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Air compressors are practical tools that you can benefit a lot from in your garage or home. And if you’re looking for a reliable one, you can’t go wrong with either the Bostitch BTFP02012 or the Porter-Cable C2002.
Both these are oil-free and perform very well. Throughout this article, we’ll go over their features, pros, and cons so that you can make a more informed decision when you’re choosing between them.
So let’s dive into it.
Table of Contents
Bostitch
- The portable air compressor has a long-life oil-free, maintenance-free pump for convenient use
- 150 max PSI 6.0 gallon tank (22.7 L) and 2.6 SCFM* delivered @ 90 PSI pump enable long tool run time with quick recovery of...
- BOSTITCH high efficiency motor of the 6 gallon air compressor is made for easy start up in cold weather or extension cord...
- 78.5 dBA** operational noise level for a quiet work environment
In the world of power tools, Bostitch has established a very trustworthy name. When you’re buying a Bostitch device, you can rest assured that you’ll get a return on every penny.
Bostitch goes to great lengths to deliver high-performance compressors that suit different needs in terms of power, size, and design.
They also make sure that each unit they produce is made to last and includes fantastic features such as compact and portable designs or high-efficiency motors.
Porter-Cable
- 150 psi max tank pressure of the portable air compressor allows more air in the tank for longer tool runtimes
- 2.6 SCFM @ 90 psi of the electric air compressor allows for quick compressor recovery time, per ISO1217
- 6 gal Pancake style tank of the PORTER-CABLE air compressor is made for stability, includes water drain valve and rubber feet
- Low Amp 120V motor of the 6 gallon air compressor starts easily in cold weather or with extension cord
While Porter-Cable compressors are not top performers or the most durable ones, however, they do come at lower price levels. They’re the ideal choice for those looking for a bang for their buck but aren’t too concerned about longevity.
Bostitch BTFP02012 vs. Porter-Cable C2002 – Full Comparison
| Image | Product | Price |
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BOSTITCH BTFP02012 |
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PORTER-CABLE C2002 |
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Similarities
The Bostitch BTFP02012 and the Porter-Cable C2002 have many common features such as the 6-gallon air tank, 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI, and a 150 maximum pressure level.
Also, both of them are equipped with dual-universal couplers that enable two users to operate the compressor simultaneously.
This means that in terms of performance, there isn’t much difference between the two models.
Size and Design
The Bostitch BTFP02012 measures 17 x 17 x 19.2 inches while the Porter-Cable C2002 measures 19 x 19 x 18 inches. And while it isn’t much of a difference, if you really care about compactness and don’t have a wide storage space, it might be important to choose the more compact option.
Winner: The Bostitch BTFP02012.
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Usability
How long your air compressor can operate before it runs out of stored pressurized air plays a huge role in how functional it is.
The Porter-Cable C2002 requires a 15-minute break after every 45 minutes of continuous use. This is to refill its tank and prepare for further operation.
On the other hand, the Bostitch BTFP02012 requires only 10 minutes of rest to completely refill the tank –which means you can get an extra 5 minutes of work.
And while this may not make a huge difference for non-industrial use, it’s still a considerable amount of time in the world of air compressors. It makes the tool more efficient and reliable.
Winner: The Bostitch BTFP02012.
Weight and Portability
Both the Porter-Cable C2002 and the Bostitch BTFP02012 are lightweight for air compressors with 6-gallon tanks.
However, the Porter-Cable C2002 around 5 pounds heavier at 34 pounds –as opposed to the Bostitch BTFP02012’s 29-pound weight.
But generally, if you can carry the Bostitch BTFP02012, there’s little doubt that you won’t be able to carry the Porter-Cable C2002.
This is natural as they’re both pancake air compressors that are designed to be portable and allow you to carry them around you to different job sites or simply around the yard to store them in the garage.
They both have a flattened tank design and a plastic handle to make them easy to carry.
Winner: The Bostitch BTFP02012.
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Noise Levels
You can’t really expect an air compressor to function without any noise, but you should still look for one with lower noise levels –especially if you’re going to be using it for extended periods of time.
The Porter-Cable C2002 produces around 75.8 decibels while operating, whereas the Bostitch BTFP02012 produces about 82 decibels.
This is a little justified when you consider the fact that Bostitch’s motor is slightly more powerful.
But generally, the difference between the noise levels of both models isn’t that noticeable.
Winner: The Porter-Cable C2002.
Maintenance
Since both models have an oil-free operation, they won’t need lubrication, and you wouldn’t be going the extra mile for maintenance purposes.
However, there’s still the issue of draining the tank –which is considerable when it comes to the Porter-Cable C2002.
It requires a lot of maintenance after use, and the cheap plastic connector (part of the regulator) doesn’t do much to help. It can be a little problematic during the draining process as it may snap or break off, forcing you to make frequent replacements over time.
The Bostitch BTFP02012, on the other hand, has a robust construction and is made of quality materials such as premium plastic or metal.
You only need to open the release tank frequently to get rid of any condensation that may have built up in the tank.
Maintenance is the only point where the two models have a considerable difference.
And since the Bostitch BTFP02012’s build is a lot stronger than the Porter-Cable C2002’s, there’s less risk that you may cause any accidental damage during the draining process.
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Winner: The Bostitch BTFP02012.
Final Thoughts
After having checked out the features on both models, it’s safe to say that there isn’t a huge point of difference that may push you to pick one over the other –especially when you consider that both of them come at around the same price level.
Both of them are great for either casual DIY use or professional use.
However, the Bostitch BTFP02012 seems to be a little more favorable as it’s slightly more compact, portable has a superior duty cycle, and requires less maintenance than the Porter-Cable C2002.
Moreover, it has a more solid construction that extends its lifespan and makes it more reliable in the long run.
