Compressor (car tire inflation) recommendations

icebiker

JORBA: Morris Trails
JORBA.ORG
Looking to get a tire inflator for our cars.

Checked out the C&D review…


Anyone have positive experience with these? I checked the reviews of these on Amazon. The handful of negative reviews is a tad concerning.

Any others models you’ve found worked well? I found this old thread suggesting Mikita and Milwaukee?


Thanks
 
The m18 inflator is a beast. Just expensive. $270 for the 2 batteries and tool.

Skip the m12 inflator.
 
How often do you need it? I bought a cheap one from Depot and it worked perfectly the 2 times I needed it in the last 2 years. Once for my mover once for my wife's car when they had flats and I had to plug it.

Not something I would spend much money on in my opinion
 
Go for the lowest-priced unit that has the convenience features you want. That way you won’t feel bad replacing it in a few years.

I have a 10yo Chinese compressor, $22 from Amazon, that connects to your car battery with alligator clips. I got it for emergency off-road use, and it still works fine.
 
If you already have batteries for other tools, that's what seals the deal for me. Echoing the "how often do you use it" sentiment as well. I've been happy with Ridgid, HD exclusive brand. They make a decent handheld vacuum too, combo deal for just over a c-note: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...-Vacuum-Tools-Only-R87044-R8609021B/322639866

It's a great combo to toss under the back seat for beach driving.

I bought my impact driver from them in 2005ish and it's been going strong since with weekly+ use and a few major remodel projects.
 
Thanks yeah won’t need it often so not looking to spend a ton. Good point that if it craps out after a few uses it wouldn’t be the end of the world.
 
I got this to keep in my van while traveling and towing our camper. Comes with alligator clips to attach to the battery. I snipped them off and added an SAE plug to use it with the 7-pin trailer wiring connection. Got another SAE plug to put on the clipped off alligator clamps. Tire pressure on the van is 57f/75r and the camper is 50. This handles it with no problem. Many different models to chose from on the website.
 
I got this to keep in my van while traveling and towing our camper. Comes with alligator clips to attach to the battery. I snipped them off and added an SAE plug to use it with the 7-pin trailer wiring connection. Got another SAE plug to put on the clipped off alligator clamps. Tire pressure on the van is 57f/75r and the camper is 50. This handles it with no problem. Many different models to chose from on the website.
I have the same one. Probably overkill, I used mine for airing back up after wheeling or beach driving. It's been great though. I have a quality plug kit in the bag with it. Plugging a tire and reinflating is often quicker than putting a spare on
 
I don't even have that "expensive" $100 Ryobi in the linked article, I have the gun style and it works perfectly fine.

I'll echo what @KenS said and just buy one in the same category of all your other batteries if you are in a battery system already.
 
I have one of those combo Tire inflator/battery jumpers from hobo freight. I got it on sale for half price, so it was a no brainer. It’s a little slow on inflating tires, but I’m not going to leave a Milwaukee battery sitting in my car just in case.
 
I have the milwaukee m18 and can confirm it's a beast . Gets my work van tires to 75 psi 2x quicker than the free air machines at quick check and wawa . Got it at least half off msrp and I already had a crap load of batteries between my personal and work stock so it was a no brainer .
 
I have a 3 gallon compressor in my garage (like this one from harbor freight -> MCGRAW 3 Gallon 1/3 HP 110 PSI Oil-Free Hot Dog Air Compressor) use it all the time. Definitely recommend the 3 gallon "hot dog" type.
 
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