Bostitch BTFP02012 6-Gallon Pancake Compressor Review
Item | Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Bostitch BTFP02012 Pancake Air Compressor | Power 120 Volts CFM @ 90 PSI 2.6 CFM Tank Size 6 Gallon | Bostitch Quality Great Amazon Reviews! |
Bostitch BTFP02012 Review
The Bostitch BTFP02012 6-Gallon Compressor is another top pick in the 2023 Best Pancake Compressors category. Bostitch was founded by Thomas Briggs in 1896 and is a legacy in the fastener industry, producing high quality fasteners and tools. Currently, Bostitch is a subsidiary of Stanley Black & Decker who also controls many other major brands of pancake air compressor manufacturers such as Craftsman, DeWalt and Porter Cable just to name a few.
Note: Due to Covid supply chain issues, the BTFP02012 & various combo kits are frequently out of stock and sales prices have been fluctuating wildly. If you are interested in one and find it in stock at an agreeable price, you should grab it. It won't last...
The Bostitch BTFP02012 is the largest competitor to the very popular Porter Cable C2002. Specifications and features of these two pancake air compressors are very similar.
Powered by a high efficiency 0.8 HP AC induction motor with a low 10.5-amp current draw, the BTFP02012 starts easily in cold weather and can be operated using a 14 gauge or larger extension cord up to 50 feet long. However, I prefer to plug the compressor directly into a standard 120-volt outlet and use a longer air line. This option ensures there is no voltage drop to your compressor motor and the added distance between you and the compressor lowers the noise levels. The motor features thermal overload protection that shuts off power to the motor if it overheats for any reason.
According to the owners-manual you can run the BTFP02012 air compressor continuously. However, Bostitch recommends that a 50%-75% average duty cycle be maintained to prolong the life of the compressor. If you are unfamiliar with the meaning of "Duty-Cycle", it simply means that the compressor should be given a break from continuous operation for a period of time. For example a 75% duty cycle would equate to running for 45 minutes and resting for 15 minutes before continuing.
The low maintenance oil-free compressor pump provides plenty of air with 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI or 3.7 SCFM @ 40 PSI and has a maximum operating pressure of 150 PSI. The automatic pressure switch turns the compressor on when tank pressure falls below 120 PSI and shuts off when tank pressure reaches the 150 PSI maximum. The system is protected by a safety pop-off valve that relieves air pressure if a component fails and the pressure exceeds the 150 PSI maximum. The 17" round pancake style 6-gallon steel tank is very stable and rugged and includes a replaceable twist type condensate drain. Many users replace the factory installed twist style drain with a better 1/4 turn ball valve like this one.
Quick Tip: We recommend that you drain your compressor's air tank after each use. This will prevent corrosion and extend the life of your unit. We have an instructional article: How to remove water from your air compressor.
An attractive shrouded housing protects the critical internal components and includes an integrated well-balanced carry handle. Weighing only 29 pounds, it is easy to transport and carry to the job site. Bostitch high flow regulator with dual easy to read gauges and dual universal quick-connect air couplers ensure your air tools run at maximum efficiency.
The Bostitch BTFP02012 noise level is currently rated at 78.5 dB (various versions vary from 78.5 - 80 decibels) which is not quiet by any means but typical for pancake compressors in this price range. Quieter pancake compressors are typically prices higher or have less power if in the same price range. Note that decibel (dB) ratings use a logarithmic scale, meaning a compressor with a noise level of 80 dB is ten times as loud as a compressor with a 70 dB rating.
WARRANTY: Bostitch warrants the compressor for 1-year and any BOSTITCH branded pneumatic stapler or nailer for 7-years.
Bostitch Video Review
Bostitch BTFP02012 Specifications
Our BTFP02012 Ratings
Quietness
79 dB is not quiet, however standard for pancake compressors at this price.
Quality
This is a good quality Bostitch air compressor considering the budget price tag.
Cost
The Bostitch BTFP02012 is competitively priced and usually retails around $100 - $150.
Overall Rating : 4.5
The Bostitch BTFP02012 or any of the bundled combo kits are good choices. This is an excellent quality compressor at a budget price. We gave the BTFP02012 an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros
Cons
Bostitch BTFP02012 Bare Pancake Compressor
ASIN: B00UHNM1R0 - UPC: 0077914061144
The compressor comes bare with no accessories or tools or in a number of various combo kits that include the compressor bundled with air tools. Below are descriptions of some of the available combo kits.
Bostitch BTFP02012-WPK Kit
Bostitch BTFP02012-WPK 6-Gallon Pancake Air Compressor Kit
The Bostitch BTFP02012-WPK Kit includes the Bostitch 6-Gallon compressor bundled with a 50-foot air hose and 10-piece accessory kit.
The light and flexible 50-foot-long air hose features a hybrid polymer design and includes quick-connect air fittings.
The 10-piece accessory kit includes:
- Tire chuck and tire air pressure gauge
- Various inflation tips & attachments
- Blow gun with safety nozzle and rubber tip
- 1/4" NPT male quick connect fittings
This is a decent bundle if you don't have existing hoses and accessories and want to use the compressor right out of the box. The price varies so you will want to check the current price to make sure this combo is still a good value.
BTFP02012-WPK Compressor Kit
ASIN: B06Y2LQ5QJ
Bostitch BTFP1KIT Pancake Combo Kit
Bostitch BTFP3KIT Pancake Compressor 1-Tool Combo Kit
The BFTP3KIT includes a Bostitch air compressor bundled with an SB-1850BN 18 GA brad nailer and a 15-foot PVC air hose with quick-connect air couplings.
The no-mar tip is ideal for finish and trim and drives 18-gauge brad nails from 5/8-inch to 2-inches long. It features a side loading magazine with a capacity of 100, an adjustable depth guide and adjustable exhaust to direct tool exhaust away from the user.
The SB-1850BN brad nailer weighs 2.7 pounds and measures 9.5" high, 9.25" long and 2" wide.
Depending on the current pricing this combo deal is typically a good value if you need a pneumatic brad nailer and air compressor to power it.
BTFP1KIT Compressor Brad Nailer Kit
ASIN: B00UHNM41S
Bostitch BTFP3KIT Pancake Combo Kit
BOSTITCH BTFP3KIT 3-Tool Pancake Air Compressor Combo Kit
If you are looking for an air compressor combo kit, the BOSTITCH BTFP3KIT 3-Tool and Compressor Combo Kit was a good deal at the time we updated this review. The BTFP3KIT includes the highly rated BTFP02012 pancake air compressor combined with three popular Bostitch pneumatic air tools.
The SB-1850BN no-mar tip is ideal for finish and trim and drives 18-gauge brad nails from 5/8-inch to 2-inches long. It features a side loading magazine with a capacity of 100, an adjustable depth guide and adjustable exhaust to direct tool exhaust away from the user. Tool weighs 2.7 pounds and measures 9.5" high, 9.25" long and 2" wide.
The SB-1664FN 16-gauge finish nailer drives straight finish nails from 1-1/4-inch to 2-1/2-inches long. This pneumatic tool also features a no-mar tip, adjustable exhaust and depth guide, and a 100-capacity nail magazine. The tool's operating pressure is 70-100 PSI, it weighs 4 pounds and measures 11.5" tall by 11.25" long by 3 " wide.
The BTFP71875 heavy-duty 3/8-inch crown stapler that also can be used as a pneumatic brad nailer. the tool can drive 3/8-inch crown staples from 1/4-inch to 9/16-inches long and 18-gauge brad nails from 1/2-inch to 5/8-inches in length. Features a bottom loading 84 capacity magazine for T50 staple lengths of 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2" and 9/16". Lightweight cast aluminum design weigh only 2.3 pounds. Tool measures 11.3" long, 12.3" high and 7/8" wide.
Also included in this BTFP3KIT 3-tool combo package is a 15' 1/4" air hose with quick fittings and a sample assortment of fasteners for the air tools.
Bostitch offers a 7-year warranty on their branded staplers & nailers.
BOSTITCH BTFP3KIT 3-Tool Compressor Kit
ASIN: B00UHNM60C
Quick Tip: We recommend that you purchase a long air hose for your air compressor. It is better than using an extension cord for several reasons. In addition to ensuring there is no power drop due to the resistance of the long cord, the further you are away from the compressor the quieter it will sound.
What Can This Compressor Do?
This Bostitch portable air compressor provides 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI or 3.7 SCFM @ 40 PSI with a 150 PSI maximum cutoff pressure. This is sufficient air flow to operate most types of air nailers such as finish, framing and roof nailers. You can also inflate vehicle tires and other inflatables, use a blow gun for cleaning with compressed air or operate an airbrush for hobby spray painting. You may also be able to use some smaller air tools such an air ratchet or impact wrench in limited use applications. For heavier air tool use you'll want to choose a compressor with a larger SCFM rating.
The Bottom Line
The Bostitch BTFP02012 is an excellent value. It offers a lot of bang for the buck. Amazon buyers rate this 6-gallon pancake compressor 4.7 out of 5 with over 6,200 reviews which is an outstanding user review rating. This is a very durable, brand name compressor that doesn't cost a lot. However, the BTFP02012 is not the quietest model. If you want to compare similar pancake style compressors check out our Pancake Compressor Review. If you want to spend a little more for a quieter model, then take a look at our Quiet Air Compressor Reviews.
Bostitch BTFP02012 Bare Pancake Compressor
ASIN: B00UHNM1R0 - UPC: 0077914061144
