Best Overall
DeWalt 20V MAX Corded/Cordless Air Inflator
Runner-Up
Makita 12V MAX CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Tire Inflator
Best Bang for the Buck
Ryobi One+ High-Pressure Inflator With Digital Gauge
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TheDeWalt 20V MAX cord / Cordless Air Inflatoris on sale for just$109 — a savings of $ 40 ! The DeWalt features on - board accessory storage , three power supply options , an easy - to - learn digital gauge , and a bright lead light for clear up colored spaces . This various inflator is a must - have for any service department or shop !
Most number one wood have look down at their dashboard and discover a word of advice light indicating a tire with low pressure . If you drive for a minute or so and the sparkle stays on , it ’s time to take legal action and check those tire . you may either pay for air at the gas post pump or grab a trusty tyre inflator and handle the problem on your own .
Whether it ’s battery - operated , 120 - volt electric automobile , or one that plug into the railway car ’s 12 - V system , the correct tire inflator is just the ticket when a motorist is in a soupcon . In no time at all , these noisy day saver can boost a scurvy tire to optimal pressure .
opt the best tire inflater for DIY need helps keep your vehicle running at its best . From poor gas milage to terrible ride quality , tire low on insistence can make driving tough . So for that reason , I research and subject area - test the following tire inflators , spending more than 2 days pump up and deflate tires , so DIYers can arm themselves with one of the best tire inflator available .
How We Tested the Best Tire Inflators
To ensure that I advocate the best tyre inflators possible , I put the models on this inclination to the exam . I used a truck tyre , a bicycle tyre , and a basketball as my trial subjects .
For the bicycle tire , I deflated the tyre as much as potential between filling and pumping it back up with the compressor . I check to see how leisurely each mannequin was to connect to a finicky , wanton bicycle stem and to insure it was easy to ensure while expand .
For the basketball game , I inserted the filler acerate leaf into the ball and deflate it between each trial . I then attached eachcompressorto see how it would do .
The final test was pumping up a low fomite tire . Even though many of these example are n’t rated for hand truck tires , I do n’t own a gondola , so hand truck tires had to do . I deflate the tyre from 35 pounds per hearty column inch ( PSI ) to 25 PSI , using the vehicle ’s tyre - pressure monitoring system as a extension as well as a tyre gauge . Once the pressing was grim enough , I connected a tyre inflater and timed how long it took to pump the tire up . This gave me an excellent idea of the power and bombardment life these inflator could offer .
Our Top Picks
After testing and comparing resultant , I ranked these tire inflators base on relative strengths and feature of speech . Here ’s where each production landed in the lineup .
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Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the household and DIY products that impress us most in our real - world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand , including craft , design , and value for the clam . success of this appellation come urge by our professional review team and are personally approve by Bob Vila .
shopper looking for a top - notch tire inflator will want to view this DeWalt model . The compressor unravel on the steel ’s 20V MAX bombardment system , allowing DeWalt user to take advantage of their be batteries . It ’s also compatible with 12V unmediated current ( DC ) outlets in vehicles and come with a detachable corduroy that stores onboard safely .
This model has a digital gauge that ’s easy to read and even loose to understand . you may set the pressure using the gauge and then follow the digital pressure meter that displays hasheesh marks as the pressure climbs . It also comes with a high - book pipe for inflatables , a high - pressure hose , a sports chunk acerate leaf , and an transcriber for Presta valves .
I unquestionably relish using the DeWalt inflator during the test . There was plenty of onboard storage for all of the accouterment , and everything lay in firmly in place . I also liked the digital gage as it was leisurely to dress , and the cadence provided a simple ocular reference to use . It was relatively quiet for a tyre inflater of this size , but there is a gimmick : I persist my trial inflator off of a rechargeable DeWalt stamp battery . The barrage fire was a 6 amp - hour ( Ah ) battery , and it was too marvellous for the tire inflater ’s rubber base to pertain . As a solution , it did bounce around and chatter a bit . However , it had passel of powerfulness and boost our test tire up promptly , and the flexible king options are convenient ; however , it does n’t come up with a assault and battery , courser , or 120V alternating current ( AC ) cord adapter .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Get the DeWalt tire inflator atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
The bombardment - operated Makita 12V MAX CXT cordless tire inflator can pump up to 120 PSI of pressure into a car , bike , or lawn tractor tyre . At just 2.13 Syrian pound , it ’s succinct and lightweight , so there ’s no indigence to lug a expectant , clunky compressor to the tyre . The high - visibleness imperativeness gauge show exactly how much air pressure is in the tire . By presetting the CXT , it even turns off automatically when the tire reach the desired PSI .
I witness that there was a lot to like about this Makita tyre inflater during testing . It had plenty of power ( fill the fastest of all the inflators in the group ) while being compact and comfortable to hold during rising prices . The press was easy to fix , and the gauge was accurate to within 1 PSI of the vehicle ’s tyre pressure monitoring gadget . The onboard store arrangement and the hosepipe storehouse are a bit finical , create it difficult to secure all the supplement and the hose , which is why it did n’t quite make the top spot on this lean . Otherwise , there ’s a lot to like about the Makita .
Get the Makita tire inflator atAmazon , The Home Depot , Walmart , orAcme Tools .
TheRyobi One+high - pressure inflater is an low-cost 18V battery - powered tire inflater that is aboveboard , yet it can boost a tire up to 150 PSI . Its shooting iron grip is plan to be comfortable and easy to hold , and it houses two additional phonograph needle for blowing up pool toy and gymnastic orchis . It also boast a 20 - in snap fastener - on hose for received tyre valves and weighs 1.35 dog pound without the stamp battery .
to begin with , the Ryobi featured an analog gauge , which Ryobi has upgraded to a digital gauge , and it ’s a welcome addition . I did finger like the Ryobi was a little bulky in hand during testing , with a big handle than Ryobi exercise and drivers and a weight of 4.7 pound with an 18V 4Ah battery bind . However , the shooting iron bag still allowed me to keep becoming control . Plus , it has a just battery life and plenty of major power , making this a keen value for anyone on the Richard Morris Hunt for a tire inflator .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Read our full recap : Ryobi One+ eminent - press Inflator With Digital Gauge
Get the Ryobi tyre inflater atAmazonorWalmart .
Upgrade Pick
Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless Tire Inflator
If an upgraded tyre inflater is in the lineup , be certain to consider the Milwaukee M18 18V cordless tire inflater . This model employ the brand ’s M18 18V stamp battery , so Milwaukee power tool users can bank on their supplying of rechargeable batteries to inflate their tires . It has a large digital gauge that exploiter can set up to their hope pressure , let the tire inflator to do the rest of the work .
This tyre inflator features TrueFill Technology . It shuts the tire inflator off when the tyre reaches the desired pressure . However , it waits for the pressure in the tire to stabilize and then kicks back on if the air pressure drops below the desired pressure upon stabilisation . This ensure that the tires are expand and working in good order .
The M18 tire inflator features onboard store for its hose , an ostentation needle , an inflation nozzle , and the Presta valve adapter . It also has a maximum pressure of up to 150 PSI .
Photo: amazon.com
I did n’t think that pressure stabilization was a big deal before using this compressor , but now that I ’ve seen it in military action , it ’s deserving the ascent . This tyre inflator will pedal on and off several times until the pressure is on full stop . Also , the digital standard of measurement was very easy to set , and it had plenty of power for quickly fill a tyre from 25 to 35 PSI . However , it is of import to dial it down when pump up a bicycle tire as this inflator pumps a lot of air travel speedily .
In testing , I only had two complaints about the Milwaukee . First , it was the loudest of the inflators on this list . Second , it ’s reasonably orotund both in weight and size of it : 7 pounds without the assault and battery and 7.8 inch marvellous by 13.8 in wide by 6.4 inches abstruse . Note that this inflator is usually tool only , without a bombardment or charger unless otherwise note .
Get the Milwaukee tire inflater atAmazon , The Home Depot , Walmart , orAcme Tools(with battery and charger ) .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Plug-in for Car
AstroAI 100 PSI Digital Air Compressor Pump
Should a tyre suffer force per unit area in a mall parking lot or campsite , for example , there may not be top executive readily uncommitted for a compressor . This AstroAI tyre inflater is powered by a car ’s 12V barrage fire organization . Plug it into the auto ’s 12V jack and turn on the car ’s accouterment modal value for the great power required to take care of a low tyre — at least enough to labor it to a tire shop for repair . Plus , it features an LED torch for good visibility . This comparatively small ticker will fit in almost any trunk and comes with adapters for pool floats and sport ball . It also comes with an easy - to - read backlit pressing gauge .
The AstroAI portable air compressor is well designed . I liked that it look and operates just like a miniature commercial horizontal compressor . The digital gauge on top was by far the estimable in the chemical group as it was comfortable to read and fix . It did take a while to pump up a truck tire , but the reading was spot on with the fomite ’s tyre - pressure monitoring system ( TPMS ) , and it was the quietest running in the group , thanks to the rubber foot .
Get the AstroAI 100 pounds per square inch tyre inflater atWalmartorAstroAI .
Photo: homedepot.com
Best for Air Compressors
AstroAI 250 PSI Digital Tire Inflator With Gauge
railroad car owners who already own an aviation compressor do n’t need one of the tyre inflators on this listing . Instead , they can just habituate this tire inflater add-on from AstroAI . This valve social unit comes with a threaded brass instrument meet and a comfortable squeeze initiation , plus an well-off - to - read backlit digital gauge . The digital caliber turns on automatically when it senses pressure and shuts off after 20 seconds . This valve can handle up to 250 PSI , which is enough to fill most tyre . It comes with a ¼-inch quick - connect appointment that easily snap onto most atmosphere hoses .
I enjoyed using this AstroAI tire inflator with my compressor , as the gauge was easy to read and very reactive once I let go of the trigger to check the pressure . I did have to jiggle the connection between the tire valve and this inflater a few times , which may be a minute of a downside to some . Overall , it filled my truck tire very quickly and accurately when hooked to my heavy - duty air compressor . For light - duty compressors , however , it might not make full as promptly .
Get the AstroAI 250 PSI tire inflater atAmazon , Walmart , orAstroAI .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Plug-in for Home
Kensun Portable Tire Inflator and Air Compressor Pum
Flexibility affair , and the Kensun is a portable air compressor and tire inflater that work with 12V tycoon from a vehicle and 110V office from a base . With this kit , shopper get a needle for sports balls and an transcriber for blowing up pocket billiards floats and other inflatables . It has a maximal pressure of 120 PSI and will lick for 30 minutes before close off automatically .
One of the adept features that I find in the Kensun portable aura compressor is that it ’s unbelievably simple to control . There are only two clit , one for each power source . Beyond that , it was effective and powerful enough to fill a truck tyre and had no job with the bike tires or basketball . The gauge is n’t incredibly accurate compared to the fomite ’s monitoring organization , nor was it easy to scan , and I did have to sit by it to make certain it did n’t overinflate the tyre as it ca n’t be preset to keep out off at a certain pounds per square inch setting .
Get the Kensun tyre inflater atAmazon , Walmart , orKensun .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Mini-Inflator
Airmoto Portable Smart Air Pump
Folks calculate for a small tyre inflater that can easily tally in a glove corner might require to study the Airmoto portable air pump . This small compressor weigh 1.2 pounds and measures 6 inches long , make it handy to keep in a boxing glove corner . It runs on a rechargeable stamp battery ( with included electric cord ) and full charges in 2 60 minutes and 40 second .
This tire inflater features a digital caliber for dialing in the correct pressing as well as onboard hosiery repositing . It also comes with a carrying bagful and several nozzle adaptor as well . It has a built - in LED torch and can produce up to 120 PSI — a sensational feat from such a small tire inflator .
In examination , this small tire inflator was a pleasant surprise . First , I was scandalise at how long the battery lasted . It was able-bodied to balloon a basketball game , a bike tyre , and a full - sizing motortruck tire before it died . I also liked that the onboard hose store and the carrying bag keep everything together . This framework was n’t trashy during use , and it ’s clean enough to permit it hang from the valve while it fills the tyre . The only downside I noticed was that the digital gauge was a bit hard to learn in the Lord’s Day .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Airmoto tire inflater atAmazonorAirmoto .
Best for Off-road
Viair 88P Portable Compressor
When it make out to pumping up a tire on the lead , the Viair 88P portable compressor may be the ripe alternative . This compressor features a tough plan with rubber feet and durable metal and charge plate building . It comes in a carrying case that will keep it clean in dusty off - road configurations as well .
The Viair runs on a vehicle ’s 12V battery , but instead of plugging into a 12V port , you seize two clinch directly to the battery . It has a maximum pressure of 120 PSI and can quick fill a 33 - in tire from 0 to 30 PSI in around 5 minutes and 45 seconds . It comes with a 16 - infantry long hose , an analog bore , a Presta adaptor , a built - in employment Inner Light , and three splashiness point .
This is one burly tyre inflater . The timbre construction is evident from the weight and materials , and it rapidly hike up my test truck tyre up . Between the cable and the strain hose , it has plenty of reach for big vehicle as well . I like that it was so powerful , and the carrying subject is a huge plus for kinsfolk in dusty off - route conditions . It is a flake of a business organization that this model can only run on the battery with clamps and not in one of the 12V ports , but it does control that any fomite can operate it .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Viair tire inflator atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Best for Bikes
Cycplus A2 Electric Air Pump
For a portable tyre inflator that suit well in a baseball mitt box or backpack , this inflater from Cycplus is a good choice . This lilliputian pump is just 13.4 ounces and 7 inches prospicient by 2.1 inches dense , make it suitable for extra - long bike rides . Plus , it produces up to 150 pounds per square inch of pressure to blow up car tires , motorcycle tires , or sports equipment as well . It also has a built - in result flashlight and a digital press gauge . It charge all in 3 to 4 hours and functions as a portable business leader bank for charge cell phones and other electronics . It also features commodious onboard storage for the air tube and other supplement .
Incredibly , this mini inflator was the big surprisal in the group . It ’s not rat for a truck tire , but because I do n’t own a car , a hand truck tyre had to do . It handled the caper . It did get red-hot , and the shelling was only capable of filling one tire after fill the basketball game and cycle tires , but it did the joke . It ’s so minor that it fit out in a glove loge , but it ’s muscular enough to get a low tire up to snuff . I do n’t think I ’d use it to fill several tire , but it ’s not bad in a arrest on the route or on the trails .
Get the Cycplus tire inflater atAmazonorCycplus .
Photo: amazon.com
Also Consider
Craftsman V20 Cordless Inflator
For a high - tone bombardment - powered tyre inflator that offer mountain of power pick , the Craftsman V20 cordless tyre inflater is worth a looking at . This inflator run on 120V or 12V power and come with a 4Ah battery to see to it strong pompousness power . It also includes a 20 - inch hose , a digital imperativeness gauge with a regulator , and onboard cord and hosiery storage . This Craftsman tyre inflater has a maximal pressure of 160 PSI , provide plenty of pressure for filling car and truck tires . Once it reaches the desire insistency , this inflator ’s automatonlike shutoff will wrench the compressor off , eliminate the risk of infection of overinflating tire .
Testing proved that this Craftsman is a quality compressor , and the increased pressure over other example is really a standout lineament . I like that all the storage was onboard for the different valve attachments , both AC and DC wires , as well as the whippy hose for floats and melodic line mattresses . I also like that it sits securely on the background while filling , which is especially squeamish when coupled with the automatic shutoff . It filled to within 1 PSI of the vehicle ’s TPMS reading , which I matte was very accurate . What I did n’t care , however , is that the gauge is very hard to read in the sunlight .
Get the Craftsman tire inflator atAmazon , Lowe’s , Ace Hardware , Walmart , orBlain ’s Farm & Fleet .
Photo: amazon.com
ALSO TESTED
Slime 12V Tire Inflator
alas , not all of our tire inflators had what it takes to land on our lean . This Slime 12V tyre inflator ’s built - in gauge was the principal issue . It was nowhere near accurate , depart me guessing every fourth dimension I plugged it in and hooked it up to a tire . It was underpowered and loud , and the plastic construction seemed to be of scummy quality from the moment I started using it . It does have a establish - in flashlight and onboard computer memory for the electric cord and hosepipe , but overall , it ’s probably best to avoid it .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Tire Inflator
When shop for a tire inflater , you have a lot of features to conceive about . From convenience and portability to insistence and power source , pay care to these factors and more to help oneself you make the right selection .
Power Source
tyre inflater use electric motors and pumps to fill tire . They need a index source to do that , and there are two options : corded and cordless .
Corded inflater that apply 12V power plug into a fomite ’s 12V jack to run off the car ’s barrage fire . Some may prune straightaway to the stamp battery , like pinafore cables . These inflators are commodious because they do n’t require keeping an extra shelling charged . As long as the car ’s assault and battery has power , the inflator can operate on .
While most twilled inflator run on 12V top executive , some flexible models practice both 12V and 120V powerfulness . These model plug into a stock electrical outlet as well as 12V diddlysquat .
Photo: amazon.com
Cordless inflators are battery - maneuver and use rechargeable batteries to power the motor and pump . Some cordless inflators have build - in battery that charge via USB or 120V powerfulness , while others have removable bombardment .
Cordless inflators extend quite a chip more flexibility than a twilled 12V inflater , as they do n’t postulate an additional power source to fill a tire . For this reason , they ’re just as good at filling flat tire on bike and sports equipment as they are at pumping pressure into car tires .
Pressure
When it fare to tire inflater , imperativeness normally match speed . The higher the atmospheric pressure a tyre inflator can produce , the quick it can fulfill to the required tyre insistency . In gild to avoid spending too much time filling a tire , count for a compressor with at least 100 PSI . However , an inflator with a maximum press of 150 PSI will have it up and running even quicker . Most tire inflator can fill a car ’s tire to the recommended 30 to 40 PSI without an takings .
Inflation Time
When choose a tire inflater , the amount of time it takes to pump up a tyre can be a significant ingredient . Inflation meter can melt down from around 10 minutes up to 20 or 30 minutes , depending on the tire inflator and its output . The less meter spent filling a flat tyre , the preferably the vehicle orbikecan get on the road .
Duty Cycle
Air compressors run on what ’s known as a “ duty cycle . ” The duty cycle depict how long a compressor can run away before needing a certain amount of sentence to chill down .
Many tyre inflators can only run for 15 minutes or so before need a break . They have to run at high speeds to produce the amount of pressure necessary , and compressing air creates heating system . Also , their compact design make them to retain that heat , so they ’re not capable to die hard as long as a flannel cake or full - size compressor . These larger compressor can fill a tank car with air and then shut out off , making duty Hz less of a consideration ( except in commercial-grade setting ) .
A shorter duty oscillation is rarely an issue when fill up puddle floats or sportswoman equipment , but it can be a drawback when filling large truck tires . For that reason , many portable tire inflater clearly say they ’re not designed for truck tires , though anything can facilitate in a apprehension .
Photo: amazon.com
Gauge Readability
To get the most wear and mileage out of car tires , fill up them with the optimum amount of press that the manufacturer recommends . This is usually around 35 PSI .
To put the proper amount of breeze into the tyre , a tire inflator needs agaugethat ’s well-fixed to register . inflater with digital gauges are the easiest , specially if they are backlit or have a light in the backcloth . However , analog gaugesalso bring well if their faces have enceinte numerals . Most analog standard of measurement do n’t have a backlight , though , so they can be dispute to read in gloomy - light situations .
Automatic Shutoff
Small air compressors are sturdy , tough machine , but they can overheat if they run too long . Manufacturers protect their tire inflator by including robotic shut - off functions .
The three measurements that a tyre inflator can take before shutting off automatically are pressure , temperature , and time . A pressure shutoff is in particular handy , as it can be set to the desire pressure , and the inflator will stop pump air once the tire reaches it . Likewise , if the tire inflator come out reach a serious temperature , typically around 200 degrees Fahrenheit , it will shut down until it cool down off . A built - in shutoff could also begin a cooldown cognitive operation after running for a prescribed amount of time , which is usually around 15 minutes .
Hose Length
seek to fill a tyre with a short hose is n’t much fun , but trip over a long , ravel hose is n’t much better . A tire inflator with a 16- to 20 - inch hose generally works best — long enough to well reach most tyre but still accomplishable .
For a longer hose that ’s also manageable , look for a tire inflator with a loop hose . Thesehosesstretch considerably , often enough to fill each of the four tire without moving the compressor . These inflators can be very helpful for off - road enthusiast and large vehicles like pickup motortruck and sport utility vehicle .
Weight and Portability
People often depend for a tire inflator over a standard air compressor because they ’re light and portable — and that ’s an first-class reason . A tyre inflator can often weigh less than a pound , so user can comport it in one hand .
Ease of Use
While tire inflators are often simple by design , there are a few feature film that can make using them even easier . For example , a programmable insistence regulator will preclude overfilling the tyre . Another handy feature is a built - in insistency gauge . This picture how much air pressure is pass into the tire without have to remove the hose to match it with a disjoined tire gage .
Tips for Using a Tire Inflator
FAQs
If you still have some questions about your new tire inflator , do n’t concern . This subdivision answers the most frequently demand questions about tire inflators .
right tire pressure helps uphold eventread wear on vehicle tires , permit for the longest potential life out of a tire set . right air pressure also improve gas mileage .
The well-fixed way of life to check up on the tire pressure is with a atmospheric pressure gauge ( usable atAmazon ) . Just remove the valve detonating machine and press the gauge onto the tyre ’s valve to get a reading .
This note value is usually available in the driver ’s side threshold jamb , on a label order the correct press . However , for senior vehicle and wheel , check the tire ’s sidewall for the recommended PSI . It can be hard to say , so have a wet rag ready to hand to wipe off grease and grime .
Air condenses in colder temperatures , so tyre pressure overlook in cooler time of year . The first chilly cockcrow of fall commonly create a line of cars at natural gas post tire pump — a good grounds to keep a tire inflater at home plate .
Meet the Tester
Tom Scalisi is a freelance author specializing in the household design , construction , and automotive manufacture . Having been in the trades for more than 15 year as both a contractor and a commercial building mechanic , he shares his expertise with reader of Bob Vila , This Old House , Family Handyman , and even his pest control blog .
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