Rare air

Sometimes, working under a little bit of pressure is exactly what you need.

It’s been a while since I last did one of my “favorite tool” blogs, but I used one this week that certainly qualifies. After living in this house for six years, I finally got around to a task that’s been on my list since moving in, and that’s replacing some trim damaged by the previous owner. No idea what they did, but it looked like they may have been racing bumper cars in here.

I’d put it off mainly because of the painting required (and because I’m lazy), but I’m in the process of repainting anyway so I figured now was a good time to grab a pry bar and nailer and redo that trim.

Now, I’m not about to drag my main compressor upstairs, but for a job like this a 1-gallon portable unit is perfect. I’ve had one of these little guys for years – I have the Porter-Cable compressor in the above photo – and while it doesn’t see a lot of use, it’s a huge benefit when it does.

You’re not going to frame a house with one of these, and you’d be foolish to even try using a constant-run tool like a sander or sprayer with one. But to drive some pins, brads or finish nails for small jobs, or for jobs where you’re not firing a steady stream of nails every few seconds, these more than hold their own.

It’s also nice to be able to toss one in the car for small jobs away from home. In fact, you don’t even need to open the trunk for most of these; mine easily fits on the floor or between seats. They’re light enough you won’t strain your back carrying one up and down stairs, and when it comes time to put them away they’ll fit just about anywhere in your shop.