DeWALT DWFP55126 6-Gallon Pancake Compressor Review
Item | Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 DeWALT DWFP55126 Pancake Air Compressor | Power 120 Volts CFM @ 90 PSI 2.6 CFM Tank Size 6 Gallon | DeWALT Quality Great Amazon Reviews! |
DeWALT DWFP55126 Review
The DeWALT DWFP55126 6-Gallon Pancake Compressor single stage piston
Note: Due to Covid supply chain issues, the DWFP55126 & DWC1KIT-B combo kit is frequently out of stock and sales prices have been fluctuating. If you are interested in one and find it in stock at an agreeable price, you should grab it. It won't last...
The DeWALT DWFP55126 Heavy Duty 165 psi Max. 6 Gallon Air Compressor is a popular and highly rated choice if you are in the market for a pancake compressor.
DeWalt air compressors are currently manufactured in the USA from globally sourced materials. DeWALT is a nationally recognized brand of high-quality tools. Started in 1923 by Raymond E. DeWalt, the inventor of the radial arm saw, the company was sold in 1960 to Black & Decker. Stanley Black & Decker is the worldwide leader in tools & storage with popular brands such as DeWALT, Craftsman, Porter Cable and Bostitch just to mention a few.
The DeWALT DWFP55126 is powered by a high-efficiency 0.9 HP AC motor with a low 10-amp power draw ensuring smooth starts even in cold weather. You can conveniently plug this unit in anywhere there is a standard 120-volt receptacle. The owner’s manual states the compressor can be operated using a 14 gauge or larger extension cord up to 50 feet long. I would recommend forgoing the extension and opting for a longer air hose instead.
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.
The DWFP55126 uses a low maintenance, oil-free, single piston pump. The system can produce 2.6 CFM of air flow and has a maximum pressure of 165 PSI. The increased pressure means fewer compressor cycles. An automatic pressure switch controls pump operation and starts the motor when air tank pressure drops below 135 PSI cut-in pressure. The motor stops when tank pressure reaches the factory set cut-out pressure of 165 PSI.
Air storage is provided by a rugged steel pancake style tank with a 6-gallon capacity. The low-profile tank sits well on its trio of non-marring, sturdy rubber feet. A safety pop-off valve protects the compressor by relieving excess air pressure should the pressure switch fail, and system pressure exceed the 165 PSI maximum. The drain valve is well located on the tank. One thing we like about this compressor is the ¼ turn ball-type drain valve. In my opinion, these valves are easier to use and don’t clog or fail as often as the twist type drain valves used on many pancake air compressors. As with any tank type air compressor, be sure to drain the condensate from the tank after each use.
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.
The compressor is protected by a sturdy well designed shroud that encloses the high flow regulator and air pressure gauges. Dual universal quick connect couplers enable simultaneous operation of two pneumatic tools. A cord wrap is provided for power cord storage. A good-sized carry handle rounds out the package and makes transporting the 30-pound unit a breeze.
High Flow Regulator & Dual Air Connections
The 78.5 dBA noise level is not quiet but not ear shattering either. This noise level is typical of pancake compressors in this price range. Quieter pancake compressors are typically priced 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: DeWalt warrants the compressor for 1-year, this used to be 3-years, however according to this recent answer from the DeWALT site it is now 1-year.
The warranty on new DEWALT compressors is as follows:
Electric Units:
- 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
- 1 Year Free Service Contract
- 1 Year Full Warranty
DeWALT Video Review
DeWALT DWFP55126 Specifications
Our DWFP55126 Ratings
Quietness
78.5 dB is not very quiet, however typical for pancake compressors in this price range.
Quality
DeWALT makes good quality tools. This air compressor is no exception.
Cost
The DeWALT DWFP55126 is competitively priced and usually retails around $140 - $170.
Overall Rating : 4.5
Either the DeWALT DWFP55126 or DWC1KIT-B combo kit are solid choices. This is a DeWALT quality compressor at a competitive price. We gave the DWFP55126 an overall rating of 4.5 stars.
Pros
Cons
DeWALT DWFP55126 Bare Pancake Compressor
ASIN: B00K34UZBW - UPC: 0885911351409
The DWFP55126 compressor comes bare with no accessories or tools or in a DWC1KIT-B combo kit that includes the compressor bundled with a nailer and hose. Below is a description of the available combo kit.
DeWalt DWC1KIT-B Pancake Combo Kit
The DeWALT DWC1KIT-B Combo Kit bundles the DWFP55126 compressor with a DWFP12231 18 GA brad nailer, air hose with quick-connect fittings and sample fasteners.
The Integrated rubber grip makes the tool comfortable to use. The removable 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, a tool-free adjustable depth guide and rear exhaust to direct tool exhaust away from work. The nailer also includes a removable integrated belt hook that can be connected to either side of the tool for left or right-handed users.
DeWALT DWFP12231 18 GA Brad Nailer
The DeWALT DWFP12231 brad nailer weighs 2.65 pounds and measures 13" high, 13" long and 3.75" 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.
DWC1KIT-B Compressor Brad Nailer Kit
ASIN: B09M6571C4 - UPC: 0885911385510
What Can This Compressor Do?
Pancake style compressors are small, light and durable. They are very popular for uses ranging from inflating tires to powering pneumatic tools such as nail guns. You can also do small volume hobby spray painting and air brush work.
This DeWALT air compressor provides 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI or 3.7 SCFM @ 40 PSI with a 165 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 larger air tools that require large volumes of continuous SCFM you might need a bigger compressor with a larger capacity air storage tank. Here is our review of quiet compressors for garage or shop.
The Bottom Line
The DeWALT DWFP55126 is a popular choice. Amazon buyers rate this 6-gallon pancake compressor 4.7 out of 5 with almost 4,500 reviews which is an outstanding user review rating. DeWALT is a brand name compressor with a good reputation. If you don't expect more than the specifications of the compressor allow, than you'll likely be happy with this choice. 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.
DeWALT DWFP55126 Bare Pancake Compressor
ASIN: B00K34UZBW - UPC: 0885911351409
