Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2 Gallon Compact Quiet Compressor Review

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2 Gallon Compressor 2840-20

Manufacturer: Milwaukee Tool
Model number: 2840-20
Price: 349.00
Power source: 18 volt Cordless
Motor size: 2 gallon tank: 40 psi @ 1.7 SCFM  /  90 psi @ 1.2 SCFM.
Weight: 31.5

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Compressor Specifications

• Sound Level           68 dB(a)
• Tank Capacity        2 Gallons
• Max PSI                  135
• Capacity                  40 psi @ 1.7 SCFM  /  90 psi @ 1.2 SCFM.
• Pump Type             Oil-Free
• Regulator                Single Turn
• LengthDisplay=    16.25%22
• WidthDisplay=      18.62%22
• WeightDisplay=    31.2%20lbs
• HeightDisplay=     10.62%22
• Power Source        18 V Cordless
• Weight                     31.5 lbs
• Regulator                 Single turn
• Coupler Fitting       Quick Connect

First Impression

The first thing I noticed when I turned on the  Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2 Gallon Compressor 2840-20 was how quiet it was.  You can have a normal conversation while this unit is running. It emits 68dB(A), making it the quietest cordless compressor on the market. It is quieter, the cordless DEWALT compressor we tested, which puts out 80 dB(A). It is also quieter than most corded options, except our Rolair JC10 unit which puts out 60 dB(A)

Fit and Finish on the Milwaukee Compressor

The fit and finish on this compressor are nice. The metal roll cage is sturdy and the control dial, drain valve, and power switch are robust. The front plastic compressor motor cover is plastic and wiggles a bit but that is the only thing on this compressor that feels cheap.

Milwaukee designed this suitcase-style compressor to have a low profile design and the metal roll cage allows this unit to be stacked vertically or horizontal. A secondary top handle allows for easy carrying. It’s lower profile gives it a lower center of gravity, and we noticed that it sits sturdily on the floor – preventing tipping.  Additionally, we noticed that this compressor sits nicely on top of the Packout boxes, BUT doesn’t attach to them.

Runtime

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2 Gallon Compressor 2840-20 is compatible and powered by all M18. It can install 1,600 18ga brad nails per charge.

We ran an HD12 Ah battery and shot used the compressor to install a 1×6 tongue and groove beadboard onto a 14’x20’ ceiling. We used two nailers on this install; an electric compressor and the Milwaukee cordless compressor. Both nailers shot a lot of nails and the compressor battery lasted until 1 PM.

Power and Applications

This 2-gallon duel piston pump compressor puts out 135 psi max. of air pressure and air delivery of 40 psi @ 1.7 Standard Cubic Feet Per Minute [SCFM] and 90 psi @ 1.2 SCFM.

Its purpose will be for punch list and smaller finish carpentry applications when using staplers, finish and brad nailers. It was NOT designed, nor does it have the CFM capacity to be used for framing, roofing, impact, painting, or automotive applications. Additionally, it was built for one nailer. Running 2 nailers off this compressor at the same time would stress the CFM requirement.

Other applications this compressor is great for is tire inflation and pressure testing plumbing.

Using the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2 Gallon Compressor 2840-20

On our 1”x6” tongue and groove bead-board on the walls and ceiling of a man-cave shed each board received approximately 12 to 15 [15 -gauge] nails, and the compressor was able to assist in installing 11 nails before recycling for air.

Milwaukee M18 Compressor 2840-20 Cost

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2 Gallon Compressor 2840-20 sells for $349 as a bare tool.

Overall Impression

It’s Quiet!

If you’re like me, you are heavily invested in pneumatic nailers and not ready to give them up just yet. This compressor allows you to be able to use those nailers even when there is no power supply. It also allows us to reduce the amperage drain off a 15 amp circuit that we may have a miter or table saw on.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2 Gallon Compressor 2840-20

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