Metabo HPT Pancake Air Compressor Runs Two Framing Nailers Simultaneously
Ever wondered how good it would be to run multiple framing or roofing nails with a smaller compressor? That's what the Metabo HPT Pancake Air Compressor (nicknamed The Tank) claims it can do.
advantage
- Runs two framing nailers with ease in our tests
- Higher PSI (200) and greater air delivery (4.0 CFM at 90 PSI) than standard pancake and dual stack compressors, making it more versatile
shortcoming
- Louder than our other pancake compressors
- Heavier than other 6 gallon compressors (41 lbs)
Check out our Best Air Compressors article to see our top picks for a variety of applications and uses.
air pressure and airflow
Let's talk specs. This Metabo HPT Pancake Air Compressor fills up to 200 PSI and delivers up to 4 CFM at 90 PSI. Those are really big numbers for a pancake compressor!
A typical budget-friendly model will run about 150 PSI and 2.5-ish CFM at 90 PSI. We're talking an extra 25% on the pressure side and about 60% more air delivery.
our test results
The big answer we're looking for is whether the compressor can actually manage two framing nailers at the same time. The connections were there, so we grabbed a few boards, put two 3" nails in each gun, and fired.
At first, we were just a little bit stuck. Since the compressor had no problem keeping up, we reloaded and fired through both strips as fast as we could. The pressure was down from the 120 PSI we started with, but despite firing over 100 nails in less than a minute, we still got the nails flat at the end.
Obviously, it's not the cleanest job we've done, and it's a lot faster than two guys working on site, even on sheathing or on the floor. Still, it proves Metabo HPT's point that the compressors can indeed keep up.
In terms of charging, it takes 0:45 to reach 90 PSI, 1:33 to reach 130 PSI, and 3:01 to reach 200 PSI tank capacity.
Additional Field Notes
While fast, the Metabo HPT Tank Flat Air Compressor is not a quiet compressor. Measured at our operator's ear while adjusting the pressure (approximately 24 inches), it registered 93 decibels (A-weighted, slow response). While it's quieter than the petrol model, it's something to keep in mind if you're going to be working within the footprint.
Like many modern compressors, it's oil-free, reducing the amount of maintenance you need to worry about.
This is a more powerful compressor and slightly heavier. We expect most 6 gallon pancakes to weigh in the mid 30's and this one weighs 41 lbs. That's a lot lighter than the dual-stack model, though.
Just in case it came up in the quiz at the end of our review, the compressor had a 50% duty cycle.
price
Tank is $199 from your favorite Metabo HPT retailer. The most popular 6-gallon pancakes cost $129, and double-layered pancakes start at around $150, which isn't a huge premium. In fact, considering the air delivery handily surpasses both styles, it's a solid value.
the bottom line
The Metabo HPT Tank air compressor redefines what you can expect from a pancake compressor. It's more powerful than other models, and while it's heavier and more expensive, it's definitely worth it in our opinion.
- Model: Metabo HPT EC914S
- Power supply: 120V/60Hz
- Rated current: 13.5A
- Motor Type: Industrial
- Operating Horsepower: 1.3 HP
- Maximum pressure: 200 PSI
- Air Delivery @ 40 PSI: 5.1 CFM
- Air Delivery @ 90 PSI: 4.0 CFM
- Tank Type: Pancakes
- Fuel tank capacity: 6 gallons
- Pressure switch open: 170 PSI
- Pressure switch off: 200 PSI
- Fuel Tank Pressure Gauge: Yes
- Adjustable Pressure Gauge: Yes
- Coupling socket: 1/4″ x 2″
- Weight: 41 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: $199