me around $23.00 to exchange my 10lb bottle. You can leave your own bottle and they can fill it up but mine is nothing fancy so I just get a replacemnet.

 

[xjtrailrider]

I use my OBA set-up to operate my finish, brad, and frame guns all the time for small projects or if I'm somewhere I do not want to drag out all that hose and listen to that noisy little compressor.

 

[ewhood]

CO2 isn't a bad alternative, but one bad thing is not knowing how much CO2 remains in the bottle. It is usually measured by weight. It might not be a problem for you, but if you are on a jobsite and run it it could be a pain. One good idea is to keep a spare. If you plan on using any framing tools or coil nailers it probably won't cut it.

We used to sell the JacPac but had a ton of defective ones that we had to return... which we were never reimbursed for. I believe Kobalt makes one that is a little cheaper, it's the same thing though.

They work okay, just don't expect it to be the perfect solution.

 

[duke000088]

I think I'm going to try a 5 gallon air tank. Refills are free... and I think it'll get the job done.

For $99 + refills I think I'd be better off with a small compressor but like I said, I'd rather not go there.

Got my HF coupon and the air tank is on sale so I figure I can't go wrong for $16 bucks and some fittings.

Thanks guys