New Dewalt 2.5-gal Trim Nailer Air Compressor DWFP55130

Dewalt has come out with a new 2.5-gallon air compressor, model DWFP55130, that’s designed for use with trim nailers.

Features and Specifications

• Oil-free pump
• Weighs 36 pounds
• Measures 20.5″ L x 16.75″ W x 12.5″ H
• 12A motor draw, to help reduce tripped circuit breakers
• 3.0 SCFM at 90 PSI
• 2.5 gallon air tank
• 200 PSI tank pressure (discussion below)
• 71.5 dB noise level
• (2) universal air couplers
• Built-in power cord wrap

Price: $249

Buy Now(via Amazon)

First Impression

I briefly tested and reviewed the Rolair JC10 air compressor, and since then I found one or two more small projects to use it for. The Rolair JC10 is an utterly fantastic compressor, and is the standard to which I will consider all other small trim compressors.

Dewalt’s mention of the new trim compressor as a low noise and quieter model and the motor’s low 12 amp draw almost invites comparison against the Rolair.

Compared to the Rolair, the new Dewalt compressor looks more compact at first, but it’s not. The Dewalt measures 20.5″ L x 16.75″ W x 12.5″ H, while the Rolair measures 17″ L x 16″ W x 15″ H, which means the Rolair actually has a smaller rectangular volume (4080 vs 4292 cubic inches).

The Dewalt DWFP55130 has a slightly higher airflow output than the JC10 – 3.0 vs. 2.35 CFM at 90 PSI. However, the Rolair has an 8A motor and is far quieter, with a 60 dB noise rating.

I like the all-together look of the Dewalt compared to the open-frame design of the Rolair, but the Rolair should be easier to repair over the years of a gauge or other subsystem fails.

If you’re looking for the quietest trim compressor, the Dewalt DWFP55130 would not fit the bill. But if you’re looking for an oil-free 2.5 gallon compressor with two outputs, a <15A motor, and reduced noise output, the DWFP55130 looks like a decent design, at least on paper.

I have never tested or used a Dewalt-branded air compressor, but I have generally heard okay things about them.

“200 PSI”

Over at Amazon, there is a negative user review (1 star out of 5) that points out that this “200 PSI air compressor” cannot deliver 200 PSI at the output. According to the reviewer, the DWFP55130 can only deliver 135 PSI max.

The 200 PSI tank pressure rating means that this 2.5 gallon air compressor can hold more air than other 2.5 gallon compressors that have lower-pressure tanks. This potentially means more tool use or nailer actuations between fill-ups, but it could also mean longer filling times.

If you have two 2.5 gallon air tanks, one that can be filled to 200 PSI, and another that can be filled to 135 PSI, the 200 PSI air tank could hold more air in the same volume. The benefit of the higher capacity tank will be amplified when both compressor outlets are connected and powering two users’ nailers at the same time.

The Amazon reviewer also mentioned that they couldn’t find any mention of the air compressor’s maximum output pressure, and they’re right. This bit of information isn’t found on Dewalt’s website or in distributors’ product pages, but hopefully that will change soon.