It probably comes as no surprise that one gallon of air pressure is not going to break lug nuts loose or drive 16 Penny nails. But does that mean theย Ryobi Cordless 1-Gallon Air Compressor has no reason to exist?
Of course not. Itโs all about knowing where it fits in the grand scheme of things. Iโve been chasing a slow leak in my vehicleโs tire and Iโve started a small woodworking project. Ryobiโs compressor might just fit the bill, or it might be full of hot air. Letโs find out.
Pros
- $99 โ less expensive than other cordless compressors
- Good for finish nailers and inflation
- Lightweight, compact design is easy to transport and store
- No power cord needed
Cons
- Air delivery is too low for most Pro applications
Check out our Best Air Compressors article for our top picks across a variety of applications and uses.
Performance
Theย Ryobi Cordless 1-Gallon Air Compressor delivers 0.7 CFM at 40 PSI and 0.5 CFM at 90 PSI. But what this small compressor lacks in volume, it makes up for in size and sound: it easily sits on a shallow shelf, weighs in at 14 pounds, and produces 78 decibels. Thatโs not the quietest, but you can easily talk over it.
Iโm giving the Ryobi a chance because my pancake compressor takes up far too much room in the garage, especially given how seldom I actually use it. I also like the idea of using this little guy in an emergency roadside situation.
Be sure to break in theย Ryobi Cordless 1-Gallon Air Compressor per the manualโs instructions. I filled it to its 120 PSI max, which took just under 1.5 minutes.
Inflation
Hooking the hose to my neglected tire, I could add about 5 PSI before the tireโs pressure matched the tankโs pressure and it stopped filling. The compressor took roughly 45 seconds to max out again. Needless to say, it will take you longer to inflate with this model.
For my purposes, thatโs a tradeoff Iโm willing to make. On a road trip, Iโd be well-prepared if I had a tire plug kit and this compressor in the cargo space. However, the Ryobi P731 cordless inflatorย is another great option if you just need an inflator.
Woodworking
If tire inflation is your only use for this compressor, Iโd probably opt for the P731 or P737. But the compressor also comes in handy with low CFM pneumatic tools, like finish nailers. In a world full of battery-powered nailers, why would you tether yourself to an air hose?
Well, maybe you havenโt purchased those battery tools yet or just prefer the lighter weight and smaller size of pneumatic.
My cordless 18-gauge nailer isย at least twice as heavy and markedly biggerย than the Ridgid 18-gauge nailer Iโm using. I could quickly sink about eleven brads before the compressor kicked on.
For punch lists,ย overhead work, and tight spaces, using theย Ryobi Cordless 1-Gallon Air Compressor with a nailer can let you stick with your pneumatic nailers and still not be tied to an outlet.
Additional Features
- Powered by a single Ryobi 18V One+ battery
- Professional locking regulator keeps the pressure set to the intended PSI
- Metal wrap for air hose
- Rubber over mold on handle
- 1/4 turn tank drain valve for easy maintenance
Price & Value
Cordless compressors are relative newcomers to the battery-powered universe. In this world, the $129 Ryobi P739 (bare tool) is certainly the shortest on air delivery. Its cousin, the 1-gallon Ridgid R0230, has double the CFM, runs on one or two 18V batteries, and retails for $179 bare.
The 2.5-gallonย DeWalt 20Vย DCC2520 air compressor comes in just a skosh over the Ridgid with 1.0 CFM at 90 PSI and retails for $299 kitted with battery and charger.
Those competitors are certainly more Pro-focused than the Ryobi. Still, the Ryobi P739 can handle some light trim work with a finish nailer. For Pros with Ryobi 18V batteries, there might be situations where itโs convenient to use. Itโs also much more likely that this has its greatest benefits in the DIY category.
The Bottom Line
Ryobiโs made a handy little tool with theย Ryobi Cordless 1-Gallon Air Compressor. For those times when just a little air pressure will do the job, itโs a fine choice for DIY projects and inflation tasks.
Ryobi Cordless 1-Gallon Air Compressor Specifications
- Model Number: P739
- Max Pressure: 120 PSI
- Weight: 14 pounds
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: $129
ย
