CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon 150 PSI Pancake review
A budget-friendly 6-gallon pancake with the same 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI as pricier rivals. Craftsman's own manual lists 82 dB and recommends hearing protection. At 82 dB it is louder than a vacuum cleaner.
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How loud is it?
- CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon 150 PSI Pancake82 dB
Manufacturer manual, 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 | 82 dB |
|---|---|
| Noise source | Manufacturer manual, measuring distance not stated |
| CFM at 90 PSI | 2.6 |
| CFM at 40 PSI | 3.5 |
| Max PSI | 150 |
| Tank | 6 gal |
| Horsepower | 1 HP |
| Pump | Oil-free |
| Stages | — |
| Power | 120V outlet |
| Duty cycle | — |
| Weight | 30.8 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
Craftsman's current 6-gallon pancake matches the PORTER-CABLE C2002 on paper: 150 PSI, 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI and an oil-free pump, plus 3.5 SCFM at 40 PSI for inflation. It usually costs less.
The manual lists 82 dB and recommends hearing protection, so this is a compressor for the garage or driveway, not indoors.
For occasional nailing, inflation and blow-off on a budget, it is hard to argue with. If you plan to work indoors, put the savings toward a quiet model.
Pros
- Lowest price among the pancakes we list
- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI, 3.5 SCFM at 40 PSI
- Light at about 31 lb
Cons
- 82 dB: wear hearing protection
- Newer model with a shorter track record
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: Lowest-cost 6-gallon pancake from a known brand.
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 30.8 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 #4 of 4 in pancake.
- Quieter than 0 of the 3 other rated models in that list (it is one of the louder options).
- 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.
CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon 150 PSI Pancake: quick answers
How loud is the CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon 150 PSI Pancake?
It is rated at 82 dB (manufacturer manual, measuring distance not stated), which is louder than a vacuum cleaner.
What can the CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon 150 PSI 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 CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon 150 PSI Pancake oil-free?
Yes. The pump is oil-free, so there's no oil to check or change.
What power does the CRAFTSMAN 6 Gallon 150 PSI 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.
- manuals.plus: noise
- lowes.com: CFM @ 90 PSI, horsepower
- maxwarehouse.com: CFM @ 40 PSI
- Amazon product listing: max PSI, tank, pump type
- farmandfleet.com: weight
Alternatives to consider
BOSTITCH BTFP02012 6 Gallon Pancake
78.5 dB · 2.6 CFM @ 90 PSI · $150–$300
The quietest 6-gallon pancake
Metabo HPT EC914S 'The Tank'
79 dB · 4 CFM @ 90 PSI · $150–$300
Most air from a pancake compressor