Using Air Compressor for Tools

[Joelpro]

One of the uses I was hoping to get out of the air compressor was using it to power light duty air tools. Today I tried it with a nail gun and was excited when it got up to pressure very quickly and allowed me to drive 3-4 nails. Unfortunately, it looks to me like there’s no way to set to stay at its target pressure after the target pressure has been released, so after driving several nails and losing all the pressure, I’d have to go back to the bed, press the button to “reset” the desired pressure and press play again. I was hoping that it would just work to stay at the set pressure, “refilling” the pressure as it was used. It’s still perfect for filling tires and air toys, but not so much tools where you need to constantly keep pressure in a certain range. Anyone found anything different? Perhaps I’m doing something wrong? I’m not familiar with non-tank compressors, so it might just be my ignorance.

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[Zoidz]

It's not intended for continuous use to power air tools. IMO, Rivian should not refer to this as an "Air Compressor". It's really an "Inflator". Various references in the manual say that it is intended for inflating, nothing about running continuous air power tools. The definition of "Air Compressor" usually states or implies a storage tank, which this inflator appears not to have.

"These accessories allow you to inflate bicycle tires, inflatable rafts, or other adventure equipment up to 140 psi."

"INFLATE TIRES AND ADVENTURE EQUIPMENT"

And the caution disclaimer is what really tells us it's really an inflator, not a air compressor. Air Compressors for tool use typically have 100% duty cycle, or the air storage tank provides some off time for cooling during continuous use.

 

[Arky]

You really need a decent air tank to buffer things like air tools. My understanding is the Rivian compressor is almost entirely just a compressor/inflator unit which is great if you have a light constant load like inflating a tire but not useful for tools. I don't think they've released any spec on how powerful it is, but I'd expect it's undersized for air tools.

If you put an air tank in the back you could probably use it for that in a pinch... but you have 120V power you could also just mount a real AC compressor with tank in the bed that's better suited to handle that kind of service.

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

There a reason EVERY air compressor sold for tool use has at least some kind of tank.

 

[Joelpro]

You’re right. A nailer is all I was hoping for, and I bet the duty cycle wouldn’t go above 50% based on my usage. I think next time I want some remote nailer work I’ll get a tank And try that. My ”portable” compressor is too heavy to lug around.

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

You’re right. A nailer is all I was hoping for, and I bet the duty cycle wouldn’t go above 50% based on my usage. I think next time I want some remote nailer work I’ll get a tank And try that. My ”portable” compressor is too heavy to lug around.

What about an electric nailer? You can charge the battery with the R1T outlets.

 

[crashmtb]

What about an electric nailer? You can charge the battery with the R1T outlets.

The Milwaukee cordless ones are very, very nice

 

[av8or]

The Milwaukee cordless ones are very, very nice

Right! And no air hoses.

 

[CPolism]

Is there a way to use the compressor to inflate bike tires? More specifically presta valves typically found on Mountain Bikes?

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

Is there a way to use the compressor to inflate bike tires? More specifically presta valves typically found on Mountain Bikes?

Yes. The kit included with the truck has the adapter necessary for use with both schraeder and presta valves.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Is there a way to use the compressor to inflate bike tires? More specifically presta valves typically found on Mountain Bikes?

The kit comes with an adapter but it's super awkward to use on bikes because the inflator comes straight out and not at an angle.

 

[AleCS]

Has anyone used the “compressor/inflator” to inflate paddle boards and inner tubes? If so, is there an adaptor for the air hose I can get and how many can I inflate? We are a family of 4 plus friends.

 

[Jarico75]

Has anyone used the “compressor/inflator” to inflate paddle boards and inner tubes? If so, is there an adaptor for the air hose I can get and how many can I inflate? We are a family of 4 plus friends.

 

[Ripped]

My question is why?
Only the large volume framing crews are using compressor driven tools now.
All of our remedial team and small volume workers are using paslodes or other brands of electrical nailers.

Get a small pancake compressor and run it electrically.
That would be like using a recreational water toy inflator to power a nail gun.
I'm sure you can make it shoot some nails before it breaks or you lose patience

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