BOSTITCH BTFP02012 6 Gallon Pancake review
Rated at 78.5 dBA, a few decibels under most rivals, with 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI, a 150 PSI tank and a 29 lb weight. At 78.5 dB it is louder than a vacuum cleaner.
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How loud is it?
- BOSTITCH BTFP02012 6 Gallon Pancake78.5 dB
Manufacturer rating (dBA), measuring distance not stated. Brands measure at different distances, so treat 1–2 dB differences as a tie. Why dB ratings vary.
Full specifications
| Noise rating | 78.5 dB |
|---|---|
| Noise source | Manufacturer rating (dBA), measuring distance not stated |
| CFM at 90 PSI | 2.6 |
| CFM at 40 PSI | 3.7 |
| Max PSI | 150 |
| Tank | 6 gal |
| Horsepower | 0.8 HP |
| Pump | Oil-free |
| Stages | — |
| Power | 120V outlet |
| Duty cycle | — |
| Weight | 29 lb |
| Price band | $150–$300 (checked October 18, 2026) |
A dash means the manufacturer doesn't publish that figure. We never estimate one.
Our take
Pancake compressors are cheap, stable and loud. The BTFP02012 is Bostitch's attempt to tame the noise, and its 78.5 dBA rating makes it the quietest 6-gallon pancake in our research. Most competitors sit at 80–82 dB.
It delivers 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI with a 150 PSI cut-out, enough for brad, finish and framing nailers at a moderate pace and for inflation and blow-off. At 29 lb it is light for a 6-gallon unit.
If quiet matters most, a 60 dB compressor like the California Air Tools 8010A is in another league. If you want the classic pancake format and price, this is the one we'd buy.
Pros
- Quietest pancake on our list
- 29 lb
- High-efficiency motor starts easily on an extension cord
Cons
- Still far louder than dedicated quiet compressors
- Some listings disagree on the exact noise figure
What it can run
With a 30% safety margin, 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI comfortably covers these tools from our list (nailers assumed at 30 shots a minute):
- Metabo HPT NT50AE2 18-Gauge Brad Nailer (0.025 cu ft per shot)
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Best for: The quietest 6-gallon pancake.
Buy it if: your main jobs are nailing, inflation and blow-off; you want a pump with no oil to change; you move it around often (about 29 lb).
Skip it if: you plan to run impact wrenches, sanders or spray guns for long; you need to work indoors or near people without hearing protection.
How it compares in its class
- Ranked #1 of 4 in pancake.
- Quieter than 3 of the 3 other rated models in that list.
- 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI against a class median of 2.6 CFM, so about average airflow for the class.
- Price band $150–$300; see every spec side by side in the comparison table.
Ownership tips
- Drain the tank after each use (daily on a shop compressor) to stop rust from the inside.
- The pump is oil-free, so there's no oil to change; keep the intake filter clean instead.
- Plug it straight into a wall outlet and use a longer air hose instead of a long, thin extension cord.
- Test the safety relief valve now and then by pulling its ring briefly, and never adjust or plug it.
General guidance; always follow the owner's manual. More in our maintenance checklist.
BOSTITCH BTFP02012 6 Gallon Pancake: quick answers
How loud is the BOSTITCH BTFP02012 6 Gallon Pancake?
It is rated at 78.5 dB (manufacturer rating (dba), measuring distance not stated), which is louder than a vacuum cleaner.
What can the BOSTITCH BTFP02012 6 Gallon Pancake run?
With a 30% safety margin it covers Metabo HPT NT50AE2 18-Gauge Brad Nailer from our tool list, based on 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI.
Is the BOSTITCH BTFP02012 6 Gallon Pancake oil-free?
Yes. The pump is oil-free, so there's no oil to check or change.
What power does the BOSTITCH BTFP02012 6 Gallon Pancake need?
It runs from a standard 120V household outlet. For larger units, a dedicated 20A circuit is best; avoid long, thin extension cords.
Spec sources
Where each figure on this page comes from (checked October 18, 2026). We don't present manufacturer figures as our own measurements.
- toolsgearlab.com: noise, weight
- saffordequipment.com: CFM @ 90 PSI, CFM @ 40 PSI
- Amazon product listing: max PSI, tank, pump type
- manuals.plus: horsepower
Alternatives to consider
Metabo HPT EC914S 'The Tank'
79 dB · 4 CFM @ 90 PSI · $150–$300
Most air from a pancake compressor
PORTER-CABLE C2002 6 Gallon Pancake
82 dB · 2.6 CFM @ 90 PSI · $150–$300
Classic budget pancake for weekend projects